Prevalence and severity of alopecia lesions on gray bats, Myotis grisescens, peaks during lactation

In a study conducted in 2023 on gray bats (Myotis grisescens), researchers found that alopecia, characterized by fur loss, was most prevalent during the lactation period, affecting an average of 6% of lactating females, compared to 1% in males in early summer. The severity of alopecia was greater in lactating females, often accompanied by skin redness. The study ruled out subcutaneous mites as a cause and found no difference in body condition between bats with and without alopecia. The findings suggest that stress and nutritional factors during lactation may contribute to alopecia, and conservation efforts should focus on reducing stress and supporting nutritional needs during summer.