A syndrome that attacks hibernating bats is much more severe in Connecticut this winter than last and will lead to a dramatic reduction in the size of the state’s bat population this summer, according to wildlife experts at the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

The DEP says visits to Connecticut’s two major winter hibernaculas – caves and mines where bats hibernate– revealed that 80 to 90 percent of the bats there have died after contracting what is known as White Nose Syndrome (WNS).

DEP Commissioner Gina McCarthy said, "While no one yet knows for sure what is causing WNS and why such large numbers of bats are dying, we will see the ramifications of this in just a few months. Far fewer bats will be out there working to consume mosquitoes and other flying insects that attack people as well as our forests and farmlands."

Jenny Dickson, DEP Supervising Wildlife Biologist, said, "WNS is having much more of an impact on Connecticut’s population this winter than last – with many more bats showing the tell-tale signs of white fungus, higher mortality rates and the spread of the syndrome to additional species."

Dickson said, "WNS continues to hit hard among little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) and northern long-eared bats (Myotis septentrionalis) – two species most commonly seen in the state – but has spread to other species such as the eastern pipistrelle."

Dickson also noted that WNS continues to take its toll in the neighboring states of Massachusetts and New York, where a significant percentage of the state’s bat population hibernates for the winter.

"When you put together the massive die-off in our hibernaculas and the continued spread of WNS in adjoining states, the news is not good," said Dickson. "Bats live long lives and reproduce in small numbers – so there is no doubt that WNS will have a major and long-term impact on our bat population and on the biodiversity and ecosystems of our state."

Dickson also noted that the presence of WNS in bats has spread geographically.

After first being discovered in caves in New York in the winter of 2006-2007, it is now being seen as far as Vermont and New Hampshire to the north and Virginia and West Virginia to the south.

Bats with WNS have a white fungus on their noses and occasionally other parts of their bodies. It is unknown if the fungus is causing the death of bats or is symptomatic of a disease or other health issue. There is no indication that people are susceptible to the fungus.

Dickson said people should also be aware of erratic behavior in bats that is caused by WNS. She said DEP has many reports of bats coming out of hibernation early, flying around during the day and trying to hibernate in unsuitable places.

DEP is asking the public to report incidents of such behavior to DEP by calling (860)675-8130. As the weeks go on, the agency would also like to hear from people about changes in the number of bats they are seeing this spring and summer compared to last year or bat colonies that once existed and do not return to their previous homes.

Dickson said DEP is working with other affected states, federal agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Geological Survey and several research universities to learn more about WNS and determine its cause.

Additional information about WNS – and its impact in various states – can be found at http://www.fws.gov/northeast/white_nose.html