Talent Station 5: Home for a Sensitive Turtle
IF YOU ARE FORTUNATE, you may see a "sensitive" turtle near this station. This pond's undisturbed water and edible vegetation make it good habitat for the western pond turtle, one of only two turtle species found in Oregon. Loss of habitat is the main reason the western pond turtle is listed as a state sensitive species. Human activities such as draining marshes, construction on flood plains, and channelizing streams have all contributed to loss of habitat. Another threat to this species' survival is predation on young turtles by small-mouth bass, which have been introduced into many streams and ponds throughout the state.
The beaver is the state symbol of Oregon. At one time beaver were common along Bear Crek; their dam building created ponds and marshes that provided habitat for fish, waterfowl, western pond turtles, and many other species. Beaver trapping in the Bear Creek system ended at the turn of the century. Some beavers are still found along the creek; the characteristcally gnawed trees and limbs are a sure sign of their presence.
Raccoons are quite common along Bear Creek and throughout the Rogue Valley. They are omnivorous, meaning they will eat all types of food. Often they become a nuisance in residential areas where they feast on cat or dog food left outdoors for family pets. They den in hollow logs or trees. Your nose will identify the striped skunk, whether you see it or not. It is common along Bear Creek and in residential areas throughout the valley. Like the raccoon, the striped skunk can become a nuisance by eating pet food and knocking over garbage cans, or sparaying pets and owners with a powerful smelling musk produced by scent glands beneath its tail.
A relative newcomer to southern Oregon is the opossum, introduced the Civilian Conservaiton Corps during the 1930's. Since that time, it has spread throughout the state, and in many areas has become one of the most common members of the mammal community. Opossums represent a very primitive line of mammals called marsupials that retain their young in a pouch; they are related to kangaroos.
