Robert C. Belden

Little is known about exotic ungulates in Florida. This study evaluated the status of this industry in Florida and its potential for detrimental impacts on native wildlife. The exotic ungulate industry in Florida was surveyed by mail questionnaires to exotic ungulate permittees, phone interviews, interviews with exotic ungulate owner/managers, interviews with law enforcement wildlife inspectors, review of permit application forms on file with the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, and review of the International Species Inventory System list. There were 64 wildlife exhibits,...

Ninety-three feral hogs (Sus serofa) collected from July 1978 through June 1979 on the Fisheating Creek Wildlife Refuge in Glades County, Florida, were examined for physical condition, food habits, and reproductive status. Wild hog food habits were determined largely by food availability and nutritional requirements, which changed seasonally. Hogs collected on the study area were in better condition with regard to internal fat during fall and winter but appeared to be under greater stress during these periods as determined by adrenal weights. Farrowing peaks occurred after availability of...

Experience in investigating panther (Felis concolor coryl) reports showed that most people, including wildlife biologists, cannot readily and accurately distinguish panther tracks from those of other species, particularly from large dogs. Characteristics by which to identify panther tracks are presented.

Since the early 1960's, over 4,500 wild hogs (Sus scrota) have been relocated through Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission trapping operations. The trap now used by the Florida Commission is described. It is basically an open-top, sectional trap consisting of 4 separable panels with a multiple-capture root-door in one panel.

The occurrence and extent of European wild hog (Sus scrofa) rooting at different elevations and vegetation types in the mountains of East Tennessee were studied along trails and roads in three watersheds in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and in three watersheds in the Tellico Wildlife Management Area, Cherokee National Forest, from April 1971 through March 1972. Rooting was greatest at higher elevations in the wanner months and at lower elevations in the cooler months. The location of rooting in different \\/egetation types appeared to be related to elevational movement in...