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!

Mountain Lion (Puma concolor)

Mountain Lion (Puma concolor)

Commonly known as the Mountain Lion, Puma, or Cougar, Puma concolor is a large and powerful cat native to the Americas (North, Central, and South). This highly adaptable predator can be found in a wide variety of habitats including tropical jungles, alpine forests, and desert plains. In these given habitats, mountain lions often make use of the terrain during hunting sessions. Outcroppings of rock, boulders, and steep passages often aid these cats in their stalk-ambush approach to hunting. 

Puma concolor  is considered to be a large, apex predator weighing in at about 136 lbs (62kg). Their total body length (from head to base of tail) ranges from about 3.25 - 5.25 ft. (1 to 1.6 m), with their tails reaching about 23.5 to 33.5 in (60 to 85 cm) in length. 

Mountain Lions rely heavily on deer and other ungulates as a food source, but they will also eat meso-predators such as coyotes or raccoon. As mentioned above, Puma concolor is a stalking predator. These solitary hunters prefer to hunt at night or during the early morning hours. Mountain Lions typically ambush their prey, inflicting a fatal bite to the back of the prey's neck. The Cougar's canines pierce into the flesh at the base of the skull, wedging between the vertebrae and forcing them apart.  This, in turn, severs the prey's spinal cord. After a successful kill, Puma concolor typically remain near the location where the prey was killed, returning to both feed upon the carcass and protect it from scavengers. 

Like many large predators,  Mountain Lions are now considered endangered in their native range. Due to over-hunting and habitat loss, about 30,000 remain in the wild today. 

Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo cuvier)

Wikipedia

Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo cuvier)

Tiger Sharks are found in the warm waters of tropical and temperate regions, spending most of their time within murky coastal waters in search of available food sources. It has been noted that young Tiger Sharks tend to feed on various species of fish as well as sea snakes, but as they grow are more likely to feed on sea birds, Dugongs (Dugong dugon), and even sea turtles  (Chelonioidea). Though lethal shark attacks are rare, Tiger Sharks are regarded as the most dangerous shark species to humans, because they hold the highest percentage of lethal attacks to humans compared to any other shark. This is mainly do to the fact that they often congregate in shallow waters and harbors, and typically attack once bumped or threatened. 

Galeocerda cuvier is the largest known shark species, growing up to 20-25 feet (6 to 7.5 meters) in length with an average weight of about 1,900 lbs (900 kg). These sharks have blunt noses, and during their youth, are covered in dark vertical stripes. As they mature, these stripes typically fade. 

Tiger Sharks are harvested for their fins, skin, and livers (which contain high amounts of Vitamin A used for the manufacturing of vitamin oil). These sharks also have low population rates. Both of these factors have unfortunately contributed to a decline in Tiger Shark numbers. They are now listed as near-threatened throughout the world. 

The Spotted Bat (Euderma maculatum)

http://www.animalspot.net/spotted-bat.html

The spotted bat is common throughout the western United States, central Mexico, and southern British Columbia. This bat is rather elusive, and can be downright impossible to locate in the wild. They roost in the narrow crevices of cliff faces or canyon walls, within remote arid regions. Often very shy, spotted bats do no typically come into contact with humans.

Euderma maculatum is also an insectivorous bat. While they prefer to primarily feed on moths, these bats eat a variety of insects

Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus mactans)

Photo by: Nick Brandley

Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus mactans)

Black Widow Spiders are found throughout the Western Hemisphere, preferring dimly lit areas such as garages, barns, hollow stumps, and dense vegetation. During the winter, these spiders typically reside in dry, sheltered areas such as warehouses and buildings. 

Black Widow Spiders feed on insects such as flies or moths, but they will also prey upon other spiders. 

Latrodectus mactans tend to be around .5 inches (12.7mm) long and 1.5 (38.1mm) when their legs are fully extended. Compared to females, males are fairly small and dully colored. Both sexes typically have brownish/black abdomens though most females have a reddish hour-glass shape on the underside of their abdomens. 

Though they get a bad rep, Black Widow Spiders are somewhat
“shy” and typically docile. It is rather difficult for these spiders to physically bite, and while their bites require medical attention, young children and elderly individuals are at the highest risk of death. 

Black Rat Snake (Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta) West Virginia, USA

Photo by Maggie Bordas (Me!)

Black Rat Snakes are common throughout the Eastern US. These snakes are often rather broad, and can reach up to 6 ft (72 inches) or so in length. Their habitats range from woodlands and thickets to farmlands or field edges. Previous research has shown that they may be slightly venomous, but do not pose a threat to humans.

This picture was taken over the summer. I gave this guy/girl ample space so as not to cause harm or disturbance.

Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus)

Photo by Roger Barbour (http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/big_brown_bat.htm)

Big Brown Bats are common throughout the Southern Canada, temperate North America, and even South and Central America. These bats prefer forested regions, and are exceptionally tolerant of lower temperatures. This allows them to hibernate in less substantial structures such as barns or churches, while some bats require shelter in highly insulated environments during hibernation. 

Eptesicus fuscus is an insectivorous bat, primarily feeding on beetles, moths, flies, and wasps (just to name a few). While scientists cannot pinpoint a specific number, it is estimated that Big Brown bats are capable of consuming about 1.4 grams to 2.7 grams per hour. 

Big Brown Bats are currently at risk of contracting the deadly fungus,Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), also known as White-Nose Syndrome. This fungus thrives in cold environments where bats tend to hibernate, and is responsible for over 5.7 million bat deaths since 2012. 

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Sources: 

Mulheisen M, Berry K, Myers P. 2000.  “Eptesicus fuscus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. 

African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus)

African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus)

The African Wild Dog, also referred to as the African Hunting Dog or African Painted Dog, is a wild canid confined to portions of east and south Africa as well as Tanzania and Mozambique where they roam the deserts, savanna, and plains. They are medium sized dogs with weights ranging from 18-34 kg (~40-75 lbs) and a total body length of about 0.85-1,41 m (~3-5 ft). African Wild Dogs have short uniquely colored coats characterized by yellow, black, grey, and white blotches. Their ears are also exceptionally large and rounded. It is suspected that these large ears help with cooling in warm climates, and aid in recognizing far off vocal signals by pack mates.

As highly social animals, African Wild Dogs typically form packs with around 10-30 individuals. Like wolves (Canis lupus) and other pack animals, African Wild Dogs maintain a strict, ranked social system within the pack (Omega -> Alpha). These canids are considered to be both carnivorous and opportunistic predators. They prefer larger animals such as warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus) and antelope (Antilopinae sp.). Though, like many opportunistic predators, African Wild Dogs will also supplement their diets with rodents, insects, and birds. Though African Wild Dogs do not have many natural predators, animals such as Lions (Panthera leo) and Hyenas (Hyaenidae) have been known to prey upon Lycaon pictus.

Only the alpha pair breed in an African Wild Dog pack. Females can often go into heat at any during the year, and pups are born year round. Litter sizes are usually consist of about 12 pups. After about 12- 14 months, pups typically become independent, and are able to separate from the care of their parents at this time.

The true threats African Wild Dogs face today are habitat loss, over-hunting by humans and diseases such as rabies and distemper. They are currently listed as an endangered species, with only ~3,000-5,500 remaining in the wild.

Helpful Resources: 

http://www.arkive.org/african-wild-dog/lycaon-pictus/

http://a-z-animals.com/animals/african-wild-dog/

http://www.wildafrica.cz/en/animal/african-wild-dog/

Coyote (Canis latrans)

http://www.stpete.org/emergency/living_with_wildlife/coyote.php

Coyote (Canis latrans)

Native to North America, coyotes are often found roaming through mountains, forests, plains, and deserts. Though, the coyote’s stunning adaptability combined with its loss of wild habitat, has caused this canid to take residence in urban communities across the United States. Coyotes are considered to be mesopredators, though many researchers believe them to be omnivores or generalists. They feed primarily on rodents, small animals such as rabbits, feral cats, and the fawns of various ungulate species. Coyotes also enjoy consuming vegetation, fruit, and insects. Though, as they have continued to move into more urban habitats, coyotes have developed a taste for discarded food and, at times, domestic pets. 

Often and unfortunately mistaken for wolves (Canis lupus), Canis latrans typically have light colored coats that can be a mix of tans, greys, and blacks. Coyotes have erect and pointed ears. Their heads are rather long and their snouts are also distinctly pointed. Adult coyotes have a similar build to medium sized domestic dogs with weights ranging from about 25 to 45 lbs (11 to 20kg). 

Known as America’s “Song Dogs”, coyotes produce a wide range of vocalizations. From short yips and barks to high pitched howls and calls, the coyote’s method of communication is something of magnificence. These canids are often solitary hunters, but have been known to hunt as small units. Similar to wolves and other canid species, coyotes form powerful family bonds, with both parents fiercely protecting their young and territories. 

Coyotes are typically considered to be dangerous and intolerable pests throughout many communities. Unfortunately, they have been long relentlessly misunderstood and feared by humans. In most regions within the United States, it is legal to harvest coyotes year around, and they are often the main trophy in wildlife killing contests. 

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Sources: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/wolf/identify.html

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/coyote/