White-nose syndrome fungus reaches Canada’s Northwest Territories

White-nose syndrome, a highly destructive wildlife disease caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), has been confirmed in bat colonies within Canada’s Northwest Territories. Researchers discovered infected bats near Fort Smith, approximately 725 kilometres south of the Arctic Circle, marking a faster-than-expected northward expansion of the disease.

Since its emergence in New York in 2007, the fungus has killed millions of bats across North America. The infection targets hibernating animals during cold months, damaging the face, wings, and forearms. This causes bats to wake repeatedly to groom themselves, which depletes the vital fat reserves needed to survive winter, ultimately leading to dehydration and starvation.

Scientists have observed significant physical damage in the region, including dying tissue on wings and extreme dehydration. There are growing concerns regarding whether vulnerable bat populations can adapt quickly enough to the rapid spread of the pathogen.