New tools give researchers hope for fungus-ravaged US bats

Mammoth Cave, United States: Standing at a woodland entrance to the world s longest cave system in Kentucky, a park ranger warns those about to enter...

Mammoth Cave, United States: Standing at a woodland entrance to the world's longest cave system in Kentucky, a park ranger warns those about to enter of an extremely deadly fungus -- not for humans, but for the bat populations it has devastated across North America.

In one of the most significant losses of wildlife in modern history, the fungus, which causes a disease called white-nose syndrome, has killed millions of the flying mammals since arriving in the eastern United States from Europe nearly 20 years ago.

Two decades on, no cure exists. But scientists are finally emerging with potential solutions.

And their research comes as the disease -- which sprouts white fuzz on the bats' tiny noses, ears and wings -- is spreading to the American West.

White-nose syndrome (WNS) was first confirmed at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky in 2013, thriving in the pitch-black, cool conditions of its labyrinthine tunnels, which the group of visitors quickly descended into for their tour.