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Wildlife researchers have confirmed the presence of white-nose syndrome (WNS) in bats at Devils Tower National Monument. While this is the first confirmation of WNS in the state, the fungus that causes WNS, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), was potentially detected in southeast Wyoming as early as 2018. Biologists from the University of Wyoming discovered evidence of WNS during surveys completed in early May 2021, when they captured and sampled bats to test for the fungus.

The NPS will be working closely with the climbing community at Devils Tower to better understand and develop guidance for climbers to help care for and protect Wyoming’s bat populations – including how to safely clean and disinfect climbing gear. Climbers and cavers who have used gear or clothing in WNS-infected areas should not re-use them in areas not already known to have Pd fungus. If you see a sick or dead bat, report it to park rangers or Game and Fish biologists, but do not touch or pick up the bat.

Science conducted by the USGS and the White-nose Syndrome (WNS) Response Team. Our scientists are tracking the fungus as it spreads and characterizing the effects of WNS on hibernating bat populations in North America.

White-nose syndrome has killed over 90% of northern long-eared, little brown and tri-colored bat populations in fewer than 10 years, according to a new study published in Conservation Biology. Researchers also noted declines in Indiana bat and big brown bat populations. The findings, detailed in "The scope and severity of white-nose syndrome on hibernating bats in North America," underscore the devastating impacts of the deadly fungal disease. The research tapped into the most comprehensive data set on North American bat populations to date, which includes data from over 200 locations in 27 states and two Canadian provinces.

See also: White-Nose Syndrome Spread Maps for current and archived maps from Nov 23, 2010

This page displays results from samples collected as part of the USDA, Wildlife Service, National Wildlife Disease Program's wild bird surveillance program. Sample collection from other entities (State agencies, Dept of Interior, private wildlife facilities) are not included.
See related resource: Data Visualization Tools to explore plant and animal health management data and interactive story maps

This state-of-knowledge review of information on relationships between wildland fire and nonnative invasive plants can assist fire managers and other land managers concerned with prevention, detection, and eradication or control of nonnative invasive plants. The 16 chapters in this volume synthesize ecological and botanical principles regarding relationships between wildland fire and nonnative invasive plants, identify the nonnative invasive species currently of greatest concern in major bioregions of the United States, and describe emerging fire-invasive issues in each bioregion and throughout the nation. This volume can help increase understanding of plant invasions and fire and can be used in fire management and ecosystem-based management planning.

The Wildlife Services’ Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series highlights wildlife species or groups of wildlife species that cause damage to agriculture, property and natural resources, and/or impact human health and safety. It also includes selected topics, such as bird dispersal techniques, wildlife hazards at airports, and pesticide registration. Articles discuss the basic biology and ecology of the species, specific damage issues and conflicts, and current damage management tools and techniques to prevent and resolve conflicts. The articles are written by USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services experts and university, Federal, state, non-governmental, and industry partners.

See also: Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series for publication series on wildlife damage management.

See also: Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series for publication series on wildlife damage management.

The brown treesnake is the subject of a cooperative program among Wildlife Services and a number of program partners to control snake populations on Guam and prevent its spread throughout the Pacific Rim.

See also: National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Documents for more resources

The yellow-legged hornet was first detected in the U.S. when a beekeeper close to Savannah, GA, found an unusual hornet on his property and reported it to the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA). On August 9, 2023, APHIS confirmed the University of Georgia’s identification of this insect as a yellow-legged hornet. Learn more about yellow-legged hornet lookalikes and how to report potential sightings of this new species.

See also: Environmental Factors - Invasive Species for more information

See related resource: Data Visualization Tools to explore plant and animal health management data and interactive story maps