Habitat for Many

Habitat for Many. . , Whether they are long-term residents, neighbors, or just passing through, the marsh has something to provide many species of wildlife., Bowfin (Amia calva) , Fish such as bowfin, northern pike, walleye, and perch swim from Lake Erie to the marsh to spawn. Here, their young can develop in a habitat far safer and more protected than open water., North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) , River otters are especially exciting to see as their populations have declined severely due to trapping and habitat destruction within the last few decades. The marsh allows otters access to its buffet of fish and mollusks, while remaining close to their preferred shrubby habitat., Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) , The Red Fox is the most common of two fox species in Ohio. They are opportunistic and will eat anything from small mammals to fruits and grasses. Their range extends from Florida all the way to northern Alaska on the arctic tundra!, Green Darner (Anax junius) , For many insects, this habitat is a nursery for their aquatic larval stages. Green darners rely on the marsh during their nymph stage but continue to utilize it as a food source throughout the rest of their life. Other common insects found in the marsh include monarch butterflies, black swallowtails, milkweed beetles, and smeared dagger moths., Red Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) , Amphibians and reptiles, such as northern leopard frogs, spotted salamanders, and snapping turtles, spend most of their lives in the marsh, finding shelter in dense vegetation and eating available insects and small fish.