KOOTENAI COUNTY, Idaho — Three bats in north Idaho have tested positive for white-nose syndrome, the first cases of the disease in the state.
According to Idaho Fish and Game, the bats were collected from Bonner County and Kootenai County in 2025 and 2026.
Two other bats found in Kootenai and Clearwater counties last year also tested positive for the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome, though they did not show signs of the disease.
IDFG says not all bats with the fungus on them get sick. For those that do get sick, scientists confirm white-nose syndrome by looking at the creature’s skin under a microscope.
The fungus had previously been detected in Bear Lake County in 2021, Power County in 2024 and Bonner County in 2025. None of those bats showed signs of the disease.
White-nose syndrome affects hibernating bats. IDFG says it has killed millions of bats in North America since it was first detected in 2006. The fungus is mostly spread through bat-to-bat contact, but it can also be spread by people wearing contaminated clothing, footwear or equipment.
IDFG says bats provide about $313 million in pest-control benefits to the state’s agriculture each year.
People are asked to avoid disturbing roosting bats and report bat die-offs, especially if five or more bats are found dead or sick in one location within a short time. Do not handle bats and keep children and pets away from them.
IDFG says white-nose syndrome does not pose a risk to humans, pets, livestock or other wildlife.
Bat observations can be reported online by clicking here.
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