Residents are being asked to report any possible sightings of dead or dying bats, or bats flying around in the winter.

White-nose syndrome is a deadly disease that’s been spreading throughout North America, decimating local bat populations.

The fungus grows on the noses of hibernating bats, irritating the creatures and rousing them from their stupor.

The bats then leave their shelter to seek out food and water in the winter when both are scarce, causing the bats to starve.

The department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture says white-nose syndrome has been present in the province since 2017 and has been reported throughout the western portion of the island. It has also been detected in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and central Newfoundland.

Officials are asking residents who see a bat or a suspected bat dwelling to contact the Wildlife Division by calling 709-637-2025 or the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative’s toll-free bat line at 1-833-434-2287 (BATS) . People are urged not to enter a hibernation site or handle a bat with bare hands.