Bat-killing fungus detected

An invasive fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in bats continues to spread in Washington and has been detected in Mason County.

According to a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife news release, the fungus is often fatal in hibernating bats. During spring and summer field work this year, scientists detected the fungus or disease in Chelan, Yakima and Mason counties.

Three recent confirmed cases of white-nose syndrome and the causative fungus in new areas of the state is concerning, according to WDFW white-nose syndrome coordinator Abby Tobin. White-nose syndrome is harmful to hibernat...