By: Cholla Rose Nicoll, Borderlands Wildlife Preserve CoordinatorI know it's cliche to write about love in February, but some animals in Arizona find February the perfect time to meet a partner. Both coyotes (Canis latrans) and gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) breed in or around February having their pups or kits born in spring. Javelina (Tayassu tajacu) also frequently breed in February to coincide with the birth of their reds during monsoon season. (Baby javelina are called reds due to the red color of their hair.) Breeding season for bobcats (Felis rufus) also occurs in or around February. So, as you can see February is about more than Valentine's Day for our local wildlife, it just happens to be a great month to plan a family for a spring or summer arrival. Some fun facts about the animals mentioned above are:
Something I am hoping you will all love this month are these pictures from the Borderlands Wildlife Preserve of what is most likely mated pairs of animals. These rare images give us a glimpse into the survival of the species living within the preserve. Although gray foxes and bobcats are not considered threatened species it is always a special treat to see a picture of them not just surviving, but thriving under the pressures of an ever-changing climate and growing human population. I hope these images bring some warmth to your heart despite your relationship status on Valentine's Day.
Comments are closed.
|
SEARCH OUR BLOG
ARCHIVES
|