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The River Otter (Lutra canadensis) is a dog size semi-aquatic mammal. They are best known for their extreme playfulness. Highly adapted for an aquatic environment, they can swim for nearly a half a kilometer underwater before surfacing for air. During the 17th century, otter pelts were very desirable, and populations were devastated. In the Okefenokee, however, they have been preserved. Otters prey on fish and other aquatic mammals. They have litters of one to five pups. The Florida Black Bear (Ursus americanus floridianus) is one of the last large predators that used to roam Okefenokee. In 1998, researches estimate that there were about 1200 bears present. The bears are found mostly in the prairie region, but are capable of traveling up to thirty miles a day in search of food. A full size adult can weigh up to 500lbs. Although they used to be common in southern Georgia and northern Florida in the early 20th century, outside the Okefenokee they are scarce. Bears eat a wide range of plants and animals, but in the Okefenokee, they are known to eat the Swamp Tupelo fruits, honey, and many berries. The bears generally have one to two cubs every other year. They den in hollow trees or large stumps. Currently, there is a 6-day bear-hunting season in the region, and most bears are taken from the Okefenokee. The White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) was very rare throughout North America due to over harvesting, but management and stocking has replenished their populations. In Okefenokee, they are found mainly on the wooded islands and open fields (Critter Center). They range in size from 40 to 125lbs. The North American Raccoon (Procyon lotor) is nocturnal, and some believe, very intelligent. They feed on fish, frogs, berries, and, if available, human food. Bobcats (Felis rufa) are also nocturnal. Although they look similar to domesticated cats, they can reach up to 30lbs. Their diet consists of rodents, rabbits, squirrels and birds. Mountain Lions/Cougars/Panthers (Felis concolor) once were found in Okefenokee, although some claiming to have seen them, most likely caught sight of a fleeing bobcat. They have been very rare in southern Georgia since the beginning of the 20th century. In 1988 and 1989, Fish and Wildlife released seven west Texan mountain lions into the swamp. While they survived, they became a nuisance for the local population and had to be recaptured. Although rare today, mountain lions are naturally found from Canada to Tierra del Fuego. They can reach up to 200lbs. In the Okefenokee, their main prey is deer. It is an endangered species. The Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is found on the wooded portions of Okefenokee. They have been known to raid local farmland in search for chickens and fruits and vegetables. Coyotes (Canis latrans) are found in the wetland. Although their natural habitat is the Western prairie, they migrated east as human settlements created similar habitats in that direction. Their diet consists of rodents, rabbits, and squirrels, but they have been known to forage for fruits, berries and seeds. Although Armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) are not native to Okefenokee, they can be found in the dry portions rooting for grubs and other small prey. They are about the size of a domesticated cat. Armadillos are best known for being covered in protective “armor.” They are nocturnal. Due to a strange biological phenomenon known as polyembryony, the young of an armadillo are almost always four identical armadillos of the same sex (Common Mammals). The Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitius), or as the locals call it, the “polecat,” is found on the dry portions of the wetland. They are preyed upon by owls. Skunks have powerful glands near their anus that can spray a scent up to 12 feet away. They have litters of up to 11 “kittens” (Common Mammals). There are three types of squirrels in the Okefenokee. The Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is found nesting in tree cavities, leaves, branch crotches, and feeding on acorns, pine cones, and berries. The Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger) is most common on the border between the wetland and upland forests and islands. The Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans) is best known for its large dark eyes and a fold of skin called a “patagium” which they use to glide up to (records) of 100 ft. The Beaver (Castor canadenis) was nearly eradicated from the Okefenokee by the early 20th century due to hunting, but are now back. They are the largest rodents in North America. Beaver are known for their large, flat tails and building dams to maintain a deep-water pool around the homes they build, lodges. They can weigh from 30 to 70lbs. In extreme situations, a beaver can remain underwater for 20 minutes. They feed on herbaceous plants, leaves, twigs, and saplings. The most common Bat in the Okefenokee is the Seminole Bat (Lasiurus seminolus), which lives in dense clumps of Spanish moss. They are dark brown and about 4 inches long. The Eastern Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus subflavus) and the Southeastern Myotis (Myotis austroriparius) are also found in the Okefenokee, but they are less common. The Round-tailed Muskrat (Neofiber alleni) is a semi-aquatic rodent. They build nests similar to beaver lodges, but they are smaller. They are currently a protected species in Georgia. -top-
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