PA Mammalian Predators

Eastern CoyoteAKA brush wolf, prairie wolf, coy-dog

Largest wild canine in PADuring wolf bounties of 1800’s, many were turned in by mistake

By 1990 populations had rebounded

Eastern Coyote: Identification Larger than Western Coyote: may be due

to hybridization with wolves Males: 45-55 lbs. Females: 35 to 40 pounds Many different coat colors and patterns:

tri-color (German shepherd-like), red, blonde and dark brown (appears black at a distance)

IDENTIFICATION Tri-color

RED

Black Phase

BLONDE PHASE

Eastern Coyote: Diet Generalist: small mice, voles, deer,

rabbits, wood chuck, birds, plant matter Sometimes prey on domestic animals

(sheep, chickens, ducks, dogs, cats)

Eastern Coyote: General Biology Monogamous, but not for life

May hunt alone or with family group, not a true pack animal like the wolf

Nocturnal Smell and hearing are keen; very alert Prefer heavy brush, edges PA population estimated at 40,000

PA Game Commission Bag LimitsCOYOTES: No closed season.

Unlimited. Outside of any big game season (deer, bear, elk and turkey), coyotes may be taken with a hunting license or a furtaker license, and without wearing orange. During any big game season, coyotes may be taken while lawfully hunting big game or with a furtakers license.

Owl In an SUV grillhttp://www.cnn.com/video/?hpt=hp_c3#/video/us/2013/02/11/dnt-owl-trapped-in-suv.wsvn

Mustelid Family Predators Examples: Mink, Otter, Fisher, Weasels Others not in PA: Ferret, Badger,

Wolverine

LEAST WEASEL

OTTER

MINK

FISHER

WEASELSMustelid familyStrong musk odorFound worldwide except Antarctica 3 species in PA: ermine, long-tailed

weasel, least weaselLong, slim bodies, short legs, 5

clawed toes

WEASELS ERMINE

WEASELS Least Weasel

WEASELS Long tailed Weasel

WEASELS: Diet Consummate Predators: kill and consume

wide varieties of prey (including animals larger than themselves)

Mice, voles, rats, shrews, snakes, birds, insects

Very fast metabolism for size: eat 1/3 body weight every 24 hrs.

Keen smell, sight, hearing

WEASELS: Biology Aggressive and quick Secretive and wary=difficult to study in nature Delayed implantation:

Mate in summer/fall Fertilized egg implants in uterus in spring WHY???

1.Assures litters arrive when prey is abundant 2.Does not restrict mating to a short period

FISHER Size of a house cat 12lbs.-30 lbs. Males 2 times heavier than females Appear black from a distance, really cream

underneath; tri-colored hair

FISHER: Habitat Climb trees very well: den in holes in the

trees, rest in nests, pursue prey Continuous forest areas

FISHER: Biology Low population densities and large home

ranges: 30 square miles Nocturnal Produce 1 litter per year: 2 or 3 cubs Born and raised in a tree cavity Solitary and opportunistic predators: Snowshoe hare and porcupine RARELY EAT FISH!!

FISHER: Population Widely distributed prior to 1800’s Timber cutting and unregulated trapping

almost eliminated by 1900’s Reintroduced to Catskills, WV, PA 1994 PSU and Game Commission released

in Allegheny National Forest

BOBCAT 36” long with a 6” tail 15-35 lbs. Grey brown fur, dark spots and bars Neck and belly white Ruff of fur on ears

Bobcat: Habitat

Mountains, deep forest, swamp Very elusive, prefer to stay away from

people Most common in North Central PA In 2000 estimated pop. was 3500 adults Very restricted hunting/trapping season

PA Game Commission Bag LimitsBOBCAT (WMUs 2A, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4C, 4D and 4E): Jan. 15-Feb. 5. One bobcat per license year, but all licensed furtakers may obtain one permit.

Bobcat Eye Adaptation Nocturnal Pupils: slit shaped,open wide

Bobcat: Diet Mice, wood rat, shrew, squirrel, chipmunk,

bird, rabbit, hare, porcupine, mink, muskrat, fish, frog

Sick/injured deer: cover and save carcass

Bobcat: Breeding Males can travel up to 20 miles in a single

night to find a female Males play no part in raising young Females guard litter; young often killed by

males, owls, foxes Mature bobcat has few enemies except

man

Bobcat: Hunting Adaptations Sharp sight, smell and especially hearing 4 large canines: pierce and hold 5 retractable, hooked claws on front 4 on rear

Bobcat: Retractable Claws

Red Fox: Appearance

Gray Fox: Appearance

Red Fox And Gray Fox Canidae family (coyote, wolf, domestic

dog, fox) Gray only member of Canidae to climb trees

Red Fox and Gray: Biology Males: “dogs” Females: “vixen” Young are born in dens underground Both parents care for young Do not hibernate but will use bushy tail to

conserve heat in severe weather

Red Fox and Gray: Biology Swift runners, can swim Nocturnal Opportunistic predators: mice, rabbits,

woodchucks, opossum, cats, chickens, squirrels, fruits, grasses

Bury uneaten food in ground

Habitat Red: prefers rolling farmland, woods,

marshes and streams Gray: heavy woods, rugged, mountains

Exit Ticket…..To leave this room you must answer these questions….1. List one surprising new idea you learned

about mammalian predators.2. Name 2 weasels found in PA.3. See #2.4. What is the common characteristic

shared by the Mustelid family?5. Name 2 adaptations that help the canines

locate prey.