The Scary American Bat Die-Off

Bats, comprising over 1/5 of all mammals, face a severe threat from White Nose Syndrome (WNS), a deadly fungal disease. Originating in New York in 2006, WNS has spread across 22 U.S. states and five Canadian provinces, causing massive bat population declines. The disease, caused by the fungus Geomyces destructans, affects hibernating bats, leading to abnormal behaviors and high mortality rates. Bats play crucial ecological roles in insect control, pollination, and seed dispersal. Conservation efforts include reporting unusual bat behavior, adhering to cave closures, and decontaminating gear. Despite the challenges, some bats show behavioral changes that may aid survival.

Explain how the fungus causing White Nose Syndrome was likely introduced to North America.

What ecological roles do bats play that are threatened by their decline?