SWCC Summer Newsletter 2015

Living with Wildlife Series

Bears Safe Practices in Bear Country

SWCC’s

Foster Parent Program

Summer-­‐2015

Habitat Fragmentation and Wildlife

About Us Southwest Wildlife rescues and rehabilitates wildlife that has been injured, displaced, and orphaned. Once rehabilitated, they are returned to the wild. Wildlife education includes advice on living with wildlife and the importance of native wildlife to maintain a healthy ecosystem. Education and humane scientific research opportunities are offered in the field of conservation medicine. Sanctuary is provided to animals that cannot be released back to the wild.

Board of Directors Anne Ruddy-­‐Chair Linda Moore-­‐Assistant Director Mike Wilson Michael Sapp Dr. Mark Finke

SWCC Staff Linda Searles Founder and Director Linda Moore Assistant Director Kim Carr Animal Care Director Kelly Marcum Education Director James O’Brien Veterinary Tech.

Lynne Cataldo Animal Care Specialist/Volunteer Coor.

Robyn Moul Education Barbara Anderson Office Manager/Marketing

Moccasin Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center is a 501 ( c ) 3 non-­‐profit organization which is run by a handful of staff and many dedicated volunteers. We are funded solely through private donations, fundraising and grants.

From Our Founder

Special Guests from China-­‐Conservation has no Boundaries

Dear Friends and Supporters of SWCC:

SWCC was very pleased to be selected to host 11 conservation experts and 3 interpreters from the People’s Republic of China recently under the International Visitor Leadership Program. This program is part of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The Arizona Council for International Visitors (ACIV) h osted our visitors and arranged their visit to SWCC.

James Liffiton of ACIV sent me a lovely email thanking us for their wonderful visit to SWCC, stating it was the highlight of the entire trip to the U.S. The topic they were most interested in and which was discussed at length was the Mexican gray wolf, particularly maintaining genetic diversity, cutting edge reproductive methods researched and utilized at SWCC, and the reintroduction of this endangered species.

The visit demonstrated the value of non-­‐profits in the world of conservation. Our guests were surprised at the level of commitment of U.S. non-­‐profits, which generally receive no government funding, as all conservation programs in China are administered and funded by the government.

They thanked our educators by gifting them beautiful fans depicting Chinese opera characters. We were privileged to have met these ambassadors of conservation and hope to be part of future international exchanges.

SWCC is incredibly proud of our roll as mentors and educators. We have hosted biological sciences interns and veterinary interns from across the U.S., Mexico, New Zealand, Argentina, Columbia, Poland, Spain, Germany, Ireland, Japan (twice!), Canada, and England.

Some of our former U.S. veterinary interns are now working at zoos around the country and a few have traveled as far as Africa and Asia in order to help other sanctuaries and do wildlife conservation work. I feel it is immensely important to mentor and share our knowledge in the world of conservation medicine.

Warm Regards,

HABITAT FRAGMENTATION Helping Wildlife Combat the Inevitable By Linda Searles

As the human population increases, urban sprawl leads to ever-­‐shrinking habitats available to wildlife. By 2050, the population between Sedona and Tucson is expected to surpass 14.1 million in a seemingly endless urban area that is currently being referred to as the Sun Corridor M egapolitan.

Hundreds of thousands of acres of natural habitat will be lost to this sprawl.

One of the biggest threats to wildlife is loss of habitat.

Without healthy habitat areas with large circumferences, there is no place for wildlife and no future for most species, especially large predators.

Roads, canals, dams, fences, railroads, farming, and alternative energy sites are all n ecessary for society.

However, they produce another major threat to wildlife: habitat fragmentation. Habitat fragmentation is the loss of connectivity b etween wildlife habitats, resulting in the creation of “habitat islands”.

Consequences of Fragmentation

Wildlife is stranded on these islands and unable to move freely between them in search of food, water, seasonal habitats, and shelter. Natural migration corridors of many species are blocked. Animals are unable to d isperse to new habitats, leading to inbreeding and threatening the genetic diversity of many species.

Habitat fragmentation is often a cause of a species becoming threatened or endangered.

When populations of a species are separated into isolated gene pools, the result is an increase in the expression of negative recessive traits, which leads to reduced fitness of the animals.

Another result is an accumulation of negative mutations, which leads to decreased resistance of the animals to disease and other stressors. Reduced fitness and decreased resistance will ultimately lead to decreased viability of the isolated population (possibly leading to the extinction of the isolated population) and can result in the extinction of the entire species.

The loss of one small species may seem insignificant to us but may represent the loss of 50% of another species’ food source. This may lead to a reduction in the population of the second species, on which yet another species relies.

The result is a loss of biodiversity that has a domino effect that erodes the natural balance of the ecosystem that sustains us all.

Effects of Roads

Numerous studies have confirmed that roads and the traffic they carry are a primary cause of habitat fragmentation and have led to the decline of forest birds in the eastern U.S. Roads throughout the world have led to fragmentation, genetic isolation, and road kills.

Nationally, vehicular collisions with large animals have increased by over 100% during the p ast 10 years, killing up to 2 million animals annually. In addition to the loss of wildlife, these collisions have huge societal costs due to resulting property damage and injury to or deaths of humans in the vehicles. Human fatalities over the same period have been over 200 per year. During one recent year, there were 1.5 million collisions with deer alone, which caused over $1.1 billion in property damage. In Arizona, on a 27-­‐mile section of I-­‐17 (between Stoneman Lake Road and Flagstaff) d uring a recent year, 103 deer and elk were killed and the collisions cost society $1.7 million.

(continued)

We invite you to read this article about the impacts of roads on m ountain lions in southern California: http://news.ucdavis.edu/search/news_detail.lasso?id=11262

Solutions to Fragmentation

While roads and other human-­‐made structures are necessary, we can be more sensitive and mitigate their impacts on wildlife and habitat. One way to resist habitat fragmentation is to create wildlife crossings, which allow animals to cross these structures safely. Examples of wildlife crossings are culverts, fish ladders, bridges, or underpasses.

Another way to reduce habitat fragmentation is to p reserve and/or recreate natural habitat corridors within which wildlife, plants, and ecological processes can move freely between fragments. Maintaining habitat corridors has just begun to draw increased interest in some regions, where governments are considering the importance of n atural corridors for safe passage. However, such efforts are moot unless they actually connect viable, large-­‐circumference natural habitats that have been preserved.

Dubbed “connectivity”, the effectiveness of these two methods of combatting habitat fragmentation has been found to be enormously related to choosing the appropriate locations for implementation. In addition, with respect to wildlife crossings, the design of the structures can hugely impact their effectiveness.

Specific to Roads

Wildlife crossings along major roadways, when designed and located properly, have been found to be quite successful at reducing habitat fragmentation and preventing collisions.

Adding wildlife crossings to road construction projects adds approximately 7-­‐8% to the total cost. Studies have shown such costs are much less than the historical societal costs of collisions, without factoring in the benefits to wildlife.

Along a 40-­‐mile stretch of SR 260 near Christopher Creek, ADOT installed seven wildlife crossings: 4 underpasses and 3 bridges. They also fenced along 49% of the road. The results: 89% of the crossings were intercepted (meaning 89% of the wildlife that crossed used the crossings) and an 84% reduction in collisions.

Arial view of a newly constructed habitat corridor located west of Payson, Arizona.

By utilizing ‘connectivity’, this potential fatal hazard could be eliminated.

Effective pronghorn antelope crossing

Along another section of SR 260, ADOT tested an elk crosswalk, where stationary signs warned motorists of an elk crosswalk 1500 feet ahead. Elk attempting to cross SR 260 were funneled into the crosswalk area using elk-­‐proof fences. When elk are detected via thermal infrared cameras within the 80-­‐foot detection zone on either side of the highway, a sign is turned on that says “Caution Elk Detected”.

Result: a 97% decrease in elk/vehicle collisions.

Along a 7-­‐mile stretch of I-­‐17, collisions were reduced by 100% by using elk-­‐proof fencing to funnel elk to existing safe crossing structures.

If we open our eyes to what is happening, there is no denying wildlife is in trouble. We know the health of wildlife impacts the health of the ecosystem as a whole, thereby directly affecting humans and our health. We know we cannot continue to ignore nature.

To save wildlife—and ourselves—we must: • learn to live with nature by minimizing alterations to and d estruction of habitat; • preserve viable, large-­‐circumference habitat areas; • provide wildlife crossings where necessary within these areas; and • provide adequate natural habitat corridors between fragments.

When it comes to n ature, we n eed to b etter learn how to leave smaller footprints and have bigger hearts. Creating, maintaining, and protecting large natural habitats and connectivity will only become more difficult as humans continue to expand into formerly natural areas. However, leaving them a healthy world in which to live is the greatest gift we can give to future generations.

It is up to our generation—right NOW—to inspire compassion, instill foresightedness, and motivate and educate the next generation. We must do this w hile we can still change the course of wildlife—and human—history successfully.

With thoughtful engineering and implementation of habitat corridors, a safer environment can be created for all.

Southwest Wildlife Foster Family Program Are You My Mother?

By Kris Wheaton

ARE YOU MY MOTHER?

The orphaned bobcat and her brother were not quite 2 weeks old when they arrived at Southwest Wildlife. After nearly a month of bottle-­‐feedings I was pleased that they remained cautious, staying at the back of the crate behind a stuffed animal whenever I entered the room at feeding time.

Once the crate was opened, and the little female saw that it was only me, she would dart out, make a beeline for my left hand, rub her entire head in my palm, purr a question, and race off to play with her brother for a few minutes before dinner was ready.

She never returned for more and I did not encourage her; it was a simple, intimate connection. But, I was not the bobcat’s mother, and, although enchanted, I knew I could never be and leave her any hope of a wild life. Fortunately, I knew a mother who could.

This is where SWCC’s foster parent program comes in.

Who better to raise a bobcat kitten than an adult bobcat? What m anners does a coyote puppy need to know? We should ask a coyote.

Southwest Wildlife has used foster parents to raise coyote puppies, bobcat kittens and raccoon kits with great success in the past. It’s even been p ossible to use lactating adults to raise orphans which were then released with their new family.

Brother and sister bobcat crowd behind a stuffed animal for protection and comfort before being introduced to their foster parents.

This wary little coyote pup was a perfect candidate for the new coyote foster parent program.

Identifying a potential surrogate parent takes knowledge of normal wild animal b ehaviors. For instance, the b est coyote foster parents are adults or juveniles who came to the sanctuary, were too injured for release, but still retain their wariness of humans.

Once the orphaned puppies are weaned from the

Mrs. Foster keeps her litter of foster kittens behind her when the k eepers come to feed and clean.

Foster Dad, Sky, does an amazing job teaching his pups to stay away from humans.

bottle, eating on their own, vaccinated and wormed, we can “test” coyote foster p arents by moving puppies into an adjoining pen. Secure fencing is necessary so that no paws can get through, in case the adults don’t accept the puppies. Behavior is observed from a distance or u sing trail or security cameras. If the adults accept them, they will begin regurgitating along the fence in an attempt to feed the puppies. Good fosters will run pups into the den when humans are around, and sound alarm barks in an attempt to scare people away from their puppies.

This time, she got an answer and a good cat-­‐tongue scrubbing on the top of her head. Here was her mother. She and her brother were released last fall in a lovely riparian area. She was wild as could be, having learned to fear people from her terrific and fiercely p rotective foster parents.

I did get one brief look back before she was gone to begin her new life.

For bobcats, a small fenced pen can be set up inside a bobcat’s enclosure for kittens. We can then observe interactions b etween adults and the kittens for days or weeks, if necessary. These days we have an unusual foster bobcat arrangement which includes a male and female as co-­‐parents -­‐ Mr. and Mrs. Foster. Male bobcats in the wild don’t help to raise young and can even be a danger to them, but our Mr. Foster is patient and nurturing with the youngsters that he and the Missus raise.

It was into the Fosters’ enclosure that the little, orphaned female bobcat and her brother moved. She took one look at Mrs. Foster, ran beneath her chin, rubbed her h ead and asked that same purring question she’d asked of me.

It was a bittersweet farewell, but a happy ending for this lucky bobcat.

SWCC’s

Discovery Corner

HABITAT FRAGMENTATION What happens to a natural habitat when a road is built? Or what about a shopping mall? Or a school? What happens to the animals and their homes in that habitat?

These are questions that cause wildlife biologists great concern.

Picture this: take a shoelace and cut it into three different pieces.

Without doing anything to each of the pieces, the shoelace cannot be used anymore to tie a shoe. BUT, if you tie the three pieces back together, the shoelace can be used again. Relate this to animal habitats. When homes, buildings, and roads are built, animal habitats are cut into different pieces. This is called habitat fragmentation. This separates animals from possible water sources, shelter, other animals, and food. People are realizing more and more the problems that habitat fragmentation b rings to wildlife. Researchers are coming up with new ways to connect these broken up h abitats by building bridges and tunnels or safe passageways called corridors. These corridors allow wildlife to travel safely in developed areas such as neighborhoods or across busy roads and h ighways. By understanding more about wildlife movements and needs, we can make sure that we keep their habitats connected, healthy and safe.

A Question for You …

One male mountain lion requires, on average, 80 square miles of habitat to survive (depending of resources). If one half of 80 square miles is developed into new houses, how much habitat is left for the mountain lion?

Answer: 40 square miles 80 square miles divided by 2 = 40 square miles or half of the needed space

Mountain lions need space to forage and roam.

SWCC is Getting Wild about Art!!!

If you love animals and love drawing, then this art contest is for you! Southwest Wildlife would like to showcase our wonderful native animals of Arizona through art! We are asking children ages 5-­‐14 to submit their artwork into our contest!

Camelia Mosor.

Cinderella the Mexican Gray Wolf

Please read the following rules:

1. Drawing m ust be of an animal at Southwest Wildlife.

Please visit our website, www.southwestwildlife.org and go to our “Animals” tab to view our wildlife.

2. Drawing can be in any m edium (graphite, colored pencil, paint, etc.).

3. Only one drawing can be submitted per child.

4. There are three different age groups for this contest: 5-­‐8; 9-­‐11; 12-­‐14.

5. Artwork m ust be 8.5 in. x 11 in.

6. To submit artwork you can email the artwork to: education@southwestwildlife.org or mail artwork to:

Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center Attn: Kelly Marcum

8711 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85255

7.

8.

9.

With your artwork submission, please include the following information on a separate sheet of paper or in the email text: name of artist, age of artist, name of the animal in the drawing, species of animal in the drawing, phone number to be contacted at, mailing address, t-­‐shirt size of artist.

One winner will be chosen from each age group. The winners’ drawings will be in our winter newsletter, as well as our website and social m edia accounts. Each winner will also receive a Southwest Wildlife T-­‐shirt and cap!

All entries must be submitted by December 1, 2015.

If you have any questions please email me at: education@southwestwildlife.org We look forward to seeing your art!!!

SWCC’s Living with Wildlife Series

Bears Safe Practices in Bear Country

The American black bear and the brown bear, which is commonly referred to as a grizzly, are two of the three species of bears found in North America. Black bears are found in parts of northern Mexico, 38 states, m ost of Canada and Alaska.

Brown (grizzly) bears are found in M ontana, Idaho, Wyoming and Washington, as well as Alaska and western Canada.

Generally, if a bear knows of your p resence, it will attempt to avoid you. Most bear conflicts occur because humans attempt to feed a bear or have, intentionally or not, approached a bear.

Please don’t feed the Bears

Never feed a bear. Feeding bears familiarizes them with human foods and attracts them to garbage. Garbage may contain plastics, aluminum foil or other debris, which, if ingested, may cause malnourishment, illness, or even death.

Feeding bears also causes them to become habituated, or lose their fear of humans. Habituated bears become “problem” bears, as they approach humans too closely or cause damage in their quest for food.

Problem bears will often times need to be “removed” (a euphemism for being destroyed), which has resulted in the saying:

“A fed bear is a dead bear.”

Bears will stand on their hind legs out of curiosity and in order to see better, not to display aggression.

Handling Food in Bear Country

While camping it bear country, it is especially important that you p roperly handle and store food, garbage and personal items. Cook, eat and cleanup at least 100 yards from your sleeping area. Store food, garbage and odorous person items (toothpaste, deodorant, soap and lotions) in bear-­‐resistant containers, in a hard sided vehicle, or at least 10 feet from the ground and 4 feet from side supports. Remove clothing after cooking and store it with your food. Wash your hands after cooking eating or handling fish/game. Strain food p articles from you dishwater and place with garbage. Do not take food, drinks, or odorous personal items into your sleeping area.

How to Avoid Bear Encounters

When hiking, hunting, camping or fishing there are several ways to avoid bear encounters. Make your presence known by talking, clapping or singing. Carry food and/or garbage in an odor-­‐proof container. Watch for signs of bear activity:

• Tracks, scat, torn-­‐up logs or stumps and overturned rocks.

• Stay on established trails • Keep children within sight at all times • Leave pets at home or keep on a leash • Travel in daylight and if possible in groups

If you see a b ear in the distance, try to alter your route to avoid it.

Bear Encounters

Despite your best efforts, encounters may occur. Try to gauge the bear’s intentions-­‐is it agitated and d rooling or calm and curious? Agitated, drooling bears may charge.

Mother bears are especially prone to ‘charging’ especially when separated from their cubs. No matter how approachable a young cub might appear, mother bear is near and will defend her cubs no matter what the circumstance. Whether the bear appears calm or agitated, speak in a low monotone voice and slowly back away. Never turn your back to a bear. Do not run-­‐ doing so could trigger an attack and bears can easily outrun humans. Avoid direct eye contact and, if you are with a group, stay together. Always let someone know where you are going and what time you will be back.

A grizzly or brown bear can be identified by the distinctive shoulder hump and dished face

What Should You Do If… …a bear approaches you?

If avoidance tactics don’t work and a bear approaches, do not run. Try to scare the bear by shouting, making noise, waving your arms and throwing stones.

… a bear charges you?

Do not run! S tand your ground if charged, as bears may bluff charge several times and then leave. Don’t drop your backpack as it might offer some protection in the event of an attack. Use bear pepper spray which is different than personal defense sprays and can be purchased at sporting good stores. This type of spray is very effective against charging bears without causing them long-­‐term adverse effects. … a bear attacks you in you tent?

If any bear attacks you while you are in a tent, fight back with any weapons you can find: sticks, stones, bear pepper spray, boots or your fists.

…a bear attacks you while you are hiking?

If a bear attacks and you can reach your bear pepper spray use it. Otherwise, it is important to know how to d istinguish between black and brown (grizzly) bears, as your response to an attack will depend upon the species. Fight back with anything available against a black bear attack. In contrast, playing dead is your best defense against a grizzly attack. Curl into a ball or lie face d own, using your hands and arms to protect your neck and face. Roll with the strikes and d on’t move or make noise until the bear is out of the area.

The difference between a black bear and a grizzly (brown) bear

Coloring and size are not reliable indicators of a species.

The most common colors of black bears are black or brown with a light brown nose. However, there is a wide color variation from blonde, cinnamon, rust or black. The coloring of a brown (grizzly) bear varies from blonde to black with brown or reddish hairs interspersed. Although brown bears are on average larger than black bears, a large male b lack bear may b e larger than a young female brown bear. There are distinctions in appearance between the two species.

Shoulder hump

Short round ears Dish face profile

Long claws

No shoulder hump

Tall pointed ears Straight face profile

Short claws

Calendar of Events

SWCC is very excited to continue holding tours at our Nature Center! If you would like to attend our ‘Walk with Wildlife’ tours, one of our ‘Wild Workshops’ or event; please go to our website: www.southwestwildlife.org and click on the ‘Visit us’ tab to pre-­‐register.

Tour Dates

Sept. 28-­‐Sunrise/Walk with Wildlife/Full Moon Event

Oct. 3-­‐Sunrise/Walk with Wildlife Oct. 10-­‐Sunrise/Walk with Wildlife Oct. 17-­‐Wolf Awareness Event Oct. 23-­‐Sunrise/Walk with Wildlife/Howloween Oct. 24-­‐ Sunrise/Walk with Wildlife/Howloween Oct. 27-­‐ Sunrise/Walk with Wildlife/Full Moon Event Oct 31-­‐Sunrise/Walk with Wildlife

Nov. 7-­‐Walk with Wildlife Nov.14-­‐Wild Workshop-­‐Living with Wildlife/Walk with Wildlife Nov. 21-­‐Walk with Wildlife Tours Nov. 23-­‐Walk with Wildlife Tours Nov.24-­‐Walk with Wildlife Tours Nov. 25-­‐Walk with Wildlife Tours/Full Moon Event Nov. 27-­‐Walk with Wildlife Tours Nov.28-­‐Walk with Wildlife Tours Nov.29-­‐Walk with Wildlife Tours

SWCC will come to you!!!

Tabasco

If you are looking for something unusual to offer your club, group or school consider SWCC’s informative and entertaining outreach program. These programs can be tailored for your group and can feature topics such as: living peacefully with our desert neighbors and learning more about Arizona native wildlife. At each presentation you will be able to meet our ambassador animals up close and personal.

To learn more about h is program, visit our website www.southwestwildlife.org or call 480-­‐471-­‐3621

SWCC’s Newsletter

We hope you are enjoying the expanded issues of our newsletter.

Our goal is to inform, educate and even entertain. Despite external challenges, we continue to provide an invaluable service of educating the public to the importance of native wildlife.

You can always see our newsletter on our website, but to ensure you will continue to receive a copy in the mail, please make sure you have contributed at least $25.00 annually to SWCC. Please go to www.southwestwildlife.org to donate online or simply use the enclosed donation envelope.

We thank you for your continued support. Without your help we could not continue with our mission.

Brio

Saving our Wildlife …

One Life at a Time

8711 East Pinnacle Peak PMB #115 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Yes, I want to help make a difference for Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center!

Enclosed is my donation (please use the enclosed envelop provided).

$25 $50 $75 $100 $500 other

Please make checks payable to: Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center Or visit www.southwestwildllife.org And make your contribution online

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For more information on how you can help please go to: www.southwestwildlife.org And learn more about becoming a member of our Wild Family, Legacy donations, Adoptions, In Honor and Memory of donations and upcoming events.

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