POPULATION TRENDS IN FURBEARERS IN NEBRASKA

摘要

Population trends are documented from 1941 to 1997 for the 12 species of furbearing mammals harvested in Nebraska. Populations of red fox (Vulpes vulpes), raccoon (Procyon lotor), beaver {Castor canadensis), coyote (Canis lupus), and bobcat (Lynx rufus) have increased during this period. Populations of muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), mink (Mustela vison), eastern spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius), long-tailed weasel (Mustela frenata), and striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) have decreased. Populations of mink, eastern spotted skunk, long-tailed weasel, and striped skunk may have decreased in Nebraska in part in response to the introduction and widespread use of pesticides. Populations of badger (Taxidea taxus) and Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) have remained stable. Numbers of beaver and badger harvested are strongly driven by pelt prices.