Pesticide levels in the omental fat of Florida raccoons.

Abstract

Raccoons from southern Florida were live-trapped in Sarasota and Collier Counties. All animals were captured while feeding in tidal areas of mainland Sarasota County or on islands just off the gulf coast of both counties. The raccoons from Sarasota Countywere animals which lived in urban situations, with several being captured along Phillippi Creek, the main drainage system for the county, especially the agricultural eastern portion. Raccoons from Collier County were collected in red mangroves, Rhizophora mangle, on Marco Island. This island is currently undergoing development by dredge and fill techniques. Existing communities on the island do practice spraying and fogging for mosquitoes and biting gnats. The raccoons, however, were collected from unsprayed areas adjacent to these communities and development. The four raccoons from north-eastern Florida were captured on a military reservation along the St. John's River, Duval County.