Bat, Order Chiroptera

White nose syndrome
White nose syndrome is a condition associated with the deaths of more than a million bats in the Northeastern United States. The disease is named after a white fungus found growing on the muzzles, ears, and wings of some afflicted bats, but it is not known if the fungus is the primary cause of the disease or is merely an opportunistic infection. Mortality rates of 90–100% have been observed in some caves. At least six species of hibernating bats are affected, including the endangered Indiana bat. Because the affected species have a long lifespan and a low birth rate of only about one offspring per year, it is not expected that populations will recover quickly.