An interesting conversation was had this morning about the migration of bobcats and black bears in this area of the state. As unbelievably exciting as it is it is also a bit of an oddity as it's not the "normal" location for such majestic, untamed animal to graze. In the last few months there have also been a growing number of coyote sightings which is also great. All summer long in Maine, especially in late spring, while laying in my sleeping bag I would enjoy the chorus of coyotes from deep within the woods, now they're growing into larger packs in Northeast Ohio. Lastly, a recent story in the paper highlighted a local man who has an alligator named Harley as a pet, which has now become a legal issue.
With all this in mind, I'd be lying if I told you it wasn't the topic of deep debate for me as I am not sure to which would win if the four faced off in a backyard brawl here in town. Think about it...
Black bears:
Although they eat mostly berries, nuts, etc. They have a keen sense of smell and color vision. Are excellent swimmers and climbers of trees. Not only are they very intelligent and curious they can reach speeds of 35 miles per hour while weighing an average of 125 to 600 pounds (the perfect created defensive linemen size and speed if you're playing Madden). Most are typically shy and easily frightened, but who knows how one would react to a being in a school yard tussle with a coyote, bobcat and alligator. (http://www.americanbear.org/blackbearfacts.htm)
Bobcats:
A cat two times larger than your typical house feline is highly adaptable, and amongst the most successful predators in North America owing to their adaptability and wide prey base. This sneaky pussycat can take down prey eight times their own weight. Stalking and ambushing thier predators, Bobcats rely on stealth to sneak up to the prey before employing their proportionately long powerful hind legs to generate great bursts of speed, reaching up to fifty kilometers an hour.Lastly, they are known to be territorial animals, graceful yet fierce predators and are revered in Native American folklore for their courage. (http://www.ofcats.com/2008/09/bobcat-facts.html)
Coyotes:
A prominent figure in Native American tales and tradition coyotes are a very savvy and clever beast. These adaptable, intuitive canines eat almost anything. They hunt rabbits, rodents, fish, frogs, and even deer. Because they sometimes kill lambs, calves, or other livestock, as well as pets, they are regarded by ranchers and farmers as destructive pests. (http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/coyote/)
Alligators:
This American alligator is 8.2 feet (female) and 11.2 feet (male) some weighing in at nearly half a ton. Armed with a strong, flat tail, 74-80 razor sharp teeth and the anger of a Spanish bull with a fire cracker up it's tuckus this domesticated dinosaur is the outsider of the crew. (http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/ReptilesAmphibians/Facts/FactSheets/Americanalligator.cfm)
This will be on my mind for days. It's already consumed most of my afternoon and evening. How could it not? It could potentially happen...and here in town. Nothing cool ever happens here.
And for anyone thinking what a waste of time thinking about this fairytale fight is well all I have to say to you is your welcome for the random animal facts, just be careful when you're out in your back yard or out on a hike. All four could potentially be following you, stalking your every move because they can smell the fact that you're 1. Trespassing in their territory 2. Potentially nearing their children 3. Are someone who is so wrapped in life and no longer know how to just let your mind wander that you can't take a moment to enjoy a pointless, entertaining and educational blog post.
Until next time...
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