Erika Anderson is conducting research on the potato-sized pika in the central Oregon Cascades and their resiliency to climate change.
* The fungus that causes the deadly white-nose syndrome in bats has been detected for the first time in Oregon.
* White-nose syndrome has killed millions of bats across the U.S. by disrupting their hibernation.
* While the fungus was found, no bats in Oregon have yet shown signs of the actual disease.
* Officials are increasing surveillance and asking the public to report sick or dead bats and disinfect gear used near caves.
The fungus that causes a notoriously deadly disease in bats has been documented for the first time in Oregon, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The fungus pseudogymnoascus destructans, which causes white-nose syndrome, was detected in guano collected from a bat roost at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park in Clatsop County recently.
White-nose syndrome has killed millions of bats across the United States since its detection in New York in 2007. It's an infection that disrupts bat hibernation and causes dehydration and starvation, officials said.
No bats in Oregon have yet been observed with signs of the syndrome, but the presence of the fungus means it could cause white nose at any time, in addition to spreading across the state, officials said.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said it will identify additional sites for surveillance around the positive sample area this winter and is planning increased bat population monitoring statewide.
At least 40 states have detected the disease and five others have detected the fungus but no disease.
The fungus is so deadly that for years, visitors to bat habitat such as Lava River Cave and the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve have been warned to not wear the same clothes in multiple caves to avoid spreading the fungus.
"The fungus doesn't need a bat to grow and it thrives in cold, damp places," ODFW spokeswoman Beth Quillian said. "The spores can also last a long time so it can be in hibernation areas even when bats are gone. Biologists think (the fungus) is mostly spread by bats touching other bats or surfaces that have (the fungus) on them."
The name comes from the fact that bats suffering from disease can have the fungus growing on their muzzle, ears and wings during hibernation, causing irritation and damage to the bat's skin.
"Bats with white-nose syndrome also wake up more frequently during hibernation and use up critical stored fat reserves faster than normal," a news release from USFWS said. "The excessive energy expenditure and dehydration during winter in diseased bats can lead to starvation and death."
How to help Oregon's bats
Officials suggested multiple ways that people could help slow the spread of the fungus that leads to white nose syndrome.
* Disinfect gear (including shoes) after recreating in or near any cave or other known roost before getting in your vehicle or leaving the site. Remove chunks of dirt and organic material first, then spray gear thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol (50-70%) and allow to dry. Or wipe all outer and sole surfaces with hydrogen peroxide or disinfecting wipes, according to the product label.
* Report unusual, sick or dead bats to ODFW's Health Lab using the online bat reporting website or call the health lab and leave a message at 866-968-2600. In the Pacific Northwest, white-nose syndrome-affected bats are reported as early as January returning to spring and summer roosts. Never touch or pick up a bat. Although white-nose syndrome does not cause illness in humans, a small percentage of bats can be infected with other dangerous diseases, such as rabies.
About bats in Oregon
Oregon is home to 15 species of bats, including eight that are species of greatest conservation need -- meaning their numbers are threatened.
In North America, 12 bat species, including two federally endangered species and one threatened species, have been confirmed with white-nose syndrome. The fungus has been found on an additional nine species without confirmation of the disease.
Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 18 years and is host of the Explore Oregon Podcast. He can be reached at [email protected] or (503) 399-6801. Find him on X at @ZachsORoutdoors and BlueSky at oregonoutdoors.bsky.social. Urness is the author of "Best Hikes with Kids: Oregon" and "Hiking Southern Oregon."