Quick viewing(Text Mode)

Small Game and Furbearers

Small Game and Furbearers

An Illustrated Guide to $1.00

SMALL AND FURBEARERS

Small Game and Furbearers by Richard E. McCabe and Lonnie L. Williamson

Federal Cartridge Company 900 Ehlen Drive Anoka, MN 55303

© Federal Cartridge Company, 2000

3 Contents SPECIES PAGE

Introduction 5 Cottontail 7 Jackrabbits 8 Snowshoe 9 10 Gray Squirrel 11 Red Squirrel 12 Ground 13 Prairie 14 Marmots 15 16 Muskrat 17 Bob Cat 18 19 Gray 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 River 30 31 Long-Tail & Short-Tail 32 Least 33 Striped 34 35

Cover Photo: Cottontail • Tom J. Ulrich 4 Introduction

To a surprising extent, furbearers prompt- fare for explorer spits and settler stewpots. ed and financed European exploration Big game provided the most meat for of , whereas small game Native Americans and the newcomers alike. were an important food source for However, contrary to popular notion, those the newcomers who pioneered the New animals were not always readily available World. But long before white frontiersmen - small game was much more abundant, eas- probed the continent’s interior in search of ily taken and efficiently prepared for daily trapping grounds and trade with Native sustenance. The clearing and plowing of Americans, furbearers and small North America actually boosted many small were important in Indian cultures and econ- populations by increasing habitat omies. Archeological evidence shows that diversity for these animals. both were used extensively for , America’s wildlife continues to be food, spiritualism, trade and ceremony for at important economically as well as recre- least 11,000 years and probably for as long ationally. More than 108 million people in as humans have lived in North America. the U.S. 16 years old and older enjoy some The first transcontinental business, form of wildlife-associated recreation each the North West Company, was opened in year. They spend more than $59 billion as a supply line for export- annually on that recreation, and account ed to France. Attempting to colonize for more than 1 million jobs scattered the Americas, other countries, including across the country. And this is exclusive , the Netherlands and , com- of commercial resource uses, such as the peted for the bountiful fur resources. multi-billion-dollar fisheries and fur mar- In the U.S. and Canada, fur trappers kets. Nearly 20 million Canadians spend and traders roved from beaver pond to bea- about $6 billion annually for wildlife-related ver pond throughout the unchartered conti- activities, and this accounts for more than nent. They were followed by loggers, min- 200,000 jobs. ers, ranchers, farmers, merchants and others. There has been considerable study The exploration history of North America of recreational as an economic essentially was that of the . resource. A private management firm More than 500,000 people trapped fur- recently estimated that hunting expenditures bearers annually in North America during alone are in excess of $13 billion annually the 1980s, including about 50,000 Native in the U.S. with a total economic impact of Americans who used some of the animals $34 billion. That exceeds annual sales of for subsistence purposes. That decade was such companies as Coca-Cola, Caterpillar the most exploitive of furbearers on record. and RJR-Nabisco. For each 50 hunters in The annual take has been reduced consid- the U.S., enough economic activity report- erably since, due to decreased demand and edly is generated to create one job. Thus, expansion of the ranch fur industry. The hunting sustains 380,000 jobs nationwide, wild fur business and the economic value which is approximately equivalent to the of furbearers have lasted longer in Canada population of the city of Minneapolis. than in the U.S., mostly because Canada’s Hunting expenditures annually in Canada vast northern forests produce higher quality exceed $1.2 billion. fur and there is less mineral deposition in By factoring in the economics of Canada to lure development. Also, roadless non-hunting wildlife recreation, sport-- and boggy forests are less accessible to log- ing and commercial uses of fish and wild- gers. life, obviously far more than 1 million jobs Small game mammals, particularly are dependent on how well responsible rabbits, and squirrels, were common

5 government agencies (federal and state) to provide for the varying needs of many manage basic fish and wildlife resources. species. Habitat indeed is the key, since all This “business” likely is as big as the entire wildlife require habitat to produce and sus- wood products industry in the U.S., which tain viable populations. employs 1.4 million people, and is among Habitat is simply a particular mix of the top 10 manufacturing employers in 46 food, water, cover (shelter) and space that states. According to the U.S. Commerce a species needs to thrive. And each spe- Department, outdoor recreation is among cies has habitat needs different from other the top three industries in 39 of the 50 species, although many different species states. may occupy the same general area. Water Today, nearly 8 million people in the requirements for jackrabbits obvi- U.S. alone actually hunt small game each ously differ greatly from those of a beaver. year. This recreation has an economic What might be year-around food and cover impact of more than $1.5 billion annually. for the vegetarian (herbivorous), stay-at- Additional millions of citizens enjoy small home prairie would be of little use to a game mammals and furbearers in non-con- meat eating (carnivorous), wide-roving wol- sumptive ways, such as viewing and pho- verine. Yet it is the wildlife manager’s duty tography. to provide as best as practical the needs All of these animals are beneficial of all these diverse populations in because they prey on insects and accordance with society’s wishes. that sometimes are the bane of farmers, This booklet does not feature all fur- ranchers and others. What damage they do bearers or small game, just those that are to human enterprise is, for the most part, most common or economically important. offset by their own pest-control lifestyles. There are numerous other species and Maintaining viable populations of of very interesting creatures in small game and furbearers is important these categories that contribute to North far beyond the economic and recreational America’s diverse wildlife resource. values they have. Their existence assures Among furbearers, for example, the kit fox us that the ecological processes and and swift fox are delightful animals, but life-support systems vital to human survival they are rare in some of their range and and well being are functioning. And the occur only in relatively small areas of the habitats necessary to ensure sustainable uti- western U.S. Thus, not everyone may see lization of these species provide the space them and they are not sought by trappers to for myriad other animals and activities that the extent of the gray and red . improve our quality of life. Also, there are close kin of the raccoon Assurance that small game and fur- not covered because they are too uncommon bearers will survive for other generations and occupy restricted ranges. The ringtail to enjoy depends on compatible human and are limited to Mexico and a south- influences on the environment and enlight- western and western portion of the U.S. ened management efforts through private, They are not considered significant as a fur state and federal programs. All wildlife is resource, but serve an important role in the affected in one way or another by people. habitats they occupy. But people can build as well as destroy. Of In essence, all wildlife species and all animals, humans are the only ones able subspecies are important in nature. And to manipulate knowingly the abundance and they all, in some fashion, enrich the quality distribution of other species. This is done of our lives. through the craft and science called wildlife management, which arranges landscapes

6 Cottontail Rabbits Silvilagus spp. Tom J. Ulrich

ight species of cottontail blanket the quickness and attentiveness to escape and portions of Canada from many dangerous encounters. This Eand Mexico. They thrive in a variety of rabbit’s classic “prey eye” placement on habitat types, from coastal marsh to des- the sides of the head permits them to look ert. They are a staple for many predators, back almost as well as forward. Their including sportsmen who hunt the cotton- relatively long, erect ears are excellent tail more than any other game mammal. sound detectors. Cottontails are her- They range in size from the very small bivorous, and they eat a wide variety of pygmy rabbit, which is about 10 to 12 grasses, legumes and woody plants. The inches long, to the marsh rabbit which is woody plants, such as apple, sumac and twice that size. Cottontails are noted for red maple, are consumed mostly during their high reproductive rate. They have the winter, when other plant types are a long breeding season in some areas – dormant. Cottontails prefer early succes- nine months in Georgia and year-round in sional stages of vegetation (thick grass , for example. And they have mul- and brush, as opposed to trees) as nesting tiple litters annually (sometimes seven or and escape cover, and their numbers eight) with a mean of are governed primarily by 3.1 to 5.6 young per how much of that habitat is litter. Young rabbits available. Because of their are vulnerable to inclination for disturbed predation by a host of vegetation, cottontails often animals, from crows are found in close associa- and to tion with human develop- and fox. But if they ments. survive a few weeks, they attain the speed,

7 Jackrabbits Lepus spp. Tom and Pat Leeson

our species of jackrabbit occur through- bit’s huge ears, which are much larger than out southern Canada, western U.S. those of the cottontail, serve a couple of Fand Mexico. Actually, the jackrabbit is a important purposes. First, they are superb hare and not a rabbit. Its young are born hearing devices that the animals depend on haired and with eyes open in hastily con- more so than eyesight to detect enemies. structed shallow depressions. Rabbits, on Second, they are air conditioners, with the other hand, are born naked and blind in complex vascular systems that allow desert elaborately built . Adult “jacks” are breezes to cool blood and thus the animal. distinguishable from rabbits by their large Jackrabbits are preyed upon by a host of ears and feet and, overall, they are much predators - eagles, hawks, owls, , larger than cottontails, with some weighing and snakes to name a few. It seems up to 9 pounds. They can run at speeds up that jackrabbit is on everything’s menu. to 56 miles per hour and in bounds of 5 to Even though they are not hunted commer- 10 feet. Jackrabbits are prolific breeders. cially for food as they were in the 1800s, Females in southern Arizona’s long breed- jackrabbits still get in trouble with humans ing season, for example, have the potential because they compete with for to produce seven litters annually, with two forage and can be rather destructive in to three young per litter. orchards and tree farms. Jackrabbits eat a variety However, they remain of woody and herbaceous a very important part of plant material, including wildlife communities cacti. Their habitats are because of their efficiency diverse, ranging from of turning plant material midwestern pastures and into meat on which wild cropland to prairies, des- carnivores survive. erts and even mountain- ous terrain. The jackrab-

8 Lepus americanus Tom J. Ulrich

he snowshoe hare lives in , most allow the hares to get at additional food of Canada and the northern contig- that otherwise would be above their reach. Tuous U.S. Populations also are found in Snowshoe populations fluctuate in 10-year the Allegheny, Rocky and Pacific Coast cycles. Biologists have found as many as mountain ranges. The snowshoe is a true nine snowshoe hares per acre on average hare and not a rabbit, meaning that it pro- during the high years and far less than one duces “precocial” (eyes open and furred at per acre during the low times. Like other birth) young, does not build nests, and has hares, snowshoes mainly eat green succu- the characteristic large ears and hind feet. lent plants during the summer and switch The snowshoe is brown in the summer, but to woody vegetation in winter. Snowshoes molts into a winter pelage that appears pure occupy a variety of habitats, but seems to white except for black-tipped ears. Actually prefer dense second-growth forests, which the winter coat is tricolored, with only the offer more food and protection from preda- outermost part being white. The middle tors. Mammals such as lynx, , mink, zone remains tawny and the lower part of fox, fisher, marten and coyote attack from the is nearly black. As with all hares, the ground while hawks, owls and ravens snowshoe females are larger on average come from the air. Predators have been than the males; one study known to account for as found females averaging much as 70 percent of 3.5 pounds each and the winter mortality in males 3.2 pounds. The snowshoe populations. snowshoe can have up to Snowshoes are popular four litters of young per sporting animals in the year, with 2 to 13 young U.S. and Canada, but rel- per litter. Snowshoe litter atively few are taken for size tends to increase in their fur. springs with greater snow depths the previous win- ter. The deeper snow may 9 Fox Squirrel niger Neal & Mary Jane Mishler

ox squirrels are the largest of America’s prefer woodlot habitat and do well in small tree squirrels, weighing up to 3 pounds. forests that gray squirrels tend to shun. In FThey vary far more in color than the gray fact, fox squirrels invariably do not reside in squirrel - from black to light gray to rusty areas that are more than 70 percent forested. brown. Their range extends farther west The animals seem to follow agriculture. than that of the gray squirrel, but not as far Biologists note that the Midwest was heav- north. Fox squirrels have been introduced ily forested when the first settlers arrived, into many western cities and are fairly and gray squirrels then were abundant and common even in , and fox squirrels rare. Clearing for cropland . In addition to being larger caused the gray squirrels to decline in num- than the gray squirrel, the fox squirrel has ber or disappear, but the remaining wood- ears that are shorter and thicker and notice- lots and fencerows allowed fox squirrels to ably more rounded. Fox squirrels normally prosper. Because of this association with produce two litters of young each year, agriculture, fox squirrels have a somewhat with an average of three per litter. The different diet than gray squirrels. They feed young develop slowly compared with other heavily on crops such as corn and wheat, rodents, which makes them more vulnerable as well as the usual acorns and other mast. to hawks, owls, ravens They also consume a vari- and other flying predators. ety of insects. Fox squir- Fox squirrels roam larger rels are a popular game areas than gray squirrels animal in the eastern U.S. do; some have home and Canada. ranges of more than 40 acres. About five acres is typical. Fox squirrels

10 Gray Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis Tom J. Ulrich

ray squirrels are both appreciated and hawks, owls, wild canids and members despised. For sportsmen, they are of the weasel family. Gray squirrels are Gpopular game animals. More than 40 mil- relatively free of bacterial and viral agents, are bagged in the U.S. in most years. but are susceptible to ectoparasite infesta- On the other hand, gray squirrels can be tions. Annual mortality is about 50 percent. destructive, by raiding birdfeeders and Generally covering less than two acres, the chewing holes in house vents and eaves, home range of the gray squirrel is smaller telephone lines and other nuisance behav- than that of the fox squirrel. Gray squirrels iors. In and South Africa, are noted for occasional “mass movements,” where they were introduced many years when entire populations will emigrate ago, gray squirrels are considered pests. considerable distances all at once. These Gray squirrels are smaller than fox squirrels autumn “shuffles” are not as prevalent in and larger than red squirrels. They can fox squirrels. Gray squirrels prefer relative- weigh up to 1.65 pounds, with the larger ly mature, dense forests. As the percentage specimens occurring in the northern part of forested land increases, gray squirrel of the species’ range, which occurs from numbers go up. Gray squirrel food habits southern Canada to Florida, primarily east are similar to other tree squirrels. They eat of the 100th meridian. a variety of acorns, seeds, Most of the animals are fruits and other mast. gray, but there are small They also are known to populations of mela- eat many species of mush- nistic (black) and white rooms. Longevity is about (including albinos) gray six years, but there are squirrels. Like fox squir- exceptions. One female rels, the grays generally research subject was last produce two litters of captured at age 12.5; she three young per year. was pregnant at the time. They also are food for the same predators, including 11 Red Squirrel Tamiasciurius hudsonicus Tom J. Ulrich

he red squirrel, commonly called conifer cone crops. Red squirrels prefer to squirrel, chickaree, boomer, fairy-did- in cavities in hardwood areas. But in Tdle, spruce squirrel or barking squirrel in coniferous forests where cavities often are different parts of the continent, is found scarce, they build leaf nests and will even in northern coniferous forests and some burrow under stumps, log piles and stone hardwood forests in Canada and the United fences to build nests. In most regions, they States. Except for the flying squirrel, the produce only one litter per year, with one to red squirrel is the smallest of all tree squir- seven young per litter. Red squirrels are an rels; adults weigh between 5 and 9 ounces. important food source for hawks, owls, fal- Red squirrels are reddish-brown dorsally, cons, lynx and weasels. They are primary with white underparts. They feed heavily prey for fishers. About one-fifth of fishers on , fungi and pine nuts, and are studied in and Maine had red noted for their large caches of pinecones. squirrels in their stomachs. Despite their They are so dependent on evergreen forests small size, red squirrels are an important that, throughout much of their range, their animal for trappers in Canada, where about population size fluctuates in response to 2.1 million pelts are taken annually.

12 Ground Squirrels spp. and Ammospermophilus spp. Tom J. Ulrich

here are 22 species of ground squir- all sorts of vegetation, as well as insects, rels, so called because they live on the lizards, and other rodents. Because they Tground, as opposed to the lifestyle of tree will feed on various crops and seedlings, squirrels, and because of their burrowing ground squirrels are considered by some habits. True ground squirrels are primarily farmers and foresters to be serious pests. western and midwestern animals that range They also are known to prey on gamebird from Mexico to the Arctic. Interestingly, nests, such as those of pheasants and quail. 19 of the 22 species are located within In turn, ground squirrels are preyed upon 500 miles of the Great Salt Lake in Utah. by a host of avian and terrestrial predators, Ground squirrels can reproduce rapidly, such as hawks and foxes. They actually with short gestations from 24 to 30 days and were an important food for some Native litter sizes of six to eight young. Plowing Americans and, in the 1870s, tons of ground of the prairies and intensive livestock graz- squirrels were shipped to San Francisco ing both tend to increase the numbers of and Oakland markets for sale in Chinese these animals. Conversely, when farmland markets. This era ended in 1908, however, or rangeland is abandoned and returns to when it was learned that on California natural vegetation, ground squirrel popu- ground squirrels harbored bubonic plague. lations decrease dramat- Although still the target of ically. Ground squirrels considerable pest-control have home ranges of activity, ground squirrel no more than about 12 populations are doing well. acres and as little as a half acre. They feed on

13 Prairie Dogs Cynomys spp. Tom J. Ulrich

uring Lewis and Clark’s transcontinen- Approximately 15 inches in length, 5 inch- tal trek across the Louisiana Purchase es high at the shoulder and with a stubby, Din 1804 to 1806, the explorers referred to 3.0 to 3.5-inch tail tipped white or black these ground squirrels as “prairie dogs,” according to subspecies, the adult prairie dog because of the animals’ characteristic weighs 1.5 to 3 pounds. They have “tight” bark. The name stuck. Prairie dogs may coats that varies among individuals from have numbered billions in the presettle- light gray to reddish-brown. Prairie dogs ment American West. There are seven are highly social, and their social is subspecies, generally classed as blacktails dominated by adult males. They have highly or whitetails. Most abundant is the black- developed senses of sight and hearing, and tailed prairie dog, which inhabits burrows are exceptionally curious, all of which are on grasslands and semidesert areas. The aids against a variety of predators, including white-tailed prairie dog lives in foothills and coyotes, fox, , of prey, snakes parklands of the Rocky Mountains. Both and . The endangered black-footed subspecies live in “towns” or clusters of bur- ’s primary food is the prairie dog. rows that amount to complex underground Burrowing owls and rattlesnakes commonly tunnels. Historically, one such town in use prairie dog dens for themselves. Prairie Texas was said to cover dogs reproduce once a year, 25,000 square miles and with an average litter of 4 was believed to contain to 6 young. They primarily perhaps 400 million eat grasses and forbs, but prairie dogs. Land devel- also consume insects and, opment and pest-control on rare occasions, ground efforts have greatly nesting birds and their own reduced prairie dogs num- dead. Winters are spent bers from their former underground for the most abundance. Today, a part and, in higher, colder town of more than several regions, the animals may hundred acres is unusual. hibernate. 14 Marmots Marmota spp. Lynda Richardson

here are six species of marmot in North varies with the species, but all normally America, ranging from the widely produce four to six young. They like to Tdistributed woodchuck to the Olympic burrow in dry soils in forests or cropland marmot, which is found only above timber- to build their dens and normally confine line in Washington’s Olympic Mountains. their movements to within about 100 yards Marmots live throughout Canada and have from the den. The primary foods of these been found in all the United States except herbivores are clover, alfalfa, and grasses the Deep South, High Plains region and and, by feeding and trampling, they can desert southwest. Variously called chuck, be rather destructive of those crops. The woodchuck, groundhog, and whistle pig, general behavior of marmots also varies marmot species differ mainly in size and greatly, from the aggressive, solitary life of coloration. The yellow-bellied marmot is the woodchuck to a quite social demeanor the smallest, averaging less than 10 pounds. of the Olympic and yellow-bellied marmots. The Olympic marmot is a comparative mon- The animals, especially young, are food for ster, weighing up to 24 pounds. Marmot predators ranging from cougars to bobcats pelage can be yellowish or shades of gray or and to fishers. Eagles and hawks brown. Some even have mostly white fur. also take a share. Marmots are seldom Marmots are true hiberna- used for food or fur in tors, meaning that they do North America, but they not store food for winter do provide considerable but live entirely on the recreational shooting for fat stored in their bodies. sportsmen who help land- Large and equipped with owners control excessive five clawed toes, their populations. front feet are exceptional digging tools. Breeding behavior in marmots

15 Beaver Castor canadensis Tom J. Ulrich

redited with having encouraged early thought to have been significantly helpful in exploration of many parts of North restoring from their population CAmerica by company and “free” (indepen- lows in the early part of this century. The dent) trappers, the beaver has rebounded beaver builds its stick and mud “lodge” from early overexploitation to relative abun- protruding from ponds, with an entryway dance. The continent’s largest , the below water level and living quarters above. beaver lives in colonies - groups of 3 to 12 At 35 to 70 pounds for adults, the beaver is (usually 5 or 6) individuals sharing a com- clumsy and slow on land, but graceful and mon area and food source. They are dis- efficient in water, propelled with webbed tributed throughout most of North America, feet and a powerful, flat tail. It has soft, wherever there is water and suitable veg- dense underfur protected by thick, long, etation. eat all sorts of trees and stiff guard , which makes its pelt prized other herbaceous plants. They are noted for clothing. The fur can be dark brown, engineers of the wildlife community, using chestnut, reddish, black or yellow-brown, the logs and sticks that they fell with sharp usually lighter on the sides and underneath. incisors to build low dams that create small Beavers are monogamous and produce one ponds and wetlands used by a variety of fish litter per year, with litter size ranging from and wildlife. Many of the one to nine, but averaging aquatic woodland habitats three or four. created by beavers are

16 Muskrat Ondatra zibethicus Tom J. Ulrich

he muskrat is among the most valuable kits each month. Thus, most muskrat popu- of wild furbearers in North America in lations are prolific and can withstand heavy Tterms of number caught and pelt value. It harvest. Muskrats eat a variety of marsh is a stocky, aquatic rodent, with unwebbed plants, which they also use to build floating forefeet, webbed hind feet, short legs, and houses or to line dens burrowed into stream a narrow, flattened and scaly tail. The coat banks, ditches, levees, dikes and wetlands. color ranges from dark brown to rust red on When “” populations get too large, the top; it is lighter on the sides and underneath. animals’ grazing on aquatic plants can cre- Adults weigh 2.4 to 3.6 pounds. The musk- ate eat-outs that cause their habitat to erode rat’s soft and velvety pelt, with glossy guard and became open water. Muskrats are a hairs, is valuable for coats and other cloth- popular dish for people in some parts of the ing. Because their gestation is only 24 to 34 country. In food markets, muskrats are sold days and they can breed again immediately as marsh rabbit, water squirrel, Chesapeake after giving birth, female muskrats have the terrapin or marsh hare. potential to produce a liter of three to nine

17 Bobcat rufus Tom J. Ulrich

bout twice the size of a domestic cat, low in unexploited populations. However, the bobcat is slightly smaller than they are susceptible to numerous diseases, Aa lynx and much smaller than a . such as rabies, and sometimes succumb These three animals are North America’s to injuries inflicted by their struggling or most common “wildcats,” with the bobcat escaping prey. Generally solitary, bobcats being the most widespread. Bobcat color- may range in an area up to 80 square miles, ation varies within and among regions from or as small as less than one square mile, light gray to reddish-brown. The coat is depending mostly on food availability. streaked and dotted with black that makes Active mostly at twilight, rather than being for a beautiful fur. Bobcats have retractable truly nocturnal, they feed primarily on cot- claws like most cats and, with powerful ton-tailed rabbits, snowshoe hares and jack- legs, are at home in trees and on the ground. rabbits, although small rodents also are an They occur or have been credibly reported important food source. White-tailed deer, in all 48 contiguous states, southern Canada especially fawns and carrion, provide food and parts of Mexico. They occupy a vari- in certain parts of the country. Most bobcat ety of habitat types, from forest to desert. populations are in reasonably good shape, Bobcats produce their young in early spring but much research is needed to assure the and generally have two species’ future amid pres- to four kittens per litter. sures from human devel- They have few predators opment. other than human, and adult mortality is very

18 Lynx Felis lynx Tom J. Ulrich

he is a close relative of the are bobcats. and , how- bobcat, but is not nearly as widespread. ever, have been known to kill lynx. These TIt is common in Alaska and Canada, and mid-sized American cats feed heavily on is found in a number of northern and snowshoe hares, with each lynx killing an high-mountain parts of the lower 48 states. average of two hares every three days. Yet, It is typically associated with expansive when hare populations fall, the lynx will boreal forestlands with deep winter snows switch to other prey, including mice, , and low temperatures. The lynx has a strik- red squirrels, and ptarmigan, ingly beautiful fur that makes it important which they typically catch by stalking or to the wild fur industry. Besides being ambush. Deer and caribou sometimes are somewhat larger than the bobcat, the lynx hunted. However, only high snowshoe has relatively long hind legs that make it hare populations can support high lynx appear stooped, and large furred feet that numbers. A lynx home range can be more allow it to travel easily on snow. It also than 90 square miles, especially when food has prominent, tufted ears. Lynx once is in short supply. Lynx habitat is diverse were thought to be rare, until researchers forest, with alternate stands of conifer for found them to be exceptionally reclusive cover and shrubby openings. Such habitat and difficult to observe. can be produced by irreg- Lynx have their young in ular patterns of logging or early summer, with four prescribed fire. The lynx or five kittens per litter. story ultimately will be They have no significant told by how well snow- predators other than shoe hare habitat and pop- humans and are much less ulations are maintained. susceptible to disease than

19 Gray Wolf lupus Tom J. Ulrich

ray wolves are the largest of wild dogs and subadults. Each pack generally produc- (canids), weighing 100 pounds or es but one litter of pups annually, and nor- Gmore. In North America, they once ranged mally by the dominant pair. The average from Mexico to the Arctic. However, litter size is six. Gray wolves communicate the Mexican wolf now is an endangered by posture, expression and sound. The species. And in the contiguous states, howl is the most commonly heard vocaliza- only , , tion. Wolves are carnivorous. They feed and have viable populations opportunistically, and different populations for gray wolves, also known as timber feed on different prey. They eat most wolves. Plans are underway to reestablish everything from hares to bison, including populations in and around Yellowstone coyotes and beavers. The deer family - and Glacier national parks and in northern deer, , caribou and - is among the . Alaska has a growing number of wolf’s most available food source. Hunting gray wolves, with an estimated population in packs, wolves are capable of bringing of more than 7,000. There is an even larger down healthy, mature, specimens. But population in Canada. Most gray wolves young, injured, or aged prey are favorite aren’t gray. Their fur color ranges from targets when food is abundant. Wolves are pure white to black, important economically in with mixtures of tan, Alaska and Canada, where brown, black and white prime pelts are in demand. in between. Most wolves Wolf restoration in the run in packs of fewer lower 48 states is contro- than a dozen animals. versial among farmers and Each pack has a strict ranchers because the ani- social structure headed mals are capable predators by a dominant male and of domestic livestock. female, followed by other mature males and females

20 Coyote Canis latrans Tom J. Ulrich

he Clever Coyote is how a noted biolo- out the entire U.S. and Mexico and most gist once correctly titled his book about of Canada. They even have been found Tthis most pervasive of North America’s wild in urban and suburban areas. There have canids. The word “coyote” means “barking been reliable sightings in such improb- dog,” and the animal’s night-time howl- able places as the Bronx of New York ing in open areas is distinct and common. City. They feed on a wide variety of plant Healthy adults weigh 21 to 37 pounds. foods, including , fruits and seeds. Their pelage has great color variation, from However, they dine primarily on rabbits, nearly pure gray to rufous. Coyote hair is hares ground-nesting birds and rodents, and banded. The fur is attractive and used as their numbers are controlled in large degree an insulated trim for people’s overcoats and by the availability of those prey species. jackets. As much as 90 percent of adult Coyotes will take an occasional deer, main- females and 70 percent of yearling females ly fawns. Minnesota research estimates that produce litters, with an average of six each coyote averages about one fawn per young. With its habit of dining on domestic year. Although the coyote’s impact on deer livestock and getting into other mischief populations remains unknown, researchers that irritates humans, the coyote has been have found that fawn survival rates increase one of the most perse- when coyote-control pro- cuted species. But more grams were implemented. than a century of trapping, Despite the real and imag- shooting and poisoning ined problems they cause this wily creature appears some ranchers, farmers to have served only to and others, coyotes remain make it smarter and more an important and respected adaptable. Coyotes have part of America’s natural extended their range east- make-up. ward in recent decades, and now occur through-

21 Red Fox vulpes Tom J. Ulrich

his member of the wild dog family is the red fox as a potential carrier of rabies. the most widely distributed carnivore But it is valued by those who chase fox with Tin the world. It weighs 6.5 to 15.5 pounds hounds or trap them for fur. Red fox gen- and is about 4 feet in length, which includes erally forage at night and rarely travel more a foot-long tail. The white tipped, bushy than six miles in search of voles, mice, tail aids in balance and helps keep the nose and rabbits that form much of their diet. warm when the red fox sleeps. Adults Red fox commonly are found in rolling typically have a deep yellow-red coat in farmlands. They are efficient scavengers cold-weather months, with black on the and readily eat garbage and carrion in many legs, ears and tail; summer pelage is light- parts of the world, especially in suburban er. The red fox’s slender muzzle, slanted areas. Neither will they turn down a meal eyes, pointed ears, tail and rufous coloration of fruits, berries and insects. And the eggs make for a picturesque animal. Breeding of ground-nesting birds often are a favorite takes place from December to March, and fare. In fact, the red fox can be a significant the mean litter size is five, born and raised predator of duck nests in the prai- in dens that may be used by a number of rie pothole region of the U.S. and Canada. generations. The red fox has a variety of Biologists have concluded that red fox pop- reputations, from pest to ulations around the world treasured sporting ani- seem secure, because the mal. It is disliked around animal’s adaptability off- farms, as a predator sets human inroads into its of small livestock and habitat and numbers. poultry. Many people in Canada and fear

22 Gray Fox cinereoargenteus Tom J. Ulrich

maller than the red fox and with shorter insects, fruits such as apples and grains such extremities and a salt-and-pepper coat, as corn. It is a nocturnal hunter. This taste Sthe gray fox is a member of the dog family for cultivated produce keeps the species but sometimes acts like a cat. When pur- in close proximity to humans. The ani- sued, they often scamper up leaning trees mals pair and breed from January to April, and sit tight to escape hounds or other dan- with an average of four pups born about ger such as coyotes. Thus, gray fox are not two months later. Gray fox are highly favorites of hunters who prefer the speed, susceptible to a host of diseases, ranging endurance and willingness to run of the from canine distemper to rabies. However, red fox. Gray fox are found from southern unlike the red fox, they are very resistant to Canada to northern South America. They infestation by mange and heartworm. Also, prefer small wooded areas with brush they are apparently are not as valued for fur understories and rock outcrops. The gray as are red and Arctic fox, since far fewer are fox is labeled an omnivorous carnivore trapped. And, gray fox are well adapted to because it not only eats small animals such human-dominated environments; thus they as rabbits and mice, but readily dines on occupy areas from wilderness to suburbs.

23 Arctic Fox Alopex lagopus Tom J. Ulrich

rctic foxes are larger than the red and solitary animals except during the breed- gray foxes of more southern climes. ing and pup-rearing seasons. Litter sizes AThey are finely adapted animals with long, vary widely from area to area and from dense winter fur and short legs, ears and season to season, but with a mean of about muzzle, all of which helps them withstand 6.3. Coastal populations generally average the bitter cold of the circumpolar Arctic 3 to 6; inland populations average 6 to habitat. The Arctic fox lives in all Arctic 9. Arctic fox shed during spring and take tundra regions of the world, including on a bedraggled, multicolored look that Alaska and Canada. They come in two blends well with the rocks, earth and snow colors, white and blue, both of which are patches of summer. Their thick winter prized furs. The “blue” phase actually is pelage returns in autumn, giving these fox slate gray. Arctic fox live and reproduce in a plump appearance. In , this fox elaborate den systems normally dug under is considered a pest because of its taste for rock outcrops and with numerous entrances. domestic lambs. In most places, however, it As a predator and scavenger, Arctic fox is a valuable resource. Biologists estimate prey on animals as small as lemmings and that something more than 100,000 Arctic as large as waterfowl. fox are trapped each year, But they also scavenge providing much-needed on anything available, economic opportunities in including handouts from the Far North. humans. Arctic fox are

24 Raccoon lotor Tom J. Ulrich

he raccoon is thought of as a bandit range whenever there is ready access to not just because it raids poultry houses, fresh or salt water. They will den in the Tmelon patches, cornfields, vineyards and ground, under piles of rubbish, brush, farm garbage cans, but because it looks and acts outbuildings and even in attics - a habit like a burglar. are stealthy, night- that causes them to be regarded as pests by time prowlers and “wear” a black mask. many people. Female raccoons typically Though catlike because they are capable have one litter per year, usually with two to climbers, raccoons are closely related to five young per litter. Raccoons are omnivo- canids (coyotes, fox, wolves and dogs). rous, meaning that they eat almost anything, The raccoon has a stocky body, broad head, including carrion, garbage, small animals, pointed snout and a bushy tail that features fruit, grains, nuts, birds, and alligator four to seven dark rings. Adults gener- eggs, snakes, insects, aquatic life and plant ally weigh from 8 to 20 pounds, depend- materials. Raccoons are very important to ing mostly on diet. The raccoon exists the wild fur industry; they are popular game throughout North America, and its numbers animals; and some - though not many - are have increased significantly since the mid- utilized for food. Though susceptible to 1940s. There reportedly are 15 to 30 times various diseases, such as rabies and distem- more raccoons in North per, raccoons generally America now than 50 to persevere, rebound and 60 years ago. The ani- thrive. The raccoon is one mals have extended their of the most adaptable and range northward into cen- widespread native animals tral Canada. Raccoons in North America. occur throughout their

25 Wolverine Gulo gulo Tom J. Ulrich

he wolverine resembles a small , and tundra of the Far North. Highly terri- but it actually is the largest member of torial, these animals travel mainly at night, Tthe weasel family. These generally solitary in home ranges up to 250 square miles. animals are noted for their ill temper and They are scavengers as well as effective gluttony. This earned them the colloqui- predators, and can defend their finds of al name “devil bear.” Other predators, kills from larger predators. They also will including wolves and bears, are not inclined cache surplus food. One cache under ice to tangle with wolverines. Wolverine fur, and snow was found to contain 20 fox and blackish-brown with lighter stripes and 100 ptarmigan. Wolverine populations are spots, is unique in that the guard hairs do naturally of low density and occur in some not collect ice crystals as do those of other of North America’s least accessible areas. furbearers. Consequently, wolverine fur Therefore, they are difficult to study, which is prized as trim for parka hoods. With accounts for a serious lack of management other fur, a person’s breath collects as ice information on the species. After suffering crystals and mats on the trim, whereas any from overtrapping during the late 1800s ice crystals on wolverine trim may simply and early 1900s, the wolverine is making a be brushed away. Adult males may weigh comeback in the western states, but it still is up to 60 pounds, but uncommon except in parts around 30 pounds is the of Alaska and Canada norm. Wolverines pro- Public land set asides in duce young in late winter wilderness, parks and through early spring, other development-free and generally have two areas have benefitted wol- or three kits per litter. verines considerably. They live primarily in alpine and boreal forests

26 Badger Taxidea taxus Tom & Pat Leeson

adgers are the excavators of the weasel than a person with a shovel. Ground squir- family. They have the pointed face rels, pocket gophers and voles are import- Band rounded ears of all weasels, but unlike ant prey for badgers, which also consume the others, they have short tails, short, stout vegetable matter, insects, birds and reptiles legs, and very flat bodies. Badgers’ pelage opportunistically. Badgers are distributed varies in color form yellowish-brown to in treeless habitats across the western and gray on top, and from light cream to buff north central U.S., southern Canada and underneath. Their feet are black to dark into central Mexico. Young badgers, born brown. The face is white, with black tri- in litters of one to four, are preyed upon by angles in front of the ears. A white stripe golden eagles, coyotes and domestic dogs runs along the animal’s top from the nose when they exit their burrows. The adults to the base of the tail. Adult males usually are solitary animals for the most part, and are in the range of 24 to 30 inches long ornery enough to defend against most pred- and weigh 14 to 19 pounds; adult females ators. Badger fur is popular as trim and as are somewhat smaller. The badger’s long “pointing” on other pelts. It also is used for and powerful recurved foreclaws and short artist’s brushes, paint brushes and shaving shovellike hind claws are magnificent brushes. There is a serious lack of scientific digging tools, to fashion information on badger dens and to burrow after ecology, which leaves the ground-dwelling rodents animal’s future prospects that are its favorite food. unknown. Badgers are noted for being able to dig faster

27 Marten Martes americana Tom J. Ulrich

artens are members of the weasel agile, the marten is an adept hunter that family. They are about the size of burrows under snow to hunt on the trails Ma house cat, but with a bushy tail and a of small mammals. Otherwise solitary, pointed face. The usual color, when the fur marten breed during the summer months but is prime, is a golden yellow, with darker implantation is delayed until winter, when legs and an orange or yellow throat patch. an active pregnancy of 27 days leads to the The average weight of the adult is from 1 birth of three or four young. The major to 2 pounds. Actually, the marten is more threat to is clear-cutting large areas agile than a cat in the trees, with semi-re- of mature forest that are left void of residual tractable claws and hind limbs capable of stands in which the animals can survive. rotating so the animal can descend a tree Like mink, which are smaller members of head first. Vertical “eyebrows” give the the weasel family, martens are now raised marten a quizzical look, and fur on the soles on fur farms, which reduces trapping pres- of its paws permit swift passage over snow sure on wild populations. Where adequate and ice. Martens are found throughout habitat exists, martens have increased in Canada, extreme northern parts of the U.S. numbers during recent years. However, and high-mountain regions of the western decline in stands of mature forests would U.S. They prefer mature lead to an inevitable drop conifer or mixed forests. in marten populations. Their foods include small mammals, birds, insects and fruits, with mice the usual staple. Quick and

28 Fisher Martes pennanti Tom J. Ulrich

he fisher is a typically shaped member throughout their range in recent decades, of the weasel family, which means as state and provincial wildlife agencies Tit has a long slender body, short legs and capture and release animals into unoccupied furred tail that is about one-third of its total habitat. The animals breed in spring and body length. Its fur is darker than that of give birth about a year later, after a 10 to other members of the weasel family and 11 month delayed implantation. There are has a grizzled appearance on the head and about three young in each litter. Because shoulders, caused by tricolor guard hairs. of its size and agility, the fisher is preyed Weighing 5 to 15 pounds, the adult fisher upon almost exclusively by humans. They is larger than a marten and smaller than a prefer to live in mixed forests with a diver- wolverine, but is no slouch as a predator. sity of tree species and ages. Intensive It forages for and attacks its prey, includ- logging or wildfire will cause fishers to ing martens, and hares. It also abandon an area, but they return as the new feeds on carrion, and also consumes birds, forest matures. Less intensive logging and eggs, insects, amphibians, reptiles, fruits prescribed burning have been known to and nuts. Fishers range across the arboreal improve areas for fishers by increasing the forest of Canada and in , the density of prey species. With restoration Great Lake states and the efforts and improved man- mountainous West. West agement, the fisher has Virginia and Maryland been restored to most of its also have restored popu- historic range, and its num- lations. Fisher numbers bers now are the highest have been growing ever estimated.

29 River Otter canadensis Jan L. Wassink

tters are aquatic members of the ductive cycle involves delayed implantation, weasel family. They are curious and as with other weasels. Females generally Oplayful, which labels them as the “clowns” move to a small tributary stream to have among furbearers. Their long, streamlined their young in rock cavities, stump holes, body and short, powerful legs allow their bank dens, and even abandoned beaver webbed feet to propel them through water lodges. They produce from one to six pups, at speeds sufficient to catch fish and other which are prey for bald eagles and even aquatic prey. The river otter has highly killer . River otter populations are developed senses of touch and hearing, but densest in undisturbed and food-rich coastal is nearsighted - a benefit only for underwa- areas, including estuaries, stream deltas and ter vision. Its dense fur is waterproof and coastal marshes. But they also live in high highly prized for apparel. They can weigh mountain elevations along stream courses. more than 30 pounds at maturity. River The river otter’s basic food is fish. Yet, it lived in most North American aquatic eats a variety of aquatic life such as cray- areas historically, except the frozen Arctic fish and other fare such as , snakes and arid Southwest. Overexploitation in and small mammals. Biologists report that colonial times eliminated the animal from the river otter’s future never looked better, many areas of the coun- if water quality, wetland try, but restoration efforts enhancement and riparian are reintroducing otters protection continue to to much of their former improve. range. The otter’s repro-

30 Mink Mustela vison Tom J. Ulrich

hough generally solitary and unsociable, and marshes. The primary foods for mink the mink is the most widespread mem- are rabbits, hares and small rodents. Other Tber of the weasel family in Canada and the food items include fish and other aquatic United States. It has the reputation of being animals. Nesting waterfowl also are killed bloodthirsty, and not without cause. Mink by mink. These mostly nocturnal animals have been known to create grisly scenes in forage over wide areas. Trappers have farmers’ chicken houses. They are small, learned that mink may be here today and weighing from 2 to 3.5 pounds. Their gone tomorrow, sometimes absent for a dark brown fur, with a few white spots, is week or two. Biologists report that mink very lustrous and among the most prized populations generally are secure throughout for coats and trim. Breeding among mink the species’ range. Of 15 subspecies in is more of a vicious fight than anything North America, only the Everglades mink is else. Scars on the females’ necks indicate considered threatened, and scientists think previous breeding. Mink kits are born in that this may be due to a lack of knowledge late spring, in litters of up to eight animals. about this subspecies rather than abnormally Though they grow up to be efficient pred- low populations. The high reproductive rate ators themselves, they are preyed on early and varied diet of mink are buffers against and late in life by such problems experienced by larger animals as coyotes local populations. and bobcats. Mink use a variety of wetland habitat, including streams, lakes

31 Long-tailed & Short-tailed Weasels Mustela frenata and M. erminea Long - tailed – Summer Pelt Dwight Kuhn

hese two species are similar. Both have 4,500 feet. However, they avoid dense brilliantly white winter fur, or “ermine,” forests and . Long-tails are the most Tthat is prized for coats. Both species have widely distributed North American weasel. long, slender bodies and small rounded ears They range throughout southern Canada and characteristic of all weasels. Their summer most of the U.S. and Mexico, and occupy fur is a brown or a mixture of brown and virtually all habitat types, from subalpine to white. But always, their tails are tipped in tropical, excluding deserts. Short-tail and black. The short-tails’ body length ranges long-tail females produce one litter a year from 8.9 to 13.1 inches for males and 7.5 to with litter size averaging six to nine young. 11.4 inches for females, with the tail being Both species are active year around and do about 30 to 45 percent of the head and body not hibernate. And except during the mat- length. Adult male long-tails average 11.8 ing season, they are fairly solitary. Short- to 13.8 inches in length, with the tail being tailed and long-tailed weasels are efficient at least 40 to 70 percent of total length. carnivores. They are noted for entering tun- Short-tails live throughout the polar region. nels, burrows and nests in search of small In North America, they range from the mammals, particularly rodents, which rep- Arctic south to California, Nevada, New resent 50 to 80 percent of their food supply. Mexico and They also eat fish, birds, in the West. They also bird eggs, amphibians and occur throughout most insects. They have been of Canada, in the Great known to live up to six Lakes states and as far years in the wild, but their south as Maryland in average life span is short- the East. They inhabit er, since many are killed boreal habitats that may by other predators, such as include agricultural land, owls, snakes, hawks, foxes woodlands, meadows and and even domestic cats. mountains up to about

32 Mustela nivalis Short - tailed – Winter Pelt Jan L. Wassink

he least weasel is circumpolar. It is or circuit, and will burrow under snow to found in North America from Alaska, hunt. Like all weasels, the least weasel’s Tacross most of Canada and into Montana, traveling gait is a slow gallop or series of across the Midwest in to the Appalachians leaps, and at a rate of about 5.6 miles per as far south a . It lives in hour. Its home range is about 35 acres, marshes, meadows, cultivated fields, brush less than that of other weasels, but the least and open woods. Smaller than short-tailed weasel is more territorial. The female least and long-tailed weasels, the least weasel weasel can produce up to three litters of is less than 9.8 inches in length, with a young annually, with three to six per litter. tail less than 25 percent of head and body Young attain adult size and self-sufficiency length. It also lacks the black-tipped tail in only four to five weeks. Males, which of the short-tail and long-tail. Typically are twice as large as females, are known to chocolate brown with white underparts in attack trespassing females during periods summer, its winter pelage is nearly white. of food shortages. Least weasels take prey Least weasels have the unique characteristic similar to that of other weasels. They are of their fur being florescent under ultravio- preyed on by the same predators that harass let light; it actually appears lavender, while other weasels, except that the least weasel that of other weasels sometimes serves as food remains a dull brown. for the long-tail. Least Active both night and weasels were prized by day, least weasels spend some Native Americans much of their time year- for decoration. That isn’t round hunting and seek- necessarily true for mod- ing mates. They do not ern trappers, since the fur hibernate. Like short-tails of this weasel has almost and long-tails, the least no commercial value. weasel typically travels a repeated foraging route

33 mephitis Tom J. Ulrich

he striped skunk is the most abundant U.S. and Canada, striped are said and widespread of North America’s to be a major cause of waterfowl nesting Tfour skunk species. The others are the spot- failure that can reach 100 percent in some ted, hooded and hog-nosed skunks. About areas. The skunk’s habitat and food habits the size of a house cat, with a triangular frequently put it in contact with people and head, bulbous nose pad and beady black domestic dogs. The interaction is further eyes, the striped skunk has a lustrous black opportuned by the striped skunk’s mediocre and white-striped or starred coat. There are senses of sight and hearing. When startled many variations of stripes. Normally doc- or threatened, it will turn, raise its tail and ile, but unsociable, these skunks usually are emit a noxious musk that is neither soon nocturnal. Found throughout the lower 48 discarded nor forgotten by those sprayed. United States, most of Canada and northern Striped skunks are polygamous. The nor- Mexico, the striped skunk is acclimated to a mally breed once a year and average litter wide range of habitats, but seems to prefer size is five to seven kits. Striped skunks edge cover in grasslands, wooded ravines, are susceptible to a number of serious dis- woodlots, ditches, marshes, croplands and eases, and a surprising variety of carnivore farmsteads, where conditions are right for predators take these skunks. But the fore- den cavities or shelters. most predator is humans, Being omnivores, they through trapping, vehicular eat an extraordinary collision, contact with farm variety of food, including machinery and pesticide rodents, birds, insects, use. Chiefly because of fruit, grasses, grains, their preying on mice and amphibians, carrion insects injurious to farm and garbage. Striped crops, the striped skunk skunks relish the eggs of can be considered a valu- ground-nesting birds. In able animal. the prairie pothole “duck factory” region of the 34 Didelphis virginiana Tom J. Ulrich

he Virginia opossum is not all that it seems nearly incapable of recognizing dan- is credited to be. Foremost, it is not a gerous places, such as highways. But some- T“possum,” which is an Australian marsu- how have survived and thrived. pial. The Virginia opossum is a marsupial They prefer deciduous woodlands in asso- however, meaning that it is a mammal that ciation with waterways, but are found in an has premature young and carries and nurses array of agricultural, suburban, grassland them in a belly pouch. Females sometimes and forested habitats. They have adapted produce two litters annually. Litter sizes extremely well to diverse landscapes created vary widely, but a mean of about eight is by human activity. In fact, they continue to accepted. Newborns weight less than 0.005 extend their northward into colder ounce; and, when reaching adulthood, will regions where freezing winter temperatures weigh 10 pounds or more. With a render some of them tailless. A solitary smaller than other mammals its size, the wanderer without a defined territory, the opossum apparently is less intelligent, opossum will eat just about anything that it resulting in unique behavior and reactions. can catch or find, including invertebrates, When threatened, for example, the opossum small mammals, fruits and carrion. often gapes and hisses and then plays dead or “possum.” And it

35 0416

Top View