Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Who Chews?

On the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada, someone has a taste for pinyon pine.

chewed pinyon
Pinyon with a chunk of bark missing

chewed pinyon
Even larger and older de-barked area

After finding marks on a 1/2 dozen trees, the mystery had me hooked, so I set a cam on one.

set
Camera set with chewed pinyon pine and suspicious burrow under small rock

4 weeks later, I had pics of 5 terrific species. But, I didn't think they answered the riddle.

So, I showed all the photos to bio-bud Craig to discuss the possibilities. Of course, he knew the "who chews?" immediately. And, I have to say I was surprised - it wasn't something I thought existed anymore in our nape o' the American way.

I'm sure some of you fine folks from lands further east knew right away too.

But, for those still wondering, let's take a look at the 5 species the camera trap saw. If even just to rule out the innocent suspects.

Two character coyotes stopped by the scene. Perhaps, in these arid lands, their urine is extra caustic, and they're burning the bark off the trees?  :)

coyote
Coyote digging and smelling

coyote
Listening

coyote
Listening and smelling and looking at camera

coyote
Coming to check out camera (be nice!)

coyote
Back to listening

coyote
More digging and smelling

coyote
Plunge

coyote
No luck

The second coyote dropped in for a bit of the same. Looks like both were much more interested in whatever lives under the rock, than in the pinyon tree, huh?

coyote
A silvery song dog sniffs the burrow under the rock

coyote
Listening - note the notch in the ear

coyote
Listening

coyote
Offers paw for truce hand shake

coyote
Poses regally

A couple of fine looking yotes, that's for sure. But they aren't our bark biters, of course.

We'll look at the next of our fab five furry candidates this Friday.

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4 comments:

  1. Without knowing what chewed the bark off your trees, I would guess that it's a porcupine.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Tons of great shots in there but I love shot #2. Such a personable coyote. Had no problems with being flashed over and over again huh?

    ReplyDelete

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