Fungus Found in Yellowstone Bats
Yellowstone biologists detected the white-nose syndrome fungus on 28 little brown bats from two northern colonies, the park's first such detection since monitoring began in 2019.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in National Parks
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Yellowstone National Park biologists found Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome, on 28 little brown bats from two colonies in the park's northern area this summer. The fungus was also detected in Glacier National Park this year.
Why it matters
White-nose syndrome has killed millions of bats across North America, and infected bats wake more often during hibernation, burning the fat reserves they need to survive winter. The detection puts a disease with population declines of up to 99% in wintering bats within the borders of a major Wyoming destination.
Yellowstone's 28 detections are the park's first since 2019, when monitoring began. The disease has caused population declines of as much as 99% in wintering bat populations, though the source does not say whether Yellowstone's bats face similar losses.
The players
Yellowstone National Park
A federally managed park in Wyoming and Montana known for its geothermal features and wildlife, which conducted the bat monitoring that detected the fungus.
Glacier National Park
A national park in northwestern Montana that also detected the fungus this year.
The details
The fungus spreads through physical contact between bats and can linger on surfaces in hibernation sites. Infected bats develop white muzzles and wings, and the disease was first detected in upstate New York in 2006.
Timeline
2006: White-nose syndrome first detected in upstate New York.
2019: Yellowstone begins bat population monitoring.
Summer 2026: Yellowstone biologists find the fungus on 28 bats.
2026: Glacier National Park also detects the fungus.
Seasonal Patterns
The detection follows the spread of white-nose syndrome from its first identification in upstate New York in 2006 across North American bat populations. Yellowstone's first detection since monitoring began in 2019 marks the disease's arrival in a major Wyoming protected area.
Visitors to Yellowstone should be aware that the fungus can linger on surfaces in hibernation sites, so avoiding disturbing bat roosts is important. The source does not describe any specific closures or visitor restrictions tied to the detection.
The takeaway
Bat populations are vulnerable to white-nose syndrome, which spreads through contact and persists on surfaces, so limiting disturbance of hibernation sites helps protect them. Visitors who see bats or their roosts can give them space and report unusual white markings to park staff.
Further reading
For more on the state's protected lands, explore National Parks coverage across Wyoming.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Buckrail - Jackson Hole, news.
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