American Black Bear
![Picture](/uploads/3/7/7/3/37737287/1589082.jpg?290)
Genus: Ursus
Species: americanus
Population Size: About 800,000
Description: The black bear is a fierce predator of the Taiga. The black bear is roughly 200-594 pounds and can run up to 25 miles per hour! Black bears have rounded ears, a short stubby tail, and short claws that are useful for climbing trees. The black bear is usually black but, can even be cinnamon, beige or even a bluish-white color. The length of a black bear's body is about 5-6 feet. Black bears eat virtually anything, but 75% of its diet is made up plants and other vegetation, while the other 25% is made up of, carcasses, honey, small mammals and insects.The black bear, like all other species of bears, is a predator, and an omnivore. The black bear's niche is killing and consuming prey. Black bears benefit the environment by killing off the elderly, and the weak, overpopulated prey. The black bear is not endangered and is widely distributed throughout most of North America. Black bears tend to hunt small prey and small deer. However, they have mastered the art of fishing in areas that the brown bears do not compete with them for food. There is a lot of competition between brown bears and black bears. The black bear is a tertiary consumer.
Special Adaptations: The black bear's thick fur coat allows it to stay warm during the harsh winters in the Taiga. Also, their claws are adapted to it's environment, they are the perfect length for climbing trees in the taiga biome. Finally, the black bear hibernates in order to avoid having to find food in the difficult and harsh winter.
Species: americanus
Population Size: About 800,000
Description: The black bear is a fierce predator of the Taiga. The black bear is roughly 200-594 pounds and can run up to 25 miles per hour! Black bears have rounded ears, a short stubby tail, and short claws that are useful for climbing trees. The black bear is usually black but, can even be cinnamon, beige or even a bluish-white color. The length of a black bear's body is about 5-6 feet. Black bears eat virtually anything, but 75% of its diet is made up plants and other vegetation, while the other 25% is made up of, carcasses, honey, small mammals and insects.The black bear, like all other species of bears, is a predator, and an omnivore. The black bear's niche is killing and consuming prey. Black bears benefit the environment by killing off the elderly, and the weak, overpopulated prey. The black bear is not endangered and is widely distributed throughout most of North America. Black bears tend to hunt small prey and small deer. However, they have mastered the art of fishing in areas that the brown bears do not compete with them for food. There is a lot of competition between brown bears and black bears. The black bear is a tertiary consumer.
Special Adaptations: The black bear's thick fur coat allows it to stay warm during the harsh winters in the Taiga. Also, their claws are adapted to it's environment, they are the perfect length for climbing trees in the taiga biome. Finally, the black bear hibernates in order to avoid having to find food in the difficult and harsh winter.
Bald Eagle
![Picture](/uploads/3/7/7/3/37737287/1462909.jpg?250)
Genus: Haliaeetus
Species: leucocephalus
Population Size: About 70,000
Description: Not only is the bald eagle the national bird of the United States and a symbol of liberty, but they are a fierce predator in the taiga. The bald eagle is considered a sea eagle. The bald eagle is a large and strong bird, weighing about 8 to 12 pounds. Their wingspan can be up to 7 feet wide and they can be larger than a meter from head to tail. The Bald Eagle has a curved beak which is large and very strong. It's toes have talons which are very strong claws. They have excellent vision which helps them to hunt. The bald eagle is found all over North America, but over 80% of them live in Alaska. They build very large nests in trees, on the ground, or in cliffs. The Bald Eagle is strictly a carnivore. The Bald Eagle is also a scavenger because it prefers to eat dead animals but will also eat live rodents, chickens, fish, snakes or rabbits. They hunt in pairs and will steal food from other Eagles if necessary. They do not need to eat every day and will change their diet depending on where they live and depending on the resources available in their habitat. The Bald Eagle is a bird of prey and they will attack for food. Until this year they were called an endangered species but as of July 2000 they will changed to a recovered species.
Special Adaptations: Bald eagles have excellent eyesight that helps them to hunt their prey and spot food easier. They have long, sharp claws which helps them to catch and hold onto fish and other prey. Also, they have curved beaks. This helps them to tear open the skin of their prey.
Species: leucocephalus
Population Size: About 70,000
Description: Not only is the bald eagle the national bird of the United States and a symbol of liberty, but they are a fierce predator in the taiga. The bald eagle is considered a sea eagle. The bald eagle is a large and strong bird, weighing about 8 to 12 pounds. Their wingspan can be up to 7 feet wide and they can be larger than a meter from head to tail. The Bald Eagle has a curved beak which is large and very strong. It's toes have talons which are very strong claws. They have excellent vision which helps them to hunt. The bald eagle is found all over North America, but over 80% of them live in Alaska. They build very large nests in trees, on the ground, or in cliffs. The Bald Eagle is strictly a carnivore. The Bald Eagle is also a scavenger because it prefers to eat dead animals but will also eat live rodents, chickens, fish, snakes or rabbits. They hunt in pairs and will steal food from other Eagles if necessary. They do not need to eat every day and will change their diet depending on where they live and depending on the resources available in their habitat. The Bald Eagle is a bird of prey and they will attack for food. Until this year they were called an endangered species but as of July 2000 they will changed to a recovered species.
Special Adaptations: Bald eagles have excellent eyesight that helps them to hunt their prey and spot food easier. They have long, sharp claws which helps them to catch and hold onto fish and other prey. Also, they have curved beaks. This helps them to tear open the skin of their prey.
River Otter
![Picture](/uploads/3/7/7/3/37737287/8356699.jpg?244)
Genus: Lutra
Species: canadensis
Population Size: Over 100,000
Description: River otters tend to live in areas that have thick woods, lakes, swamps, rocks, and logs near grassy areas, streams, rivers, ponds, and mostly fresh water. The river otter is 25-30 inches long from head to body, and its tail is 16-18 inches long. They weigh about 10-33 pounds. They have a long, slender, and sleek body with a tapered tail. They have a 3 inch think coat. The river otter has a dark brown back and can be either light brown or gray on the stomach. The shape of its head is small, round, and flattened. Their eyes are small and are located near the top of the skull to give them the ability to see above the water while swimming underwater. The ears are very small. Their nose is large and the snout (which is the muzzle) is rounded with very long whiskers. The nostrils of a river otter are located at the top of the nose to so that they can breath when most of their body is underwater. When the river otter dives into the water, their nostrils automatically shut. This allows them to dive to deep depths, they can dive up to 60 feet! Its whiskers are very sensitive and pick up the vibrations underwater. The river otter has four webbed feet to give it thrust when swimming. Also, they have short, and strong legs. When it swims, the river otter moves slowly when above water, but when it's underwater, it can move quickly. A river otter is an omnivore. Its typical diet is fish, shellfish, crustaceans, snails, beetles, amphibians, and other small mammals. The river otter is prey for foxes and wolves. River otters are nocturnal, so they hunt in the early morning or late night. The river otter is a indicator species because they show the status of the habitat that they are in. River otters can only live in a habitat where the fish and water are healthy. If there is a habitat with healthy river otters living in it, then it can be assumed that the habitat is healthy.
Special Adaptations: The river otter has guard hairs in order to keep it from freezing. River otters have nostrils and ears that shut when they go underwater, which allows them to dive to low depths. Also, the river otter has scent glands that can be used to mark territory, identify nearby river otters, or defense like a skunk.
Species: canadensis
Population Size: Over 100,000
Description: River otters tend to live in areas that have thick woods, lakes, swamps, rocks, and logs near grassy areas, streams, rivers, ponds, and mostly fresh water. The river otter is 25-30 inches long from head to body, and its tail is 16-18 inches long. They weigh about 10-33 pounds. They have a long, slender, and sleek body with a tapered tail. They have a 3 inch think coat. The river otter has a dark brown back and can be either light brown or gray on the stomach. The shape of its head is small, round, and flattened. Their eyes are small and are located near the top of the skull to give them the ability to see above the water while swimming underwater. The ears are very small. Their nose is large and the snout (which is the muzzle) is rounded with very long whiskers. The nostrils of a river otter are located at the top of the nose to so that they can breath when most of their body is underwater. When the river otter dives into the water, their nostrils automatically shut. This allows them to dive to deep depths, they can dive up to 60 feet! Its whiskers are very sensitive and pick up the vibrations underwater. The river otter has four webbed feet to give it thrust when swimming. Also, they have short, and strong legs. When it swims, the river otter moves slowly when above water, but when it's underwater, it can move quickly. A river otter is an omnivore. Its typical diet is fish, shellfish, crustaceans, snails, beetles, amphibians, and other small mammals. The river otter is prey for foxes and wolves. River otters are nocturnal, so they hunt in the early morning or late night. The river otter is a indicator species because they show the status of the habitat that they are in. River otters can only live in a habitat where the fish and water are healthy. If there is a habitat with healthy river otters living in it, then it can be assumed that the habitat is healthy.
Special Adaptations: The river otter has guard hairs in order to keep it from freezing. River otters have nostrils and ears that shut when they go underwater, which allows them to dive to low depths. Also, the river otter has scent glands that can be used to mark territory, identify nearby river otters, or defense like a skunk.
Northern Lynx
![Picture](/uploads/3/7/7/3/37737287/2682508.jpg?250)
Genus: Lynx
Species: canadensis
Population Size: Under 2000 (estimation)
Description: Also known as the Canadian Lynx, the northern lynx is an uncommon cat. The northern lynx looks very similar to a common domestic house cat, the only difference is that it is larger. The northern lynx has a powerful body with four short legs. It has a small black-tipped tail. It's fur is spotted and grey. The northern lynx has a collar of fur around its face, which gives it's face a triangular look. The northern lynx is very quick and sneaky, so it can strike its prey at any moment. The lynx mainly hunts snowshoe hares, but also eats meadow voles, small deer, caribou and sheep. The northern lynx has excellent vision, especially during the night. It's paws have fur pads which allows it to be quiet in the snow and sneak up on their small prey. The northern lynx is quick, but not that quick so it relies on being sneaky and ambushing it's prey. The lynx can grow up to 2 -4 feet as an adult. It weighs about 11 - 45 pounds. The lynx is a specialist as a predator and it's main prey is the snowshoe rabbit making it mainly a carnivore. A male northern lynx has a hunting range of about 20 miles. The northern lynx prefers to hunt alone and will travel up to 12 miles at night in search of food. The northern lynx is listed as an endangered species because it's population is so low. It is estimated that there are only 1000 lynx left. This is because their habitats are being destroyed and they are hunted for their fur and for meat. The lynx is making a slow comeback however, after they were listed on the endangered species list.
Special Adaptations: The northern lynx has very good eyesight and their eyes reflect light which allows them to hunt at night. Also, the northern lynx has a fur coat that changes color depending on the season. The northern lynx also has fur pads on their feet which allow them to be quiet when they walk in the snow and stalk their prey.
Species: canadensis
Population Size: Under 2000 (estimation)
Description: Also known as the Canadian Lynx, the northern lynx is an uncommon cat. The northern lynx looks very similar to a common domestic house cat, the only difference is that it is larger. The northern lynx has a powerful body with four short legs. It has a small black-tipped tail. It's fur is spotted and grey. The northern lynx has a collar of fur around its face, which gives it's face a triangular look. The northern lynx is very quick and sneaky, so it can strike its prey at any moment. The lynx mainly hunts snowshoe hares, but also eats meadow voles, small deer, caribou and sheep. The northern lynx has excellent vision, especially during the night. It's paws have fur pads which allows it to be quiet in the snow and sneak up on their small prey. The northern lynx is quick, but not that quick so it relies on being sneaky and ambushing it's prey. The lynx can grow up to 2 -4 feet as an adult. It weighs about 11 - 45 pounds. The lynx is a specialist as a predator and it's main prey is the snowshoe rabbit making it mainly a carnivore. A male northern lynx has a hunting range of about 20 miles. The northern lynx prefers to hunt alone and will travel up to 12 miles at night in search of food. The northern lynx is listed as an endangered species because it's population is so low. It is estimated that there are only 1000 lynx left. This is because their habitats are being destroyed and they are hunted for their fur and for meat. The lynx is making a slow comeback however, after they were listed on the endangered species list.
Special Adaptations: The northern lynx has very good eyesight and their eyes reflect light which allows them to hunt at night. Also, the northern lynx has a fur coat that changes color depending on the season. The northern lynx also has fur pads on their feet which allow them to be quiet when they walk in the snow and stalk their prey.
Wolverine
![Picture](/uploads/3/7/7/3/37737287/262188215.jpg?250)
Genus: Gulo
Species: luscus
Population Size: About 30,000
Description: The wolverine is one of the many animals of the taiga that is good at keeping warm and dry. The wolverine is a carnivore. A wolverine weighs about 45 pounds and can be up to 87 centimeters long in length. The wolverine looks like a bear, however it has shorter legs. The wolverine is the largest member of the weasel family. The wolverine is very strongly built. It can bite through frozen meat and bone using it's powerful jaw. The wolverine has large paws like a bear, but has really long claws. A wolverine's fur coat is very thick. The wolverine is a great hunter. It is very strong and sharp. It ranges from western United States, through Canada, up to Alaska. Along with strength, wolverines have a great sense of smell which allows them to locate their food. It feeds on rodents, fish, reptiles, birds, carrion, and sometimes berries making it an omnivore. The wolverines need a large habitat to live in. They need lots of shelters in rock crevices and among boulders to escape the rough weather conditions and predators of the taiga. The wolverine is an excellent climber due to their long claws. The wolverine is shy and tries to avoid humans at all times. Human settlements and low birth rates have decreased the wolverine populations in North America. Wolverines are currently a rare and vulnerable species.
Special Adaptations: Wolverines have long retractable claws which allow it to climb and to tear open the meat of their prey. Also, wolverines have a sharp sense of smell which help it to be successful in the taiga because a lot of creatures are well camouflaged with the snow so smell is necessary.
Species: luscus
Population Size: About 30,000
Description: The wolverine is one of the many animals of the taiga that is good at keeping warm and dry. The wolverine is a carnivore. A wolverine weighs about 45 pounds and can be up to 87 centimeters long in length. The wolverine looks like a bear, however it has shorter legs. The wolverine is the largest member of the weasel family. The wolverine is very strongly built. It can bite through frozen meat and bone using it's powerful jaw. The wolverine has large paws like a bear, but has really long claws. A wolverine's fur coat is very thick. The wolverine is a great hunter. It is very strong and sharp. It ranges from western United States, through Canada, up to Alaska. Along with strength, wolverines have a great sense of smell which allows them to locate their food. It feeds on rodents, fish, reptiles, birds, carrion, and sometimes berries making it an omnivore. The wolverines need a large habitat to live in. They need lots of shelters in rock crevices and among boulders to escape the rough weather conditions and predators of the taiga. The wolverine is an excellent climber due to their long claws. The wolverine is shy and tries to avoid humans at all times. Human settlements and low birth rates have decreased the wolverine populations in North America. Wolverines are currently a rare and vulnerable species.
Special Adaptations: Wolverines have long retractable claws which allow it to climb and to tear open the meat of their prey. Also, wolverines have a sharp sense of smell which help it to be successful in the taiga because a lot of creatures are well camouflaged with the snow so smell is necessary.
Long-Eared Owl
![Picture](/uploads/3/7/7/3/37737287/1412117368.png?250)
Common Names: Cat Owl
Genus: Aiso
Species: otus
Population Size:
Description: The Long-Eared Owl is about 35 centimeters long and weighs about 8-10 ounces. The reason it has the name long eared owl is because of the feathers on it's head that look like ears. They do have ears, however one is fifty percent larger than the other and is higher up on the head. This helps them to hear in a three dimensional way, that helps them to be able to hunt better in the dark. Their wingspan is 37-10 inches long. They have long and strong talons for hunting. The long-eared owl can turn it's head so far that it can see behind itself. This allows them to hear their prey better. The long-eared owl's prey consists of voles and other small rodents. The long-eared owls often move into nests created by other birds that are abandoned in order to lay their eggs. The long-eared owl like most other owls is nocturnal. The Long-Eared Owl's special hearing allows it to "see" its prey in the dark which makes them a lot better at hunting during the night. The long-eared owl flies low and then scoops up it's prey using it's long talons. The long-eared owl is a predator and is not currently endangered as a species. But, they are on the endangered species list because their habitat is depleting.
Special Adaptations: The Long-Eared Owl has excellent hearing, in fact it can even hear a butterflies wing flutter. This sense of hearing allows them to hunt during the night when most rodents are out scavenging for food. Also, they have great eyesight. They can see a mouse from over 200 yards away. This allows them to plan their attack on their prey. The long-eared owl also can see behind itself which helps it with it's hearing.
Genus: Aiso
Species: otus
Population Size:
Description: The Long-Eared Owl is about 35 centimeters long and weighs about 8-10 ounces. The reason it has the name long eared owl is because of the feathers on it's head that look like ears. They do have ears, however one is fifty percent larger than the other and is higher up on the head. This helps them to hear in a three dimensional way, that helps them to be able to hunt better in the dark. Their wingspan is 37-10 inches long. They have long and strong talons for hunting. The long-eared owl can turn it's head so far that it can see behind itself. This allows them to hear their prey better. The long-eared owl's prey consists of voles and other small rodents. The long-eared owls often move into nests created by other birds that are abandoned in order to lay their eggs. The long-eared owl like most other owls is nocturnal. The Long-Eared Owl's special hearing allows it to "see" its prey in the dark which makes them a lot better at hunting during the night. The long-eared owl flies low and then scoops up it's prey using it's long talons. The long-eared owl is a predator and is not currently endangered as a species. But, they are on the endangered species list because their habitat is depleting.
Special Adaptations: The Long-Eared Owl has excellent hearing, in fact it can even hear a butterflies wing flutter. This sense of hearing allows them to hunt during the night when most rodents are out scavenging for food. Also, they have great eyesight. They can see a mouse from over 200 yards away. This allows them to plan their attack on their prey. The long-eared owl also can see behind itself which helps it with it's hearing.