Hobbies And Interests
Pygmy Rabbit
Pygmy rabbits, the smallest rabbits in the world, are so endangered that they only have one remaining population alive. These tiny creatures have been steadily lost over the years to disease, predatory animals and land development. The pygmy rabbit is protected in the state of Washington, and a program at the Oregon Zoo is attempting to crossbreed the rabbit with another pygmy rabbit subspecies.
Spotted Owl
Spotted owls prefer living in mature, old-growth parts of the northwestern coniferous forest. In Canada, the spotted owl is considered endangered, while in the United States part of the forest, it is classified as Threatened. Spotted owls make their nests in trees, and are greatly affected by deforestation and logging.
Grizzly Bear
Grizzly bears were once a very common animal, with a population of over 50,000 in North America. That population has declined over the years due mostly to contact with humans. Grizzly bears are often killed if they are seen as interfering with a human population. Poaching is another reason for their rapid decline. Fewer whitebark pines, trees that provide food for the bear, cause a problem as well.
Woodland Caribou
Like the spotted owl, the woodland caribou enjoys making its home in old-growth forest. The population of caribou in the northwestern forest is on the decline because of logging, mining and gas drilling. Roads and ski lodges have been built in areas that were once the caribou's territory. The caribou must compete with deer, elk and moose for food. Often, they are also prey animals for carnivorous creatures.