Scientific Name: Cathartes aura
Common Name(s): Turkey Vulture, Turkey Buzzard, Buzzard, John Crow, Carrion Crow

©Charles J. Sharp
Identification:
The turkey vulture is the most widespread of the New World vultures. They are large, black birds with a wingspan of 63–72 inches, a length of 24–32 inches, and weight of 1.8-5.3 pounds. When soaring overhead, the wings have a two-toned gray and black appearance. Turkey vultures often hold their wings in a shallow “V” and rock from side to side when soaring. Adults have a featherless red head. Young birds have a blackish-gray head. Their feathers are brownish black. The flight feathers on the wings appear to be silvery gray on the underside, which contrasts with the darker wing linings, so they are easy to identify in flight. It also has a relatively short, hooked, ivory-colored beak. The irises of the eyes are gray-brown, and their legs and feet are pink-skinned. A turkey vulture’s feet are arranged with three toes forward and one back. The two front toes of the foot are long and have small webs at their bases. Overall a turkey vulture has flat feet that are not adapted for grasping. In flight, the tail is long and slim. The turkey vulture has very few vocalizations, but they can hiss or grunt when they are threatened or hungry, respectively.

Range:
Cathartes aura is found from southern Canada to the southernmost tip of South America.
Ecology:
The turkey vulture is a scavenger and feeds mostly on dead animals. It finds its food using its sharp eyes and sense of smell, so when it is flying low enough, a vulture can detect the gasses produced by decaying animals. Turkey vultures can be found in a variety of habitats, such as pasture and grasslands, forests, shrublands, deserts, and wetlands. They prefer open areas with nearby woods for nesting, but they generally avoid heavily forested areas. They migrate to the southern United States and Central America for the winter.
Vultures are found in flocks and are community animals. They nest in caves, hollow trees, or thickets. They only use the caves for nesting during breeding season. Breeding season for vultures varies by latitude with southern latitudes breeding begins in March, while in more northern latitudes breeding starts later. Courtship rituals of the turkey vulture involve several individuals gathering in a circle, where they perform hopping movements around the perimeter of the circle with their wings partially spread. In the air, one bird closely follows another while flapping and diving. Each year a turkey vulture breeding pair usually raises two offspring. The eggs of a turkey vulture are cream-colored, with brown or lavender spots. Both parents incubate, and the young hatch after 30-40 days. Both adults feed the chicks by regurgitating food for them. The young leave the nest at about nine to ten weeks, but family groups stay together until fall.
Adults are almost exclusively carrion feeders, but there have been localized populations that have adapted to feed on newborn livestock, primarily lambs and calves. Vultures are likely attracted to the afterbirth and are opportunistic feeders of the helpless newborn.
There are very few natural predators to the turkey vulture. However, turkey vultures at any stage in life may be prey to great horned owls, red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, and bald eagles, while eggs and fledglings may be preyed on by raccoons and opossums. A turkey vultures primary form of defense is regurgitating semi-digested meat, which deters most creatures from raiding a vulture nest.
Special Notes:
Vultures are widely known as harbingers of death. Chinese tradition believes the vulture to be the only animal that can see both heaven and earth, so they are on omen for those who are about to die. Vultures are widely seen as a symbol for Halloween. On the contrary, some African cultures view vultures as messengers form the afterlife who bring joy to loved ones by delivering their souls back home. Some cultures even view vultures as a sign of rebirth.
Vultures have benefitted in more modern times from events held in their name. The Hinckley Buzzard Day event in Hinkley, Ohio marks the March return of vultures to northeast Ohio and the arrival of spring. Also, the small town of Makanda in southern Illinois hosts the annual Vulture Fest in October each year. Again, the symbolism of rebirth (spring) and death (autumn) is evident here.
Vulture chicks from Lake Ann 04-08-2021
Here in Bella Vista, turkey vultures can be seen scavenging on roadkill and other carrion. Although scavenging may not give them a good reputation, it plays a valuable role in reducing disease in the ecosystem. In areas of the world, such as Asia, where scavenger populations are declining there is an associated increase in diseases like rabies and other harmful viruses. Be thankful turkey vultures can serve as a cleaning crew to our scenic roadways! However, over population of vultures can also cause problems. As a nuisance animal, they can tear up boat and vehicle upholstery and window linings and defecate on personal property. In the fall and winter, congregations of up to 400 individuals can be observed.
Species Profile: Ursus americanus – Black Bear
in Species Profile/by Ashley WoodScientific Name: Ursus americanus
Common Name(s): Black bear
Identification:
The black bear is the most common and smallest species of bear in North America. Most black bears in this region are black in color. Some sub-species found in the northeast, northwest, and Alaska can be brown, cinnamon, and nearly white. Besides color and size, black bears can be distinguished from other bears by their broad skull with a narrow muzzle and small, rounded ears that are set back on its head.
Black bears have relatively large paws with their rear foot length ranging in size from 5.5 to 9 inches which is comparable to much larger polar or brown bears. Their paws are very dexterous, and they can open screw top jars and manipulate doors. Sows (female bears) tend to have a more slender point to their nose and are smaller, weighing around 30% less than males. Males tend to weigh between 130 to 650 pounds, while females weigh between 90-180 pounds. The largest wild black bear record was shot in New Brunswick in 1972 and weighed 1100 pounds!
Range:
Ursus americanus is native to most of North America with a historic range engulfing most of the continent. In the United States it can be found in most of the northern Midwest, northeast, Alaska, the Appalachians, Rocky Mountains, and in parts of southern Missouri and forested regions of Arkansas. There have also been reports of fragmented populations occurring in other regions throughout the United States. Of the bears native to North America, black bears are the most common and widespread. They are rapidly expanding their range in the southeast recolonizing their former range.
Ecology:
The black bears are generalist species with flexible eating, sleeping, and living preferences. Black bears are omnivorous which means it will eat a variety of foods including plants and meat. Black bears are strong climbers that use trees for food, predator evasion, and hibernation. They are most often found in mountains with dense forests with thick understories but can also be found in semi-urban areas near woods.
Black bears are elusive bears which tend to avoid contact with other bigger animals. Black bears have good eyesight and hearing, and a sense of smell that is seven times more sensitive than that of a domestic dog. Larger grizzly bears occupy more open forest habitats, so black bears prefer dense forests. Black bears are more active during the day when they share habitat with brown bears and more active at night when they live near humans. They have few natural predators with a few instances of being predated upon by big cats or brown bears.
Bears reach maturity at age 3 and achieve full size by age 5. Sows undergo a 2-year mating cycle. Mating occurs between May and July depending on the region. Black bears have a 235-day gestation period which includes delayed implantation of the eggs. Fertilized eggs do not implant into the uterine wall until November. This ensures that the cubs are born in late January or early February. Cubs are blind and less than 1 pound when born. They are heavily dependent on their mother for 30 weeks after birth. The average litter has 2 to 3 cubs, but a healthy female can have 4 or more. Cubs become independent between 16 to 18 months when the mother drives them away. She will mate again a few months later. The average lifespan of a black bear is 18 years with the oldest recorded wild black bear being 39 years old.
Special Notes:
Bella Vista has the habitat to support black bears, but they prefer to be further away from human development. Occasional sightings are usually young male bears attempting to establish a territory which have recently been driven away by their mother. For the most part, they are just passing through. As the population continues to increase, bear sightings will likely also increase. They do permanently inhabit the larger undeveloped tracts of land west of Bella Vista.
News Article: Bella Vista Man Has Close Encounter With Bear
Species Profile: Cathartes aura – Turkey Vulture
in Species Profile/by Ashley WoodScientific Name: Cathartes aura
Common Name(s): Turkey Vulture, Turkey Buzzard, Buzzard, John Crow, Carrion Crow
©Charles J. Sharp
Identification:
The turkey vulture is the most widespread of the New World vultures. They are large, black birds with a wingspan of 63–72 inches, a length of 24–32 inches, and weight of 1.8-5.3 pounds. When soaring overhead, the wings have a two-toned gray and black appearance. Turkey vultures often hold their wings in a shallow “V” and rock from side to side when soaring. Adults have a featherless red head. Young birds have a blackish-gray head. Their feathers are brownish black. The flight feathers on the wings appear to be silvery gray on the underside, which contrasts with the darker wing linings, so they are easy to identify in flight. It also has a relatively short, hooked, ivory-colored beak. The irises of the eyes are gray-brown, and their legs and feet are pink-skinned. A turkey vulture’s feet are arranged with three toes forward and one back. The two front toes of the foot are long and have small webs at their bases. Overall a turkey vulture has flat feet that are not adapted for grasping. In flight, the tail is long and slim. The turkey vulture has very few vocalizations, but they can hiss or grunt when they are threatened or hungry, respectively.
Range:
Cathartes aura is found from southern Canada to the southernmost tip of South America.
Ecology:
The turkey vulture is a scavenger and feeds mostly on dead animals. It finds its food using its sharp eyes and sense of smell, so when it is flying low enough, a vulture can detect the gasses produced by decaying animals. Turkey vultures can be found in a variety of habitats, such as pasture and grasslands, forests, shrublands, deserts, and wetlands. They prefer open areas with nearby woods for nesting, but they generally avoid heavily forested areas. They migrate to the southern United States and Central America for the winter.
Vultures are found in flocks and are community animals. They nest in caves, hollow trees, or thickets. They only use the caves for nesting during breeding season. Breeding season for vultures varies by latitude with southern latitudes breeding begins in March, while in more northern latitudes breeding starts later. Courtship rituals of the turkey vulture involve several individuals gathering in a circle, where they perform hopping movements around the perimeter of the circle with their wings partially spread. In the air, one bird closely follows another while flapping and diving. Each year a turkey vulture breeding pair usually raises two offspring. The eggs of a turkey vulture are cream-colored, with brown or lavender spots. Both parents incubate, and the young hatch after 30-40 days. Both adults feed the chicks by regurgitating food for them. The young leave the nest at about nine to ten weeks, but family groups stay together until fall.
Adults are almost exclusively carrion feeders, but there have been localized populations that have adapted to feed on newborn livestock, primarily lambs and calves. Vultures are likely attracted to the afterbirth and are opportunistic feeders of the helpless newborn.
There are very few natural predators to the turkey vulture. However, turkey vultures at any stage in life may be prey to great horned owls, red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, and bald eagles, while eggs and fledglings may be preyed on by raccoons and opossums. A turkey vultures primary form of defense is regurgitating semi-digested meat, which deters most creatures from raiding a vulture nest.
Special Notes:
Vultures are widely known as harbingers of death. Chinese tradition believes the vulture to be the only animal that can see both heaven and earth, so they are on omen for those who are about to die. Vultures are widely seen as a symbol for Halloween. On the contrary, some African cultures view vultures as messengers form the afterlife who bring joy to loved ones by delivering their souls back home. Some cultures even view vultures as a sign of rebirth.
Vultures have benefitted in more modern times from events held in their name. The Hinckley Buzzard Day event in Hinkley, Ohio marks the March return of vultures to northeast Ohio and the arrival of spring. Also, the small town of Makanda in southern Illinois hosts the annual Vulture Fest in October each year. Again, the symbolism of rebirth (spring) and death (autumn) is evident here.
Here in Bella Vista, turkey vultures can be seen scavenging on roadkill and other carrion. Although scavenging may not give them a good reputation, it plays a valuable role in reducing disease in the ecosystem. In areas of the world, such as Asia, where scavenger populations are declining there is an associated increase in diseases like rabies and other harmful viruses. Be thankful turkey vultures can serve as a cleaning crew to our scenic roadways! However, over population of vultures can also cause problems. As a nuisance animal, they can tear up boat and vehicle upholstery and window linings and defecate on personal property. In the fall and winter, congregations of up to 400 individuals can be observed.
Species Profile: Charadrius vociferus- Killdeer
in Species Profile/by Ashley WoodScientific Name: Charadrius vociferus
Common Name(s): Killdeer
©Frank Schulenburg
Identification:
The killdeer is North America’s best-known plover. Plovers are shorebirds, but killdeer are often found long distances from water. Adult killdeer are 8-11 inches in length, having a wingspan between 23-25 inches, weighing 2.5-4.3 oz. Coloration is brown with a rust-colored fringe on the top. They have a white stomach and throat with two black bands on their breast. The bright orange buff rump can only be seen in flight. Killdeer are quite vocal and make a distinct “kill-deer” call. The call is usually sharp and shrill. There are many online resources demonstrating this call.
Range:
The killdeer is a medium distance migrant but is a year-round resident in most of North America. Northern populations avoid harsh winters by migrating south. In the central and southern United States as well as the Pacific coast, killdeer are year-round residents.
Ecology:
The killdeer primarily feeds on terrestrial invertebrates, such as worms, beetles, and grasshoppers, but they will feed on seeds and small vertebrates, as well. During the day, killdeer forage mainly in fields, especially those with short vegetation near water. Pastures are good places to find them. In the non-breeding season, when the moon is full or close to full, the killdeer will forage at night, because of the higher insect abundance at night during this time of year.
Throughout the U.S. and Canada, killdeer prefer open habitats such as fields, meadows, gravel bars, and mudflats, but they can be found in a variety of other habitats. Killdeer are often found in human-modified habitats such as gravel roads, driveways, parking lots, and lawns. They may even be found in upland areas far from water. While they do not require a special habitat for their daily activities, they do require specific nesting habitat.
Killdeer nest in sandy or gravelly areas. These areas are often near wet or muddy areas, but this is not required. During the breeding season, killdeer form pairs, and might even form the same pair in successive breeding seasons. Both male and female killdeer build the nest and incubate the eggs, while the males incubate the eggs more often at night. Killdeer are most vulnerable during breeding season, and while incubating their eggs.
Killdeer have a few mechanisms to escape predation. One iconic mechanism is their “broken-wing” display. When it spots a predator, the killdeer pretends it has a broken wing – calling loudly and limping along as it stretches out one wing and fans its tail. The intensity of the display varies throughout the breeding season. During egg-laying, the killdeer will usually just leave the nest. As incubation progresses, killdeer become more responsive. After hatching, killdeer will only make alarm calls.
Special Notes:
Here in Bella Vista, killdeer can be found in open fields, backyards, golf courses, and near the water’s edge. Killdeer don’t visit bird feeders, but if you look around your lawn or in gravel parking lots, you might see one. These birds are permanent residents here in Arkansas, so look out for them during breeding season, which is usually in spring. If you see the “injury display” you may be close to a nest. Be careful not to step on it as they are well camouflaged.
Species Profile: Toads
in Species Profile/by Ashley WoodBufo (Anaxyrus) americanus & Bufo (Anaxyrus) fowleri- American & Fowler’s Toad
Scientific Name: Bufo (Anaxyrus) americanus & Bufo (Anaxyrus) fowleri
Common Name(s): American Toad & Fowler’s Toad
©Cephas & ©Christina Butler
Identification:
The American and Fowler’s toads look very similar. Both toads typically have a gray or brown coloration and are 2-3.5 inches long. American toads are sexually dimorphic, which in this case means the males are smaller than the females and have darker throats during the breeding season. The Fowler’s toad has a light stripe down it’s back, but that can be hard to see. A great way to differentiate between the two toads is by counting the number of bumps inside the dark splotches on their bodies. American toads have one or two bumps per splotch, while Fowler’s toads have three or four bumps per splotch. Also, the belly of the Fowler’s toad is usually all white, unlike the American toad’s belly, which is white with black spots. Interestingly, these two species of toads can hybridize making it difficult to identify if they are in the same geographical range.
American (left) and Fowler’s Toad Ranges
Range:
Bufo (Anaxyrus) americanus are one of the more widely distributed Bufo species in North America. Their range extends from Manitoba, parts of Ontario and Quebec, the Maritime Provinces, and southern Newfoundland in the north to Kansas and the Dakotas in the west. Their habitat stretches down across the southeastern United States, but the American toad’s range does not reach Florida. Bofu (Anaxyrus) fowleri is native to the eastern United States, but they are not found in the Coastal Plains of South Carolina, Georgia, or Florida.
Ecology:
The American and Fowler’s toads eat mostly invertebrates, but while the American toad will eat worms, Fowler’s toads will not. Both species of toad can be hunting for their food at night near shallow waters, which they use to breed. American toads are highly adaptable and can be found in almost every habitat, while Fowler’s toads are commonly found only in forested habitats.
Toads produce toxins to protect themselves against predators, but some predators have adapted to tolerate the chemicals in the toxin. Even in the egg and tadpole stage of development these species secrete a toxin to deter predators. American and Fowler’s toads will crouch and stay still to camouflage to avoid predation by those who have adapted to the toxin. The eastern hognose snake is tolerant and specializes in eating American toads.
Breeding in both species of toads usually begins in April, which is marked by a trill call of the male toad to attract a female. Females from both species choose their mate by the male’s call and the quality of breeding territory he possesses. After mating the female American toad lays 4,000-8,000 eggs in two rows, and each row spans from 20-66 feet long. The female Fowler’s toad can lay up to 12,000 eggs. Depending on the temperature, the development of Fowler’s toad tadpoles is a bit slower than that of the American toad if it is cold. Both species of toads reach maturity after two years. While longevity is not in the cards for most toads, some American toads can live to 10 years old, and there is a record of a captive American toad living for 36 years. Fowler’s toads do not fare as well in the wild, only living up to four years.
Special Notes:
Here in Bella Vista, both toads are found near our lakes and streams. Even if you cannot see them, you can identify the toads by their trilling calls. The Fowler’s toad has a short, buzzy, nasal trill that doesn’t last for more than four seconds, while the American toad has a similar trill that is less nasally and lasts from 5-30 seconds or more. It is also likely to have Fowler’s toads living around houses and gardens.
Species Profile: Mephitis mephitis- Striped Skunk
in Species Profile/by Ashley WoodScientific Name: Mephitis mephitis
Common Name(s): Striped Skunk
©Dan & Lin Dzurisin
Identification:
The striped skunk is a stout, short-limbed animal with a small, cone-shaped head and a long, furred tail. They range between 20 and 30 inches long, and weigh 4.0 to 9.9 lb. Their front feet are armed with five long, curved claws adapted for digging, while those on the hind feet are shorter and straighter. The coloration can vary, but most have a black body with a white stripe extending from the head, which divides along the shoulders and continues as two stripes down the body to the tail.
Range:
Stripes skunks are found throughout North America from southern Canada into northern Mexico.
Ecology:
The striped skunk is an omnivorous, opportunistic feeder. Their diet is insectivorous during the spring and summer seasons when insects are abundant, then they switch to a carnivorous diet during colder months. Throughout the winter, they eat small mammals, amphibians, fish, and ground-nesting birds. The skunk is primarily nocturnal. It sleeps in its burrow during the day and hunts at night. The skunk doesn’t build its own den but finds abandoned burrows or natural hollows to make its den.
The striped skunk lives in a variety of habitats including pasture, mixed woods, brushland, and open prairie. They are most likely to be found in areas where there is ample food and cover, like agricultural areas. Though they prefer these open pastures and forests, they are never far from water.
Breeding season occurs from mid-February to mid-March. The babies are born about two months later. A female skunk has an average litter of about five to six babies, which are blind and deaf when born. The babies are nursed in the den for about a month and a half. They stay with the mother for a year before going out on their own.
While they might not be built for running away from predators, striped skunks have developed a defense system that is quite unique. When a skunk is threatened, its first response is to run from a predator, and if that doesn’t work, it tries to frighten the predator by arching its back, raising its tail, and turning its back on the predator. If none of these defense mechanisms deter a predator, the skunk will spray the animal with a strong-smelling fluid.
Special Notes:
Here in Bella Vista, striped skunks can be found in open fields and forested areas, especially around dawn or dusk. They can also be found in just about any open field or empty forested lot. Be careful if you see one, because the skunk can spray a strong-smelling fluid up to 12 feet away!
Loch Lomond Drawdown
in Lakes/by Ashley WoodThe draw down is scheduled to begin on November 24, 2021. The lake should be down 4 feet by December 10 at the anticipated rate of 3 inches per day. Gates will be closed and the lake allowed to return to full pool on March 1, 2022.
A list of contractors doing work on our lakes can be viewed by clicking below. This list is not an endorsement.
Species Profile: Hyla cinerea- Green Tree Frog
in Species Profile/by Ashley WoodScientific Name: Hyla cinerea
Common Name(s): Green Tree Frog, Tree Frog
©Brian Gratwicke
Identification:
The green tree frog is a medium sized frog with long limbs and digits that have sticky toe pads. Their sizes range from 1.25-2.25 inches long. Besides being green, they have a white, yellow, or sometimes iridescent stripe along each side of their body. Males are smaller than females and have wrinkled throats, which indicates a vocal pouch.
Range:
Hyla cinerea is found throughout the southeast but is generally confined to the Coastal Plain.
Ecology:
The green tree frogs are insectivorous, usually eating flies, mosquitoes, and other small insects. These frogs prey on insects that are highly active or happen to be close enough to be caught by the frog’s tongue. Preferring to live in open forested areas with plentiful water near floating vegetation, grasses, and cattails, they are never at a loss for food, but they are subject to more predation than other frogs. They are prey to snakes, birds, and other frogs. Green tree frogs are one of the few species of tree frogs that lays their eggs in waters that have large predatory fish. Green tree frog tadpoles have few mechanisms of defense against large fish, so they are easily caught.
While green tree frogs are usually solitary, they come together during breeding season. Temperature, day length, and precipitation affect the timing of green tree frog breeding, but it usually occurs after a rain event. After mating, females lay up to 400 eggs. The ability for females to produce eggs is related to her size. The larger the female, the more eggs she produces.
Due to their small size and undemanding habitat requirements, these make great pets. Unlike many amphibians, they do not require artificial heating. One thing they do require is a large terrarium. Since they like to climb trees, the terrarium needs to be tall rather than wide. Plenty of branches and other objects need to be placed in the terrarium for the frogs to climb. Another important feature would be substrate that will maintain the humidity in the container, such as commercially shredded bark or coconut husk, and a shallow water dish. Green tree frogs have been found to live up to 6 years in captivity.
Special Notes:
Here in Bella Vista, green tree frogs are found in most of the forested areas, but you might find them in or near your pool. If you cannot see them, you might hear the male green tree frog make a duck like “reeenk, reeenk, reeenk” during the spring or summer before a rain event or during breeding season.
Species Profile: Apalone spinifera – Spiny Softshell Turtle
in Species Profile/by Ashley WoodScientific Name: Apalone spinifera
Common Name(s): Spiny Softshell
Left: Juvenile Spiny Softshell ©Melissa McMasters Right: Adult Spiny Softshell, BV Lakes and Parks Staff
Identification:
The spiny softshell is one of the largest freshwater turtle species in North America, with a carapace, or upper shell, length of 7-21 inches. Females are typically larger than males. Spiny softshells are easily distinguished from other turtles by their flat, leathery shell with very flexible edges. Their color ranges from a brown or yellow to olive, with males and hatchlings typically exhibiting a spotted pattern. Since they spend most of their time in the water, they have more webbing on their feet than most turtles, and each webbed foot has three claws. Another remarkable feature of softshell turtles is a snorkel-like nose they use to breathe while remaining submerged and possible buried in mud. A distinguishing characteristic between male and female spiny softshells is the number of spines on the front edge of their shells, behind their head. Adult males have many spines, while females only have a few.
Range:
Apalone spinifera has a very wide range, and are found from South Carolina, west to Texas. Their range also extends north to Montana and east to New York.
Ecology:
The spiny softshell turtle is mostly carnivorous, eating anything it can fit in its mouth if it’s in the water, including fish, insects, and crayfish. However, they will eat algae and other plant material. They are benthic feeders, which means they can actively hunt their prey or bury down in the sand to ambush prey.
They can be found in nearly any body of fresh water including ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams. Sandy bottom areas are important for both their feeding strategy and nesting habitat. An interesting feature of these turtles is that they can, to a limited extent, breathe underwater. As such they prefer waters that are rich in oxygen. This is especially important during their hibernation period, as hibernating in oxygen poor waters could lead to death.
Spiny softshells don’t begin breeding until they reach 8-10 years old. Mating usually takes place in the middle or late spring in deep water. After a few months, the female will lay her eggs on a sunny sandbar or gravel bar near the water. Eggs hatch from July or September, but sometimes they will not hatch until the spring.
Due to their location, the eggs of spiny softshell turtles are often eaten by foxes, raccoons, and skunks. Even though they are quick swimmers, juvenile spiny softshells are preyed upon by raccoons, herons, and large fish. The adult spiny softshell has few natural predators, and they are most often killed and eaten by humans. Spiny softshell turtles don’t have the same defense mechanisms a normal hard-shelled turtle has, because they cannot hide in their shell. If they are in the water, they will swim away and hide under the mud or sand to avoid predators. On land, their lack of a hard shell and general clumsiness is made up for by a change in attitude: they become aggressive if threatened. If bothered on land, spiny softshells will snap at their attacker, and their bite is quite painful. They will also kick with their powerful claws.
Special Notes:
Here in Bella Vista, spiny softshell can be found around all the lakes and in Little Sugar. They can be friendly in the water, but do not try to go near them on land. Like most water turtles, they can be skittish, so your best bet for viewing is to keep an eye out for movement in the water or at basking spots at a comfortable distance.
Species Profile: Mustela vison – American Mink
in Species Profile/by Ashley WoodScientific Name: Mustela vison
Common Name(s): Mink
©Needsmoreritalin
Identification:
The mink differs from other similar species like weasels and stouts by its larger and stouter frame. Mink have a long, sleek body about two feet long with short, stubby legs, a long neck, small ears and eyes, and a long, thick tail. Coloration in mink vary from brown to black fur with white fur on its chin and throat. The mink’s fur is soft and thick, and it is covered with oily guard hairs, which make the mink’s coat waterproof. Since the mink spends most of its time in the water, its thin and tapered body and slightly webbed feet help it swim quickly through the water.
Range:
Mustela vison can be found throughout most of the United States and Canada.
Ecology:
American mink are known to be fierce predators, and they defend themselves from other predators like coyotes, bobcats, and birds of prey. They have developed ways of avoiding predation such as their secretive nature, coloration, agility, and limiting most of their activity between dusk and dawn, when their coloring makes them less visible. The American mink is a carnivore that feeds on smaller rodents, fish, crustaceans, amphibians, and birds. It kills vertebrate prey by biting the back of the head or neck, leaving canine puncture marks. The American mink often kills birds, including larger species like seagulls and cormorants, by drowning. In its natural range, fish are its primary prey.
After mating in winter, female mink give birth to litters around April or May. The litter size can range from one to eight, with each newborn weighing less than half an ounce. Young are weaned at six weeks, but they do not become independent until ten weeks. Staying with their mother until fall enables the young to learn how to escape predators and catch prey. Once the young leave, they must establish their own territories, because mink are solitary and territorial animals.
Although American mink are hard to catch, they were among the most frequently trapped furbearers. They are also commercially farmed. Mink are legally trapped from early November to early April, when their pelts were in their best condition.
Special Notes:
Here in Bella Vista, mink are common and can be found around all our lakes and along Little Sugar Creek. They can be seen frequently along the shores of Loch Lomond, and near the walking bridge of Little Sugar near the Walgreens.
Species Profile: Pseudacris crucifer – Spring Peeper
in Species Profile/by Ashley WoodScientific Name: Pseudacris crucifer
Common Name(s): Spring Peeper
©Peter Paplanus
Identification:
The spring peeper is a small tree frog that ranges from 0.98 to 1.5 inches in length at maturity. Their coloration ranges from shades of brown to dark gray, but temperature and other conditions can cause this coloration to vary. A distinct X-shaped pattern on their back makes this species easy to identify. Female spring peepers tend to be slightly larger and lighter in color than males. Males have a flap under their throat where the vocal pouch is located. This flap can be darker during the breeding season, when the males are calling to attract mates.
Range:
Pseudacris crucifer is native to eastern North America, and they can be found from Manitoba, Canada to Florida.
Ecology:
The spring peepers are carnivorous. They eat small insects and other small arthropods (i.e. ants, beetles, ticks, mites, and spiders). When spring peepers are in their tadpole stage, they graze on algae or decaying plant material in ponds and pools. Due to their diet, spring peepers play a strong role in forest ecosystems by controlling the insect population. Since they require ponds and pools to breed, they live in forests near wetlands.
As their common name implies, males make a chirping call in spring to attract a mate. Spring peepers are among the first frogs in the region to vocalize in the spring. Females lay between 750 and 1300 eggs. The eggs are laid in small clusters under vegetation in a wetland. Once the tadpoles hatch, they take 2-3 months to transform into a frog and move out of the aquatic habitat into the forest.
Spring peepers start breeding after their first year. Females are attracted to males with a certain volume and speed of call. Older and larger males have faster and louder calls, which are considered more attractive by females. Some males called “satellite males” do not make calls but position themselves near calling males to intercept females. Not all calls made by spring peepers are for mating. They also vocalize when fighting, after rain, and before hibernation.
Spring peepers are active from the end of winter until late fall when they dig into the ground to begin hibernation. They hibernate under logs and debris. In the northern reaches of the spring peeper’s habitat range they come out of hibernation before freezing temperatures have ended. Their bodies tolerate subfreezing temperatures down to about 18°F.
Special Notes:
Here in Bella Vista, spring peepers are the first frogs we will hear in spring. You might think you are hearing sleigh bells or car alarms, but when you hear the telltale “Peep peep!”, it means the spring peepers have come out of hibernation and spring has arrived.