William H. Wiley
402-875-1809
bill@wmwiley.com
1221 Rockhurst Dr.
Lincoln, NE 68510
Shy and wary of intruders, a black bear cub glances through two aspen trees. Only yards away in the brushes is a cinnamon-colored sibling eating berries on a bush. Although not visible, the mother bear was surely close by in the woods, creating a potentially dangerous situation for anyone venturing too close.
The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a shy, nocturnal omnivore, typically hunting at night, dusk and dawn. It is an efficient and lethal predator, due to its acute senses of sight, smell and hearing. Striking a perfect pose, this kit carefully surveys his surroundings before entering his den in a woodpile in southeastern Nebraska.
Aspen trees have the widest range of any tree in North America. They are very important to the forest ecosystem, as they are usually the first trees to grow after a forest fire. Known for their bright golden-yellow leaves in autumn, aspens provide valuable forage for deer and elk, while the underlying plants provide food for mice, rabbits and voles. In turn, these small animals attract bobcats, coyotes and mountain lions. Around ponds and streams, beavers usually eat aspens before any other trees.
