KOOTENAI COUNTY, Idaho — Three bats in north Idaho have tested positive for white-nose syndrome, the first cases of the disease in the state.<\/p>\n
According to Idaho Fish and Game, the bats were collected from Bonner County and Kootenai County in 2025 and 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Two other bats found in Kootenai and Clearwater counties last year also tested positive for the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome, though they did not show signs of the disease.<\/p>\n
IDFG says not all bats with the fungus on them get sick. For those that do get sick, scientists confirm white-nose syndrome by looking at the creature’s skin under a microscope.<\/p>\n
The fungus had previously been detected in Bear Lake County in 2021, Power County in 2024 and Bonner County in 2025. None of those bats showed signs of the disease.<\/p>\n
White-nose syndrome affects hibernating bats. IDFG says it has killed millions of bats in North America since it was first detected in 2006. The fungus is mostly spread through bat-to-bat contact, but it can also be spread by people wearing contaminated clothing, footwear or equipment.<\/p>\n
IDFG says bats provide about $313 million in pest-control benefits to the state’s agriculture each year.<\/p>\n
People are asked to avoid disturbing roosting bats and report bat die-offs, especially if five or more bats are found dead or sick in one location within a short time. Do not handle bats and keep children and pets away from them.<\/p>\n
IDFG says white-nose syndrome does not pose a risk to humans, pets, livestock or other wildlife.<\/p>\n