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Old 04-10-2006 | 02:36 PM
  #28  
Phade
Typical Buck
 
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Caledonia, NY
Default RE: hey, let's talk about cougars again

ORIGINAL: hillbillyhunter1

I think the only time that you have REAL predator displacement is among the family of Dogs.

Coyotes will to much extent displace foxes.

Wolves will definatley kill any coyotes they come across (even in Yellowstone).

But the displacement does not usually occur between different type species (ie mountain lion vs. coyote or bobcat vs fox). It may change some with the introduction of a new dynamic species but will even out over the long run.

Many predatory animals have a kind of symbiotic relationship with each other. (polar bear and artic fox for instance) and although there will be definate confrontations between higher predators, each ones self-preservation instincts supercede their need to displace their competition in most cases.
Predatory displacement does occur in instances, as mentioned above. Yotes often push out red fox. Grey fox tend to fare better than red when faced with coyotes, and seem to be able to share territories. Their ability tomove up treesis a prime reason. I've seen a litter or two of grey's 8-12 feet up in a hole of a tree. Pretty resilient.

I'm trying to think of other predatory displacement issues (outside of dogs), but I can't think of any off my hand. They are rare, but do occur. I believe there may be some relating to predatory birds.


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