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Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a naturally occurring element but is also considered a widespread contaminant due to global anthropogenic activity. Even in moderate amounts, mercury (Hg) is an established neurotoxin and is associated with a range of adverse outcomes both in humans and wildlife. I investigated the accumulation of Hg in American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) on the United States Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site (SRS) and assessed the risk of Hg exposure from the consumption of wild caught alligator meat from alligators that originate from the SRS. I also examined the relationships between Hg body burdens and drivers of alligator movement behavior and home range. My results demonstrate the use of alligators as a bioindicator species and tied together the relationships between aspects of broader ecological health with that of human health through alligator ecology and toxicology.