Little brown bats in the rafters of a home in Massachusetts in an undated photo. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced on Monday, Oct., 28, 2024, that the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in bats has been detected in Trinity, Siskiyou, Shasta, Plumas, Alpine, San Diego, and San Bernardino counties. White-nose syndrome develops when the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans invades the skin cells of bats, resulting in damage to delicate wing membranes. The infection typically appears as white fuzz on the faces of infected bats, giving the syndrome its name. (Troy Gipps/Mass Wildlife/CDFW via Bay City News)

MENDOCINO CO., 7/8/19 — A deadly fungus that causes “White-nose Syndrome” has been killing millions of bats on the east coast and around the country over the past decade, but it has recently been detected for the first time in California, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced recently. The fungus has caused major die-offs in bat colonies across the country, and spores can be easily spread from one location to the next.

People can assist with surveillance by reporting unusual behavior they see in bats. The announcement notes, “Sick or dying bats observed during winter in the colder regions of the state should be reported to CDFW at this link.

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Kate Maxwell is the publisher and a founder of The Mendocino Voice. She lives inland but goes to the ocean as much as possible.