Biodiversity In Minnesota by Cory Schiefelbein

Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) Description- The Great Horned Owl is a large bird of prey that gets its name from its feather tufts that look like horns. Females are larger than the male. The males have a more high pitched voice. Reproduction- They nest in other birds stick nest, natural tree hollows, and other cave entrances. The female lays about 1-3 eggs that are incubated for 26-35 days. Food- They sit up high on tree or poles and hunt for small prey. They have a wide variety of prey like mice, squirrels, rabbits, moles, skunks and other small game. The owls will also feed on other birds and even small domestic cats or dogs. Predators- Great Horned Owls have very few predators. Crows and raccoons may steal their eggs. Other Great Horned owls attack each other. Habitat- There habitat is very wide spread. They can adapt to just about any climate. There habitats include forests, deserts and plains. Population- They are the most common owl in north America so they are very populated. Diseases- Fun Facts- The Great Horned owl has a 5ft wingspan. Their life span ranges from about 5-12 years. Owls are known to be good luck in some cultures but in others they are known to be a sign of death. http://www.owlpages.com/owls.php?genus=Bubo&species=virginianus

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/birds/greathornedowl.html http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/great-horned-owl/

Raccoon (Procyon lotor) Description- Raccoons are stocky animals with short legs and small rounded ears. They are about 33 to 45 inches long and weigh 7 to 20 lbs. Their fur is dark grey with some brown with dark black fur around their eyes. Reproduction- Mating season (February-March) males travel long distances and mate with many females. When a female has her litter it consists of 2-6 young. Food- Sweet corn is a raccoons favorite food, but they will eat just about anything. Predators- Some of raccoons predators are coyotes, great-horned owls, bobcats, and foxes. Habitat- Their habitat ranges throughout the state. They live in prairies, woodlands, and cities. Population- In Minnesota there is around 800,000 raccoons living. Diseases- Rabies Fun Facts- Raccoons can kill and animal twice its size. Raccoons have a higher population in urban areas then rural areas. Raccoons are distantly related to the bear. Seasons & Regulations There is a hunting season for raccoons. It starts in late October and hunters harvest about 100,000 a year and trapper take another 75,000 http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/species/raccoon/

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mammals/raccoon.html

Northern Pike (Esox lucius) Description- Northern Pike are most often olive green with a white and yellow belly. They are a large fish that can grow lengths of 59 inches and weigh well over 30 lbs. Reproduction- Females spread between 15,000 to 75,000 eggs. Food- Northern Pike will feed on muskrats, frogs, and small ducks. Predators- Adult Northerns really don’t have many predators but small young pike will get eaten by pretty much anything that feed on fish, like snakes and other big fish. Habitat- Northern pikes habitats are mostly clear fresh water. Mostly in lakes and rivers. Population- Their population varies and you can find them in just about any fresh water lake or river. Diseases- For diseases this species suffers from a septicaemic "red sore" disease caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas hydrophila, which is also responsible for the condition in frogs known as "red leg.“ Fun facts- The northern is not an active hunter. The state record is 45 lbs 12 ounces. The world record is 55 lbs 1 ounce. Seasons & Regulations- Northern fishing season in Minnesota calendar for 2012 is May 12 2012 – February 12 2013.

Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus) Description- The Ringneck snake is a small dark colored snake that lives in eastern Minnesota. It has a yellowish body with some orange and a yellow or orange ring around its neck. Reproduction- Ringneck snakes mostly mate in the spring but sometimes in the fall. The female will lay an average of 4 eggs in the summer. Other females will lay there eggs in the same nest. Food- Ringneck snakes feed on slugs, lizards, salamanders, earthworms, and other baby snakes. Predators- The main predators of the Ringneck snake are birds of prey, skunks, and other snakes. Habitat- Their habitat is mostly in the eastern part of Minnesota along the Mississippi and St. Croix river. Diseases- Diseases carried by other animals are picked up by these snakes. Fun Facts- when a predator is near the snake will coil its tail and expose its brightly colored underside. http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/northern_ringneck_snake.htm http://srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/diapun.htm

http://www. dnr. state. mn http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/reptiles_amphibians/snakes_turtles/ringnecksnake.html

Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) Description- The Black Walnut, a tree that has a height of 50 to 60 feet and sometimes reaching 100 feet with a diameter of around 36 inches. Its straight and clear of branches for half its height and the other half is crown broad and spreading. Bark, leaves, & seed- The Bark is very thick and dark brown. Each leafs have a 12 to 24 inch steam with yellow-green sharply pointed leaflets. The nut is black with a very hard, thick, finely ridged shell. The nut does not spread open even after it is ripe. Seed disbursement- One way that the seeds are disbursed is from squirrels carrying seeds from beneath the tree and burying them at a distance. Diseases- Thousand Canker Disease is the main disease that is killing the Black Walnut. Economic uses- Walnut wood is used to manufacture lumber. It is also used for fine furniture and cabinets. Fun Fact- The Black Walnut is among the most popular for making gunstocks and furniture.

Spotted Touch-me-not (Impatiens capensis) Description- The Spotted Touch-me-not is a orange flower. It is common in bottomland soils, ditches, and along creeks. Also called jewelweed. When it Flowers- Flowers are about 1 inch long and ½ to ¾ inch wide. Uses- It is used to treat poison ivy. Fun Fact- The spotted touch-me-not is used to treat athletes foot. http://www.bio.brandeis.edu/fieldbio/Wildflowers_Kimonis_Kramer/PAGES/JEWELWEED_PAGE_FINAL.html