Acadia researchers find N.S. coyotes have elevated mercury levels

A recent study conducted by researchers at Acadia University has shed light on the elevated levels of mercury found in coyotes in Nova Scotia. The study, published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, analyzed the livers of 101 coyotes from various regions in the province. The researchers found that the mercury levels in these predatory animals were higher than those typically seen in most other land mammals in North America and Europe.

While the specific levels of mercury were below the range known to cause adverse effects in animals, lead researcher Mark Mallory expressed concern about the presence of contaminants in wildlife. Mallory, a Canada Research Chair in Coastal Wetland Ecosystems, highlighted the alarming fact that mercury, a byproduct of activities such as burning fossil fuels and mining, is present in the province’s wildlife.

The study pointed out that mercury concentrations in the atmosphere have been on the rise over the past two centuries, with eastern Canada and the northeastern United States being identified as “exposure hotspots” due to industrial emissions. The researchers selected the eastern coyote for their study as it is a top predator in Nova Scotia and readily available samples were obtained through the province’s trapping program.

Interestingly, the study found that coyotes from southwest Nova Scotia had higher mercury levels compared to those from other areas, consistent with previous findings on birds, fish, and lichen. Despite this, Mallory noted that establishing clear patterns is challenging as coyotes have diverse diets, ranging from vegetation to scavenging human food.

The researchers also discovered wide variations in mercury concentration among the coyote samples, contradicting their expectations based on age and sex. This led them to conclude that coyotes may not be the ideal species for biological monitoring. However, the study has sparked ideas for future research, including studying species like snowshoe hares or voles, which are part of the coyote’s diet, to observe mercury patterns.

In conclusion, the study highlights the need for further research on mercury concentrations in land-based wildlife in Nova Scotia. By expanding studies to include species with more restricted diets, researchers hope to gain a better understanding of mercury contamination in the region’s ecosystems.