Some cool animal control images:
Spurge Hawkmoth Caterpillar
Image by Lance and Erin
Introduced as biological control for the non-native, invasive Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula).
DSC06766
Image by BethanyWeeks
North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis)
The river otter, a member of the weasel family, is equally versatile in the water and on land. The otter establishes a burrow close to the water's edge in river, lake, swamp, coastal shoreline, tidal flat, or estuary ecosystems. Their dens have many tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter to enter and exit the body of water. Female otters give birth in these underground burrows, producing litters of one to six young. North American river otters, like most predators, prey upon the species that are the most readily accessible. Fish is a favored food among the otters, but they also consume various amphibians, turtles, and crayfish. There have been instances of river otters eating small mammals, as well. The range of the North American river otter has been significantly reduced by habitat loss, beginning with the European colonization of North America. In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their pelts. River otters are very susceptible to environmental pollution, which is a likely factor in the continued decline of their numbers. A number of reintroduction projects have been initiated to help stabilize the reduction in the overall population. - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_American_river_otter
Northwest Trek
December 27, 2011
