Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: Tricolored Bat

This Tricolored Bat is a state endangered species in Virginia and we are thrilled that we were able to get this individual back out to the wild where we hope he will continue to contribute to the population!

These bats can be found all across our state in the warmer summer months, but spend the winter hibernating in caves and rock shelters along the mountainous western portion of our state.

Tricolored bats are one of the smallest bat species in our state with adults weighing just 4-8g on average!

Sadly, White Nose Syndrome (WNS) has caused a massive decline (>90% losses in affected colonies) in the population of tricolored bats over the past two decades since the fungal infection was discovered.

Although this specific bat did not have WNS, it is an important issue for his species.

WNS is an invasive white fungus that grows on the muzzle, wings, and other soft areas of the bat’s body. It thrives in cool, damp places, including the caves where these bats hibernate.

Bats with WNS wake more frequently than they should during hibernation which causes them to use more energy than they should and ultimately die before spring of dehydration and starvation.

Sadly, this syndrome affects MANY cave-dwelling bats as they hibernate and it has been found in 38 states as well as Canada.

WNS is primarily spread bat to bat, but humans introduce (and continue to introduce) this fungal organism between hibernation sites.

Please avoid entering hibernation sites and disturbing bats and always fully disinfect clothing and equipment if you enter these sites recreationally for spelunking or other activities.

Thank you for supporting the Center so that we can support our area’s most vulnerable species!

Looking for an easy way to help native wildlife? Become a monthly BRWC donor! For as little as $5/month, you can provide year-round, sustainable support that helps us fulfill our mission.