Poop: Part Deuce

Megan and Pepin

In my earlier blog on the whole poop investigation in the name of science and research thing, I gave a run down on how scat samples can help to determine the location of predators and their surrounding habitats. We were unsuccessful with getting solid (no pun intended) poop evidence on the first trip. The following week; Megan, her dog Pepin and I headed back out into the field to a new location in the search for scat. We headed south to the Ruby Valley. This is a great location for avid fisher-folk and outdoor enthusiasts alike. It hosts many beautiful ranches, one being Ted Turner Enterprises, inc. When Ted is not making the news world go around, he's buying ranches like the Flying D Ranch and promoting habitat for abundant fish populations, allowing predators and the wildlife to do what they do best...be wild. Many locals don't like him, mainly because he could buy all the kittens in the world! Even though he has the funds for spoiling himself rotten, he does keep his property protected, ie. you ain't hunting in Ted's backyard. "Turner lands are managed in an innovative manner and work to partner economic viability with ecological sustainability". So that's enough about Ted.

Ruby Range

It was a clear day with no snow and we had a good feeling that we were going to find more predator evidence. Earlier in the year, there was a wolf pack that had been "taken out" or to be more blunt about it, they got the chop due to livestock predation. Usually when this happens, a new wolf pack will eventually move into that territory. Wildlife biologists consider wolves an “apex” predator, which refers to their role in maintaining a balance in nature. Wolves primarily hunt old, weak and sick animals in a herd; not the large, healthy animals. This is good for the overall health of elk herds and other game. Wolves also disperse elk, preventing them from over browsing vegetation and allowing smaller critters to survive.

As for the bears; they play an important role in forest ecosystems as seed dispersers and nutrient providers. Berry seeds pass through the bear unbroken and are able to germinate. Not only that, but they come with their own pile of fresh manure as fertilizer (oh the wonders of poop!).

Mr. Bear woz 'ere

Grizzlies also regulate prey populations and help prevent ungulate (hoofed wildlife) overgrazing. Studies in certain areas show that the removal of wolves and grizzly bears cause populations ungulates to increase, which decreases the density of vegetation in the area.  This is where the term 'Tropic Cascade' comes into play; predator, prey and vegetation. With eliminating keystone predators like wolves, bear and mountain lions, there is an increase in ungulates and thus, a decrease of plant density. This usually will led to a decrease in the population sizes of migratory birds and smaller critters who inhabit meadows and river banks.

Turd

Within a few minutes of heading on our way down a dirt road we spotted some carnivore looking scat and Pepin signaled by sitting beside it that it was wolf. Like CSI, we tagged and bagged it, and marked the location on our topography map via GPS (Global Positioning System). Not far further up was another find and it looked pretty fresh as there was urine to boot. The alpha male wolf likes to use dirt trail as an area to mark his presence, other members of the pack will usually do their business down on the embankment. This is the case for coyotes too. So this find was pretty neat just a mere 5 minutes into our field trip. Heading uphill through more dense vegetation we hoped to find more locations and get a better idea of predator location. There were plenty of cattle nearby who calmly grazed and obviously were not too bothered of wolves or coyotes in the area or us for that matter.

Intern and the Master

Our next find was under a tree. Pepin again signaled by sitting. This time it was bear scat and there were a couple of berry looking turds in the same area. This was indeed a chill out area for a bear, maybe two but bears like to run solo, unless it's a sow with cubs. We bagged, tagged and marked the location on the map. It was time to grant Pepin his reward; a psycho tugging on his tug toy. Pepin goes so crazy on his toy that if you are not aware of his strength you might get your arms ripped out of your shoulder sockets! After reward time, we moved on in search more 'predator treasures'!

Is that all you've got?!

Poop alert!

As we made our return back to our starting point, we hiked through more denser vegetation areas where we crossed many game trails that were well used. Different species will use the same trails as they usually lead to a good water source or a more vegetated are to feed on. This outing was the most rewarding and fun for me as I got to see some predator habitats and I know we were being watched by its inhabitants. By the time we got back, my pants looked like they got attacked by some out of water leeches. The image below will explain in full.

Attack of the bush "leeches"