What is the name of the illness caused by a fungus affecting bats' noses?

The illness caused by a fungus that significantly impacts bats, particularly their noses, is known as White Nose Syndrome. This condition is characterized by a white fungal growth that appears on the muzzles and wings of hibernating bats. The fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, thrives in the cool, damp environments where bats hibernate, causing disruption to their hibernation patterns and leading to increased energy expenditure. This can ultimately result in starvation and mortality during winter months.

White Nose Syndrome has had devastating effects on bat populations across North America, contributing to steep declines in several bat species. This specific name, "White Nose Syndrome," is widely recognized within scientific and conservation communities, as well as among the public, making it a critical term in the study of bat health and disease ecology.