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Railway-Associated Attractants as Potential Contaminants for Wildlife

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Abstract

Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) appear to be attracted to natural and anthropogenic forage along railways, which may increase collision vulnerability, but also potentially causes exposure to contaminants associated with railway infrastructure. We assessed contaminant exposure for a vulnerable population of grizzly bears in the Canadian Rocky Mountains by determining if (1) dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) growing adjacent to a railway and grain spilled from hopper cars contain heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and mycotoxins and (2) metal concentrations from hair samples of individual bears correlates with use of the railway or other anthropogenic features. We used principle components analysis to represent 10 heavy metals and 16 PAHs and then compared their concentrations in railway-associated sources of grain and dandelions to reference samples that we purchased (grain) or sampled from nearby sites (dandelions). We also measured metal concentrations in the hair of bears that were captured and fitted with GPS collars. We found significantly higher concentrations in railway-associated samples of dandelion and grain for both metals (particularly lead, iron, and chromium), and the sum of 16 PAHs. Several metals and PAHs in railway-associated samples exceeded regulatory standards for soil or animal feed. Mycotoxins were detectable in grain samples, but occurred well below permissible standards. Metal concentrations in bear hair were not predicted by railway use, but higher metal concentrations occurred in male bears and two individuals that used ski hills during fall. As mitigation to reduce wildlife exposure to contaminants, particularly in protected areas, we encourage removal of railway grain deposits, regular maintenance of railway infrastructure, such as lubricating stations, and investigation of contaminants associated with other human infrastructures, such as ski hills.

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful for extensive logistical support and funding to conduct this project from the Joint Initiative for Grizzly Bear Conservation by Parks Canada and Canadian Pacific with matching funds from the Collaborative Research and Development Grants of the Natural Science and Engineering Council (File CRDPJ 441928 - 12). We also thank numerous people from Parks Canada (A. Forshner, B. Burley, B. Fyten, D. Garrow, D. Gorrie, D. Gummer, S. Ham, B. Hunt, T. Hurd, R. Kubian, K. McCleary, S. Michel, S. Norris, D. Rafla), Canadian Pacific Railway (C. Bunce, P. Busse, K. Roberge, L. Hoffman, J. Pemberton and J. Van Humbeck) and NSERC (T. Anderson). Field assistance was provided by K. Cave, A. Friesen, P. Gilhooly, L. Put and B. Moriarty.

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  1. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada

    Sonya Zoey Pollock & Colleen Cassady St. Clair

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Correspondence to Sonya Zoey Pollock.

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Pollock, S.Z., St. Clair, C.C. Railway-Associated Attractants as Potential Contaminants for Wildlife. Environmental Management 66, 16–29 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-020-01277-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-020-01277-6

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