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Black bears are not common visitors to backyards in Durham; however, they have been known to visit neighborhoods nearer to the coast and mountains of NC and occasionally do wander through the piedmont.
As human territory increases, the space for wildlife decreases. Many species need connected spaces and resources to survive, so when we divide up the landscape we limit the areas where they can live. Backyard habitat can provide those connections. Ecosystems also require many different pieces to function, so when parts of an environment are changed or destroyed, the entire system can eventually fail. Backyard habitats can help sustain those pieces.
When nature works properly, humans gain many benefits from it, including clean water and air, improved physical and mental health, opportunities for recreation in green spaces, food, textiles, flood control, and climate and weather regulation. We can lose these services when ecosystems stop functioning well.
Benefits of nature for humans:
Medicine like Aspirin, which is created from willow bark
Food like blueberries, sweet potatoes, and apples
Textiles for clothes, blankets, bags, carpets, and art
Control of extreme weather events, such as high winds, flooding, and erosion
Mental and physical well-being; for instance, being in nature has been shown to decrease blood pressure and stress
A bald eagle protecting its nest above a commonly used walking trail at Shelley Lake in Raleigh. Many people visit the trail to exercise, enjoy nature, and view wildlife.
Red wolves lived along the east coast and southwest into Texas until human activity almost caused them to go extinct.
Red wolves are critically endangered. There are only about 18 in the wild and 235 in human care.
Species Spotlight: Red Wolf (Canis rufus)
The eastern wolf species used to thrive along the east coast of the United States from New Jersey to Florida and southwest into Texas; however, overhunting and habitat fragmentation caused their numbers to plummet until only fourteen remained. These fourteen were caught and placed into a breeding program to prevent the species from going extinct. Now, the only wild red wolves live near the Outer Banks of North Carolina, as a reintroduced population.
When predators such as red wolves are removed from the environment, the populations of prey species like rats, raccoons, deer, and squirrels increase in number more rapidly than normal. This can lead to a decrease in prey food sources and potential disease outbreaks, making the overall populations less healthy.
It can be difficult to live together with predators; however, they play an important role in the environment too! With some simple precautions, like bringing cats and small dogs indoors at night and creating strong fencing and barriers around farm animals like chickens and sheep, humans and red wolves can coexist without issue.
Watch this video to hear more about red wolves from someone who works with them!
Have you ever wondered how red wolves live?
What makes them different from grey wolves?
Why they almost went extinct?
If they are dangerous?
Tune in and find out!
Species Spotlight: Snakes
Snakes are one of the most misunderstood and feared creatures on our planet. They are often killed or removed from areas because of this. The truth, however, is that snakes do not want to be where people are and will move away if given the chance. If they don't, then they are likely too cold to move quickly and still pose no threat. The most common reasons people are bitten by snakes, including venomous ones, are that they are trying to kill or move the snake or that they reach into an outdoor crevice or brush pile without being aware of potential visitors!
Why do we want snakes around?
They are important cogs in the food chain, serving as both predators to rats, mice, voles, and other small critters and prey to other snakes (like Kingsnakes, many of which also eat venomous snakes) and other species like birds of prey, raccoons, and foxes.
They naturally reduce the number of "pest" critters, like mice and rats, that often end up in people's homes.
Snake venom from many species has medicinal benefits.
They are interesting and unique animals that can be fun to watch from a respectful distance!
Black rat snake crossing a backyard to get to the forest.
Eastern Racer on a hiking trail. Some snakes will rattle their tails or rear up as a warning to something that has scared them. If left alone, these snakes are not dangerous and will continue on their way.
A black rat snake taking advantage of a backyard water source.
What can we do to create habitat for wildlife? Visit the next page to find out.
All photos and videos were taken by Kate Hankins.
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