Contaminants

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Tri-colored bat (formerly eastern pipistrelle) (Perimyotis subflavus)
Family:Vespertilionidae

Like other eastern species it is likely that irrigation has increased available habitat perhaps facilitating the movement of more bats into the eastern part of the state, and at the same time increasing potential exposure to sources of contaminants.  It is well documented that organochlorine pesticide residues accumulate in body tissues of insectivorous bats (Clark 1981, Bennet and Thies 2007, Geluso et al. 1976).  and insectivorous diets may lead to substantial pesticide loads (Clark 1988).  Detectable concentrations of elements such as mercury have been found in fur samples (Hickey et al. 2001).  The effects of contaminants from urban areas can be wide-ranging and all species are at some risk from contaminants.