Little Brown Myotis
Myotis lucifugus
This bat species has undergone incredibly rapid population declines due to a disease known as White-nose Syndrome (WNS). The disease is named for the white fungus that grows on the muzzle of affected bats while they hibernate. Those affected wake up frequently during hibernation, depleting their stored water and fat, and thus making them more likely to die. Population declines of 99% were measured in New Brunswick from 2011-2015. Bat monitoring by the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, watershed groups and provincial wildlife biologists indicates that this species continues to occupy PEI habitats, but in greatly reduced numbers. This bat is known to hibernate on PEI in old stone-lined wells.