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Slowing the spread
The fungus that causes White-nose Syndrome (WNS) was first detected in Alberta in 2022, and the first cases of WNS were confirmed in southern Alberta in 2024. In February 2026, Alberta confirmed the presence of White-nose Syndrome (WNS) in Cadomin Cave, one of Alberta’s largest bat hibernation sites.
WNS is a disease that affects hibernating bats. It is caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), which grows in cold, humid environments typical of bat winter roosts such as caves and mines.
Since the discovery of the disease in New York, in 2006, millions of bats have died. The fungus irritates the bats and causes them to arouse from hibernation. The bats quickly burn through their stored fat – and in the absence of insect prey – they starve to death. Some bat populations have declined by 90% or more.
Now that the fungus and the disease have been detected in Alberta, we expect to see it spread. We anticipate that Alberta’s hibernating bat species will experience severe population declines in the coming years.
The Alberta government conducts regular disease surveillance and monitoring, works with partners across the province to conserve habitats and take other steps to support bat health and resilience.
What you can do
We cannot prevent or eradicate the fungus. However, we can help our bat populations by protecting them and their primary habitats. Maintaining places for bats to roost, hibernate and forage will help populations to recover after initial declines. Evidence from eastern North America suggests that some species are developing a resistance to the disease. However, recovery will be slow because bats have only one pup per year, and it is unlikely that their populations will return to current levels.
Anyone visiting any caves – particularly those in eastern North America – should be aware of basic precautions to avoid spreading WNS to new sites. Do not use gear that has been in an area with WNS, and always follow decontamination protocols between cave visits.
Note: In Alberta, it is illegal to enter a cave where bats are hibernating between September 1 and April 30, and access to Cadomin and Wapiabi caves is closed year-round.
Anyone intending to visit a cave in Alberta is encouraged to be well-informed before visiting such sites. Check out:
To learn more about your level of risk for transmitting White-nose Syndrome, and how to disinfect your clothes and gear to prevent further spread, see:
Bats with White-nose Syndrome typically have a white fuzz on their noses, and possibly on their wings, ears or tails. There may also be scarring on their wings.
If you see a bat flying in the winter, or find a dead bat in the winter or spring with signs of WNS, contact a biologist at the nearest fish and wildlife office to arrange to bring the bat in for testing:
WNS does not affect other animals or people. However, to be safe, use something disposable to place the bat into a bag, such as medical gloves and tissues.
Alberta cave closures
The following cave closures have been issued to prevent the spread:
Posters have been placed at the trailhead access for Cadomin and Wapiabi caves:
News
Other preventative measures
In Alberta, we are being proactive in informing the public about the concerns over – and in limiting the potential for – the human transfer of the fungus.
Similarly, in 2014, a cooperative effort among Alberta and B.C. government staff, along with input from Alberta and B.C. caving groups, Parks Canada, the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service resulted in guidelines for limiting the potential transfer of White-nose Syndrome during caving activities in Western Canada.
Following 5 years of temporary access restriction to the Cadomin and Wapiabi caves, the primary known bat hibernacula in Alberta, the situation was reviewed in 2015. Much has been learned about the fungus and about WNS, but the risk to bat populations remains significant. As a result, access restrictions were extended until there is definitive evidence to support re-opening or limited use of closed caves.
We also have amended the provincial standards for bat handling procedures in Alberta. See the 'Addendum to class protocol #4: Bat Capture, Handling and Release' at:
In March 2016, the concerns and precautions were summarized in a revised cave advisory:
Ongoing research
There is currently no large-scale treatment or cure for WNS. Mitigation efforts focus on reducing the impacts of the disease by helping more bats survive hibernation and reproduce. In 2025, with the Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, we began testing a probiotic treatment at two sites in southern Alberta. This treatment involves spraying beneficial bacteria into bat roosts.
Research from British Columbia and Washington suggests these bacteria can reduce the growth of the fungus when bats are hibernating. Results indicate that treated bats incorporate the probiotic into their wing microbiome and may spread it to other bats. Probiotic applications will be expanded in 2026, along with research and monitoring.
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Bat diseases and parasites