![]() A small population of fallow deer ( Dama dama), native to Europe, was established in 1925 at the Bankhead National Forest, and a wild population was established near Miller's Ferry ( Wilcox County) in the 1930s. The state is home to large populations of the white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus). ![]() White-Tailed DeerMost of the ungulates in Alabama belong to the deer family (family Cervidae). Three other carnivore species have been sighted in Alabama, but only once each-the California sea lion ( Zalophus californianus), ringtail ( Bassariscus astutus), and jaguarundi ( Herpailurus yagouaroundi). The once-common cougar ( Puma concolor) has been extirpated from the state. Alabama is also home to two species of skunk (family Mephitidae), the striped skunk ( Mephitis mephitis) and the eastern spotted skunk ( Spilogale putorius), and one type of wild cat (family Felidae): the bobcat ( Felis rufus). Three members of the Mustelidae, or weasel, family reside in the state: the long-tailed weasel ( Mustela frenata), the American mink ( Neovison vison), and the North American river otter ( Lontra canadensis). Other Alabama carnivores include black bears ( Ursus americanus) that occasionally enter the extreme north of the state and raccoons ( Procyon lotor). Prior to extensive human settlement, Alabama was home to three canine species (family Canidae): The red wolf ( Canis lupus) has been extirpated from the state, but foxes and coyotes ( Canis latrans) still remain. Most have one litter annually that requires lengthy parental care. ![]() They are characterized by large canine teeth and fairly small incisors. CoyoteMembers of the order Carnivora are often true hunters, but some have a varied diet. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |