Bat fungus found in Wyoming for first time

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Wyoming wildlife researchers have detected the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in bats.

The finding of the fungus at the Fort Laramie National Historic Site in Goshen County is the first in the state.

But officials say the discovery does not mean the bat found with fungus has white-nose syndrome.

The bat with the fungus was captured on May 16 during surveys by field biologists from the University of Wyoming who were working in a project funded by the National Park Service for white-nose syndrome surveillance and response.

Further testing is underway on Fort Laramie bats to confirm if they have white-nose syndrome.

Wyoming and the National Park Service are implementing state and national response plans, which include more monitoring and limiting access to sites where bats roost and hibernate.