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LITTLE BROWN BAT

 

The little brown bat is just one of over 1,000 species of bats in the world.  Scientifically known as Myotis lucifigus, the little brown bat is one of nine species of bats found in the State of Michigan.  The little brown bat and the big brown bat are the two most common species of bats in Michigan.  The little brown bat is most popular in Northern Michigan.

Identification

The little brown bat in Michigan ranges in size from 3.1 inches to 3.7 inches.  With a wingspan as wide as 11.5 inches this mammal can fly.  In fact, bats are the only mammals that fly.  The appearance of a bat is very unique and it most easily identified by its wings.  When open, a bat's wings resemble a human hand span.  A bat's wing is made up of four fingers and a thumb used for grasping, all attached by way of a membrane.  A bat has two hind feet with five toes on each.   The little brown bat's fur is shiny and ranges in color from light brown to dark brown.  Its ears, face, feet and wing membranes range in color from dark brown to black.   A bat's mouth contains 38 very small and sharp teeth.

Behavior

Little brown bats are nocturnal; meaning they are active at night.  When they are active and flying they use a form of sound wave to help them locate food and stay away from danger.  Their navigation system is called echolocation; it is a way of locating objects based on emitted sound and the reflection back from it.  The little brown bat makes sounds, commonly known as calls which vary in length and interval depending on whether it is searching for food, approaching its prey or it feels it is in danger.  The little brown bat relies on the echoes of its calls to help it through the night.  Little brown bats live to approximately 6-7 years of age and occasionally live past 10 years.  However, most little brown bats die after during their first year of hibernation simply because they do not store enough fat in their bodies to sustain them during this time.

Little brown bats like to colonize; therefore, they roost and hibernate with a group of other little brown bats.  The little brown bat roosts or sleeps hanging by it feet head-down.  Normally, its feet are attached to the branch of a tree or structure like the underside of a bridge, in a cave or a hollow tree.  However, if you have bats in your home it is not unusual to find them roosting and hanging from a curtain rod. 

Little brown bats are not aggressive animals; however, they are wild animals.  If you ever see a little brown bat, do not go near it, or try to handle it.  It may be infected with the rabies virus.  According to the DNR on the State of Michigan's website: "the most common wildlife species to contract rabies are bats, accounting for 67% to 100% of the rabies cases in the state during the period 1990 to 2006".  This information can be verified by clicking on the following link:  http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10370_12150_12220-27259--,00.html.

Lifecycle

Little brown bats share a unique mating system that is composed of two phrases: active and passive.  During the active phrase both partners are awake and can be of the same sex.  During the passive phrase, active males mate with torpid or hibernating partners.  The active phrase of mating for little brown bats begins in mid-August and continues in the passive phrase throughout the winter.   Regardless of the time of the year mating takes place fertilization does not take place until the spring.  Infant little brown bats, known as pups are born approximately 60 days after fertilization; normally in June and July.  Litter size for the little brown bat is normally 1.  Female bats live in colonies to rear their pups and 3 to 4 weeks after birth the pups are weaned and able to fly. 

Habitat and Diet

Little brown bats live near: buildings, caves, mines, open-areas, pastures, streams, swamps, rural and urban areas, under piles of wood, under rocks, wooded areas and the like.  It is common for little brown bats to roost in attics, between walls, crevices, sheltered areas and trees.   Entry to the home is easy for such a small bat, a small holes or loose siding is an open door.  During the cold months, some little brown bats hibernate while others migrate to warmer areas.  However, the little brown bat prefers cooler temperatures and is more prone to hibernation even if it means living in a storm sewer during the winter months.

Little brown bats are insectivorous; they feed on insects.  They eat mainly aquatic insects, meaning insects that fly over water like:  caddis flies, mayflies and stoneflies.  However, they will also eat: beetles, flies, moths and wasps.   

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BIG BROWN BAT

The big brown bat is just one of over 1,000 species of bats in the world.  Scientifically known as Eptesicus fuscus, the big brown bat is one of nine species of bats found in the State of Michigan.  The big brown bat and the little brown bat are the two most common species of bats in Michigan.  The big brown bat is most popular in Southern Michigan.

Identification

The big brown bat ranges in size from 4.33 inches to 5.12 inches.   With a wingspan as wide as 13.5 inches this mammal can fly.  In fact, bats are the only mammals that fly.  The appearance of a bat is very unique and it most easily identified by its wings.  When open, a bat's wings resemble a human hand span.  A bat's wing is made up of four fingers and a thumb used for grasping, all attached by way of a membrane.  A bat has two hind feet with five toes on each.  The big brown bat's fur is shiny and ranges in color from red to dark browns.  Its ears, face, feet and wing membranes range in color from dark brown to black.   A bat's mouth contains 32 very small and sharp teeth.

Behavior

Big brown bats are nocturnal; meaning they are active at night.  During the day they roost.  At night, when they are active and flying they use a form of sound wave to help them locate food and stay away from danger.  Their navigation system is called echolocation; it is a way of locating objects based on emitted sound and the reflection back from it.  The big brown bat makes sounds, commonly known as calls which vary in length and interval depending on whether it is searching for food, approaching its prey or it feels it is in danger.  The big brown bat relies on the echoes of its calls to help it through the night.  Its superior use of echolocation definitely helps it survive in the wild.  Some big brown bats live to 18 or more years of age.  However, most big brown bats die after during their first year of hibernation simply because they do not store enough fat in their bodies to sustain them during this time.

Big brown bats like to colonize; therefore, they roost and hibernate with a group of other big brown bats.  The big brown bat roosts or sleeps hanging by it feet head-down.  Normally, its feet are attached to the branch of a tree or structure like the underside of a bridge, in a cave or a hollow tree.  However, if you have bats in your home it is not unusual to find them roosting and hanging from a curtain rod. 

Big brown bats are not aggressive animals; however, they are wild animals.  If you ever see a big brown bat, do not go near it, or try to handle it.  It may be infected with the rabies virus.  According to the DNR on the State of Michigan's website:  "the most common wildlife species to contract rabies are bats, accounting for 67% to 100% of the rabies cases in the state during the period 1990 to 2006".  This information can be verified by clicking on the following link:  http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10370_12150_12220-27259--,00.html.

Lifecycle

Normally, the big brown bats mating season ranges from the fall (prior to going into hibernation) through early spring.  Regardless of the time of the year mating takes place fertilization does not take place until the spring.  Infant big brown bats known as pups are born approximately 60 days after fertilization; normally in the months of May and June.  Litter size for the big brown bat is normally 2.  Female bats live in colonies to rear their pups and 1 to 2 months after birth the pups are weaned and able to fly.   

Habitat and Diet 

Big brown bats live near: caves, mines, open-areas, pastures, streams, swamps, rural and urban areas, wooded areas and the like.  It is common for big brown bats to roost in attics, between walls, crevices, sheltered areas and trees.   Entry to the home is easy for such a small bat, a small holes or loose siding is an open door.  During the cold months, some big brown bats hibernate while others migrate to warmer areas.  However, the big brown bat prefers cooler temperatures and is more prone to hibernation even if it means living in a storm sewer during the winter months.

Big brown bats are insectivorous; they feed on insects.  They eat mainly night flying insects like: beetles, flies, mosquitoes, moths, wasps and the like.  back

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RACCOONS

A raccoon, sometimes spelled as raccoon is scientifically known as Procyon lotor.  In the United States it is also known as: the common raccoon, the North American raccoon, the northern raccoon and it is also known by many as the coon, or the black bandit.

Identification

A raccoon measures 2 - 3 feet long and weighs 8 - 35 pounds.  It is easily identified by a black face mask across its eyes and a pattern of alternating black and yellowish white rings around a large and bushy tail.  It has a rounded head with a short nose and small ears.  Its fur ranges in color from grey to reddish brown and buff.  A raccoon's forepaws resemble a pair of slender human hands and make the raccoon unusually dexterous.  Both forepaws and hind paws have five toes.  Like humans and bears, raccoons walk on the soles of their feet; their tracks look much like a human hand print.

Behavior

Raccoons are nocturnal, meaning they prowl at night.  However, it is not uncommon to see them active during the day.  During the winter, it is not unusual for them to sleep for long periods of time; however, unlike woodchucks they do not hibernate.  A raccoon's walk is similar to a shuffle and they can run up to 15 miles per hour.  Raccoons are excellent swimmers.  They are also excellent climbers because they can rotate their feet 180 degrees.  Not only do they have the ability to climb down a tree head first, but they are able to fall as much as 40 feet with poise. 

Raccoons use their sense of touch and dexterous forepaws for finding food in water and for opening: coolers, doors, garbage cans, jars, latches, lids, refrigerators, shellfish, etc. They are known for opening coolers and refrigerators doors and helping themselves to the food inside.  That is why they are known as the black bandit!  They often sample food and other items with their front paws and remove unwanted parts by squashing or pressing the food or item and sometimes dunking it in water before eating it.  This behavior is referred to as washing or dousing food to make sure it contains no sharp bones or bits.  However, the jury is still out on whether or not all raccoons participate in such behavior and its real purpose.

Lifecycle

Raccoons mate between January through June; with most mating taking place in mid-March.   Infant raccoons, known as kits are born during the months of March through August.  Litters range in size from 1 to 6 kits.  At about 16 weeks old the kits are weaned and at 20 weeks old the kits begin to prowl with their mother at night.  The kits remain with their mother through their first winter.

Habitat and Diet

Raccoons live near:  open areas, pastures, ponds, marshes, streams, rural and urban areas, wooded areas and the like.  They prefer to live in moist wooded areas with access to water; with their dens constructed in warm, dry and dark areas offering protections such as:  caves, mines, rock crevices, tree hollows and woodchuck dens.  However, with the raccoon population as dense as it is in suburban and urban areas it is common for raccoons to den in: attics, barns, basements, chimneys, crawl spaces, drainpipes, etc.  Do not be surprised if you see one or two taking a late night skinny dip in your swimming pool.

Raccoons are omnivores; they feed on many different types of food.  Their diet consists of: bird eggs, corn, crayfish, dragonfly larvae, fish, frogs, fruits, insects, nuts, peaches, rodents and trash.  It is not unheard of for raccoons to eat carrion or road kill.   back

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MICE

Mice are small animals that belong to the species of rodents.  The common house mouse, scientifically known as Mus musculus is the most common of all mice.

Identification

The house mouse measures 2 to 4 inches in length and weighs slightly over 1/3 ounce to slightly over 1 ounce.  House mice are easily identified by naked long tails, dark eyes, a pointed snout or nose with long whiskers and the way they scurry along the ground.  Their fur ranges in color from black, brown, grey and white.  Like all rodents, house mice have two continuously growing incisor teeth in their upper and lower jaws.  As a result, house mice continually gnaw to keep these teeth short.

Behavior

A house mouse has the ability to walk and run and stand on all four feet.  However, when it eats or fights its tails supports its weight while it stands on its hind feet.   A house mouse uses its tail for balance when it runs and it can run at speeds up to 8 miles per hour.

House mice are nocturnal; meaning they are creatures of the night.  In addition, they are territorial and like to colonize.  In many instances, one dominant male lives with several females and their young.  Territories are highly valued and all mice within a territory will defend it if necessary.

House mice have excellent senses; especially hearing, sight and smell.  It is believed that they are able to emit sounds and hear sounds transmitted on ultrasonic levels.  With their whiskers they are able to feel air movements and surface textures.  Smell is one of their sharpest senses and it is believed to be used for communication and influencing the behavior and development of other mice.  This is done by the release of pheromones, a chemical compound produced and secreted by animals.  In mice, the pheromones are secreted through their tears and urine.  Mice use pheromones to communicate to each other in areas like social dominance. 

Lifecycle

House mice mate throughout the year and the females have litters throughout the year.  However, this is not true for wild house mice.  Even though they also mate throughout the year, they do not reproduce during the cold months of winter.  Most commonly, infant house mice are known as pups.  Litters range in size from 3 to 14 pups.  Female house mice can have up to 10 litters per year.   At about 3 weeks the pups are weaned and the males leave, while the females normally stay with their mother and remain in the colony they were born.  Between 5 and 8 weeks both sexes are able to fully function as an adult.

Habitat and Diet

House mice live near people and buildings like: alleys, barns, food storage facilities, houses, restaurants, warehouses and the like.  During the summer months they may live in fields and wooded areas.  House mice will live in any spot where a source of food is near: behind rafters and walls, garbage areas and dumps, storage areas, under the kitchen sink and woodpiles.  Wild house mice live in cracks in rocks or walls and in complex dens with several chambers and exits.  House mice construct their nests from soft substances like paper and rags and line them with shredded material. 

House mice are omnivores; they feed on many types of food.  From plants to garbage and carrion or road kill; they eat it all.  Even though house mice are very small they carry diseases and can be very destructive to food; with their sharp teeth they can gnaw through just about any type of packaging.   back

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RED FOXES

Red foxes can be found throughout most of the western hemisphere.  The red fox, scientifically known as Vulpes vulpes can be found in every county in the state of Michigan. 

Identification

The red fox resembles a small, skinny dog; measuring 18 to 36 inches in length and weighing 6 ½ to 30 pounds.  The fur on its face and top of its head is reddish in color and its neck has lighter colors of yellow and orange.  The red fox has a long tail with a colored reddish fur mixed with black and a white tip.  The fur on its lips and underside is creamy white with dark black fur extending from its legs to feet. 

Behavior

The red fox is nocturnal; meaning it prowls at night.  It is a solitary animal and normally it prowls or scavenges on its own.  The red fox and its family live in dens formerly dug by woodchucks.  Larger dens may be dug and used in the winter, during birth and for the raising of pups. 

At the beginning of their mating season it is not usual to observe the red fox roaming with its mate.  During the mating season it is not unusual for red foxes to be found in areas where pet dogs are in heat.   They are curious creatures and simply want to know what type of animal it is that they smell.  In most instances they will not harm the dog. 

Normally, a red fox that is roaming is looking for a place to set up a territory.  In most instances, the red fox stays away from humans and their animals.  However, if it loses its fear of humans the risk of a red fox killing small pets or small farm animals increases.  Do not invite the red fox on your land.  Do not feed the red fox.  Keep garbage, pet foods and the like under cover.   

Red foxes are vocal and this is just one way they communicate with each other.  They also use facial expressions and scent markings as a way of communication.

Lifecycle

Red foxes mate in the winter with pups born approximately 2 months afterwards; anywhere from the months of February through May.  Infant red foxes are known as pups.  Litters range in size from 1 to 9 pups.  At about 4 to 5 weeks old the pups leave the den.  They are fully weaned at about 8 to 10 weeks old.  At about 4 months old the pups are scavenging and finding food on their own.

Habitat and Diet

Red foxes live near or in: fields, low shrub cover near beaches, meadows, streams, wooded areas and rural and urban areas where food is readily available.  Foxes are highly mobile and can scavenge for food in a large area.

Red foxes are omnivores: they feed on many types of food. The eat everything like:  berries, birds, carrion or road kill, frogs, fruits, garbage, pet foods, plants, rodents, seeds and the like.  It is not uncommon for them to eat small animals like cats, rabbits and squirrels. back

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GEESE

 

Canada geese can be found throughout North America and are scientifically known as Branta canadensis.  In the state of Michigan we refer to Canada geese as Canadian geese, or the Canadian goose.  According to the DNR on the State of Michigan's website: "In Michigan, the number of giant Canada geese counted each spring increased from about 9,000 in 1970 to over 300,000 today.  Giant Canada geese nest in every Michigan county, but are most common (80 percent of population) in the southern third of the state". This information can be verified by clicking on the following link:  http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10370_12145_25065-59467--,00.html.

Identification

Canadian geese measure: 30 to 68 inches long; with a wingspan ranging from 50 to 71 inches wide and weigh from 5 ½  to 17 pounds.  In addition to being one of the most common and one of the largest of birds in the state of Michigan, the Canadian goose is easily identified by:  its black bill, feet and neck, and a white strap of feathers under its chin.  Its back is usually brownish and grayish in color with white spots and its underside and tail are white in color.

Behavior

Canadian geese are social animals.  They are always found in flocks except when they are nesting.  During the fall and in the spring they migrate in large flocks.  While in flight their flock forms a V shape taking advantage of the natural occurring wind patterns.  A flock of geese in flight is known as a gaggle of geese.

Canadian geese are diurnal; meaning they are active during the day.  Canadian geese love to swim.  In the heat of the day a goose can be found swimming, or simply sitting on land and flattening its feathers to keep its body cool.  When it is cold outside a goose can be found fluffing its feathers; which is a way to increase the way its body keeps warm or insulated.

Canadian geese have excellent senses; especially hearing and sight.  In addition to their body movements they communicate through calls; one of their most common calls sounds like the word “honk".  When a goose calls “honk"  the sound is so loud and harsh we stay of its way!  Canadian geese have an excellent sense of sight and this is especially helpful when they are in flight.

Lifecycle

Canadian geese are monogamous.  They form pairs in the winter and mate during the months of February through May.  Infant geese known as goslings are born during the months of March through June.  A goose lays two to nine eggs.  Eggs hatch in about 23 to 30 days.  Shortly after the goslings are two months old they are able to fly.

Habitat and Diet

Canadian geese live near waterways in: open areas that are grassy like back yards, farms, golf courses, parks, woods, etc.  They also live in other areas that are open and lack grass and water like airports; and we all know how disastrous this can be.  It is not unusual for Canadian geese to nest in shrubbery located near houses or buildings. 

Canadian geese like to feed on: beans, corn, grasses, leaves, plant material, rice, roots, and wheat.  When in the water they feed on aquatic plants.   back

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OPOSSUMS

 

An opossum, sometimes referred to as a possum is scientifically known as Didelphis virginiana.  The Virginia opossum is North America's only marsupial; a female animal with a pouch. 

Identification

An opossum is about the size of a large house cat; measuring 13 - 30 inches long and weighing 5 - 14 pounds.  It is easily identified by a body of grey fur, white face, pink pointed snout and naked and pink long skinny tail that can be up to 20 inches long. Its mouth contains 50 teeth, more teeth than any other North American mammal and it will not hesitate to show them to you if it feels threatened.   In the dark an opossum's face may look like a pig, but overall, its body resembles that of a giant size rat.  An opossum's forefeet are extremely dexterous with what looks like five fingers on each with soft skin and delicate nails.  Its hind feet are similar, with what looks like five toes on each with one toe on each hind foot that bends like a thumb.  In essence, the opossum has four feet that work like human hands and it has a tail that can grasp and hold, thus allowing the opossum to move from tree branch to tree branch like a trapeze artist. 

Behavior

Opossums are primarily nocturnal; meaning they prowl at night.  Although they are excellent climbers they spend most of their time on the ground searching for food. 

Opossums are nomadic meaning they seasonally move from place to place in search of water or food. 

Opossums are not aggressive.  They make very little noise and prefer to be left alone.  When opossums are startled, their first response is to climb a tree or a fence to escape from danger.  However, since opossums are very slow moving mammals many times they have to meet face to face with their predators.  During the face-off the opossum will hiss and show off its teeth.   If that does not scare off the predator opossums will sometimes bite in self defense. 

"Playing possum'' is the most unusual behavior of opossums.  It is a defensive tactic that opossums use when they feel they are in grave danger.  When an opossum plays possum it is pretending it is dead or injured to discourage animals from eating it or to convince a larger animal that it, the opossum, is not a treat to their young.  When playing possum the opossum lies on its side with its eyes closed or open without blinking, its mouth wide open with its tongue hanging out of its mouth and emits a green fluid and putrid odor from its rectum.  An opossum can lie perfectly still for up to six hours.  When it feels it is out of danger, it will simply roll over, get up and walk away.

Lifecycle

Opossums mate during the months of January through July.  Infant opossums are known as joeys and are born 12 to 13 days after mating.  At birth, a joey is less than ½ an inch long and resembles a tiny worm.  Opossums can give birth to up 20 joeys at a time, yet only about 9 survive.  After birth each joey crawls to its mother's pouch and attaches to one of the 13 teats.  After about 2 months the joeys leave the pouch and prowl with their mother for food and at times they can be found riding on their mother's back.  At about 3 to 4 months the joeys are fully weaned and their bond with their mother ends.

Habitat and Diet

Opossums live near:  open-areas, pastures, streams, swamps, rural and urban areas, wooded areas and the like.  They prefer wet areas such as streams and swamps and they nest, in abandoned dens or fallen trees.  Opossums are nomadic; they seasonally move from place to place in search of water and food.  Opossums do not hibernate, but in states like Michigan, during the winter when they find a warm place to stay they stay there and sleep a lot; failure to do so could result in frostbite to their delicate ears and naked tails.  Therefore, they like to live in manmade structures like:  attics, under decks or sheds

Raccoons are omnivores; they feed on many different types of food.  Their diet consists of:  fruits, grains insects, pet food, small mammals, snails, slugs and trash.  The majority of their diet consists of insects and carrion or road kill.  back

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SKUNKS

 

Skunks are represented by four species in North America.  The striped skunk, scientifically known as Mephitis mephitis is the most common of the species and primarily the only species of skunk with a habitat in Michigan.

Identification

The striped skunk is similar in size to a house cat; measuring 20 - 30 inches and weighing 4 - 10 pounds.  Along with its jet black fur, it is easily identified by two white stripes on its back that meet and form what looks like a white cap on its head.  The striped skunk has short stocky legs, large hind and forefeet with five toes on each.   It has a small head, small eyes and a pointed snout.  The striped skunk has sharp teeth and very well developed claws; it is a master at digging. 

Behavior

Like all skunks, the striped skunk is known for its foul-smelling odor.  As a defense mechanism, if a skunk is provoked or feels threatened it will spray a foul smelling liquid from two scent glands embedded in the muscles on the sides of the rectum. Aiming for the victim's eyes the skunk can spray accurately up to 10 or more feet and up to six times leaving an odor that will linger for a mile and many nights and weeks to come.  The spray can leave the victim with burning eyes, temporary blindness, and nausea and let's not forget a repugnant odor.

During mating season, it is normal for a female skunk to spray a male skunk she does not want to mate with.  Skunks are primarily nocturnal; meaning they prowl at night.

We are made aware of this behavior when the wind blows fresh air through our open windows during the late hours of the night, or early morning hours of the day.  It does not matter if the female skunk is saying NO, or simply ends up as road kill the smell is the same!

 Skunks are not aggressive animals, however they are wild animals.  If you ever see a skunk, do not go near it.  Avoid an aggressive skunk that approaches without hesitation; it may be infected with the rabies virus.  If you ever meet up with a skunk and it hisses, stomps its feet and or raises its tail up with the tip downward that is a warning to you that an unpleasant spray may follow.  Stand still and hopefully, the skunk will not feel threatened and it will wander off.

Lifecycle

Skunks mate during the months of February through March.  Infant skunks known as kits, are born during the months of April through June.  Litters range in size from 2 to 16 kits.  At about 7 weeks old the kits begin to walk outside of the den with their mother and at 2 months old the kits are fully weaned and begin travelling with their mother. 

Habitat and Diet

Skunks live near: open-areas, pastures, streams, swamps, rural and urban areas, wooded areas and the like.  The striped skunk prefers an underground den in a well-drained soil, near wooded areas or hayfields.  However, it is also common for dens to be dug under decks, foundations, porches, sheds and window wells or established in hollow logs or hollow limbs on trees.

Skunks are omnivores; they feed on many different types of food.  However, their diet consists mainly of insects and they will eat birds, corn, eggs, fruit, garbage, grains, mice, and rabbits. back

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PIGEONS

 

The pigeon is a bird that can be found almost anywhere in the world.  The rock dove or rock pigeon is scientifically known as Columba livia.  It is commonly known in Michigan as the pigeon. 

Identification

The pigeon measures: 11 ¾ inches to 13 ¾ inches in length, with a wingspan of 24 ½ inches to 27 inches, and it weighs on average 12 ½ ounces.  It is easily identified by blue-grey feathers on its back and wings, with darker blue-grey feathers on its head.  Its chest, neck and wing feathers have an iridescent cast of colors such as: green, purple, red and yellow.  The pigeon is also easily identified by two black bars on its wings and a white tail.

Behavior

Unlike other small birds, pigeons do a lot of walking.  They are not shy and at times will walk right over your feet.  When they walk, or even when they run their heads bobble on the top of their bodies. 

Pigeons are active during the day.  They seek shelter at night and during the high heat of the day.  When they fly their path is steady and direct.  Normally, they remain with the flock while eating, staying warm or roosting.

Pigeons do not migrate and prefer to live where they were born.  They are very attached to their homes and once moved in, they do not move out. 

Pigeons are can be a real nuisance.  The acidity of their droppings can damage surfaces.  Most of all, pigeon droppings can pose many health risks by spreading germs and diseases to people.

Lifecycle

Pigeons look for a mate at any time of the year and once found they remain with each other for life.  Pigeons build nests in the latter part of the winter and mate in the spring.  Both female and male pigeons help incubate the eggs.  Normally, the eggs hatch 19 days after being laid.

Habitat and Diet

Pigeons live everywhere.  They live in: cities, farms, rocky lakeside cliffs, office buildings, skyscrapers, suburban and rural areas and the like. 

Pigeons prefer to eat seeds, but will also eat anything like: barley, bread, cake, corn, elm, oats, poison ivy, peanuts, popcorn, etc.   It is very common to see them eating food that drops on the ground or that they can snatch from a garbage can.  back  

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SQUIRRELS

 

Flying squirrels, the eastern grey squirrel and the red squirrel are the most popular squirrels in the southern part of the lower peninsula of Michigan.  They are scientifically known as Glaucomys volans, Sciurus carolinensis and Tamiasciurus hudsonicus respectively. 

Identification

Flying squirrels measure 8 ¼ to 10 ¼ inches in length and weigh 1 ½ to 3 ounces.

They are easily identified by a flap of loose skin from their wrist to ankle, commonly known as a gliding membrane.  A flying squirrel has very big black eyes with grey fur on its back and white fur on its belly

Eastern grey squirrels measure approximately 15 to 21 inches in length and weigh approximately 12 to 27 ounces.  They are easily identified by the color of their fur which ranges from grizzled dark to pale grey and may have reddish brown tones. The eastern gray squirrel is a medium size tree squirrel. 

Red squirrels measure 11 to 14 inches and weigh 5 to 9 ounces.  They are easily identified by their fur which is brownish or reddish in color on its back and whitish in color on its belly.  In the summer, the red squirrel has a black stripe of fur that appears to separate its side from its belly.  The red squirrel's tail is edged in white and it has white bands of fur circling its large black eyes.

Behavior

Flying squirrels are nocturnal; meaning they are creatures of the night.  Flying squirrels do not fly; however, the gliding membrane located between their wrist and ankles allows them to glide from tree to tree and safely to the ground.  Normally they fly in pairs.

Eastern grey squirrels are most active a couple of hours after sunrise and a few hours before sunset during the spring, summer and fall seasons.  During the winter season their activity is limited to a couple of hours before sunset.  Easter grey squirrels have a sharp sense of smell; they are very vocal and express a unique posture with their tail called flicking. 

Red squirrels are active all year long; normally at dawn and in the late afternoon.  Red squirrels have excellent senses of hearing, sight and smell.  They are very vocal and will scold intruders if they enter their territory. 

Flying squirrels, eastern grey squirrels and red squirrels are known for burying or hiding food for the long days and nights of the winter.  With their excellent sense of smell they are able to locate their stash of food when necessary.

Lifecycle

Flying squirrels mate twice a year: from January to April and from June to August.  Infant squirrels are known as kits and are born from February to May and from July to September.  Litters range in size from 1 to 6.   The kits are weaned in about 2 months and independent in 3 months.

Eastern grey squirrels mate twice a year: from January to March and from June to July.  Infant squirrels are known as kits and are born February to April and from July to August.  Litters range in size from 2 to 8 kits.  The kits are weaned by 10 weeks.

Red squirrels can mate several times during the mating season which lasts from mid-January and through mid-February.  Infant squirrels, known as kits are born approximately one month later in February or March.  Litters range in size from 1 to 8 kits.  The kits are weaned in about 2 months and at about 40 days old they leave their nest.

Habitat and Diet

Flying squirrels live in cities and heavily wooded areas with cone-bearing trees and fruit and nut trees.  They especially like hardwoods like oak trees and hickory trees.   A cavity like a woodpecker's hole is one of their favorite nesting sites.  Flying squirrels are omnivores; they feed on many types of food.  They eat everything like: acorns, berries, birds, carrion, eggs, junebugs, nuts, leaf buds, mice, moths, seeds, and the like.  They are especially fond of acorns and hickory nuts.   

Eastern grey squirrels live in cities and heavily wooded areas with much vegetation and trees like oak and walnut.  Eastern grey squirrels are omnivores; they feed on many types of food.  They eat everything like:  acorns, bird eggs, bones, bulbs, cedar, chestnut fruits, corn, flowers, frogs, fungi, nuts, wheat and the like.  They are especially fond of acorns and walnuts.

Red squirrels live in cities and heavily wooded areas with cone-bearing trees and hardwoods.  Red squirrels are omnivores; they also feed on many types of food.  They eat everything like:  acorns, bark, birds, buds, eggs, insects, mice, rabbits, seeds and the like.  However, they prefer nuts and pine seeds. back

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WOODCHUCKS

 

Woodchucks are just one of the fourteen species of marmots.  Scientifically known as Marmota monax, across the United States woodchucks are also known by several other names such as: groundhogs, whistle pigs or marmots.

Identification

A woodchuck is the largest member of the squirrel family; measuring 16 - 27 inches in length and weighing 5 -15 pounds.  It is easily identified by its plump body, short legs, broad flat head and small, erect ears atop a black colored head with small black eyes.  The woodchuck's fur is grizzled brown or red and sometimes there is an area of white fur around its nose.  Like squirrels, its forefeet have 4 clawed toes and the hind feet have 5 clawed toes.  The woodchuck's strong clawed feet and large teeth make it the master of digging; it is estimated that it excavates over 700 pounds of dirt digging just one den.

Behavior

Woodchucks love digging.  In fact, much of their time is spent preparing and improving their dens which can be as deep as five feet below ground and extend for 45 feet and contain as many as five entrances.  Well lined with hay-like materials, the dens contain separate chambers for sleeping and defecation. 

From the months of October through February woodchucks hibernate in what is known as their winter den.  During this time they seal their sleeping chamber with dirt and curl up into a ball to sleep.  During hibernation their heart rates can slow to as few as 4 beats per minute and their body temperature is lowered to about 40 degrees.  When the woodchucks awaken from hibernation they will have lost half of their body weight.

Woodchucks are very vocal animals; they will bark and squeal when fighting with other woodchucks and they will grind their teeth and chatter when cornered.  When startled, they can give out a loud, shrill whistle and run up to 10 miles per hour.    Woodchucks climb trees, swim and occasionally use the tops of fence posts for lookouts.

Lifecycle

Woodchucks mate during the months of March through April.   After the male woodchuck emerges from hibernation he seeks out a female and mating takes place in her den.  Infant woodchucks known as pups or kits are born during the months of April and May.  Litters range in size from 1 to 9 pups.  At about 4 weeks old the pups begin to walk outside their den with their mother.  At 6 weeks old the pups are weaned and at about 2 months old the pups are out on their own.

Habitat and Diet

Woodchucks live near: open areas, pastures, streams, rural and urban areas, wooded areas and the like.  Normally, their dens are constructed in well-drained areas.  Summer dens are constructed in open areas such as pastures and woods, while winter dens are constructed near areas offering protection such as: stumps, rock ledges, under the foundation of concrete slabs, under swimming pools, etc.  An occupied den is easily identified by a pile of fresh dirt at the entrance.

Woodchucks are herbivores; they feed mainly on grass and other plants.  They are partial to diets of farm crops like: alfalfa, apples, carrots, corn, grass, lettuce, melons and strawberries.   back

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