Red Wolf (Canis rufus)

(Photo by: Earth First!)

The Red Wolf (Canis rufus)

By 1970, this canid was driven to the brink of extinction, and it was at this time, that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service gathered the last 14 red wolves remaining in the southeastern United States. These 14 individuals made it possible for Canis rufus to become the first species to be reintroduced after being declared virtually extinct in the wild. Though the reintroduction was considered a great success, the red wolf is considered critically endangered today, with only 75-100 individuals remaining in North Carolina. 

The red wolf is smaller than a gray wolf (Canis lupus) but a bit larger than the coyote (Canis latrans), weighing in on average at about 45-80 lbs. Red wolves are technically carnivores, but they are able to survive on a variety of prey/food items. Berries, insects, smaller mammals such as raccoon, rodents, and even mid sized ungulates like white tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are all on the menu for these canids. 

The historical range of Canis rufus extended from Texas to as far north as Pennsylvania. As mentioned above, only a small population of red wolves can now be found in North Carolina. Typically, red wolves prefer forested areas, prairies, or even swamps. 

Red wolves are primarily nocturnal are able to communicate with the rest of the pack using facial expressions, body postures, and vocalizations (howling, yipping, etc.). They are able thrive as solitary predators, but like other canids, they will also hunt in packs. Typically, the size of the pack and/or litter size is dependent on prey availability. 

Links: 

Red Wolf

Red Wolf - basic facts

Red Wolf Recovery Program

American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)

                                                (Photo by: Daufuskie Island Conservancy)

The American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) 

Found mostly in areas of the Southern United States, including Florida, North and South Carolina, and Texas, the American Alligator acts as a powerful apex predator within marshlands, rivers, and lakes. These creatures are ectothermic and "cold-blooded". They are unable to regulate their own body temperature, and are forced to rely on the warm temperatures of their surrounding environments. Like other lizard-like ectotherms, A. mississippiensis will typically bask in sunlight during the day in order to maintain a body temperature of about 80-90ºF (27-32°C).

The American Alligator is considered a "living dinosaur" in some respects, because of its archaic origin. The crocodilian body plan has existed for over 180 million years. This alligator typically weighs in at about 1000 lbs (453 kg), with a total body length of about 10-15 ft (3-4.6 m).These large creatures are also exceptionally talented swimmers, and spend a great portion of time within water.

Alligators often mate in early May during the nighttime hours in shallow waters. Females lay around 30-50 eggs, and place the eggs in nests made of vegetation. After hatching, young alligators are at high risk for predation by surrounding predators such as birds, raccoon, or other alligators. Because of this, they must remain with their mothers for about two years. 


The American Alligator's diet has a tendency to change as the animal ages. Young Alligators, or hatchlings, typically feed on small insects and fish, a variety of crustaceans, and snails. As they reach maturity, A. mississippiensis will feed on turtles, snakes, fish, carrion, and a number of small mammals. On rare occasions, American Alligators have been known to prey upon ungulates such as deer and domestic pets. Attacks upon mindful humans are exceedingly rare. As apex predators, American Alligators maintain the biodiversity of a given habitat. 

Coyote (Canis latrans)

Got some cool shots of a local Coyote on our trail camera!

Parkersburg, West Virginia December 17, 2015, 1:57 am

The Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos horribilis)

http://www.bearsoftheworld.net/brown_bears.as

http://www.bearsoftheworld.net/brown_bears.asp

The Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos horribilis)

Native to North America, the grizzly bear is found throughout Canada and much of the western United States.These bears typically prefer secluded forests and mountainous terrain, both which provide opportunity for escape if need be, as well as protection from humans.

As omnivores, Grizzly bears maintain diets rich with a variety of food sources.  They often eat nuts, berries, leaves, roots, and even Cutworm moths (Felita jaculifera). Rodents, and meso-predators are also on the menu for these apex predators. During spring, the bears tend to prey upon the calves of various ungulate species, as well as the adults.

Weighing in at an average of about 800-900 lbs (363-408 kg) U. a. horribilis is one of the largest species of bear on earth. These bears also reach a height of 5 to 8 ft (1.5 - 2.5 m). Grizzly bears have concave or dish-shaped faces, along with brownish wrinkled foot pads. Their claws are long and curved and they are used to dig dens or obtain roots and plant bulbs hidden deep in the ground. Grizzlies also have a distinctive shoulder hump consisting of muscle. This mass enables them to both dig and deliver a killing blow to their prey. U. a. horribilis also exhibits a variety of fur colors, including blondes, browns, and blacks.

At ~25 years, U. a. horribilis exhibits an impressive life span in the wild as a mainly solitary animal. With the exception of a mother grizzly and her young cubs, these bears congregate rather infrequently. Grizzly bears are usually most active during the morning and evening, but will increase activity throughout the day as the fall and winter months approach. This ensures that they receive the nourishment required in order to hibernate successfully. Hibernation refers to a state of inactivity and metabolic depression. This process is exclusive to endotherms, or organisms that heat themselves via internal processes rather than relying on outside sources of heat. These top predators often choose hillsides as ideal den locations during hibernation.

 This subspecies of brown bear is currently listed as threatened due to habitat loss and poaching.

Helpful resources:
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/grizzly-bear/
http://www.bear.org/website/bear-pages/brown-or-grizzly-bear/68-brown-grizzly-bear-facts.html

African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus)

I was so happy when our friend's Africa Grey finally accepted me!

In the field...

Resident tortoise at Marietta College!