
Does UV Light Stop Spread of White-nose Syndrome in Bats?
Bats in North America continue to suffer at the hands of their latest enemy, the White-nose Syndrome (WNS). This deadly disease has been attacking and wiping out bat populations around the world and sadly bats in Pickering have also become victims. Humane bat removal and prevention can help Pickering bats in their struggle to survive as scientists work towards finding solutions by exploring the effects of treatments, such as UV lighting, on the fungus.
The White-nose Syndrome causes bats to wake up during hibernation and this, in turn, leads to a reduction in their fat stores. The disease which appears as a fungus covers parts of the bat’s body, especially the face and wings and causes irritation which forces the bats to rouse from their deep slumber. Bats are then forced to hunt (in a season that features limited food supplies) or starve to death.