Trypanosoma cruzi strain TcIV infects raccoons from Illinois.

Background: The northern limits of Trypanosoma cruzi across the territory of the United States remain unknown. The known vectors Triatoma sanguisuga and T. lecticularia find their northernmost limits in Illinois; yet, earlier screenings of those insects did not reveal the presence of the pathogen, which has not been reported in vectors or reservoir hosts in this state.

PBDEs and Dechloranes in Raccoons in the Midwestern United States.

Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are one of the most widespread and abundant mammals in North America. To evaluate the suitability of using raccoons as bioindicator species, we analyzed liver tissues (n = 32) collected from 2013 to 2015 for the presence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and Dechloranes. ∑PBDE concentrations ranged from 19.

Halogenated flame retardants in bobcats from the midwestern United States.

In response to the restrictions of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants in various consumer products, alternative halogenated flame retardants have been subjected to increased use. Compared to aquatic ecosystems, relatively little information is available on the contamination of alternative flame retardants in terrestrial ecosystems, especially with regards to mammalian wildlife. In this study we used a top terrestrial carnivore, the bobcat (Lynx rufus), as a unique biomonitoring species for assessing flame retardant contamination in the Midwestern United States (U.

Bioaccumulation of PCBs in a Wild North American Felid.

Organohalogenated compounds (OHCs) such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are of global concern due to their environmental persistence, bioaccumulative potential, and adverse effects on humans and wildlife. We investigated the concentrations of PCBs in the liver tissues of bobcats (Lynx rufus) sampled in Illinois during 2013. Concentrations of ∑PCBs ranged from 76.

Physiological and behavioral adaptations in bats living at high latitudes.

Widespread animals at the extremes of the species' distribution experience ecological constraints different than individuals in the core of the distribution. For example, small endotherms at very high latitudes face short summers with cool temperatures and a lack of true darkness. In particular, insectivorous bats at high latitudes may experience constraints because of their unique life history traits, and may have different energy requirements than bats at lower latitudes.