• Last updated 5/1/12 by BYC Project Manager

Crow General Information and Description Crows are scavenger birds of the genus Corvus in the Corvidea family, which also include magpies, ravens, and about 120 other species. Technically called corvids, they are considered one of the most intelligent animals. They have a brain about the size of a chimp. In mirror tests, crows exhibited self-awareness and tool-making ability common only in humans and a few mammals. Recent studies even suggest that crows can recognize humans by face. These birds are most often seen in temperate climes.   Range Crows thrive in... read more

• Last updated 4/30/12 by BYC Project Manager

Cats General Information and Description Next to dogs, cats are one of the most popular house pets in the world. They are often preferred for their easy companionship. However, this can be deceiving. Cats are carnivores belonging to the Felids or Felidae family, which also includes tigers, lions, jaguars, leopards and cheetahs. This kinship with wild cats easily shows itself when you see cats stalking and pouncing on birds, mice, and smaller animals. This lovable and gentle creature has instinctive predatory skills that have killed many chickens.   Cats love to... read more

• Last updated 4/30/12 by BYC Project Manager

Snake   General Information & Description Snakes are long, legless carnivorous reptiles of the suborder Serpentes. Fifteen families of snakes are currently recognized, comprising of more than 2,900 species. The largest living species are the reticulated pythons, which can reach 30 feet long, and the aquatic anaconda, the heaviest existing snake, which measures 25 feet. Most snakes are relatively small animals measuring 3 to 4 feet in length. The smallest is only 4 inches long, the Leptotyphlops cariae. Because they cannot chew their food, snakes swallow their... read more

• Last updated 4/30/12 by BYC Project Manager

  Rats General Information and Description Widely considered a pest in homes and farms, rats are long-tailed rodents in the biological superfamily Muroidea. Black rats commonly seen at home belong to the Rattus genus in the family. Their large size distinguishes them from mice.   Rats like to live alongside humans, and take every opportunity to prey on their food and livestock. These predators often do their dirty work at night. Rats are also known to carry zoonotic pathogens, or animal-borne diseases like Leptospira and Weil’s disease. In fact, the Black... read more

• Last updated 4/30/12 by BYC Project Manager

Mice   General Information and Description Mice are rodents that belong to Genus Mus, Order Rodentia, Class Mammalia of the Kingdom Animalia.  There are about 30 species scattered throughout various regions of the world. They are considered one of the great survivors on the planet, and can adapt to almost any environment. These rodents are naturally herbivores that consume grain or fruit, but due to the rise of urban areas, they have also learned to feed on food scraps left by humans. Mice are nocturnal creatures. They are also the perfect meal for creatures... read more

• Last updated 4/30/12 by BYC Project Manager

  Bobcat General Information & Description The bobcat is a member of the Felidae cat family. Bobcats have brown spots on a grey coat with black tufted ears, black bars on the forelegs and a stubby, black-tipped tail. Bobcats have been heavily hunted for their furs over the centuries. They breed between winter and spring with 2-4 litters that grow into adults in less than 24 months. With a 12-year life expectancy, bobcats are typically twice as large as the largest alley cat. They are often found in forests, swamps, and semi-arid terrains.   Range Find... read more

• Last updated 4/30/12 by BYC Project Manager

  Bear   General Information and Description Bears are omnivores in the Ursidae family. They are found mostly in North America, Europe and northern and central Asia. The most common are the American Black Bears, which roam in North America and enjoy a widespread population.   Bears generally have large shaggy bodies with short stubby tails. They walk and run on all fours, but can stand on two stocky legs when reaching for food or attacking to frighten their enemies. They are also observed to sit like humans. Bears have a large head with a long snout.... read more

• Last updated 4/30/12 by BYC Project Manager

  Owl   General Information & Description The owl is a carnivorous bird. While most are nocturnal, there are also owls that prefer to hunt during dusk and dawn. Unlike vultures and crows that can prey in flocks, owls are solitary birds that prefer to hunt alone. They hunt insects, mice, rats, rabbits and chicks with amazing accuracy in low light.   Owls have acute visual and hearing senses. The owl can swivel its head over 270 degrees without twisting its body. Owls are also farsighted. Their eyes have a large retina that can create a spatial image even in... read more

• Last updated 4/30/12 by BYC Project Manager

General Information Skunks may kill and eat domestic poultry and their eggs. They pose only a little threat to adult birds, but prize eggs as a tasty treat and will often break up a nest when the opportunity avails itself. They are very shy, with very poor eyesight. Primarily a nocturnal creature, skunks will usually respect a farm with geese, a good dog or farm cat. Let your nose tell you if a skunk has been in the hen house. Both striped and spotted skunks can raid chicken houses. The worst offender is usually the spotted skunk because it can climb easily to gain... read more

• Last updated 4/30/12 by BYC Project Manager

    Mountain Lion (Felis concolor)   GENERAL INFORMATION Mountain lions are the second largest native North American cat (the jaguar is slightly larger). They are known by a number of different names - cougar, panther, painter, catamount, and puma. Mountain lions are mainly nocturnal, preferring to hunt at night. They have no predators, and they feed on coyotes, deer, fox, frogs and toads, insects, lizards, rodents, opossums, rabbits, livestock, poultry, raccoons, voles, beaver, porcupines, skunks and other small mammals, birds, and even fish. They are very... read more