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Contemporary Land-Use Change Structures Carnivore Communities in Remaining Tallgrass Prairie
Contemporary land-use change structures carnivore communities in remaining tallgrass prairie by Kyle Ross Wait B.S., Kansas State University, 2014 A THESIS submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree MASTER OF SCIENCE Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources College of Agriculture KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY Manhattan, Kansas 2017 Approved by: Major Professor Dr. Adam A. Ahlers Copyright © Kyle Ross Wait 2017. Abstract The Flint Hills ecoregion in Kansas, USA, represents the largest remaining tract of native tallgrass prairie in North America. Anthropogenic landscape change (e.g., urbanization, agricultural production) is affecting native biodiversity in this threatened ecosystem. Our understanding of how landscape change affects spatial distributions of carnivores (i.e., species included in the Order ‘Carnivora’) in this ecosystem is limited. I investigated the influence of landscape structure and composition on site occupancy dynamics of 3 native carnivores (coyote [Canis latrans]; bobcat [Lynx rufus]; and striped skunk [Mephitis mephitis]) and 1 nonnative carnivore (domestic cat, [Felis catus]) across an urbanization gradient in the Flint Hills during 2016-2017. I also examined how the relative influence of various landscape factors affected native carnivore species richness and diversity. I positioned 74 camera traps across 8 urban-rural transects in the 2 largest cities in the Flint Hills (Manhattan, pop. > 55,000; Junction City, pop. > 31,000) to assess presence/absence of carnivores. Cameras were activated for 28 days in each of 3 seasons (Summer 2016, Fall 2016, Winter 2017) and I used multisession occupancy models and an information-theoretic approach to assess the importance of various landscape factors on carnivore site occupancy dynamics. -
Striped Skunk Mephitis Mephitis
Striped Skunk Mephitis mephitis Other common names None Introduction Striped skunks are highly recognizable for their distinctive coloring and their ability to spray an extremely foul smelling substance when they feel threatened. Some folks may also recognize them as the inspiration for the Looney Tunes character Pepé le Pew. There are 11 different species in the skunk family, with 5 species residing throughout the United States, but only the striped skunk can be found in New York. Physical Description and Anatomy Striped skunks are about the size of an average domestic cat. Adults can Pepé le Pew weigh anywhere between 2 – 12 lbs (0.9 – 5.4 kg), and are 18 – 32 inches (45.7 – 81.3 cm) long, with the tail making up 7 – 11 inches (17.8 – 27.9 cm) of that length. They have a stout body, short legs, and a long, bushy tail. Each foot is equipped with five strong claws that are used for digging. The bold striping pattern of the glossy black and white fur is highly variable. This coloration is designed to serve as a warning to other species not to bother it, or they will suffer the consequences. Generally, the top of the head is white, which splits into two stripes of white down the back, divided by a stripe of black. The lower parts are black as well. Variations may result in individuals that are all white above and all black below, some other combination of stripes and patches, or almost solid white or black. Skunks have such bold coloration because they Picture showing variation in color patterns of striped skunk. -
Integrating Black Bear Behavior, Spatial Ecology, and Population Dynamics in a Human-Dominated Landscape: Implications for Management
Utah State University DigitalCommons@USU All Graduate Theses and Dissertations Graduate Studies 8-2017 Integrating Black Bear Behavior, Spatial Ecology, and Population Dynamics in a Human-Dominated Landscape: Implications for Management Jarod D. Raithel Utah State University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd Part of the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Commons Recommended Citation Raithel, Jarod D., "Integrating Black Bear Behavior, Spatial Ecology, and Population Dynamics in a Human- Dominated Landscape: Implications for Management" (2017). All Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 6633. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/6633 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Studies at DigitalCommons@USU. It has been accepted for inclusion in All Graduate Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@USU. For more information, please contact [email protected]. INTEGRATING BLACK BEAR BEHAVIOR, SPATIAL ECOLOGY, AND POPULATION DYNAMICS IN A HUMAN-DOMINATED LANDSCAPE: IMPLICATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT by Jarod D. Raithel A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in Ecology Approved: _______________________ _______________________ Lise M. Aubry, Ph.D. Melissa J. Reynolds-Hogland, Ph.D. Major Professor Committee Member _______________________ _______________________ David N. Koons, Ph.D. Eric M. Gese, Ph.D. Committee Member Committee Member _______________________ _______________________ Joseph M. Wheaton, Ph.D. Mark R. McLellan, Ph.D. Committee Member Vice President for Research and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY Logan, Utah 2017 ii Copyright Jarod Raithel 2017 All Rights Reserved iii ABSTRACT Integrating Black Bear Behavior, Spatial Ecology, and Population Dynamics in a Human-Dominated Landscape: Implications for Management by Jarod D. -
The Red and Gray Fox
The Red and Gray Fox There are five species of foxes found in North America but only two, the red (Vulpes vulpes), And the gray (Urocyon cinereoargentus) live in towns or cities. Fox are canids and close relatives of coyotes, wolves and domestic dogs. Foxes are not large animals, The red fox is the larger of the two typically weighing 7 to 5 pounds, and reaching as much as 3 feet in length (not including the tail, which can be as long as 1 to 1 and a half feet in length). Gray foxes rarely exceed 11 or 12 pounds and are often much smaller. Coloration among fox greatly varies, and it is not always a sure bet that a red colored fox is indeed a “red fox” and a gray colored fox is indeed a “gray fox. The one sure way to tell them apart is the white tip of a red fox’s tail. Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargentus) Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) Regardless of which fox both prefer diverse habitats, including fields, woods, shrubby cover, farmland or other. Both species readily adapt to urban and suburban areas. Foxes are primarily nocturnal in urban areas but this is more an accommodation in avoiding other wildlife and humans. Just because you may see it during the day doesn’t necessarily mean it’s sick. Sometimes red fox will exhibit a brazenness that is so overt as to be disarming. A homeowner hanging laundry may watch a fox walk through the yard, going about its business, seemingly oblivious to the human nearby. -
2021 Fur Harvester Digest 3 SEASON DATES and BAG LIMITS
2021 Michigan Fur Harvester Digest RAP (Report All Poaching): Call or Text (800) 292-7800 Michigan.gov/Trapping Table of Contents Furbearer Management ...................................................................3 Season Dates and Bag Limits ..........................................................4 License Types and Fees ....................................................................6 License Types and Fees by Age .......................................................6 Purchasing a License .......................................................................6 Apprentice & Youth Hunting .............................................................9 Fur Harvester License .....................................................................10 Kill Tags, Registration, and Incidental Catch .................................11 When and Where to Hunt/Trap ...................................................... 14 Hunting Hours and Zone Boundaries .............................................14 Hunting and Trapping on Public Land ............................................18 Safety Zones, Right-of-Ways, Waterways .......................................20 Hunting and Trapping on Private Land ...........................................20 Equipment and Fur Harvester Rules ............................................. 21 Use of Bait When Hunting and Trapping ........................................21 Hunting with Dogs ...........................................................................21 Equipment Regulations ...................................................................22 -
Black Bears in New York State
eavy-set, formidable-looking animals, wild black bears are one of New York State’s largest land mammals. Though frequently thought of as aggressive and menacing, they are ordinarily very shy, elusive, secretive creatures. In fact, although common in most of the state, black bears try to avoid people and so are seldom seen by many. DESCRIPTION FOOD AND FAMILY LIFE Native to North America, black bears (Ursus americanus) New York’s largest carnivore, black bears are primarily occur in Alaska, Canada, northern Mexico and most of the vegetarians, eating an amazing amount of small items such lower forty-eight states. They prefer wooded areas, occurring as succulent plants (like skunk cabbage), grasses, sedges, in and around mature forests. Black bears also do well in clover, insects (especially ants and bees), berries, fruits, somewhat open and developed areas as long as adequate nuts, mast (acorns and beechnuts), and plant roots. cover and an abundance of food are available. They are However, bears are opportunists and will eat whatever is intelligent and curious and spend a great deal of time readily available, including amphibians, reptiles, small exploring for food. Solitary animals, they usually live alone, mammals, fish, carrion and garbage. In addition, they will except for females with cubs and in feeding areas with an also avail themselves of human foods (almost everything abundance of food. Adult bears have large home ranges, from barbecued chicken to freeze dried meals and trail with males traveling up to 100 square miles, and females mix), bird seed (especially sunflower seeds), suet, pet food, traveling 25 to 50 square miles. -
First Documentation of Scent-Marking Behaviors in Striped Skunks (Mephitis Mephitis)
Mammal Research (2021) 66:399–404 https://doi.org/10.1007/s13364-021-00565-8 ORIGINAL PAPER First documentation of scent-marking behaviors in striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) Kathrina Jackson1 & Christopher C. Wilmers 2 & Heiko U. Wittmer 3 & Maximilian L. Allen4 Received: 9 October 2020 /Accepted: 16 March 2021 / Published online: 11 April 2021 # Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Bialowieza, Poland 2021 Abstract Communication behaviors play a critical role in both an individual’s fitness as well as the viability of populations. Solitary animals use chemical communication (i.e., scent marking) to locate mates and defend their territory to increase their own fitness. Previous research has suggested that striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) do not perform scent-marking behaviors, despite being best known for using odor as chemical defense. We used video camera traps to document behaviors exhibited by striped skunks at a remote site in coastal California between January 2012 and April 2015. Our camera traps captured a total of 71 visits by striped skunks, the majority of which (73%) included a striped skunk exhibiting scent-marking behaviors. Overall, we documented 8 different scent-marking behaviors. The most frequent behaviors we documented were cheek rubbing (45.1%), investigating (40.8%), and claw marking (35.2%). The behaviors exhibited for the longest durations on average were grooming (x =34.4s) and investigating (x = 21.2 s). Although previous research suggested that striped skunks do not scent mark, we documented that at least some populations do and our findings suggest that certain sites are used for communication via scent marking. -
Brown Bear (Ursus Arctos) John Schoen and Scott Gende Images by John Schoen
Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) John Schoen and Scott Gende images by John Schoen Two hundred years ago, brown (also known as grizzly) bears were abundant and widely distributed across western North America from the Mississippi River to the Pacific and from northern Mexico to the Arctic (Trevino and Jonkel 1986). Following settlement of the west, brown bear populations south of Canada declined significantly and now occupy only a fraction of their original range, where the brown bear has been listed as threatened since 1975 (Servheen 1989, 1990). Today, Alaska remains the last stronghold in North America for this adaptable, large omnivore (Miller and Schoen 1999) (Fig 1). Brown bears are indigenous to Southeastern Alaska (Southeast), and on the northern islands they occur in some of the highest-density FIG 1. Brown bears occur throughout much of southern populations on earth (Schoen and Beier 1990, Miller et coastal Alaska where they are closely associated with salmon spawning streams. Although brown bears and grizzly bears al. 1997). are the same species, northern and interior populations are The brown bear in Southeast is highly valued by commonly called grizzlies while southern coastal populations big game hunters, bear viewers, and general wildlife are referred to as brown bears. Because of the availability of abundant, high-quality food (e.g. salmon), brown bears enthusiasts. Hiking up a fish stream on the northern are generally much larger, occur at high densities, and have islands of Admiralty, Baranof, or Chichagof during late smaller home ranges than grizzly bears. summer reveals a network of deeply rutted bear trails winding through tunnels of devil’s club (Oplopanx (Klein 1965, MacDonald and Cook 1999) (Fig 2). -
Mitochondrial Genomes of the United States Distribution
fevo-09-666800 June 2, 2021 Time: 17:52 # 1 ORIGINAL RESEARCH published: 08 June 2021 doi: 10.3389/fevo.2021.666800 Mitochondrial Genomes of the United States Distribution of Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) Reveal a Major Phylogeographic Break at the Great Plains Suture Zone Edited by: Fernando Marques Quintela, Dawn M. Reding1*, Susette Castañeda-Rico2,3,4, Sabrina Shirazi2†, Taxa Mundi Institute, Brazil Courtney A. Hofman2†, Imogene A. Cancellare5, Stacey L. Lance6, Jeff Beringer7, 8 2,3 Reviewed by: William R. Clark and Jesus E. Maldonado Terrence C. Demos, 1 Department of Biology, Luther College, Decorah, IA, United States, 2 Center for Conservation Genomics, Smithsonian Field Museum of Natural History, Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, United States, 3 Department of Biology, George United States Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States, 4 Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, Front Royal, VA, United States, Ligia Tchaicka, 5 Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States, 6 Savannah River State University of Maranhão, Brazil Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, United States, 7 Missouri Department of Conservation, Columbia, MO, *Correspondence: United States, 8 Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States Dawn M. Reding [email protected] We examined phylogeographic structure in gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) across † Present address: Sabrina Shirazi, the United States to identify the location of secondary contact zone(s) between eastern Department of Ecology and and western lineages and investigate the possibility of additional cryptic intraspecific Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, divergences. -
FOXES: Captive Rearing Considerations & Natural History
captive REARING of foxes Elisa Fosco Director of Animal Care Walden’s Puddle, Wildlife Center of Greater Nashville CANIDAE FAMILY Includes wolves, jackals, and dogs ◼ Carnassial teeth 8 genera of fox ◼ 27 species Gray (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) and Red (Vulpes vulpes) found in North America RED FOX (vulpes vulpes) “Cat-like canid” Widespread, naturally occurring in 4 continents Many variations in coat color Adapts well to urban environments Mainly carnivorous, consuming invertebrates and rodents GRAY FOX (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) Among most primitive of canids Found only in North and South America Monogamous 1 of 2 canids capable of tree climbing, also good swimmers Omnivorous, consuming more vegetable matter than red fox HABITAT SELECTION RED GRAY Highly adaptable to Gray foxes are more urban environments seclusive than reds Prefers farmland, and Prefer thicker forested wooded lots with open and partially open fields brush Do NOT prefer rural landscapes BREEDING Dens are used during breeding season ◼ Crevices in rock, groundhog burrows, hollow trees, etc. Gestation: ~53 days Average litter size: 4-5 Related females co-parent NEONATE IDENTIFICATION: RED FOX White tail tip!! ◼ Identifying characteristic Charcoal fur at birth ◼ Stockings not distinguishable in first couple weeks Black elliptical pupils NEONATE IDENTIFICATION: GRAY FOX Russet patches behind ears Black stripe on dorsal surface of tail Black tail tip Fox rehabilitation Reasons for Admission: Mange HBC Gunshot Viral issues 2° Rodenticide toxicity Orphaned ◼ likely due to the above FOX MANGE Sarcoptes scabeii ◼ Mite More common in red foxes Most often treated with Ivermectin, Selemectin or Bravecto™ Standard mange treatment may also includes aggressive fluid therapy for rehydration and wound management as needed Mange is also commonly seen in coyotes, raccoons and squirrels. -
The Striped Skunk Mephitis Mephitis Is About the Size of a Cat, but Has a Stout Body, a Rather Small Head, Short Legs, and a Bushy Tail
Introduction This animal • produces an odour that is strong enough to be carried almost 1 km on the wind • is one of the most useful small mammals that inhabit Canada’s mixed farmlands, grasslands, and forests • gathers leaves for its den by placing them under its body and then shuffling along with the leaves held between its legs • annoys farmers by raiding beehives and henhouses, but in fact almost 70 percent of a skunk’s diet is estimated to benefit people Description The striped skunk Mephitis mephitis is about the size of a cat, but has a stout body, a rather small head, short legs, and a bushy tail. Its small head fits conveniently, but sometimes too snugly, into enticing open jars. The thick, glossy fur is black, with a thin white stripe down the centre of the face and a broad white stripe beginning on the back of the head, forking at the shoulders and continuing as a white stripe along each side of the back to the base of the tail. The tail is mostly black, but the stripes may extend down it, usually to a tuft of white at the tip. The skunk has long, straight claws for digging out the burrows of mice, ripping apart old logs for grubs and larvae, and digging in the sand for turtle eggs. It moves slowly and deliberately and depends for safety not on running away or on remaining inconspicuous, but on its scent glands. Skunks belong to the weasel family Mustelidae, all of whose members have well-developed scent glands and a musky odour. -
STRIPED SKUNK Mephitis Mephitis
WILDLIFE IN CONNECTICUT INFORMATIONAL SERIES EASTERN STRIPED SKUNK Mephitis mephitis Habitat: Fields, fencerows, wooded ravines and rocky Diet: Insects (especially grubs), small mammals, outcrops. May also be found under buildings, in culverts earthworms, snails, grains, nuts, fruits, reptiles, vegeta- and near garbage dumps. tion, amphibians, birds, eggs, carrion and garbage. Weight: 6 to 14 pounds. Length: 21 to 26 inches. Males are somewhat larger than females. Identification: The eastern striped skunk’s body is born between late April and early June. At three weeks covered with fluffy black fur. It has a narrow white stripe of age, young skunks open their eyes and begin up the middle of the forehead and a broad white area crawling. At seven weeks, they begin to venture out on the top of the head and neck, which usually divides with the female and are able to spray musk; they into two stripes continuing along the back. The long, usually disperse during the fall of their first year. Adult bushy tail is a mixture of white and black hairs. Some males are generally solitary except during the mating skunks have more white than black hairs. Skunks have season. a small head, small eyes and a pointed snout. Their History in Connecticut: The eastern striped skunk is short legs and flat-footed gait makes them appear to adaptable to a wide range of habitats but prefers areas waddle when they walk. Sharp teeth and long claws of open fields with low, brushy vegetation. Early enable them to dig in soil or sod and pull apart rotten farming in Connecticut probably increased the suitability logs in search of food.