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

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. 

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/