bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution and History of Naturalized Common Pear, Pyrus communis, in Ontario
Authors: Catling Paul M. , Mitrow Gisèle
Published: January 2017

Considered rare or entirely overlooked until 1998, Pyrus communis is currently widespread and locally abundant as an escape from cultivation in southern Ontario. It was first noticed growing wild in Elgin County in 1949 and up until 1965 it was known as a wild plant only in the eastern Lake Erie region. It was first reported in the eastern Lake Ontario region in 1969 and is now widespread and locally abundant there. It now occurs north to the Georgian Bay region, and southwest to Essex County. Since it has had a very effective and rapid dispersal system for centuries as a result of cultivation and discarded cores, the apparently recent spread may be a consequence of climate warming extending the area within which it can grow wild, otherwise it would have escaped much earlier. It occurs in old fields and along fences within agricultural landscapes, but has been recorded in native woodland, prairie and alvar habitats. It dominates abandoned fields and pasture in some areas and may also increase in certain natural habitats and compete with native species. It is, however, less aggressive than some other alien woody plants and provides abundant food in the form of pollen, nectar and fruit during the early stages of old field succession. Spread is believed to be mostly by humans, but Racoons, deer, and other small mammals may be important in local dispersal.
A Group Defense Incident Involving Juvenile Striped Skunks, Mephitis mephitis
Authors: Wilcox Jeffery T. , Larsen Brendan N.
Published: January 2017

Striped Skunks (Mephitis mephitis) occasionally fall prey to various predators. To reduce the risk of predation, Striped Skunks have evolved multiple defensive behaviors and aposematic coloration. Several types of defensive behaviors have been reported for individual Striped Skunks, but never for a group of skunks. We describe a group defense incident in an encounter between four juvenile Striped Skunks and a perceived predator—a man on a motorcycle.
Decline of Two Open Champlain Sea Dune Systems in Eastern Ontario and Their Characteristic and Restricted Plants and Insects
Authors: Catling Paul M. , Goulet Henri , Kostiuk Brenda
Published: January 2017

Open sandy areas have existed for hundreds or thousands of years in eastern Ontario but they have declined to approximately 1% of their former extent over the last 60-70 years. The history and decline of this unusual habitat, and its consequences for protection of biodiversity, are explored through reference to historical documents and collections as well as current surveys using two exemplary sites: Slack Road south of Ottawa and Crystal Rock in Edwardsburgh Township north of Prescott. Planting trees to eliminate these open areas, before their biodiversity value was understood, is a primary cause of the decline, but cessation of fire, invasive species and urban development have also been contributing factors. The two exemplary areas have a very similar flora and fauna and collectively contain at least five provincially rare and 65 regionally rare species, many of which are dependent on dry, open, inland sand deposits not directly associated with rivers or lakes. Based on the present rate of decline, these sandy habitats, along with their specialized flora and fauna, may be gone in a decade or two. On the other hand, the biodiversity-rich remnants could serve as nuclei for the recolonization of a restored ecosystem.
Habitat Parameters and Small Mammal Associations of the Gaspe Shrew, Sorex gaspensis, in the Eastern Gaspé Peninsula, Québec
Authors: Fortin Christian , Comeau Denis
Published: January 2017

The Gaspé Shrew (Sorex gaspensis) is one of the rarest of Canadian small mammals. Consequently, little is known about its habitat preferences. This paper documents habitat parameters and small mammal species associated with the capture of nine specimens in the Gaspé Peninsula, Québec. Small mammals were collected using both pitfall traps and Victor snap traps at 22 sites during August and September 2005. A total of 571 small mammals representing 12 species was captured during 5637 trap nights. S. gaspensis specimens were trapped at sites located on hilly, rocky habitats. Microhabitat was cool and moist in all cases. Slope was always over 15 degrees and altitude ranged from 29 to 240 meters. Estimated percent of moss ground cover exceeded 50% in seven of the nine capture sites. Six S. gaspensis were trapped near running water while the others were captured far from streams. Overall, ten species of small mammals were captured in the same sites of S. gaspensis. Smoky Shrew (Sorex fumeus) was by far the most strongly associated species.
Les collisions d'oiseaux à l'édifice Marly à Sainte-Foy, Québec, de 1978 à 2007
Authors: Pouliot Yvan
Published: January 2017

Since its construction in 1978, thousands of birds have been killed following collisions on the Marly mirror-glassed building located in the western area of Quebec City. This paper presents ornithological observations and describes the collision phenomenon at this site. Data show that the number of birds killed by collisions has declined dramatically over the 30-year period. Probable causes of this decline are discussed. Erratum included.
A Localized Decline in the Western Chorus Frog, Pseudacris triseriata, in Eastern Ontario
Authors: Seburn David C. , Seburn Carolyn N. L. , Weller Wayne F.
Published: January 2017

To assess whether Western Chorus Frogs have declined in eastern Ontario, we conducted amphibian call surveys at 18 sites in the Cornwall area, where they were heard calling in 1990, as well as selected wetlands in the same area. Chorus frogs were detected at only 1 of the 18 original locations during surveys in 2001 and 2007. When survey locations with and without Chorus Frogs were considered, the site occupancy rate declined from 58% in 1990, to only 12% in 2007. Chorus Frogs appear to have declined in this area of eastern Ontario which is adjacent to documented declines in western Québec and northern New York.
Spatial and Temporal Differences in Giant Kidney Worm, Dictophyma renale, Prevalence in Minnesota Mink, Mustela vison
Authors: Mech L. David
Published: January 2017

Examination of 110 Mink (Mustela vison) carcasses from 1998 through 2007 indicated that the giant kidney worm, Dioctophyma renale, occurred in Pine and Kanabec Counties of eastern Minnesota with annual prevalences of 0-92%. Worm prevalence increased from 20% in 1999 to 92% in 2001 and decreased to 6% in 2005. During 2000 to 2007, no worms were found in Mink from Anoka and Chisago Counties (n = 54), and in 2000, none in 107 Mink from LeSeur, Freeborn, Redwood, Brown and Watonwan Counties. Changes in kidney worm prevalence were positively related to trapping success, considered an index of Mink density.
First Occurrence of the Grey Fox, Urocyon cinereoargenteus, in New Brunswick: a Climate-change Mediated Range Expansion?
Authors: McAlpine Donald , Martin James D. , Libby Cade
Published: January 2017

The first occurrence in New Brunswick of the Grey Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), a threatened species in Canada, is documented based on a 4.3 kg subadult male trapped in the southwestern corner of the province. This is an approximate range extension of 135 km from the most northerly Maine occurrence and may reflect a larger North American range expansion underway since 1930-40, perhaps in response to warming climate.
Factors Influencing the Abundance of Berry Plants for Black Bears, Ursus americanus, in Quebec
Authors: Hébert Rémi , Samson Claude , Huot Jean
Published: January 2017

Berries generally represent the primary food source used by Black Bears (Ursus americanus) during summer and sometimes fall. Our study attempted to identify factors influencing the abundance of these critical resources for Black Bears in Quebec. We used data from the ecological inventories of the Ministère de l’Environnement du Québec. Three different study areas were selected, including the Papineau-Labelle Wildlife Reserve (326 sample plots; 24 species), the Laurentides Wildlife Reserve (679 sample plots; 16 species) and the Côte-Nord administrative region (1944 sample plots; 30 species). Each site represented a different bioclimatic domain. Characteristics of the dominant vegetation (density and height), soil texture, and drainage classes (vertical or oblique) were used as analysis factors. In general, height and density of the dominant vegetation had a significant effect on the abundance of berry plants. Berry plants were more abundant in plots where dominant vegetation height and density were low. Soil texture had little effect on the abundance of berry plants, and the influence of drainage varied depending on the region. This study allowed us to determine the optimal sites of berry resources for Black Bears.
Pileated Woodpeckers, Dryocopus pileatus, Foraging in Suburban Habitats in New Brunswick
Authors: Erskine Anthony J.
Published: January 2017

Pileated Woodpeckers (Dryocopus pileatus), usually woodland birds, were seen often in Sackville, New Brunswick, in winters 2005-2007. Excavations in trees were made mostly by two female birds. A male bird joined each female briefly in late winter. These birds probably all roosted in wooded areas west of town. Most large trees in town are broad-leafed, in contrast to the mostly conifer woods to the west (there are only open lands to the east). Feeding excavations in town were mostly in maples, with little use of elms. Prey noted were large larvae, seemingly of sawflies, unlike published reports of Pileated Woodpecker feeding mainly on adult ants and beetles. Excavations further weakened trees already damaged by boring insects, causing perceived risks to passers-by and to overhead wires. Work by woodpeckers alerted arborists to weakened trees or branches, many of which were removed. Local people were excited at seeing, close up, these impressive – and tame – birds.
Effects of Forest Cover on Fruit Set in the Woodland Herb, Maianthemum canadense (Liliaceae)
Authors: Taki Hisatomo , Kevan Peter G. , Yamaura Yuichi
Published: January 2017

Animal pollination has been recognized as an essential ecosystem function that is potentially under various environmental stresses. We investigated the landscape effects of forest cover at multiple spatial scales on the sexual reproductive success of a common woodland herb in North America, Maianthemum canadense. This species is a self-incompatible species and pollinated by insects requiring natural landscapes. Nine populations were selected in deciduous forests within agricultural fields of southern Ontario, Canada. We investigated whether fruiting success decreases as forest cover surrounding the plant populations increases at the landscape scale. Forest cover was quantified by the proportion of forest within six different radii from 250 to 1500 m. Analyses showed relationships with the proportion of forest at 750- and 1000-m radii and fruiting success in populations of M. canadense. These findings suggest potential local extirpation of M. canadense and indicate that forest loss can negatively impact on even some common woodland herbs.
Comparisons and Trends in White-tailed Deer, Odocoileus virginianus, Body Fat in Northeastern Minnesota, 1974-1990
Authors: Nicholson Kerry L. , Peterson William J. , Ballard Warren B.
Published: January 2017

The relationships among locations of body fats have not been thoroughly examined in White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus). We measured bone marrow fat (n = 2995), back fat (n = 1018), kidney fat (n = 2076), and xiphoid fat (n = 1246) levels of White-tailed Deer kills from Cook and Lake counties in northeastern Minnesota during 1974-1990. For each dead deer we determined age, sex, date, and causes of mortality. All of the fat measures were correlated to varying degrees. Generally all fat measurements peaked in late autumn and subsequently began declining and reached their lowest levels in May. Fat content was negatively correlated with winter severity. Causes of mortality included predation, poaching, accidental, unknown, and auto-collisions. Predated animals had lower bone marrow (-7.42 ± 3.92) and 0.165 ± 2.30 times lower back fat and had higher amounts of kidney fat than those killed by vehicles (0.86 ± 0.43).
Egg Predation at a Golden Eagle, Aquila chrysaetos, Nest
Authors: Morton Martin L. , Pereyra Maria E.
Published: January 2017

We observed an egg being taken from a Golden Eagle nest near Atlin, British Columbia, by a Common Raven. This is apparently the first record of its kind.
Differential Footload of Male and Female Fisher, Martes pennanti, in Quebec
Authors: Renard Aurelie , Lavoie Maxime , Larivière Serge
Published: January 2017

We examined the mass, foot area and foot load (mass/surface area) of Fishers (Carnivora: Mustelidae: Martes pennanti) captured during the 2006-2007 commercial fur season in southern Quebec, Canada. Body mass of males (mean = 4.7 kg ± 0.5, n = 37) was significantly larger than that of females (mean = 2.4 kg ± 0.2, n = 40). Similarly, the size of male feet (mean area = 130.5 cm2 ± 10.9, n = 37) was significantly larger than that of females (mean = 95.2 cm2 ± 7.6 SE, n = 40). The resulting footload of males (36.2 g/cm2 ± 6.1, n = 37) was 43% larger than that of females (25.3 g/cm2 ± 2.3, n = 40). These results may help explain the differential behaviour and niche partitioning in this mustelid carnivore.
Eastern Coyotes, Canis latrans, Observed Feeding on Periodical Cicadas, Magicicada septendecim
Authors: Way Jonathan G.
Published: January 2017

Eastern Coyotes (Canis latrans) were observed feeding on Periodical Cicadas (Magicicada septendecim) during their once every 17 year emergence (for three weeks) in June 2008.
Cliff Roosting by Migrant Semipalmated Sandpipers, Calidris pusilla, at Farrier's Cove, Shepody Bay, New Brunswick
Authors: MacKinnon Colin M. , Dulude Julie , Kennedy Andrew C. , Surette Sophie J. E. , Hicklin Peter W.
Published: January 2017

An observation of Semipalmated Sandpipers roosting on a cliff face in Shepody Bay, New Brunswick, suggests changes from “traditional” roosting sites. Sandpipers may be altering their roosting patterns due to pressures from avian predators such as the recent, and successful, re-introduction of the Peregrine Falcon.
The Density of Beaver, Castor canadensis, Activities along Camrose Creek, Alberta, within Differing Habitats and Management Intensity Levels
Authors: Loates Bethany M. , Hvenegaard Glen T.
Published: January 2017

Beaver (Castor canadensis) occupy a variety of habitats in North America, but prefer Aspen (Populus tremuloides) and willow (Salix spp.) for food and construction materials. Beaver landforms, such as dams, can cause many problems for landowners, resulting in varied management efforts, such as dam dismantling and Beaver removal. The goal of this study was to compare the density of Beaver activity along Camrose Creek, Alberta, among a variety of habitats and management intensities. Along this 35 km creek there were an average of 0.46 food caches/km, 0.57 lodges/km, and 3.06 dams/km (of which 1.66/km were altered by people and 1.40/km were unaltered). There were more caches, lodges, and unaltered dams in Trembling Aspen forests compared to other habitats. Areas with some management had more food caches and either altered or unaltered dams than areas with no management.
River Otter, Lontra canadensis, Food Habits in the Missouri Ozarks
Authors: Roberts Nathan M. , Rabeni Charles F. , Stanovick John S. , Hamilton David A.
Published: January 2017

The reintroduction of River Otters (Lontra canadensis) between 1982 and 1992 resulted in widespread occurrence of the species throughout the Missouri Ozarks. This study examined otter diets from the vicinity of two Ozark streams in relation to seasonal and spatial trends. Otter scats (N = 4750) were collected and analyzed from the Osage Fork River and Big Piney River during the summer and winter seasons of 2001 and 2002. During the winter (January-March), fish occurred in 86% of the samples. During the summer (June–August), occurrence of fish dropped to approximately 15% for both rivers. Seven families of fish were identified in the diets, with Centrarchidae being most common regardless of river or season. Within the Centrarchidae, the genus Lepomis (mostly Longear Sunfish, Lepomis megalotis) was most common, with Micropterus (mostly Smallmouth Bass, Micropterus dolomieu) and Rock Bass (Ambloplites rupestris) also well represented. The mean age of Ambloplites consumed (mean = 3.3 years) was consistently older than that of either Micropterus (mean = 2.54 years) or Lepomis (mean = 2.78 years). Crayfish were recovered from a mean of 85.2% of scats in the winter and 99% in the summer. Smaller fish and crayfish were more common from the upper reaches of the streams while larger fish were prevalent in the lower reaches.
Contaminant Levels in Eggs of American White Pelicans, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos, from Chase Lake, North Dakota
Authors: Pietz Pamela J. , Sovada Marsha A. , Custer Christine M. , Custer Thomas W. , Johnson Kevin M.
Published: January 2017

American White Pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) are colonial nesters, making them susceptible to site-specific mortality factors. One of the largest known breeding colonies is at Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge in North Dakota. In 2004, this colony suffered total reproductive failure. In 2005, we collected abandoned eggs from this colony to test for environmental contaminants. Nine eggs were analyzed for 28 organochlorine pesticides, total polychlorinated biphenyls, and 26 inorganic elements. Based on concentrations in this sample of eggs and levels linked to reproductive problems in birds, adult pelicans in the Chase Lake breeding colony are not at known risk from any of the environmental contaminants we measured.
Critical Habitat and the Conservation Ecology of the Freshwater Parasitic Lamprey, Lampetra macrostoma
Authors: Beamish R. J. , Wade J.
Published: January 2017

Lampetra macrostoma, the Cowichan Lamprey, is a freshwater parasitic lamprey that probably evolved from L. tridentata within the last 10 000 years. It is unique to the Cowichan Lake watershed on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Larval rearing in Mesachie and Cowichan lakes occurs in shallow, silt-covered gravel areas at the mouths of rivers and streams flowing into the lakes. Spawning occurs over a protracted period from early May until about late July. Shallow areas with small gravel along the shore of the lakes, near the mouths of rivers are essential for successful spawning. Adults prey on a variety of salmonid species within the lake. There has been considerable development around Mesachie Lake and reported increased fishing pressure on prey in Mesachie and Cowichan lakes. It is not known if the size of the population of L. macrostoma has changed since an initial study in the early 1980s, but a study in 2008 captured very few spawning lamprey in Mesachie Lake, possibly indicating that the population is declining.
Records of Recovering American Marten, Martes americana, in New Hampshire
Authors: Kelly Jillian R. , Fuller Todd K. , Kanter John J.
Published: January 2017

Recent and current distribution of state-threatened American Marten (Martes americana) in New Hampshire was identified by summarizing 157 occurrence records (1980–2004) in a database and mapped using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Records included visual observations, snow tracks, road kill, trapper captures, systematic live-trapping locations, and other miscellaneous locations. Marten in New Hampshire are now found throughout the White Mountains north to the Canadian border, with the highest relative abundance in the very northern tip of New Hampshire. The recent expansion in the range of Martens includes reproducing females, but a sex ratio biased towards males in some areas suggests that dispersing individuals might inhabit much of the range.
Terpenoid Resin Distribution in Conifer Needles with Implications for Red Tree Vole, Arborimus longicaudus, Foraging
Authors: Kelsey Rick G. , Forsman Eric D. , Swingle James K.
Published: January 2017

Tree voles are dietary specialists, feeding almost exclusively on conifer needles and bark. They reduce their exposure to conifer chemical defenses by physically removing resin ducts from many needles before ingesting the remaining tissue. The portion of needle removed differs among tree species, depending on the location of the resin ducts. To evaluate the amount of resin avoided by this behavior we removed the resin ducts from Douglas-fir, Western Hemlock, and Sitka Spruce needles and used gas chromatography to compare volatile resin concentrations in needles with and without the resin ducts removed. Needle tissues without resin ducts contained no terpenoid resin, demonstrating that tree voles can regulate the nutritional quality of their diet by controlling the amount of resin ingested. We suggest that differences in the physical structure (and possibly chemical composition of terpenes) of the needles make it difficult for voles to easily switch between tree hosts.
Leech (Annelida: Hirudinea) Infestations on Canadian Turtles, Including the First Canadian Record of Helobdella modesta from Freshwater Turtles
Authors: Davy Christina M. , Shim Kum C. , Coombes Suzanne M.
Published: January 2017

We collected leeches from freshwater turtles at two sites in southwestern Ontario. Five leech species (Placobdella parasitica, P. ornata, Helobdella modesta, Erpobdella punctata and Alboglossiphonia heteroclita) were collected from five turtle species (Chrysemys picta, Chelydra serpentina, Clemmys guttata, Emydoidea blandingii and Sternotherus odoratus). We report a new leech record (P. ornata) for C. guttata. The unexpectedly high frequency of H. modesta on freshwater turtles is discussed.
Gap dynamics in Balsam Fir, Abies balsamea - Yellow Birch, Betula alleghaniensis, forests of Québec
Authors: Hébert Rémi , Huot Jean
Published: January 2017

To determine if gap dynamics can play an important role in the natural regeneration process of Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea)-Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis) forests and to determine the effects of gap characteristics on regenerating woody species, we sampled 119 gaps from 64 forest stands in La Mauricie National Park. Gaps averaged 184.5 m² in size. The mean gap age was 7.8 years. Gaps were usually created by broken or uprooted trees and only rarely resulted from Spruce Budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) outbreaks. We found 25 species that regenerated in the gaps or under the forest cover. When considering all species, significantly more stems/ha were in gaps than under the forest cover. Gap characteristics generally did not influence regenerating woody species. We present a comprehensive model of gap dynamics in Balsam Fir-Yellow Birch forests, starting from a dense canopy, continuing with the creation and colonization of gaps, and ending to the closure of the canopy. Gap dynamics play an important role in the natural regeneration process of Balsam Fir-Yellow Birch forests.Afin de déterminer si la dynamique par trouée peut jouer un rôle important comme processus naturel de régénération de la sapinière à Bouleau Jaune et aussi afin de déterminer les effets des caractéristiques des trouées sur la régénération, nous avons échantillonné 119 trouées dans 64 peuplements forestiers au parc national de la Mauricie. Ces ouvertures avaient une superficie moyenne de 184,5 m². L’âge moyen des ouvertures était de 7,8 ans. Elles étaient généralement créées par un arbre cassé ou déraciné. Peu d’ouvertures étaient créées par des épidémies de la Tordeuse des Bourgeons de l’Épinette. Au total, 25 espèces en régénération ont été rencontrées dans les ouvertures ou sous le couvert forestier. En considérant toutes les espèces, il y avait significativement plus de tiges/ha dans les ouvertures que sous le couvert forestier. Les caractéristiques des trouées n’influençaient généralement pas la régénération. Nous présentons un modèle complet sur la dynamique par trouée dans la sapinière à Bouleau jaune, commençant avec une canopée dense, continuant avec la création et la colonisation des trouées, et se terminant avec la fermeture de la canopée. La dynamique par trouée joue un rôle important dans le régime de perturbations de la sapinière à Bouleau jaune.
Plants and Insects New to Sable Island, Nova Scotia
Authors: Catling Paul , Lucas Zoe , Freedman Bill
Published: January 2017

During recent inventories, particularly in 2008 and 2009, 8 plants and 17 insects were found that are additions to the flora and fauna of Sable Island, respectively. Additions to the flora include Alnus incana subsp. rugosa, Carex nigra, Frangula alnus, Isoetes tuckermanii, Linaria vulgaris, Mertensia maritima, Panicum dichotomiflorum, and Solidago rugosa. Additions to the insect fauna include Apateticus bracteatus, Barce fraterna, Carabus maeander, Conocephalus fasciatus, Danaus plexippus, Eulithis explanata, Haliplus cribrarius, Harmonia axyridis, Lasioglossum novascotiae, Lateroligia ophiogramma, Lycophotia phyllophora, Muirodelphax arvensis, Nemoria rubrifrontaria, Neoconocephalus retusus, Paraphlepsius irroratus, Scaphytopius acutus, and Spilodiscus arcuatus. The occurrence of Spilodiscus arcuatus is of interest with respect to an apparent decline throughout much of its range. Neoconocephalus retusus and species of Catocala provide an indication of the capability of storms to transport even large insects over substantial distances. The increasing numbers of Danaus plexippus observed may be part of a trend toward the northward movement of migratory insects. Some of the 7 plants are likely recent arrivals, but Isoetes tuckermanii and others may have been previously overlooked.
Habitat-Distribution Modeling of a Recolonizing Black Bear, Ursus americanus, Population in the Trans-Pecos Region of Texas
Authors: Rice Mindy B. , Ballard Warren B. , Fish Ernest B. , McIntyre Nancy E. , Holdermann David
Published: January 2017

Black Bears (Ursus americanus) were once widespread across Texas, but their numbers were reduced in the early 1900s. Recolonization of the Trans-Pecos region of Texas has occurred via bears migrating northward from Mexico. Recent bear sightings have increased in this area. This could be an indication that the population in Texas is beginning to recover, but the population will continue to expand only if there is suitable habitat to occupy. To help identify suitable habitat and restoration areas, we developed a predictive habitat-distribution model by using records of Black Bear sightings from 1996 to 2003 to map the species' distribution. Using Bayesian statistics, we modeled the probability of occurrence of Black Bears in the Trans-Pecos region based on sighting locations. We used GIS layers for land use/landcover, elevation, water sources, and road networks to obtain covariates in our modeling. We used a 10-fold cross-validation to test the effectiveness of using sighting data. Our results indicated a negative association with bare areas, agriculture, and grassland landcovers. In addition, southern aspect, elevation, distance to water, slope, and western aspect also influenced suitable habitat. Both the original and validation datasets correctly classified bear sightings 93.9% and 93.7% of the time, respectively. Our model can be used to target restoration efforts to enhance the ability of the Black Bear to expand in the Trans-Pecos region. It can also identify private landowners most likely to be affected by the expansion of Black Bears for education and cooperative efforts.
Coyote, Canis latrans, Predation on a Bison, Bison bison, Calf in Yellowstone National Park
Authors: Sheldon J. W. , Reed Gregory , Burnett A. Cheyenne , Li Kevin , Crabtree Robert L.
Published: January 2017

We observed a single adult male Coyote (Canis latrans) kill a Bison (Bison bison) calf in Yellowstone National Park. The predation is, to our knowledge, the only direct and complete observation of a lone Coyote capturing and killing a Bison calf. The bison calf had unsuccessfully attempted to ford a river with a group and subsequently become stranded alone in the territory of a six-year-old alpha male Coyote.
Survival and Spatial Ecology of the Snapping Turtle, Chelydra serpentina, on the Upper Mississippi River
Authors: Paisley R. Neal , Wetzel John F. , Nelson John S. , Stetzer Cindy , Hamernick Mark G. , Anderson Benjamin P.
Published: January 2017

We studied the survival and spatial ecology of adult Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina) on Pool 8 of the Upper Mississippi River (UMR) during 1997-2001. We captured 597 Snapping Turtles 745 times (333 adult males; 238 adult females; and 26 juveniles) at two study sites; Goose Island, Wisconsin and Lawrence Lake, Minnesota. From this sample, we radio-marked 104 Snapping Turtles of legal harvest size 128 times. Annual survival ranged from 0.857 to 1.000 and averaged 0.944 with Goose Island and Lawrence Lake estimates pooled. Legal harvest was the most important cause of mortality and accounted for 57% of documented deaths. Annual home range size using the Poly-Buff (PB) method averaged 11.13 ha and ranged from 2.20 ha to 37.18 ha. Emergent and rooted-floating aquatic vegetation were used disproportionally more than their availability and 72% of all locations collected during the active period occurred within these habitat types. Overall, radio-marked Snapping Turtles selected hibernacula in the following habitat categories; marshes (38%), main/side channels (28%), backwater sloughs and small ponds (14%), spring areas (10%), small tributary streams (7%), and tertiary channels (3%). Developing conservative, consistent harvest regulations among the states that border the UMR should be a management priority.
New Distribution Records for Painted Turtles, Chrysemys picta, from Northwestern and Northeastern Ontario
Authors: Weller Wayne F.
Published: January 2017

Records of Western Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta bellii) in northwestern Ontario and of Midland Painted Turtle (C. p. marginata) in northeastern Ontario extend the documented range northward. Two records of C. p. marginata represent the first records for the Timiskaming District.
Suspected Long-Term Population Increases in Common Eiders, Somateria mollissima, on the Mid-Labrador Coast, 1980, 1994, and 2006
Authors: Chaulk Keith G.
Published: January 2017

Aerial surveys for adult male Common Eiders, Somateria mollissima, were flown on the Labrador coast during June 2006. This information was then compared with aerial counts of adult male Common Eiders collected in 1980 and 1994. For each survey year, data were grouped and paired by coastal block and were analyzed for population trends. Overall, the observed counts of adult male Common Eiders increased by 244% between 1980 and 2006. Much of this increase seemed to occur in the southern region of the study area.
Cetacean Strandings in the Canadian Maritime Provinces, 1990-2008
Authors: Nemiroff Leah , Wimmer Tonya , Daoust Pierre-Yves , McAlpine Donald F.
Published: January 2017

Organized cetacean stranding networks function to respond quickly and efficiently to strandings, to coordinate live releases, to gather and analyze data, and to educate the public. Stranding networks in the three Canadian Maritime provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island) recently cooperated to form the Marine Animal Response Network. The resulting collaborative database provides an opportunity to assess patterns of cetacean strandings encompassing 19 years (1990-2008 inclusive) from across the region. During this period, a total of 640 stranding events involving 19 species and 881 individuals of both sexes and varying age groups were reported. Stranding events primarily involved single animals, although several mass strandings were recorded, the largest involving 60 Long-finned Pilot Whales (Globicephala melas). The number of strandings was found to vary substantially over time and among the three provinces. In part, this is likely a reflection of differences in local network effort among regions. Most animals were found dead ashore. Entanglement in fishing gear occurred in over 10% of the incidents. Relatively more mysticetes were found dead ashore or at sea and entangled in fishing gear than expected by chance, while more odontocetes were found stranded alive than expected. Harbour Porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) appear to be especially vulnerable to entanglement in fishing gear. Necropsies, performed on a subsample of the stranded animals, suggest that Harbour Porpoises die significantly more often from disease than mishap, while Long-finned Pilot Whales and Atlantic White-sided Dolphins (Lagenorhynchus acutus) suffer equally from mishap and disease. Refloating was attempted for 23% of animals, with an apparent success rate of 83%, although there are no data on long-term survival. Neither sex nor age of the refloated animals was found to be an indicator of subsequent short-term survival.
Territorial Behavior of Short-eared Owls, Asio flammeus, at more than 1000 km North of their Current Breeding Range in Northeastern Canada: Evidence of Range Expansion?
Authors: Therrien Jean-François
Published: January 2017

A pair of Short-eared Owls was observed throughout the summer of 2008 showing territorial behavior more than 1000 km north of their known breeding range in north-eastern Canada. These observations might be related to high lemming densities and/or climate change occurring in the Arctic.
Wolverine, Gulo gulo, Home Range Size and Denning Habitat in Lowland Boreal Forest in Ontario
Authors: Dawson F. Neil , Magoun Audrey J. , Bowman Jeff , Ray Justina C.
Published: January 2017

We conducted the first radio-telemetry study of Wolverines in northwestern Ontario during the winter of 2003-2004 to determine whether home ranges and movements of Wolverines in lowland boreal forest were typical of this species in other ecosystems and to describe reproductive den sites in this habitat type. Seven Wolverines (3 M, 4 F) were radio-tagged and monitored for 31 to 269 (Mean ± SE = 153 ± 35) days using a combination of remotely monitored Argos satellite and conventional aerial telemetry. Male and female 95% minimum convex polygon (MCP) home ranges (±SE) during December to October were 2,563 (796) km2 and 428 (118) km2, respectively, for combined VHF and Argos locations. A lactating female had a 95% MCP home range of 262 km2. The den site for this female included large boulders and downed trees, similar to dens described for this species in montane ecosystems. Boulder complexes and downed trees may be critical features of wolverine dens in lowland boreal forests. Mean road densities (± SE) within 95% MCP and 50% MCP home ranges were 0.43 (0.13) and 0.33 (0.23) km/km2, respectively, and our results suggest that road densities may affect selection of home ranges by Wolverines. The Wolverine population was a resident, reproductive population. Erratum for table included.
Do Barrow's Goldeneyes, Bucephala islandica, Breed South of the St. Lawrence Estuary in the Gaspé Peninsula, Eastern Canada?
Authors: Ouellet Jean-François , Fradette Pierre , Blouin Isabel
Published: January 2017

We report the first observations of Barrow's Goldeneyes south of the St. Lawrence estuary in typical breeding habitat during the breeding season. Until recently, the confirmed breeding locations for the species in Eastern North America were all located on the north shore of the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Psilolechia clavulifera, a Lichen Species New to Canada
Authors: Lewis Chris
Published: January 2017

Psilolechia clavulifera is reported as new to Canada, where it was been found growing under a shaded rock overhang near Temagami, Ontario. This is the first record of the species for Canada. This occurrence represents only the fourth documented record of the species for North America since it was first discovered in 1939 by J. Lowe. This specimen was found growing with other rarely collected cryptic species found in unique microhabitats: Psilolechia lucida, Protothelenella corrosa, and Microcalicium arenarium.
Sex Ratio, Body Mass, and Harvest Rates for Five Sympatric Mammalian Carnivores in the Canadian Prairies
Authors: Larivière Serge , Lester Vance , Gorsuch Wanda
Published: January 2017

We assessed sex ratio, body mass, and harvest rates for 5 species of carnivores (Mammalia: Carnivora) collected in southern Saskatchewan, Canada during spring and summer 1999-2001. Overall, 647 adult carnivores were collected; captures consisted mostly of Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis, 50.7% of captures, 2.6±0.6 kg), Raccoon (Procyon lotor; 28.3%, 6.5±1.3 kg), American Badger (Taxidea taxus, 8.2%, 7.7±1.5 kg), Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes, 7.7%, 4.6±0.6 kg), and Coyote (Canis latrans, 5.1%, 11.0±1.5 kg). Sex ratio (M:F) of captures was male-biased for Raccoon (2.5:1), Striped Skunk (1.7:1), but did not differ from 1:1 for American Badger (2.3:1), Coyote (1.7:1), or Red Fox (2.2:1). For both Striped Skunk and Raccoon, the temporal variation in sex ratio of captures suggests that males were more vulnerable to capture early in the spring than females. Harvest rates were highest for Striped Skunks (range 0.8-2.2 animals/km2) followed by Raccoons (0.4-1.3 animals/km2), American Badgers (0.2-0.5 animal/km2), Red Foxes (0.2-0.4 animal/km2), and Coyotes (0.1-0.4 animals/km2).
Eastern Chipmunk, Tamias striatus, Attack on a Maritime Garter Snake, Thamnophis sirtalis pallidulus, at Cooks Lake, Halifax County, Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Abolit Darrell , Gilhen John
Published: January 2017

Sciurids are often seen eating carrion on roads but are rarely seen attacking live prey. We report a rare incident of an Eastern Chipmunk, Tamias striatus, attacking (but not eating) a Maritime Garter Snake, Thamnophis sirtalis pallidulus, at Cooks Lake, Halifax County, Nova Scotia, Canada, on 29 September 2009 at 1315 h.
The Brown Morph of the Northern Ringneck Snake, Diadophis punctatus edwardsii, on Big Tancook Island, Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia
Authors: Gilhen John
Published: January 2017

I describe a brown morph of the Northern Ringneck Snakes (Diadophis punctatus edwardsii) that occurs in a population on Big Tancook Island, Mahone Bay, Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Presence of Mammals in Ontario, Canada, Verified by Trail Camera Photographs Between 2008 and 2010
Authors: Rosatte Rick
Published: January 2017

Trail cameras were used to determine the presence of medium to large-sized wild mammals in Ontario between 2008 and 2010. A total of 27 different species of mammals across the province were photographed during 17308 trail-camera-nights. Presence indices (photographs per trail-camera-night) for the areas sampled in southern Ontario were highest for the following species: White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus), Raccoon (Procyon lotor), Coyote (Canis latrans), Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), and Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus). Presence indices for the areas sampled in northern Ontario were highest for White-tailed Deer, American Black Bear (Ursus americanus), Moose (Alces alces), Snowshoe Hare (Lepus americanus), and Red Squirrel. Trail camera photographs depicted extensive use of snowmobile trails by wildlife in southern Ontario.
Hairy St. John’s-wort (Hypericum hirsutum L.) in the Toronto Area, New to North America
Authors: Heydon Paul A. , Miller Gavin C. , Oldham Michael J.
Published: January 2017

Hairy St. John’s-wort (Hypericum hirsutum L.) is newly reported for Canada and North America based on two collections from the Toronto, Ontario, area. This perennial Eurasian herb has a large natural range from western Europe to western China. It grows in moist successional, edge, and meadow habitats. It should be looked for in such habitats elsewhere in eastern North America.
Vancouver Island Marmots (Marmota vancouverensis) Consume Plants Containing Toxic Secondary Compounds
Authors: Werner Jeffery R.
Published: January 2017

I report 68 sightings of Vancouver Island Marmots (Marmota vancouverensis) feeding on Green False Hellebore (Veratrum viride), a plentiful but highly poisonous plant. Possible explanations for this novel foraging behaviour are presented.
New Avian Breeding Records for Iqaluit, Nunavut
Authors: Hussell David J. T. , Hussell Jeremy A. T. , Dunn Erica H.
Published: January 2017

Breeding was documented for the first time in Iqaluit, Nunavut, for Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys), and Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis), extending the known breeding ranges in the eastern Arctic for all three species.
On the Discovery of Eastern Leatherwood (Dirca palustris)
Authors: Mottiar Yaseen
Published: January 2017

The existing scientific literature dates the discovery of Eastern Leatherwood (Dirca palustris L.) to the 1730s and assigns John Clayton, a plant collector in the Virginia Colony, and Dutch botanist Jan Frederik Gronovius as the discoverers. But Michel Sarrazin, an early Canadian naturalist, was apparently the first to report on this species in 1700. Moreover, he also sent a living specimen of leatherwood to France. This case reminds us that the earliest information on some North American species predates the Linnaean binomial name.La littérature scientifique courante attribue la découverte du bois de plomb (Dirca palustris L.) dans les années 1730 à John Clayton, un collectionneur de plantes dans la colonie de Virginie, et au botaniste hollandais Jan Frederik Gronovius. Cependant, le premier rapport sur cette espèce a été rédigé en 1700 par Michel Sarrazin, l’un des premiers naturalistes canadiens. En outre, il a envoyé un spécimen vivant de bois de plomb en France. Ce cas nous rappelle que les premières informations sur certaines espèces d’Amérique du Nord précèdent le nom binomial linnéen.
An Addition to the Mammalian Fauna of Saskatchewan: The Western Harvest Mouse, Reithrodontomys megalotis
Authors: Proulx Gilbert , Proulx Benjamin P.
Published: January 2017

The Western Harvest Mouse (Reithrodontomys megalotis) is rare in Canada, and its distribution is believed to be restricted to south-central British Columbia and southeastern Alberta. Between 2008 and 2010, we identified Western Harvest Mouse hairs in 71 of 1424 scats (5%) of Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), Coyote (Canis latrans), American Badger (Taxidea taxus), and Long-tailed Weasel (Mustela frenata) collected in southwestern Saskatchewan. The presence of Western Harvest Mouse was confirmed at the same latitude as populations reported in Alberta and British Columbia, in scats collected in or nearby grasslands. This is the first time that the presence of the Western Harvest Mouse has been confirmed in Saskatchewan.
Size of Territories and Home Ranges of Male Western Yellow-breasted Chats (Icteria virens auricollis) in British Columbia
Authors: McKibbin René , Bishop Christine A.
Published: January 2017

During 2005 and 2006, radio-transmitters were fitted to a total of 11 male Western Yellow-breasted Chats, Icteria virens auricollis, in the southern Okanagan River valley, British Columbia, to compare the area used, as detected by radio-telemetry and as defined by mapped observations of breeding males singing and perching. Data were only collected for 5 males. For 2005 and 2006, the 95% kernel density estimation (KDE) revealed that mean area used by male Western Yellow-breasted Chats, as determined by radio-tracking (n = 5), was 1.16 ha, whereas the mean area as defined by observations of breeding males singing and perching was 0.62 ha (no statistical difference). Our hypothesis that the area determined by radio-tracking would be significantly larger than the area defined by observations of males singing and perching was rejected, but the area determined by radio-tracking was almost twice the area defined by observations of breeding males singing and perching.
Erratum: Caractéristiques d’une population introduite du Grand brochet, Esox lucius, dans le lac Ramsay, Parc de la Gatineau, Québec, et impact sur l’ichtyofaune. (2005) 119(3): 359-366.
Authors: Vachon Josiane , Lavallée Brigitte F. , Chapleau François
Published: January 2017

Article title was incorrectly listed.
Early Spawning by the American Brook Lamprey (Lethenteron appendix) in Southeastern Minnesota
Authors: Cochran Philip A. , Ross Mark A. , Walker Thomas S. , Biederman Trevor
Published: January 2017

Record-setting warm temperatures in the upper Midwest during early 2012 resulted in early spawning by the American Brook Lamprey (Lethenteron appendix) in southeastern Minnesota. American Brook Lampreys in a total of five streams in three drainages spawned up to one month earlier than typical. Mean day of year of spawning groups observed in 2012 was significantly different from the mean for groups observed during the period 2002–2010, but mean water temperature was not significantly different. Limited historical data are not sufficient to show an effect of climate change on spawning phenology because some data are confounded with the effects of latitude and year-to-year variability in thermal regime.
Population Structure of Harvested Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and Coyotes (Canis latrans) on Prince Edward Island, Canada
Authors: Wapenaar Wendela , De Bie Fiep , Johnston David , O'Handley Ryan M. , Barkema Herman W.
Published: January 2017

An understanding of the population dynamics and habitat of wild Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and Coyotes (Canis latrans) is a prerequisite to wildlife management. This information is also important in assessing the risk these wild canids pose to the public and domestic animals. On Prince Edward Island, information on age, sex, reproductive activity, and habitat use of 271 Red Foxes and 201 Coyotes was collected in the hunting and trapping season of 2004–2005. The estimated age of Red Foxes and Coyotes ranged from 0.5 to 13.5 years. A large proportion of harvested Red Foxes and Coyotes (58% and 48%, respectively) consisted of juveniles. The sex ratio was not significantly different from 1:1 for either species. Average litter size was 5.0 and 5.2 for Red Foxes and Coyotes, respectively. Number of placental scars ranged from 0 to 7 in Red Foxes and from 0 to 11 in Coyotes. Agricultural areas were the main habitat type (52%) of harvested Red Foxes. For harvested Coyotes, forest was the main habitat (44%), followed closely by agricultural areas (43%). Urban areas were a significant part (13%) of the habitat of Red Foxes. These data can be used to monitor population dynamics over time, provide information for wildlife management, and provide information on potential risk areas for disease transmission by wild canids.