Allen County, Indiana Genealogy

Allen County, Indiana Wildlife

Animals

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has various pages for: Fish & Wildlife, Wildlife in Indiana, and Animals.

Mammals A indenwood Nature Preserve Pocket Field Guide

The Call of the Wild: Bounties, Taxes & Terror September 1, 2015 Stephen J. Taylor at the Hoosier State Chronicles Indiana's Digital Historic Newspaper Program.
A Bounty For Wolf Scalps in Early Indianapolis/Marion County, Indiana at the Indiana State Archives blog.
Big Wolf Bounties Needed. The counties north of the Kankakee are beginning to realize the mistake they made some years ago, when they quit paying bounties on wolves. Thus permitting those destructive animals to get numerous again, whereas if the bonnty had been increased, instead of repealed, in all those oounties the wolves would have been practically exterminated by this time. Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 35, Number 117,Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 September 1903 in the Hoosier State Chronicles Indiana's Digital Historic Newspaper Program.
PROPERTY IN WOLVESpages 617-674, Cornell Law Review [Vol 108:617 2023] Jack H.L. Whiteley, CornellReview.org.
Wolf Wars: America’s Campaign to Eradicate the Wolf September 14, 2008 Nature, PBS.org.

It is baby season and we are feeling it with the high amount of wildlife calls we are receiving. We are appreciative of...
Posted by Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control on Thursday, May 23, 2024

Thursday, May 23, 2024 post by Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control on Facebook:

It is baby season and we are feeling it with the high amount of wildlife calls we are receiving. We are appreciative of people with good intentions who try to help wildlife when they think they need assistance, but sometimes those baby animals don't need help and you could be baby wildlife-napping.

We encourage you to read through the slides we have created with information from The Humane Society of the United States. You can read the full article here: Found an orphaned or injured baby wild animal? How to tell if baby animals are orphaned, injured or perfectly fine—and what to do if they need your help

The most important thing to remember is baby wildlife has the best chance at survival with their mom (the same goes for kittens!) If they are in immediate danger or are injured, please call us at (260) 427-1244 option 1 or your local wildlife rehabber. You can visit Indiana DNR to search for licensed rehabbers in your area: Indiana DNR Permitted Wildlife Rehabilitators

***FWACC can only assist with injured or sick wildlife calls. Unless the wildlife is stuck inside your home, we legally cannot relocate wild animals off your property; remember this is their home! Please do not touch wildlife with your bare hands. Learn more on our website: Wildlife

Mammals

Beavers - Castor canadensis

Beavers (Castor canadensis) were once rare in Indiana due to overharvesting but are now abundant. In 1935, the Indiana Department of Conservation obtained a few breeding pairs from Wisconsin and released them on Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife Area. Beaver populations expanded, aided by strategic relocations to certain parts of the state to help with expansion. Presently, beavers are found in almost every county. Copied from Beaver at Indiana Department of Natural Resources. "Although the species currently is considered secure across its range, unregulated fur harvest and habitat destruction caused severe declines or extirpation of beavers by 1900 in many parts of the United States." From North American eaver (Castor canadensis): A Technical Conservation Assessment Prepared for the USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Region, Species Conservation Project February 6, 2007 at fs.usda.gov.

Several beavers living in the rivers in Downtown Fort Wayne have been gnawing the bark off the base of large trees along...
Posted by >Riverfront Fort Wayne on >Sunday, December 4, 2016

Sunday, December 4, 2016 post by Riverfront Fort Wayne on Facebook:

Several beavers living in the rivers in Downtown Fort Wayne have been gnawing the bark off the base of large trees along the riverbanks, which eventually kills the trees and can lead to the tree falling into the river, said Dan Wire.

Happy International Beaver Day! Beavers were once rare in Indiana due to overharvesting for their fur but are now...
Posted by U.S. Forest Service - Hoosier National Forest on Sunday, April 7, 2024

Sunday, April 7, 2024 post by the U.S. Forest Service - Hoosier National Forest on Facebook:

Happy International Beaver Day!

Beavers were once rare in Indiana due to overharvesting for their fur but are now abundant.

In 1935, the Indiana Department of Conservation obtained a few breeding pairs from Wisconsin and released them in strategic relocations to certain parts of the state to help with expansion.

The population expanded and now beavers are found in almost every county.

Beavers: Our Ecosystem Engineers 06/13/2019 Riverfront Fort Wayne.

Beavers have killed around 150 city trees along the rivers, so city is wrapping them with wire to prevent more losses. Beavers make their way to downtown Fort Wayne, destroy trees

Bobcat

Geriann Albers, a Furbearer Biologist for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, told WANE 15 that bobcats started to move into southern Indiana in the late 1900s. Now, they’re migrating into northeast Indiana. “They’re doing this because they like to follow our river corridors,” Albers explained. “So, they moved to the southern part of the state and they’re following our rivers, basically, up into northern Indiana and over. Now they’re moving down into our northeastern and eastern part of our state.” While bobcats are more nocturnal, secretive animals, Albers said more and more sightings are happening thanks to trail and security cameras. More bobcat sightings are occurring in northeast Indiana; why are they coming here? Rex Smith June 20, 2023 on CBS WANE-TV NewsChannel 15.

Here kitty, kitty! Want to see a bobcat? Don't forget to look up! Bobcats are great at climbing and will often use...
Posted by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Thursday, January 16, 2025

Thursday, January 16, 2025 post by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Facebook:

Here kitty, kitty!

Want to see a bobcat? Don't forget to look up! Bobcats are great at climbing and will often use trees to wait for prey or even escape larger predators. While they typically hunt at dawn and dusk, they're more active during the day in the winter.

courtesy of Nicholas Shaw

Coyote

This coyote, along with a friend, was seen roaming southwest Fort Wayne last week. Fort Wayne Newspapers employee Jean...
Posted by The News-Sentinel on Monday, April 2, 2012

Monday, April 2, 2012 post by The News-Sentinel on Facebook:

This coyote, along with a friend, was seen roaming southwest Fort Wayne last week. Fort Wayne Newspapers employee Jean Sheets sent us this photo from her sister, who lives in the Fall Creek addition off Bass Road near the University of Saint Francis.
Greetings Fort Wayne. Just wanted to give a #CopProTip for those of you calling 911 for coyote sightings. FWPD and FW...
Posted by Fort Wayne Police Department on Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Tuesday, December 1, 2020 post by the Fort Wayne Police Department on Facebook:

Greetings Fort Wayne. Just wanted to give a #CopProTip for those of you calling 911 for coyote sightings. FWPD and FW Animal Care and Control want to let you know it isn't necessary to call 911 to report sightings. However, please call 911 if you see any of the following:
Coyotes strapped to rockets Coyotes carrying boxes labeled ACME Coyotes posting signs that say "free bird seed" or "detour" Coyotes detonating TNT Coyotes dropping anvils from hot air balloons Coyotes in possession of very large magnets

In all seriousness coyotes live with us. Yes, some are #CityDwellers but most stick to county areas. They are probably more visible now that the leaves are off the trees. Their mating season will soon start so sightings may increase. They generally won't harm humans but Roadrunner, if he catches you you're through also small dogs too. Remember, they are animals so always use caution if spotted.

#WileyECoyoteSuperGenius

#ThatsAllFolks
Coyote on Michigan Avenue in Chicago March 23, 2021 Photography by Michael Novo

Coyote reports are up in Chicago this year, with Lincoln Park seeing more than any other community Tara Molina, December 19, 2022, CBS Chicago
Coyotes are more active in winter, making encounters more likely. #PurdueExtension wildlife specialists Brian MacGowan...
Posted by Purdue Extension on Monday, January 27, 2025

Monday, January 27, 2025 post by Purdue Extension on Facebook:

Coyotes are more active in winter, making encounters more likely. #PurdueExtension wildlife specialists Brian MacGowan and Bee Overbey share tips to keep your pets safe and coyotes off your property. Read more from Whitley County Purdue Extension's John Woodmansee: Avoiding Problems with Coyotes.
RIP headphone users! Volume down, for the sake of your ears. A trail camera at Occoquan Bay NWR caught three coyotes having a screaming contest! Kidding, but these vocalizations of yipping, howling, and barking all are ways coyotes communicate, build social bonds, or deter predators. 📹USFWS Video description: Three coyotes howling with one another in the middle of the night.
Posted by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Region on Thursday, February 27, 2025

Thursday, February 27, 2025 post by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Region on Facebook:

RIP headphone users! Volume down, for the sake of your ears.

A trail camera at Occoquan Bay NWR caught three coyotes having a screaming contest! Kidding, but these vocalizations of yipping, howling, and barking all are ways coyotes communicate, build social bonds, or deter predators.

USFWS

Video description: Three coyotes howling with one another in the middle of the night.

Fox

Dinner is served!
Posted by Mike Durbin on Friday, February 22, 2019

Friday, February 22, 2019 post on Facebook:

Dinner is served! [ Red fox with vole. ]

Last Friday morning, our dispatchers received a call from a concerned citizen about an injured fox in her yard near the...
Posted by Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control on Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Wednesday, April 24, 2024 post by Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control on Facebook:

Last Friday morning, our dispatchers received a call from a concerned citizen about an injured fox in her yard near the road. Officer Taylor urgently responded to the call and drove to the house to safely confine the fox and bring him to our medical team to examine.

Pictured is our Veterinarian Dr. Riebe, Vet Tech Keely and Field Coordinator/Animal Control Officer Steadman. It was determined that this fox had head trauma, likely from being hit by a car. The rest of his body was in good condition.

In the meantime, our dispatch team worked on finding a wildlife rescue that would take in the fox to rehabilitate, with the end goal being released back into the wild. Thank you to the wonderful people at Green Leaf Wildlife Rescue who were able to help by taking him into their care! They have posted a few updates on this fox if you wanted to follow along his healing journey.

This fox rescue was a team effort and we are grateful for everyone involved that saved this fox's life. Please visit our website to learn more about when to call for help with wildlife. Please note it is never safe to handle wildlife and you should always wait for a trained professional: https://www.cityoffortwayne.org/general/wildlife.html

Be aware of a Ring and Runner in the neighborhood. 😆 What does the Fox say? "Ring-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding! Gering-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding! Gering-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!"
Posted by Woodhurst Community Association on Saturday, April 27, 2024

Saturday, April 27, 2024 post by Woodhurst Community Association on Facebook:

Be aware of a Ring and Runner in the neighborhood. What does the Fox say?

"Ring-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!

Gering-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!

Gering-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!"

Groundhog

February 2, 2024 post by Purdue Extension - Sullivan County on Facebook:

Punxsutawney Phil says spring is right around the corner!

Or is it?

Although Groundhog Day is a great tradition enjoyed by millions of Americans, groundhogs might not be the best weather forecasters…but they are still very impressive animals. Click the link to see what Purdue Extension Wildlife Specialists have to say on the subject: Groundhogs can’t predict the weather but they do poop underground

February 2, 2024 post by NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information on Facebook:

Happy Groundhog Day! It’s that time of year again where we wonder: To winter or not to winter? Since we can’t control spring like Persephone, we’ll tune in to a furry little “forecaster” named Punxsutawney Phil. While his accuracy rate has fallen to 30% over the past decade, you can always count on him to look cute and grumpy at the same time.

This year, he didn’t see his shadow, which means an early spring! Whether you’re rejoicing that your cardigan can get more outings or celebrating that those pale noodles called your legs might finally see some sun—we’re just happy to hop back into bed. Learn more about Phil’s past predictions here: http://bit.ly/GroundhogsAndClimate #PunxsutawneyPhil

*FUN FACT FRIDAY* The answer to TALK TO ME TUESDAY's Who am I clues is... the GROUNDHOG! Here are some more fun...
Posted by Fox Island County Park on Friday, April 19, 2024

Friday, April 19, 2024 post by Fox Island County Park on Facebook:

*FUN FACT FRIDAY*

The answer to TALK TO ME TUESDAY's Who am I clues is...
the GROUNDHOG!

Here are some more fun facts:
Groundhogs are sometimes called whistlepigs. This funny name comes from their habit of whistling at potential mates.

Some people refer to groundhogs as woodchucks. The name comes from a Native American word, wuchak.

Groundhogs are known for digging huge burrows to live in, and they can move up to 700 pounds of soil to create their home.

When the groundhog builds its home, it actually builds a bathroom. It’s a designated place away from the space where the family sleeps or stores its food.

Groundhogs can eat more than a pound of food in one sitting!

Groundhogs can hold their breath for up to 5 minutes when diving into water to escape danger. It’s found only in the United States and Canada.

They may not look like the squirrels you’re used to seeing, but groundhogs are the largest member of the squirrel family.

Two of the groundhog’s 22 teeth — the top incisors — continue to grow throughout the animal’s life at a rate of 1/16 of an inch every week.

Raccoon

December 6, 2022 post by Wild Birds Unlimited (Ft. Wayne, IN) on Facebook:

Are raccoons on your naughty or nice list??

Did you know that today, there are 20 times more raccoons in cities than 70 years ago? Have to hand it to them; they sure know how to adapt!

February 9, 2024 post by Fox Island County Park on Facebook:

*FUN FACT FRIDAY*

The answer to Talk to Me Tuesday is... the Raccoon!!

Here are some Fun Facts for you:
• The popular nickname for Raccoons is Trash Panda because they am intelligent and adaptable so have learned to source food around humans.
• Raccoons “see" with their hands Raccoons are often seen “washing” their food in water before they eat it. This behavior is because raccoons have very dexterous front paws, which they use to feel around and explore their surroundings. Their paws are way more sensitive than human hands and can pick up on things that we would never notice.
• When raccoons do their “washing” routine, they actually feel the texture and temperature of objects and things in their environment and try to determine if those are safe to eat or not. Raccoons also have 5 fingers on each paw, which gives them a very human-like grip. This gives them the ability to open jars, doors, and even latches.
• Raccoons prefer to be out at night. (nocturnal)
• They do not truly hibernate but put on extra fat in the fall so when they need to sleep during an extra cold they will still be okay.
• They are great climbers with hind feet that rotate 180 degrees, allowing them to descend head first.
• Once people feed raccoons, they will become a nuisance because they will eat almost anything.
• In the wild, raccoons eat clams, crayfish, frogs, fish, snails, insects, dead animals, bird eggs, fruits, and vegetables.
• Raccoons live in abandoned burrows, under rock piles, hollow logs, and holes in trees. Or, you might find me in attics, crawl spaces, chimneys, and abandoned vehicles.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Meet your urban wildlife neighbours: 5 things to know about urban raccoons

13 Truly Interesting Facts About Raccoons`

Squirrels

Squirrels at City of Fort Wayne .
Fox Squirrel at Indiana Department of Natural Resources
When squirrels invade? See 1812, 1819, and 1822 squirrel invasions!

No, this is not a skunk, it is a black squirrel with a sunshine stripe in the Poplar Neighborhood in July 2024. Happy summer neighbors!
Posted by Poplar Neighborhood Association on Thursday, July 11, 2024

Thursday, July 11, 2024 post by Poplar Neighborhood Association on Facebook:

No, this is not a skunk, it is a black squirrel with a sunshine stripe in the Poplar Neighborhood in July 2024. Happy summer neighbors!

The conspiracy theory behind the infamous black squirrel Chris Crapser, Feb 2, 2016, KPC.com discusses their relocation from in Michigan into other states.

What’s That? Black squirrels Seen on College Green, the squirrels are black because of a genetic mutation. on Penn Today.

Black squirrel Black squirrels are a melanistic subgroup of squirrels with black coloration on their fur. The phenomenon occurs with several species of squirrels, although it is most frequent with the eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) and the fox squirrel (Sciurus niger). Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.

Wolves

Wolves became such a menace because of the abundant game that bounties were offered, and farmers competed with one another in the number of wolf traps they could set.

From South Wayne area was once a city unto itselfby MICHAEL HAWFIELD from the archives of The News-Sentinel inCityscapes - People & Places series of articles from the archives of The News-Sentinel newspaper on our South Wayne page.

Indiana also paid a bounty to kill wolves and other predators.

"Ordered that Christopher Hussey be allowed nine dollars for 6 wolf scalps over the age of six months also one dollar +...
Posted by Greene County Archives on Monday, March 4, 2024

Monday, March 4, 2024 post by Greene County (Ohio) Archives on Facebook:

"Ordered that Christopher Hussey be allowed nine dollars for 6 wolf scalps over the age of six months also one dollar + a half for one wolf scalp."

Did you know that in Ohio in the early 1800s counties would pay individuals to kill wolves?

Apparently Christopher Hussey was quite the hunter, bringing in seven wolf scalps for a total of ten and a half dollars.

These records in Greene County can be found in the entries of the Commissioner's Journals back to 1803 when Greene County was founded!

Image: Greene County Commissioner's Journals.