DENVER (KDVR) — An invasive fungus has been detected in bats at Rocky Mountain National Park.
In a Thursday press release from the national park, tests done by the U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the fungus known as Pseudogymnoascus destructans, or Pd, has been detected in bats in the Holzwarth Historic Site on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park.
According to the park, this is the first confirmed detection of the fungus in Grand County.
Pd is described as an invasive fungus that causes white-nose syndrome — a deadly and infectious disease that impacts bats.
“Any new detection of Pd is worrisome because bats are vital for healthy ecosystems. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to nine known species of bats, five of which have been found living in areas above 11,000 feet,” said Rocky Mountain National Park in a press release.
While white-nose syndrome does not pose a risk to humans, people can spread the disease.
Following the detection, Rocky Mountain National Park has provided protection tips to visitors. The park asks people to report dead or injured bats to park personnel. The park also said people should never touch a bat, because they could carry other dangerous diseases aside from white-nose syndrome.
If you do visit a cave or bat habitat, Rocky Mountain National Park recommends you properly decontaminate gear and outerwear.
The national park said white-nose syndrome was first confirmed in 2022 in southeastern Colorado, it has also been confirmed in Larimer County.
