White-Nose Syndrome and Cadomin and Wapiabi Caves

A new fungal disease known as White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) has killed more than one million bats in caves and mines in the northeastern United States. All cave-roosting bats across North America may be at risk. The fungus is not harmful to humans, but is believed to be spread by people exploring caves.

Currently, there are no known cases of the disease in Alberta bats, but anyone visiting caves used by bats should practice basic precautions to avoid spreading WNS to other sites and into Alberta. Information posters will be placed at the trailheads for the Cadomin and Wapiabi caves, two primary bat hibernacula known in Alberta.

The Government of Alberta is monitoring the situation. If the WNS risk to Alberta's bats increases, it may become necessary to apply access controls to the Cadomin and Wapiabi caves to protect the province's bat population. Access control could take the form of:

• Guided access - visitors must be accompanied by approved guide or member of a recognized speleological club.
• Permitted access - visitors require Government of Alberta permit/authorization.
• Research access - only researchers with a Government of Alberta permit.
• Total cave closure - all access prohibited until threat of WNS is over.

Any of these options, or a combination of these options, may be applied.

Please note that Wapiabi Cave and Cadomin Cave are closed from September 1 to April 30 each year to protect over-wintering bats.

For more information, please see the following:

• "White-Nose Syndrome in Bats" Backgrounder
• "Death in the Caves" Posters:
  • Cadomin cave
  • Wapiabi cave
• "White-Nose Syndrome in Alberta" Fact Sheet
• "Interim Recommended Field Procedures"
• "Alberta Bat Handling Protocol to Prevent Spread of White-Nose Syndrome"