What important behavior of bats is affected by infection with the white nose fungus?

Researchers call the disease "white-nose syndrome" (WNS) because of the visible white fungal growth on infected bats' muzzles and wings. This cold-loving fungus infects bats during hibernation, when the bats reduce their metabolic rate and lower their body temperature to save energy over winter.

White, fuzzy growth of fungus on the bat, usually around the nose