All predators serve some ecological function—particularly members of the mammalian order Carnivora which includes well-known species like wolves and grizzly bears as well as lesser known critters such as ringtails and martens (pictured at right). Yet many of these species are presently in peril, missing from the landscape in critical areas or receiving little consideration. And the status of others is essentially unknown.
Our Caring for Cascadia’s Carnivores initiative hopes to address the above shortcomings and is a continuation of the efforts started by Big Wildlife which became part of Cascadia Wildlands in the summer of 2013. This new iteration works to bring public attention to the plight of these species we know are at immediate risk and also takes steps to close the information gaps on others.
Since many of these species are similar to the wolf in that they are victims of long-held myths and concerted efforts to promote fear and misinformation, education will also be a large part of this initiative. So who are these important species in Cascadia?
| Cascadia’s Mammalian Carnivores |
| Bears (Ursidae): brown bear and black bear |
| Dogs (Canidae): wolf, coyote, gray fox, red fox, kit fox |
| Weasels (Mustelidae): wolverine, badger, marten, fisher, river otter, sea otter, mink, long-tailed weasel, short-tailed weasel, and least weasel |
| Cats (Felidae): cougar, lynx, and bobcat |
| Raccoons and Allies (Procyanidae etc.): raccoon and ringtail |
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