Nature Journal

Introduction
Wildlife is always deemed to be of great significance economically,
ecologically, environmentally as well as culturally. It includes a wide
range of species from amphibians, insects, birds to mammals. Thus, there
is no doubt that there are some organisms that are native while others were
introduced or re-introduced to their current habitant (Day, Klingler &
Bloomberg 283). The essay is an in-depth examination of five wild animals
that exist in the United States of America. These animals are Red Fox
(Vulpes vulpes), Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus), Black and Yellow Garden
Spider (Argiope aurantia), Northern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix
mokasen) and American Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana).

To be able to cover these species adequately, the following will be
established:
– Are the species, being studied, native or introduced in that
environment?
– Describe their physical characteristics in terms of color as well as
specific differences between the sexes.

Additionally, the issues regarding the species’ habitats are
adequately tackled. This is attained by establishing their local habitat as
well as their habitat range, their ecological role, the types of food they
eat and other relevant relationships such as parasitism, mutualism are
brought to light. The species’ category under IUCN is also brought to
light. At the same time, discover life cycle of these species and life span
as well as how they coexist with people.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
According to Rue (72), Red fox is the largest of animals that is
considered as true foxes. This species is in the family of Canidae which is
comprised of wolves, dogs and coyotes. These animals are characterized by
an orange or red fur. Red foxes have white fur on their chest as well as
beneath their neck. The tail is usually fluffy and white at the tip. The
ears are black and pointed. Their legs are colored black. The animal is
about three feet long and weighs 10 pounds.

As suggested by Clapham (122), Red fox inhabits a greater part of the
United States as well as Canada, but there is no record to show that they
ever existed in Alaska and Texas. According to IUCN, it is categorized as
Least Concern for extinction and named as world’s worst alien invasive
species. They have a wide range covering approximately 70 million square
kms including wood lands, farmland as well as prairies.

Historically, red foxes were being preyed by lynx, wolves, and
bobcats but due to the reduced number of these predators, people became the
major predator hunting these animals for various reasons, such as sport
hunting, as well as for their fur or by farmers in protecting their crops
and livestock (Rue 121). It is thus no doubt that red fox has a long
association with mankind. This can be depicted in human folklore as well as
in myths. Red foxes are opportunistic feeders whose feeding pattern varies
with season as they eat everything available during some period. Generally
speaking, this species is omnivorous eating fruits, grasses and berries.

They also feed on birds, insects, small mammals. They can investigate over
five miles looking for food despite the fact that they are not hungry.

Surplus food stuffs are hidden to be consumed later (Clapham 54).

With regards to reproduction, red foxes reproduce only once a year
during spring. Female estrus lasts for 21 days during which the male mates
with her for a number of days in burrows during which there is at least an
hour of copulation tie. The gestation period is approximately two months.

Prior to littering, the female/vixen will get two den ready. The litter
size ranges between 4 and 8. As the female is nursing the litter, males
look for food. Within a period of about 2 weeks, the kits open their eyes,
and 4 days after, lower teeth start emerging. The juvenile takes a period
of six to seven months, and then, the adulthood comes. It has been
established that in their natural habitat, the red foxes attain a maximum
of five years and fourteen while under captivity (Rue 65).

These mammals are nocturnal and can hear voices in lower frequencies.

They stalk their prey just like the cat does, then pounce and chase. Dens
are utilized for reproduction reasons. Red foxes sleep in open environment
using their tail to save warmth (Clapham 23).

Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus)
Also known as marsh hawk, the bird is between 17 and 24 inches with a
wing span ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 feet weighing between 12 and 18 ounces.

Males are typically smaller than females. This