Creatures of Change

by Platt, Carolyn V.; Meszaros, Gary

• ISBN13: 9780873385855
• ISBN10: 0873385853
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1998-06-01
• Publisher: Kent State Univ Pr

Summary

Ohio was once covered by a thick forest and populated by a great variety of animals, but the first blows of settlers' axes heralded cataclysmic changes. By 1900 only about 15 percent of the state remained tree-covered. The effects of settlement upon native animal species varied widely, and the fortunes of many have risen and fallen more than once. Large predators such as wolves, panthers, and bears disappeared early, as did big herbivores such as bison and elk. Hunters and trappers drove many furbearers out of existence, though wildlife managers have successfully reintroduced beaver and river otters in this century. Other mammals and birds, including white-tailed deer and wild turkeys, have also reappeared. Human encroachment has had mixed effects among non-game animals as well. In Creatures of Change, Carolyn V. Platt examines 200 years of wildlife in Ohio. Most of these chapters first appeared in Timeline, a publication of the Ohio Historical Society. Over 150 color photos by Gary Meszaros complement the text. Written in an accessible style, the book will appeal to anyone with an interest in Ohio's wildlife, but it will also be a valuable reference for specialists.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	vii
Introduction	1	(10)
SECTION ONE The Frontier Wars	11	(28)
Man's Best Enemy: The Wolf	14	(18)
Furbearers	32	(7)
SECTION TWO Decline & Recovery	39	(62)
Amphibious Architect: The Beaver	42	(16)
A Respectable Bird: The Wild Turkey	58	(14)
The Trouble with Bambi	72	(14)
Waterfowl Back from the Brink: Canada Geese & Wood Ducks	86	(15)
SECTION THREE Mixed Effects	101	(126)
Owl: Sorcerer, Spirit-Bird, Predator	104	(16)
Snakes	120	(16)
Fire Lizard: The Humble Salamander	136	(16)
Frogs & Toads Are Friends	152	(18)
Darters	170	(12)
Bright Shiners	182	(8)
Butterflies	190	(18)
Spiders: Laying for Flies & Bugs	208	(19)
SECTION FOUR The Opportunists	227
Coyote Arrives	230	(10)
The Raccoon: Nature's Artful Dodger	240	(10)
Nature's Confectioner: The Honey Bee	250