Blog

SCBI ForestGEO

Spring is here and camera trapping continues around the Triangle.  Since last spring, we’ve had 141 volunteers run cameras in more than 250 sites. 

By far the most commonly detected species has been white-tailed deer but we’ve gotten several more rare species like striped skunks, chipmunks and bobcats especially in the rural areas. 

Coyotes kill deer.  This fact is undisputed.  The real question is:

Do coyotes cause deer populations to decline?

This question has led to years of research.  While there are still strong advocates on both sides, enough science has been done that there is an evidence based answer to this question.

We are so excited to be working with the volunteers on the Okaloosa S.C.I.E.N.C.E. eMammal project. This blog is intended to be a source of infomation for the Okaloosa S.C.I.E.N.C.E. eMammal volunteers to dissiminate natural history of the local flora and fauna. Please feel free to read, re-post on other social media outlets, comment and ask questions, and suggest future blog topics.

Check out some of our latest photos from the students in India. Here are some species that we have never captured before. 

Two crested porcupines

Mountain lions (Puma concolor) have taken on a near mythic status in the eastern US.  Unconfirmed sightings are rare but routine, and speculation is often fueled by photos from other parts of the country passed off as local proof of mountain lions.  Interest in mountain lions is so high that one of the most frequently asked questions to the eMammal research team is whether we have captured a photo of a mountain lion.  We are also interested in mountain lions so we asked ourselves

Waking up at sunrise, a long stretch, and a vigorous cheek rub in the dirt and on nearby shrubs are all part of the typical woodchuck (Marmota monax) morning routine. While the face rub in the dirt may seem strange, it is a critical part of a woodchuck’s world. Woodchucks are one species in the marmot genus and like most marmot species woodchucks are territorial, but unlike other marmots woodchucks are solitary. The oral scent glands located on the sides of their face are used to mark territorial boundaries and identify offspring and other kin when woodchucks encounter each other.