I have been radiocollaring raccoons in South Carolina marshes, and am completely disturbed to say that I recently recaptured a collared individual of mine with significant injuries around the skin of his neck from the collar. Since then I have heard several biologists mention that the type of fabric on the collar can sometimes hold water and particles close to the animals skin, which encourages nasty bacteria growth and result in substantial injury.
But I'm having an awful time finding papers which mention this in the literature. I have a few off handed references, but does anyone know of anything substantial that talks about this? Thanks for your help! Cady Etheredge PhD candidate Wildlife and Fisheries Biology Clemson University
