Possible Relationships between Trichinellosis and Abnormal Behavior in Bears
Worley DE, Greer KR, Palmisciano DD. 1983. Possible Relationships between Trichinellosis and Abnormal Behavior in Bears. Pages 280-283. In Meslow EC: Bears - Their Biology and Management: Papers of the Fifth International Conference on Bear Research and Management. Madison, Wisconsin. February 1980. International Association for Bear Research and Management
Data compiled from parasite studies of grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) and black bears (U.americanus) in the Yellowstone and Glacier National Park populations and surrounding areas of Montana and Wyoming during 1969-79 are reviewed with reference to the possible influence of infection with the muscleworm Trichinella sp. on bear behavior. In grizzly bears, the high prevalence of this parasite (61% of 254 bears infected), the elevated larval concentrations in sensitive anatomical sites such as the tongue (average, 51 larvae per gram of tissue), and the chronic nature of bear infections as indicated by the tendency for highest infection rates to occur in older age classes (≥ 16 yrs.), suggest a potential behavior-modifying effect might exist. However, retrospective analysis of recent human attacks by 4 grizzlies and 2 black bears in the northern Rocky Mountain region failed to demonstrate a consistent connection between erratic conduct and levels of Trichinella larvae (trichinae) in bear tissues. Clinical similarities of trichinellosis in bears and humans are hypothesized, and possible behavioral effects of ursine trichinellosis are discussed.
- Type
- Conference Proceeding Paper
- Authors
- Worley, David; Greer, Kenneth; Palmisciano, D
- Units
- GLAC , YELL
- Keywords
- Animal Behavior, Animal Studies, Bears (Ursidae), Black Bear (Ursus americanus), Ecology, Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos), Mammals, Parasites, trichinella, trichinellosis, trichinellosis in bears, trichinosis in wild carnivores, Wildlife Health