Glacier National Park has confirmed its first cases of white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease affecting hibernating bats.

The fungus was detected in Glacier County after a dead little brown bat found in the St. Mary area tested positive in May. Samples collected from live bats in June also confirmed the fungus in multiple bats on the park’s east side.

Monitoring and Vaccine Research

White-nose syndrome can cause dehydration, starvation and death. The disease was discovered in New York in 2006 and has since been confirmed in 42 states and nine Canadian provinces, killing millions of bats across North America.

Glacier National Park has monitored its bat populations since 2011. Biologists are participating in research examining a potential vaccine, with survival rates to be compared among vaccinated bats and those given a placebo.

Researchers captured 529 bats during work spanning 2024 and 2026. Of those, 265 received the vaccine and 264 received a placebo.

Visitor Guidance

White-nose syndrome does not infect humans or pets. People can, however, unintentionally spread the fungus on contaminated clothing and equipment.

Park officials advise visitors not to handle bats and to decontaminate gear after visiting caves or bat habitats.