Naturalist View November 2009

The Ghost in the Clubhouse

Strange things were happening in the HOA#1 Clubhouse. The phone and computer lines were getting disconnected, and the cooks were sure that someone was stealing food at night. They posted signs in the kitchen and in the Roadrunner Grill stating “We know that you are stealing food. When you are caught, you will be prosecuted”. The patrol was put on alert to be watching for anyone around the clubhouse during late-night hours. This all came to my attention when I was called in to identify a calling card (scat) left in the middle of the operations manager’s desk. The scat and some footprints led me to believe that the culprit was Bassariscus astusus, (from bassar (fox), isc (little), and astut (cunning)). Of course it wasn’t a cunning little fox but it was a clever little mammal called a Ring-tailed cat. Not really a cat, but as with raccoons and coati mundis, ringtails are members of the Procyonidae (raccoon) family. They were called miner’s cats by early prospectors who found them easy to tame and useful rodent control in their mines and dwellings. Catlike in build, the ringtail is nocturnal, and hunts small rodents and insects. It also eats plant matter. It builds a den among rocks, in tree hollows, in houses or, in this case, the clubhouse, where it found a convenient source of food and water and lived in the crawl space between the dining room and the pro shop downstairs. The Ringtail is also the official Arizona State Mammal.

As I was going to be gone for several weeks, I left a live trap with the kitchen staff and told them as soon as they caught the ringtail they should call one of my volunteers who would then release it in a safe area away from the clubhouse. Four weeks later when I returned, I found that the ringtail had not been captured. When I questioned the kitchen staff I discovered that they had set the trap each evening with a piece of bacon and each morning the bacon was gone and the trap was sprung and empty. The problem was that they had not set the trap properly so each night the ringtail had a nice bacon dinner, and after the trap was sprung it simply pushed the door open and walked out. I reset the trap that night and the next morning we had the clubhouse ghost, which we named Rosie.

The Ghost

So, if you have if you have strange noises in your attic, it may be a ringtail, or a ghost. Give me a call.

Naturalist View July '09

I had several calls in the last two weeks regarding an unidentified animal in and about Saddlebrooke. Some thought that it might be a skunk or raccoon and described it as an animal with a white nose . This brought to mind several possibilities. Beside skunks and raccoons there are ring-tailed cats and coati’s.

As I sat at my computer last week the phone rang and a woman said she had taken a picture of this strange animal and said she would send me a picture. No sooner had she hung up when the phone rang and her neighbor called to say he had what he thought might be a raccoon in his yard. I grabbed my camera and headed for his house and discovered the culprit. A Badger!

A lot of people did not think that badgers lived in Arizona. No it was not a Snow- Bird from Wisconsin and I had come across one on the Rail X Ranch a couple of years ago but this is the first one I have seen in Saddlebrooke. I took several pictures then Dan Chase and I rounded up the youngster fed him and released him in the desert the next morning.

Naturalist View January 2010

Nature Stinks.....Sometimes!

In everyday speech, the sense of smell is commonly used as a catch-all category meant to represent a perception in general. For example the phrases, “I smell a rat,” or, “Something smells fishy” Each of these statements is rarely taken literally. You are unlikely to actually detect the presence of a small rodent through your sense of smell. However, in nature you might literally say “I smell a Javalina, “or “I smell a skunk”.

Mammals have three distinct types of glands which transmit substances to the surface of their body - sweat glands, mammary glands and scent glands. Smells are vitally important to most mammals. Even humans, with our much reduced olfactory senses, are affected by smells, hence the success of the perfume industry and of aromatherapy.

In other mammals, scent is an integral part of everyday communication with the rest of the world. Through smell, animals can tell what other species of animals share their world; and within a species, specially deposited scents pass on information concerning an individual's sex, social status, breeding condition and state of health. Scent glands then are very important and occur in a variety of places around the mammal’s body. Many mammals have more than one set of scent glands. A survey reveals that male deer have scent glands on their lower legs, elephants have them behind their eyes, canines on their feet, antelopes on their cheeks and numerous species have them associated with their genital area which allows them to mix small amounts of volatile but concentrated compounds with their feces and or urine.

Like mammary glands, scent glands are probably modified sweat glands. Some animals use scent to mark out their territories either by depositing feces or urine at marker points or by rubbing their scent glands on prominent parts of the environment - branches, rocks, etc. Other mammals use scents to communicate simply by releasing them into the air; this normally applies to social scents indicating status and sexual state. Finally, some animals, such as the skunks, use their scent glands, or the substances produced in them, as a means of defense.

Four species of skunks are found in Arizona. All of them have scent glands which secrete a secretion of musk that gives them their malodorous reputation. Their defensive reaction and warning white on black color patterns are usually enough to deter all but the most determined predator. These nocturnal foragers are rarely seen by Saddlebrooke residents, while their nightly activities leave many clues behind, such as, finding potted plants and gardens dug up at night often with no evidence that the plants were eaten. This is usually the activity of skunks that are rooting for grubs and earthworms. Skunks are omnivores but really seem to prefer a snack of mice, bird eggs and insects. The striped skunk is the most common road kill on the highways. Their natural defense is the ability to rather accurately spray their musk in the face of any threat; however they have not realized that this does not stop a 16-wheeler or even a Smartcar. Natural selection takes time.

The most common of the species by far is the cat-sized striped skunk that occurs throughout North America. This species always displays a thin white stripe on its face, even though the striping pattern may vary between individuals and populations. The usual markings, however, are two lateral stripes that form a chevron, merging toward the back of the head. These skunks are active throughout the year and do not hibernate even in northern Arizona.

The closely related hooded skunk is generally confined to southeastern Arizona, and is commonly found in our area. Somewhat leaner than the striped skunk, hooded skunks weigh from 1¾ to 2 ½ pounds and have a 12 to 16 inch long body. The white stripes on this animal are often solidly joined to form one large white streak down the center of the back. The hooded skunk also differs from the striped skunk in that its foot-long tail is longer than its body. Both animals have the thin white stripe on the face.

The western spotted skunk is also known as the civet. The average length of this small skunk, including the tail, is only about 15 inches. This skunk is also faster and more agile than its larger cousins and is able to hunt rats and mice. It occasionally takes up residence in a garage or attic. The spotted skunk's overall color is black with a white triangular patch on the forehead and a white spot under each ear. Five or six broken white stripes run down the neck, back, and sides, giving the impression of blotches or spots, which gives the animal its name. I have removed and relocated several spotted skunks from homes in Saddlebrooke.

The large, 2 ½ to 6-pound hog-nosed skunk is also easily identified by its entirely white back and tail and lack of any stripe on the forehead. Moreover, the elongated and slightly up-turned snout is largely naked, and the long claws on the feet are almost bear-like in appearance. This species occurs primarily in southeastern Arizona.

All of the skunks are more or less omnivores, feeding on grasshoppers and other insects, grubs, worms, mice, lizards, bulbs, carrion, and garbage. Some even take to raiding bird nests, taking not only the eggs, but birds as well. Even the hog-nosed skunk, which digs for most of its food, will eat fruits and carrion on occasion.

The striped, hooded, and hog-nosed skunks all mate in late winter and early spring, and produce from two to four young in April or May. The spotted skunk breeds in late September and early October, but the fertilized egg remains in a state of arrested development until March or April when implantation occurs - the two-to-four young being born about a month later. The young of all the skunk species are raised and on their own by early fall.

Striped Skunk

Richard Beaty, a class member whose dog had a run-in with a skunk last Christmas, wrote this poem.

**Dusty's Most Memorable Christmas**

Twas the night of Christmas and Dusty had to pee,

so she went outside and what did she see?

But a bushy white critter quite unconcerned,

with a secret weapon that Dusty soon learned.

She bounded over ready to play,

but the ungrateful creature ruined her day.

She got it full in the face I think,

and we spent the next hour getting rid of the stink.

Now Dusty is schooled in a Naturalist View,

a hog-nosed skunk gave her a lesson or two.

While I in my shorts climbed into the tub,

and bent over Dusty and proceeded to scrub.

The intruder waddled off with an unconcerned pose,

while I pinched my fingers to close off my nose.

I heard him exclaim as he ambled out of sight,

I think you’ll remember this Christmas night.

-- Richard Beaty, Naturalist View Class Member

Hognose Skunk

Hooded Skunk

Spotted Skunk

NATURALIST VIEW – December 2009

A sad story
Several weeks ago some Saddlebrooke residents lost their much loved dog to a predator. Even though they were in the yard with the dog and had the patio lights on a dark shadow leaped over the wall and made off with their pet. It rained that night and by the next day I could find no sign of tracks. Most likely it was a coyote or bobcat which had become accustomed to the neighborhood and was waiting for an opportunity for an easy meal.

Be good neighbors to your wildlife
Many people enjoy feeding wildlife. . While feeding the animals can be fun for humans, it is usually detrimental for the animals, and will harm them more than it helps them. The following information will explain this more thoroughly:
Keep in mind that we have chosen to live in a wildlife habitat, which displaces some animals, while also providing attractive habitats for others. We as humans have created this potential problem.

DO NOT feed wildlife! Keep wildlife healthy and wild!

Some tips:
• Do not intentionally feed wildlife; animals quickly associate food with humans.
• Feed pets indoors or remove leftover food immediately.
• Store all garbage securely. Do not discard edible garbage where javelina, skunks, coyotes and other wild animals can get to it.
• Keep bird seed and water off the ground and out of reach of wild animals. A platform can be attached to the bottom of most feeders to catch spilled seed. Or better yet, plant native vegetation that will provide seeds native wildlife can utilize.
• Fencing your garden may be necessary to keep out animals such as javelina and rabbits. Remember, prey species such as rabbits and javelina can attract predators such as mountain lions, coyotes and bobcats.

Other points to consider:
1. when wild animals begin to depend on humans for food, their foraging skills may be diminished. When young wild animals are taught to depend on humans for food, they may become less experienced at foraging and consequently less likely to survive.
2. Wild animals that are used to being fed by humans commonly lose their fear of people. Animals that are unafraid of people will approach them for food, and are sometimes mistaken as rabid and killed. An instinctive wariness of people is important to a wild animal's survival.
3. The food fed to animals by humans is inadequate nutritionally and can cause serious health problems for the animals. Most humans will feed wildlife food that they have in their homes which bears no resemblance to what the animals eat in the wild.
4. Animals are opportunistic and will go for the most convenient food source available. When food is readily available, animals will gather in abnormally large numbers. This means that if one animal in the group has an illness or disease, it can spread throughout the group.
5. Reproduction rates may also be affected when an artificial food source is readily available. In the wild, the number of animals being born is often directly related to the amount of natural food available. This is nature's way of keeping a balance and making sure there are not too many animals in one area.
6. Feeding migratory animals such as hummingbirds can interfere with the animal's awareness of seasonal changes in natural food supplies which tell the animal that it is time to migrate.

There are other ways to enjoy wildlife without harming them. Planting native plants which are a natural food source will provide this opportunity. So please, help wildlife by enjoying them from a distance - their lives depend on it.

Feeding wild birds
Even keeping a bird feeder has its difficulties. Although songbirds do not lose their instinctual fear of humans and the seeds provided are nutritionally beneficial, they are susceptible to diseases caused by dirty bird feeders. Feeders should be kept clean and disinfected with a mild bleach solution. The ground underneath the feeder should be raked to remove moldy grain and bird droppings because both can harbor disease and attract rats and mice as well as Javelina.
I have seen Cooper’s hawks lurking near bird feeders. The predatory bird realizes the feeder is drawing in smaller birds and provides a gathering point. The hawk conserves energy by simply waiting and watching until an opportune moment, and then it imposes a death sentence on any unsuspecting birds. A few years back I had a Bobcat that hung out under a bush near the bird feeder and lunched on doves that were unaware of her presence. As much as I enjoyed watching the bobcat, I moved the feeder to a safer location.

Naturalist view October 2009

Two items come to mind as I sit and think about this column baby bobcats and baby rattlesnakes! As in years past I have become aware of several Bobcat mothers that have set up residence here in Saddlebrooke. Many residents have reported to me sightings of both adult and young bobcats in their yards and neighborhoods. Last year I located four litters of from one to three baby bobcats in Saddlebrooke yards. Why would a Bobcat choose to raise babies in Saddlebrooke? One reason is protection from natural enemies such as mountain lions. The other reason is for food and water. Packrat's, rabbits and birds are plentiful here and are on the bobcats menu.

      My own experience with bobcats in my yard was that for several years a mother and her kittens would visit my fishpond. She would lie in the shade and watch as her kittens chased the goldfish around the pond and even though they never seemed to catch any fish they did manage to tear up the water lilies and they needed to be replanted after each visit. Bobcats being much more interesting than goldfish or water lilies I turned the pond into a water fall. I also removed a birdfeeder after the mother started hiding out under a Bush near the feeder and lunching on doves that came to feed. Not that I minded her eating the doves but she would first pull out all the feathers and leave them scattered around the yard for me to clean up.

      At the end of August I start getting calls to pick up baby rattlesnakes in and about residences in Saddlebrooke. Rattlesnakes do not lay eggs. They give birth to live young. Female rattlesnakes carry the eggs inside their bodies for about 90 days. She then gives birth from 10 to 15 baby rattlesnakes. Young rattlers are independent just minutes after they are born, and their venom is more concentrated than the adults’ venom. At one to two weeks, they shed their skin and the first segment of their rattle is created (this happens each time they shed their skin).

      Soon after they are born the young rattlers wander off looking for a home. This is when they start showing up in patios, garages and yards. I suggest that you check your garage door or openings under the weather strip where these small rattlesnakes can get in. An easy way to do this is to leave your garage light on after dark and with the garage door shut go outside and look for light leaking out from under the weather strip. Any gaps such as those where the relief joints in your driveway go under the weather strip can be filled with a latex caulking gun. As always be aware of your surroundings when working in your yard. It is also important to carry and use a flashlight when walking your pet after dark.

Naturalist View August 2008

The Desert in August

Violent and spectacular thunder and lightning storms moved swiftly across the desert accompanied by heavy rains and strong winds.
Even short storms can produce flash floods that often trap unsuspecting travelers in the desert. These summer rains cause the desert to bloom again, be looking for the barrel cactus blossoms. Summer flowers mean summer butterflies and other insects this in turn brings out the lizards and the birds that feed on these invertebrates. Swallowtail butterflies are conspicuous, the large yellow ones with twin tails and black bars are two-tailed swallowtails and are the state invertebrate of Arizona. One of the prettiest of the summer butterflies is the blue-black pipevine swallowtail. When the most conspicuous butterflies are the yellow or sulfur butterflies. some of them have pure yellow wings, while others have black patterns in the yellow fields. Sometimes hundreds of them will gather around wet or muddy patches of ground where they seek minerals that they need in their diet.

A lucky observer may come across our largest lizard the infamous Gila monster soaking in a puddle left by the monsoon rains . These lizards are strikingly colored with orange and black patterns. They are a venomous reptile however they will not attack and only bite people that try to pick them up or who are foolish enough put their hands down a hole when they don't know who might live down there. There are no authenticated cases of a Gila monster bite being fatal however the venom could cause several days of intense pain. The Gila monster has a porous skin and would dry up quickly in the hot desert sun. This is why it spends 90% of its life deep in a burrow coming out in the evening and seeking puddles soak in.

Another lizard that can be seen is the whiptail lizard. This lizard has a streamlined smooth shiny body and moves in nervous jerky steps. It can be seen looking under pebbles and leaves while it hunts for small insects. These lizards are all female and young are true clones of the mother. A true matriarchal society!

Tarantulas can often be seen in late August wandering about looking for a mate. These are the males the females stay near their burrows usually near a rock or cactus and only venture out at night looking for their prey consisting of grasshoppers, beetles and other small insects. The female tarantulas can live up to 15 years or more. The males usually only live for seven or eight years until they reach sexual maturity, they usually die shortly after mating. The mating season for the male tarantula is a risky affair. They have to avoid being run over on the roads and cart paths, being eaten by birds, toads and small mammals or becoming prey to tarantula Hawks. The tarantula Hawk is a large wasp that attacks the tarantula and paralyzes it with a powerful sting. The tarantula Hawk then drags the paralyzed tarantula to a burrow where it lays a single egg attached to the spiders abdomen. When this egg hatches the larva of this wasp feeds on the paralyzed tarantula. Really fresh food! If the male tarantula avoids all these hazards and finds a female tarantula he then must approach very carefully to see if she is acceptable to his advances or if she may just want him for dinner.
Jim Cloer