Senate Designates Bat Week to Highlight Threats

A unanimously passed bicameral resolution marks the last week of October to raise awareness of bat conservation and white-nose syndrome.

Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Wildlife

A bat hangs from a limestone cave ceiling in warm late-afternoon light entering from the cave mouth, with mossy rock in the foreground. — The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution designating the last week of October as Bat Week to spotlight white-nose syndrome and bat conservation. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The Senate unanimously passed a resolution designating the last week of October as Bat Week, sponsored by U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.). U.S. Representative Becca Balint introduced a companion resolution in the House of Representatives.

Why it matters

The resolution raises awareness of threats to bats, including white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease that threatens bats' role as pollinators and pest control. It calls on Congress and government agencies to address the disease and to support bat conservation and habitats.

Nearly 6 million bats have died in the northeastern United States since 2006 from white-nose syndrome, which has spread to 41 states and 12 hibernating species. All six of Vermont's cave bat species are affected, and half of the state's bat species are endangered.

The players

Peter Welch

Peter Welch is a U.S. Senator from Vermont, a Democrat who sponsored the Bat Week resolution.

Becca Balint

Becca Balint is a U.S. Representative from Vermont, a Democrat who introduced the companion resolution in the House.

The details

The Senate passed the resolution unanimously in late September, and Representative Becca Balint introduced a companion resolution in the House. The resolution emphasizes conserving bat species and habitats, and calls on Congress and government agencies to address white-nose syndrome, which threatens bats' role in pollination and pest control.

Late September 2026: Senate unanimously passes the Bat Week resolution.
October 2026: Bat Week is observed through October 31.
Since 2006: White-nose syndrome has killed nearly 6 million northeastern bats.

Wildlife Context

White-nose syndrome, first documented in the northeastern United States in 2006, has since spread to 41 states and 12 hibernating bat species. The Bat Week resolution places federal attention on a disease that has killed nearly 6 million bats in that region.

Bats control insect populations that affect crops and gardens, so declines in bat numbers can affect pest pressure for farmers and homeowners. Residents can observe Bat Week in October to learn about local bat species and conservation efforts.

The takeaway

Bats provide billions of dollars in pest control for American farmers each year, so protecting them supports both wildlife and agriculture. Awareness during Bat Week can help people recognize the threat posed by white-nose syndrome.