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.