While monitoring bat populations this summer, park biologists found the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) on 28 little brown bats from two colonies in the northern area of the park. This was the first detection of Pd in Yellowstone since our bat population monitoring began in 2019 with support from @ynpforever. Pd is a fungus that causes white-nose syndrome (WNS), a disease that has been killing millions of bats across North America. WNS damages bats’ skin and disrupts hibernation, causing bats to wake more frequently and deplete their fat reserves needed to survive winter. Pd spreads mainly through physical contact between bats or contact with contaminated surfaces in their hibernation sites. Although the fungus does not harm humans, people can spread Pd from their clothing or gear after visiting affected caves. Park visitors can help Yellowstone bat populations by reporting any odd bat behavior to a park ranger and avoiding direct contact with bats since they can also carry diseases like rabies. Though rarely seen, bats play an important role in ecosystems by controlling insect populations, pollinating plants, and dispersing seeds. 👉 Learn more about bat monitoring in Yellowstone at: go.nps.gov/YELLbats Photos (NPS): (1) A bat sleeping on a building overhang in the park; (2) Damage to a bat tail membrane, which is characteristic of the WNS disease.

The National Park Service, together with its official nonprofit and philanthropic partner, @ynpforever, and @Blackstone Infrastructure portfolio company Tallgrass, announces the establishment of a $105 million Conservation and Stewardship Fund, creating a permanent source of support for the long-term stewardship of the world’s first national park. This is the largest single private gift in National Park Service history. The fund will direct resources toward three priorities essential to Yellowstone’s long-term stewardship: advancing conservation and research to extend the reach and impact of the park’s scientific work; enhancing access and visitor experience through investments in infrastructure; and expanding opportunities for Wyoming students and community members to experience Yellowstone. This latter effort will include the establishment of the Tallgrass WYld Yellowstone Initiative, named for the long-time Wyoming energy infrastructure operator with more than a decade of operations in the Cowboy State. The National Park Service will retain full authority over park management decisions, and projects supported through the fund will be consistent with applicable laws, policies and park priorities. Photo credit: Blackstone

Help us welcome our new acting superintendent, Barclay Trimble, and deputy superintendent, Kristen Kosick! 👉 Learn more about our new leadership team at: nps.gov/yell/learn/managemen…