Human-assisted Movements of Raccoons, Procyon lotor, and Opossums, Didelphis virginiana, between the United States and Canada

Authors

  • Rick Rosatte Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Wildlife Research and Development Section, Trent University, 2140 East Bank Dr., Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8
  • Dennis Donovan Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Wildlife Research and Development Section, Trent University, 2140 East Bank Dr., Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8
  • Mike Allan Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Wildlife Research and Development Section, Trent University, 2140 East Bank Dr., Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8
  • Laura Bruce Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Wildlife Research and Development Section, Trent University, 2140 East Bank Dr., Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8
  • Chris Davies Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Wildlife Research and Development Section, Trent University, 2140 East Bank Dr., Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v121i2.450

Keywords:

Didelphis virginiana, Opossum, Procyon lotor, Raccoon, movement, disease, rabies, Ontario

Abstract

Movements of Raccoons (Procyon lotor) (mean = 479 km) and Opossums (Didelphis virginiana) (mean = 688 km) by means of transport trailers and a train from the USA and Quebec into Ontario were significantly greater than Raccoon movements (mean = 15 km) from Ontario to New York State determined by mark-recapture. Human-assisted movements of wildlife could have significant impacts with respect to cross-border movements of diseases such as rabies. Proactive communication programs, especially at International border crossing areas, should be encouraged to decrease the occurrence of the unintentional movement of wildlife and associated diseases.

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