A disease leading to the death of bats called "white-nose syndrome" has been found in Riding Mountain National Park.

Shannon Landels, resource management officer with RMNP, says white-nose syndrome is a fungal disease responsible for the deaths of millions of bats.

The fungus grows around the bat’s nose, mouth, and wings, disrupting them during hibernation, causing them to burn their fat reserves, and leading to starvation.

White-nose syndrome isn’t a threat to humans, however, Parks Canada recommends not touching bats due to other diseases they could have.

Landels says it’s a cause for concern because of how vital bats are.

“They play a very important role in our ecosystem, both as pollinators and as insect eaters. Some bats actually can devour up to half their weight in insects during a single nighttime feeding. The impact on bats is what the cause for concern is.”

Landels says to report any sightings of dead, sick, or injured bats to Parks Canada by calling (204) 848-7275.