A deadly fungus called “white-nose syndrome” which has only appeared in hibernating bats along the northeastern seaboard from Vermont to Virgina is now spreading throughout the eastern United States and is on the move.
Photograph courtesy N. Heaslip, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
This fungus is found on the wings, ears and muzzles of infected bats. Unfortunately, the two bats that were infected were discovered in Tennessee which is approximately 65 miles from a confirmed infection site in Virginia. If this white-nose syndrome spreads throughout Tennessee, it could wipe out two endangered bat species (Gray and Indiana bat), scientist say.