2009–10 Furbearer Report
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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. -
Educator's Guide
Educator’s Guide the jill and lewis bernard family Hall of north american mammals inside: • Suggestions to Help You come prepared • essential questions for Student Inquiry • Strategies for teaching in the exhibition • map of the Exhibition • online resources for the Classroom • Correlations to science framework • glossary amnh.org/namammals Essential QUESTIONS Who are — and who were — the North as tundra, winters are cold, long, and dark, the growing season American Mammals? is extremely short, and precipitation is low. In contrast, the abundant precipitation and year-round warmth of tropical All mammals on Earth share a common ancestor and and subtropical forests provide optimal growing conditions represent many millions of years of evolution. Most of those that support the greatest diversity of species worldwide. in this hall arose as distinct species in the relatively recent Florida and Mexico contain some subtropical forest. In the past. Their ancestors reached North America at different boreal forest that covers a huge expanse of the continent’s times. Some entered from the north along the Bering land northern latitudes, winters are dry and severe, summers moist bridge, which was intermittently exposed by low sea levels and short, and temperatures between the two range widely. during the Pleistocene (2,588,000 to 11,700 years ago). Desert and scrublands are dry and generally warm through- These migrants included relatives of New World cats (e.g. out the year, with temperatures that may exceed 100°F and dip sabertooth, jaguar), certain rodents, musk ox, at least two by 30 degrees at night. kinds of elephants (e.g. -
Small Predator Impacts on Deer
IMPACTS OF SMALL PREDATORS ON DEER TERRY BLANKENSHIP, Assistant Director, Welder Wildlife Foundation, P.O. Box 1400, Sinton, Tx 78387. Abstract: Predator size influences the type of prey taken. Generally, smaller predators rely on rabbits, rodents, birds, fruits, or insects. Food habit studies of several small predators indicate the presence of deer in the diet. Percentages of deer in the diet were larger in the north and northeast where variety of prey was lower. Studies conducted in the south and southeast generally found lower percentages of deer in the diets. Studies in the south indicate fawns were the age class of choice. Although food habit studies indicate the presence of deer in the diet, this does not show these predators have an impact on deer populations. The bobcat (Lynx rufus), gray fox diet of the smaller predators listed above (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), red fox(Vulpes and the impact they may have on a deer vulpes), and golden eagle (Aquila population or a particular age class of deer. chrysaetos) are several of the smaller predators that have the potential to take deer BOBCAT (Odocoileus spp.) or a certain age class of deer. Much of the research conducted on A compilation of bobcat food habit the impacts of small predators on deer relate studies indicate rabbits (Lepus spp., to the presence or amount found in the diet. Sylvilagus spp.) were the primary prey taken Research has identified major prey items for throughout their range. Deer were an each of these predators in different regions important prey item in the northeast and of the United States. -
How People Should Respond When Encountering a Large Carnivore: Opinions of Wildlife Professionals Dy L a N E
Human–Wildlife Conflicts 2(2):194–199, Fall 2008 How people should respond when encountering a large carnivore: opinions of wildlife professionals DYLA N E. BRO wn , 507 Silo Loop, Kinsey, Montana 59338, USA [email protected] MI C HAEL R. CO N OVER , Jack H. Berryman Institute, Department of Wildland Resources, Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322-5230, USA Abstract: We conducted telephone surveys of wildlife professionals who work with large carnivores to ask their opinions about how people should respond to avoid being injured when confronted by a black bear (Ursus americana), grizzly bear (Ursus arctos), mountain lion (Puma concolor), or gray wolf (Canis lupus). The respondents agreed that the most appropriate response was to try to increase the distance between a person and the carnivore. In the event of an attack by a black bear, mountain lion, or wolf, most respondents said to fight back. Opinion was divided over the best response for an individual who was being attacked by a grizzly bear, but a slight majority of professionals said to fight back if the attack was predatory and be passive if the attack was defensive; however, respondents also noted that many victims would be unable to identify the bear’s motive. If a black bear came into camp, most respondents said that a person should aggressively encourage the bear to leave and to fight back against a bear that enters a tent at night, regardless of species. Respondents unanimously agreed that bear pepper-spray is effective in defending against an attack. While any encounter with a large carnivore can be fatal to the person involved, we believe that selecting the right course of action increases the odds that the victim can escape without injury. -
Tribal Wildlife Grant Final Report Makah Cougar and Bobcat Research Grant: F12AP00260
Tribal Wildlife Grant Final Report Makah Cougar and Bobcat Research Grant: F12AP00260 Prepared by: Shannon Murphie and Rob McCoy 1 INTRODUCTION Mountain lions or cougars (Puma concolor) and bobcats (Lynx rufus) are both native mammals of the family Felidae. Mountain lions are large solitary cats with the greatest range of any large wild terrestrial mammal in the Western Hemisphere (Iriarte et al. 1990). Bobcats are also solitary cats that range from southern Canada to northern Mexico, including most of the continental United States. Both species are predators and as such play a prominent role in Native American mythology and culture due to their perceived attributes such as grace, strength, eyesight, and hunting ability. Similar to other Native American Tribes, predators have played a key role in the culture and ceremonies of the Makah people. Gray wolves (Canis lupus), black bear (Ursus americanus), cougars, and bobcats all are important components of Makah culture both historically and in contemporary times. For example, black bears and gray wolves both represented important clans in Makah history. Gray wolves exhibited cooperative behavior that provided guidelines for human behavior and “Klukwalle,” or wolf ritual, was a secret society that required a 6 day initiation period (G. Arnold, personal communication). Wolf hides were also used in dance and costume regalia. Bear hides were worn by men of status (Chapman 1994) and as regalia during whale hunts (G. Ray, personal communication). Cougars and bobcats play a smaller, but still important role in Makah history and contemporary culture. During naming ceremonies a Makah name is given which best reflects an individual, often an animal such as the mountain lion is used as it represents intelligence and power. -
OREGON FURBEARER TRAPPING and HUNTING REGULATIONS
OREGON FURBEARER TRAPPING and HUNTING REGULATIONS July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2022 Please Note: Major changes are underlined throughout this synopsis. License Requirements Trapper Education Requirement By action of the 1985 Oregon Legislature, all trappers born after June 30, Juveniles younger than 12 years of age are not required to purchase a 1968, and all first-time Oregon trappers of any age are required to license, except to hunt or trap bobcat and river otter. However, they must complete an approved trapper education course. register to receive a brand number through the Salem ODFW office. To trap bobcat or river otter, juveniles must complete the trapper education The study guide may be completed at home. Testing will take place at course. Juveniles 17 and younger must have completed hunter education Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) offices throughout the to obtain a furtaker’s license. state. A furtaker’s license will be issued by the Salem ODFW Headquarters office after the test has been successfully completed and Landowners must obtain either a furtaker’s license, a hunting license for mailed to Salem headquarters, and the license application with payment furbearers, or a free license to take furbearers on land they own and on has been received. Course materials are available by writing or which they reside. To receive the free license and brand number, the telephoning Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, I&E Division, 4034 landowner must obtain from the Salem ODFW Headquarters office, a Fairview Industrial Drive SE, Salem, OR 97302, (800) 720-6339 x76002. receipt of registration for the location of such land prior to hunting or trapping furbearing mammals on that land. -
The Factors for the Extinction of Jaguars and Cougars in El Salvador Michael Campbell* Department of Geography, Simon Fraser University Burnaby V5A 1S6, Canada
ioprospe , B cti ity ng rs a e n iv d d D o i e Campbell, J Biodivers Biopros Dev 2016, 3:1 v B e f l Journal of Biodiversity, Bioprospecting o o l p DOI: 10.4172/2376-0214.1000154 a m n r e n u t o J ISSN: 2376-0214 and Development ResearchReview Article Article OpenOpen Access Access The Factors for the Extinction of Jaguars and Cougars in El Salvador Michael Campbell* Department of Geography, Simon Fraser University Burnaby V5A 1S6, Canada Abstract The jaguar (Panthera onca, Linnaeus 1758) and cougar (Puma concolor, Linnaeus 1771) are the largest cats in the Americas and are listed as uniquely extinct in El Salvador, Central America. The contributory factors for this event are little understood and/or ignored. This omission hampers conservation planning for declining big cat populations in other countries. A thorough review and analysis of the literature reveals important gaps that impede assessment of the factors for big cat extinction, and also possible meliorative efforts. The evidence questions the commonly blamed civil war and deforestation, and critically assesses a wider set of factors mostly not linked to big cat extinction; dense human population, small national territory, border porosity, cat adaptability to modified land cover and the actual importance of connecting forested corridors. The evidence from other countries shows possibilities of cat adaptability to all possible factors for extinction, but also hints at the possibility of the lack of connecting corridors as uniquely negative in El Salvador. Reintroductions of big cats in El Salvador must include internationalized assessments of their ecology and public tolerance of cat presence. -
Cougar Facts
KNOW THE FACTS Cougar Facts Cougar Awareness • Following a 95-day gestation period, female cougars produce an average litter of 2-4 kittens weighing between one and two pounds. Kittens are born with blue eyes and Average Weight: Males, 140 pounds; Females, 90 pounds have blackish-brown spots and a dark-ringed tail. The spots Life Span: 8 to 12 years in the wild begin to fade at three months old and disappear entirely after one year. Average Length: 7 feet from nose to tip of tail (tail is nearly as long as the body) • Cougar kittens rely completely on their mothers until they are 18-24 months old. Cougar mothers teach vital hunting • Cougars are also known as: Mountain Lion, Panther, Puma, skills and how to select appropriate prey during that time. Catamount, Painter, Ghost Cat. Young cougars reach adult size between 3-5 years old. Latin Name: Puma concolor (“Cat of One Color”). • Cougars are obligate carnivores (they only eat meat). • Cougars were once found in all 48 contiguous United Depending on habitat, the primary diet for cougars consists States. Resident breeding populations are now found in just of deer, elk, turkey, rabbits, porcupines, coyote and numer- 16 states: AZ, CA, CO, FL, ID, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, ous other small mammals. OR, SD, TX, UT, WA and WY. • Cougars have highly developed eyesight and are capable • Cougars are extremely adaptable and have one of the of hunting and traveling at low-lit times of day (such as greatest distributions (from northern Canada to the dusk and dawn) thanks to their excellent nocturnal and southern tip of South America) of any terrestrial mammal in diurnal vision. -
Red & Gray Foxes
Red & Gray Foxes Valerie Elliott The gray fox and red fox are members of the Canidae biological family, which puts them in the same family as domestic dogs, wolves, jackals and coyotes. The red fox is termed “Vulpes vulpes” in Latin for the genus and species. The gray fox is termed “Urocyon cinereoargenteus”. Gray foxes are sometimes mistaken to be red foxes but red foxes are slimmer, have longer legs and larger feet and have slit-shaped eyes. Gray foxes have oval shaped pupils. The gray fox is somewhat stout and has shorter legs than the red fox. The tail has a distinct black stripe along the top and a black tip. The belly, chest, legs and sides of the face are reddish-brown. Red foxes have a slender body, long legs, a slim muzzle, and upright triangular ears. They vary in color from bright red to rusty or reddish brown. Their lower legs and feet have black fur. The tail is a bushy red and black color with a white tip. The underside of the red fox is white. They are fast runners and can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. They can leap more than 6 feet high. Red and gray foxes primarily eat small rodents, birds, insects, nuts and fruits. Gray foxes typically live in dense forests with some edge habitat for hunting. Their home ranges typically are 2-4 miles. Gray foxes can also be found in suburban areas. Ideal red fox habitat includes a mix of open fields, small woodlots and wetlands – making modern-day Maryland an excellent place for it to live. -
Super Senses
Young Naturalist These Dogs Are Wild Minnesota’s wolves, coyotes, and foxes are very good dogs in their own special ways. By Mary Hoff FROM PUGS TO POODLES, from great Danes to golden retrievers—the dogs that live with people come in many types and sizes. Did you know that all of them are related to wild dogs? Pet dogs, wolves, foxes, and coyotes are all members of Canidae, the dog family. This family includes nearly three dozen species that live in the wild on every continent except Antarctica. Four of these species live in Minnesota: the gray wolf, the coyote, the red fox, and the gray fox. These animals share many traits with their domestic relatives—but they have some surprising differences too. Let’s take a look at how the dogs that share our homes compare with their wild cousins. Super Senses You’ve probably heard that dogs can hear sounds too high for people to hear. Members of the canid family are known for their excellent senses of hearing and smell. These senses help them find prey in the wild. They also help them learn about their world and each other. Canids can’t talk, but they still communicate. Doglike mammals rely on sound and smell to share secret (to us) messages with each other. You may have heard of dogs being used to find lost people or search for pollution, weapons, or illegal drugs using their sense of smell. Inside their long snouts, elaborate bone structures and lots of nerves give them a super sense of smell. -
GRAY FOX Urocyon Cinereoargenteus
WILDLIFE IN CONNECTICUT INFORMATIONAL SERIES GRAY FOX Urocyon cinereoargenteus Habitat: Deciduous woodlands, thickets and swampy Length: 32 to 45 inches. Sexes about equal in size. areas. Food: Rabbits, mice, voles, rabbits, chipmunks, Weight: Ranges from 7 to 14 pounds, 10 to 11 pounds squirrels, fruits, insects, birds and eggs, carrion, corn, is average. amphibians and reptiles. Identification: Foxes have pointed ears, an elongated under out-buildings such as barns and sheds. Most snout (shorter and more cat-like in appearance in the foxes have more than one den and will readily move gray fox than the red fox) and a long, bushy tail which is their young if disturbed. The pups stay in the den until carried horizontally. The gray fox is somewhat stout about four to five weeks of age, after which they emerge and has shorter legs than the red fox. Its coat is mostly and begin to play outside the den entrance. Both adults grizzled-gray. The sides of the neck, back of the ears, a care for the young by bringing food and guarding the band across the chest, the inner and back surfaces of den site. At about 12 weeks of age, the pups are the legs, the feet, the sides of the belly and the under weaned and join the adults on hunting forays, learning to surface of the tail are all reddish-brown. The cheeks, catch food for themselves. In the fall, the young dis- throat, inner ears and most of the underside are white. perse from the family unit and will usually breed the first The upper part of the tail, including the tip, is black. -
Gray Foxes in the United States
Best Management Practices for Trapping Gray Foxes in the United States UPDATED 2014 Best Management Practices (BMPs) are carefully researched recommendations designed to address animal welfare and increase trappers’ efficiency and selectivity. The extensive research and field-testing used to develop BMPs are described in the Introduction section of this manual. The evaluation methods used to develop BMPs have been standardized, enabling BMPs to be easily updated and revised as new traps and techniques become available. All traps listed in the BMPs have been tested and meet performance standards for animal welfare, efficiency, selectivity, practicality, and safety. Figure GF1. Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) Trapping BMPs provide options, allowing for discretion and decision making in the field. BMPs are meant to be implemented in a voluntary and educational approach and do not present a single choice that can or must be applied in all cases. BMPs are the product of ongoing work that may be updated as additional traps are identi- fied through future scientific testing. The Gray Fox at a Glance Characteristics The gray fox (Figure GF1) is a member of the Canidae family and is similar in size 1 to the red fox. Adults on average range from 6 /2 to 15 pounds, with an average length of 31 to 44 inches. Adult males are generally larger than adult females. The gray fox can be differentiated from the red fox by its silvery-gray coat and black-tipped tail versus the orange-red coat with white-tipped tail of the red fox. The scientific name is Urocyon cinereoargenteus. Range The gray fox is found throughout the contiguous United States, with the exception of the mountainous portions of the northwestern states.