SARCOPTES SCABIEI IN THE AMERICAN BLACK BEAR (URSUS AMERICANUS): EFFECTS OF MITE BURDENS AND LANDSCAPE FACTORS ON DISEASE

Mange is a dermatological syndrome affecting mammalian species worldwide. In wild populations, it can contribute to significant morbidity and mortality. Sarcoptes scabiei, the mite causing sarcoptic mange, impacts over 150 mammals, including humans. S. scabiei has been implicated in disease events across many wildlife species, but only recently emerged as a health threat to North American black bear (Ursus americanus) populations for reasons not well understood. This work intended to add to the exploration of sarcoptic mange impacts on black bears. The first chapter contains a literature review outlining mange in wildlife, particularly focusing on S. scabiei. The second chapter evaluates impacts of S. scabiei mite burdens on clinical disease outcomes. The third chapter analyzes spatial trends in sarcoptic mange reports. Lastly, the final chapter offers concluding remarks and implications of this work. These results will improve understanding of this disease challenge, bolstering conservation and management efforts.