Gray Fox

   

Name: Matt Ellis Teacher: Mr. Marzec Course: SNC 2D 1/3/2010

Status: Threatened Provincially and Nationally Range: The Gray Fox lives across much of the United States, where it is relatively common. In Ontario, there is one resident, breeding population on Pelee Island. There have been occasional sightings and reports of Gray Foxes at other places in Ontario, usually close to access points from the United States (e.g., Windsor). Range MapsWolves were once common throughout all of North America but were killed in most areas of the United States by the mid-1930s. Today their range has been reduced to Canada and the following portions of the United States: Alaska, Idaho, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Mexican wolves are found in New Mexico and Arizona.

Population: There are an estimated 7,000 to 11,200 wolves in Alaska and more than 5,000 in the lower 48 states. Around the world there are an estimated 200,000 in 57 countries, compared to up to 2 million in earlier times. Threats: Little is known about historic population trends of the Gray Fox in Ontario. Collections of skulls by archaeologists suggest that the species was once more widespread and perhaps more common in Ontario. The history of the fox in southern Ontario is likely one of periodic occupation, as individuals invaded from the United States and established small populations, and then disappeared as climate and catastrophic events occurred. The most recent invasion was about 20 years ago, and since then Gray Fox abundance has increased on Pelee Island.The most common cause of death for wolves is conflict with people over livestock losses. While wolf predation on livestock is fairly uncommon, wolves that do prey on them are often killed to protect the livestock. Defenders is working with livestock owners to develop non-lethal methods to reduce the chances of a

wolf attacking livestock. These methods include fencing livestock, lighting, alarm systems and removing dead or dying livestock that may attract carnivores like wolves. Features: The Gray Fox (Urocyoncinereoargenteus) is about the size of a small dog and is Gray, with a reddish chest and sides of the belly, and white under parts. Smaller than the Red Fox, it is also distinguished by its black-tipped tail, whereas the Red Fox has a white-tipped tail. In Ontario, the Gray Fox prefers deciduous forests, especially swampy areas. It climbs well, almost like a cat, and feeds on a variety of small mammals, birds and insects. In the spring of 1999, a den with new-born Gray Fox kits was discovered on Pelee Island. This is the first documented birth of Gray Foxes in Ontario. Protection: The Gray Fox is a threatened species, and is protected under Ontario's Endangered Species Act, 2007. Gray Fox also have a closed season under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, and cannot be hunted or trapped anywhere in the Province. The wolf is the largest member of the canine family. Gray wolves range in color from grizzled gray or black to all-white. As the ancestor of the domestic dog, the gray wolf resembles German shepherds or malamutes. Wolves are making a comeback in the Great Lakes, Northern Rockies and Southwestern United States. Description and behavior: The gray fox is distinguished from most other canids by its grizzled upper parts, strong neck and black-tipped tail, while the skull can be distinguished from all other North American canids by its widely separated temporal ridges that form a U-shape. There is little sexual dimorphism, save for the males being slightly smaller than females. The gray fox ranges from 800 to 1125 mm (31.5 to 41.3 inches) in length. Its tail measures 275 to 443 mm (10.8 to 17.5 inches) and its hind feet measure 100 to 150 mm (4.9 to 5.9 inches). It weighs 3.6 to 6.82 kg (7.9 to 15 lbs). It is readily differentiated from the red fox by the lack of "black stockings" that stand out on the latter.

The gray fox's ability to climb trees is shared only with the Asian raccoon dog among canids. Its strong, hooked claws allow it to scramble up trees to escape predators such as the domestic dog or the coyote, or to reach tree-bound or arboreal food sources. It descends primarily by jumping from branch to branch, or by descending slowly backwards as a house cat. The gray fox is nocturnal or crepuscular and dens in hollow trees, stumps or appropriated burrows during the day. Wolves live, travel and hunt in packs of 4-7 animals on average. Packs include the mother and father wolves, called the alphas, their pups and several other subordinate or young animals. The alpha female and male are the pack leaders that track and hunt prey, choose den sites and establish the pack's territory. Wolves develop close relationships and strong social bonds. They often demonstrate deep affection for their family and may even sacrifice themselves to protect the family unit. Reproduction: Mating Season: January or February Gestation: 63 days Litter size: 4-7 pups Pups are born blind and defenseless. The pack cares for the pups until they mature at about 10 months of age.Gray fox, showing black tail stripe, Sierra Nevada. The gray fox is monogamous. The breeding season of the gray fox varies geographically; in Michigan, the gray fox mates in early March, in Alabama, breeding peaks occur in February.[3] The gestation period lasts about 53 days. Litter size ranges from 1 to 7. Kits begin to hunt with their parents at the age of 3 months. By the time they are 4 months old, the kits have developed their permanent dentition and can forage on their own. The family group remains together until autumn when the young reach sexual maturity and disperse.

Diet:The gray fox is a solitary hunter and is largely omnivorous. It frequently preys upon the Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagusfloridanus), though it will readily catch voles, shrews, and birds. The gray fox supplements its dietwith whatever fruits are readily available and generally eats more vegetable matter than does the Red Fox(Vulpesvulpes).Wolves are also scavengers and often eat animals that have died due to other causes like starvation and disease. Defenders At Work: Legal Action for Wolves Defenders of Wildlife and 12 other conservation groups filed a lawsuit asking the courts to reverse the illtimed and unwarranted removal of Endangered Species Act protections for wolves in the Northern Rockies. Defenders is also hard at work to end the brutal practice of aerial gunning, which has claimed the lives of over 1000 wolves since 2003. Legal Status/Protection: Endangered Species Act (ESA): Gray wolves are listed as endangered throughout the United States except for Idaho and Montana and parts of Washington, Oregon and Utah. Wolves in Minnesota are listed as threatened. In Alaska, wolves are not listed under the ESA. In Wyoming and portions of the Southwest wolves are designated as non-essential experimental populations, which isolate geographicallydescribed groups from other existing populations and offers broader management regulations. On May 4, 2009 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed the northern Rockies gray wolf from the endangered list. Although the regional population has rebounded to more than 1,600 wolves, the federal delisting plan allows 2/3 of current wolf population to be killed - down to only 450 wolves region wide. Defenders of Wildlife and other conservation groups are challenging the delisting decision in court and seeking to restore endangered species protections for wolves in the northern Rockies until a sustainable delisting plan is adopted. Reasons for Hope: Defenders and many other conservation organizations have been working tirelessly on wolf conservation in North America from aerial hunting in Alaska to restoration efforts in the lower 48 States.

Wolves are an integral part of an ecosystem as a top tier predator and Defenders will continue to make sure this iconic symbol of America always has a place here.

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