Biologists have found what they believe is the first evidence that Maryland bats are now infected with white nose syndrome, a deadly fungal disease that has killed more than a million hibernating bats since 2006, devastating colonies from New England to Virginia.
A state biologist conducting a bat survey Friday found dead and weakened bats in a cave on private property near Cumberland, the Department of Natural Resources reported Wednesday.
About three-quarters of the winged mammals had the telltale white fungus on their muzzles and other exposed skin.
"It's likely going to kill a majority of them before spring," said Dan Feller, the western region DNR biologist who found them. Typically, once the disease is established in a colony, 90 percent of the bats are gone by the second year.
The dead bats, and samples of the fungus, have been sent to the National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wis., for tests. Results are expected in several weeks.
The discovery was no surprise. White nose syndrome has been creeping steadily south, east and west from caves near Albany, N.Y., where it was first seen in 2006.
Scientists aren't sure how it is being transmitted. Bat-to-bat contact is an obvious possibility, but the fungus' rapid spread has also implicated human cave explorers, who might carry the fungal spores on their clothing or equipment.
Last spring the fungus appeared for the first time among hibernating bats in Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. This spring it has been found for the first time in Maryland and Tennessee.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has asked people to stay out of caves in all 11 states where white nose syndrome is established, as well as in adjacent states. Authorities are asking people to avoid all caves during the bat hibernation period, from September through May.
Scientists have speculated that the disease was slow to come to Maryland because the state's relatively small caves don't attract many cavers.
Its discovery here was a blow to those who have worked on the problem for several years, hoping the state might somehow be spared.
"It's hard to take in," said Feller, who had never before seen an infestation in person - he had avoided caves in affected states out of concern that he might inadvertently bring the fungus back to Maryland.
"I have to admit I was in shock," he said. "I had to get my wits about me to be able to take data."
