Insect-eating bats within the U.S. provide over $3 billion dollars in economic services per year. Much of these services are provided through insect bio-control and offsetting the costs associated with pesticide use by farmers. Loss of bats that occur in the U.S. can have direct impacts to the public through increased costs of produce, as well as other plant and tree-related products, threatening both food and economic security of Americans.

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Over the past two decades, hibernating bat species have been negatively impacted by white-nose syndrome (WNS). This wildlife disease is caused by a fungus that was introduced into a cave system in the eastern U.S., during 2006-2007. Since then, this disease has killed millions of bats resulting in 90-95% population loss. WNS continues to spread westward, with the potential to affect an even greater number of species. At present, there is no cure for this disease. 

FORT scientists provide decades of experience in bat research on public lands managed by agencies, such as the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service. Currently, FORT researchers are conducting WNS and bat-health research at eight national parks, across Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. Projects include field and lab tests for potential defenses against WNS, like the naturally occurring bacteria Streptomyces, and detailed natural history and diet descriptions for understudied bat species. These studies support science-based decision-making by providing critical data and information to stakeholders. 

Researchers also provide WNS-related training and workshops to Native American Tribes, and collaborate with other USGS scientists to study and address this wildlife health crisis.