What impact does WNS have on bats?

White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) has a devastating impact on bat populations, primarily causing significant mortality. The disease, caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans, affects hibernating bats, leading to dehydration and energy depletion. During hibernation, bats are unable to regulate their body temperature effectively due to the fungal infection, which causes them to awaken more frequently and ultimately exhaust their fat reserves before the end of winter. This disruption in their hibernation patterns not only results in a high mortality rate among affected bats but also has long-term consequences for their populations, as fewer bats survive to reproduce. The spread of WNS has led to drastic declines in several bat species, underscoring the severe impact that the disease has on these important ecosystems.