Richard H. Conley

European wild hogs (Sus scrota) were trapped, marked for identification and released. Recoveries by trapping and hunter kills provided data on survival, mortality, and longevity. Average annual survival was 49 percent and did not vary by age. Hunting mortality does vary with tagging age, season of birth and time of tagging. However, hunting mortality replaces natural mortality and does not increase total mortality. Most non-hunting mortality occurs between winter and spring. A mean life expectancy of 1.5 years, slightly higher for females; a population turnover period and ecological...

A total of 57 of 75 bobcats (Lynx rufus) available were utilized in an evaluation for determining age in this species. Pelage characteristics, body measurements, frozen eye lens weight, and epiphyseal closure of the forelegs and humeri were of little value in determining age. Skull measurements were used in determining three age classes: (1) kittens (0-12 months); (2) young adults (13-24 months); and (3) adults (over 25 months). Skull morphology was also useful in defining these classes. The number of cementum annuli in the upper canine was correlated with age and allowed a more accurate...