Moose (Alces alces) are the least social members of the deer family in North America. They are often described as “solitary”, except for groups associated with reproduction: mothers with calves, and gatherings during the rut. However, moose sometimes form other … Continue reading →
Though the bobcat (Lynx rufus) is common and widespread, it is usually shy and secretive so you are more likely to see its foot prints than the animal itself. Bobcat tracks and trail patterns (also called track patterns) are similar … Continue reading →
At least in the northern portion of its range, the North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) uses dens in winter for protection from wind and weather. They choose spots near good feeding trees, but they are flexible in terms of den … Continue reading →
Prairie dogs (Cynomys species) are diurnal, burrowing rodents that eat mostly grasses and small seeds and live in “towns” of multiple family groups. While some scientists quibble about the designation of prairie dogs as keystone species, the argument hinges on … Continue reading →
A moose rut pit is a several foot long section of earth, often mud, where a bull has pawed up the soil with front hooves, deposited urine, and splashed urine soaked mud onto his bell and antlers. He may also … Continue reading →
Because clear foot prints are rarely present, the ability to recognize other bear sign is very helpful in tracking bears. A black bear marking trail, also called mark trail, stomp trail or ritual trail, is a series of worn ovals … Continue reading →
Moose (Alces alces) are known to consume a wide variety of plants, favoring the leaves and twigs of trees and shrubs and aquatic vegetation where available. Ferns are mentioned only occasionally. In his 1934 study of moose diet on Isle … Continue reading →
In my first post on this topic, Tree Preferences of the Beaver, I summarized the basics: that beavers (Castor canadensis) prefer most deciduous trees over conifers, that some hardwoods are more desirable than others, that aspen is the all time … Continue reading →
All 20 kangaroo rat species (Dipodomys spp.) den in ground burrows but there is surprising variation in the burrow system from species to species. Of course they differ in terms of entry hole size – larger species generally make larger … Continue reading →
Kangaroo rats are small burrowing, seed-eating rodents of the genus Dipodomys. Of the 20 species native to western North America, 17 or 18 of them are found in the US. All inhabit arid regions: desert, dunes, dry grassland, brushland, chaparral, … Continue reading →
