White-nose syndrome fungus reaches Northwest Territories

White-nose syndrome, a lethal disease caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans, has reached the Northwest Territories in Canada. This marks the northernmost detection of the disease in North America.

The fungus attacks bats during hibernation, causing them to wake and groom excessively. This process depletes the fat and energy reserves necessary for winter survival, leading to death by dehydration or starvation. The disease has already killed more than 6.7 million bats across the continent over the last 20 years.

Biologists and researchers from the Northwest Territories Department of Environment and Climate Change are conducting monitoring surveys to track the spread. The arrival of the fungus in the region was unexpected by some researchers, as it was previously detected in Fort McKay, Alberta, in 2025. Scientists are working to monitor populations and understand the impact on local species, such as the brown myotis.