Nevada confirms bat fungus at Lake Mead
The Nevada Department of Wildlife confirmed the presence of Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in bats, during routine monitoring at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. NDOW said no bats showed clinical signs, called it Nevada’s first detection, and outlined steps to limit spread, including equipment sterilization, habitat protection, public education, and urging visitors to avoid abandoned mines.
📌 Key Facts
- NDOW confirmed Pseudogymnoascus destructans in a monitoring sample from Lake Mead NRA.
- Officials report no clinical signs of white-nose syndrome in bats at this time.
- NDOW says this is Nevada’s first detection and is ramping up sterilization, protection, and public education while asking visitors to avoid abandoned mines.
📊 Relevant Data
White-nose syndrome has caused the death of over 90% of northern long-eared, little brown, and tri-colored bats in affected areas of North America.
White-Nose Syndrome Has Killed 90% of Three Bat Species — Wildlife Management Institute
Declines in bat populations due to white-nose syndrome have led to a 31% increase in insecticide use in affected U.S. counties.
The economic impacts of ecosystem disruptions: Costs ... — Science
The increase in pesticide use following bat population declines due to white-nose syndrome is associated with a 7.9% relative increase in infant mortality rates in affected areas.
The economic impacts of ecosystem disruptions: Costs ... — Science
14 of Nevada's 23 bat species are known to hibernate and are therefore potentially susceptible to white-nose syndrome.
Fungus linked to white-nose syndrome in bats found in Nevada for first time — 2news.com