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Canines
Coyotes | Red foxes | Livestock
guard dogs| Wolf
Hybrids | North American Wolves
Dog Family – Canidae
Canine species can be found on every continent, except Antarctica.
They have adapted to all types of environments from dry deserts, frigid
arctic regions, rainforests, grasslands, and mountainous habitats. Their
social behavior has also led to their living with humans. Domestication
of dogs has been going on for thousands of years, creating a wide variety
of sizes, colors, temperaments and abilities in these wonderful companions.
Coyotes
Canis latrans
Considered clever and intelligent, these beautiful creatures have been
part of many of the legends of Native Americans–often depicted
as a trickster but also as a benefactor to people. Known for their distinctive
howling “songs”, coyotes can adapt rather well to many different
habitats. It is not uncommon to find them living in close proximity to
humans and they have even been known to breed with domestic dogs. In
the wild coyotes can be found in all states, except Hawaii, and range
as far south as Panama.
Coyotes have thick fur and bushy tails with black tipped guard hairs
at the end. Their body colors vary depending on the region, with reddish
blond in dry, arid climates and light grays in the colder regions. Even
healthy, well-fed individuals have a lanky and lean appearance.
Normally coyotes, believed to mate for life, share the duty of raising
their young. In spring they will have between 4 and 6 pups and by autumn
the pups are able to care for themselves.
These monogamous pairs will hunt together or independently. Coyotes
are usually nocturnal hunters, depending on small game such as birds,
rabbits, rodents, carrion and even insects. In some areas coyotes have
been found to hunt in groups (a group of coyotes is called a band) in
order to take down larger prey. Coyotes are truly omnivorous in their
eating habits though, with diets that include fruits, vegetables, and
grasses—whatever food source is available.
 Wild
Iris
DOB: Spring 2003
FCZS: 4/03
Sex: Female
Weight: 25 lbs.
Coyotes are one type of wildlife that adapt easily to many different
habitats and living situations. They are known to be clever and intelligent
survivors in a world where habitat loss has negatively impacted many
species. Iris is an example of this, having been separated from her family
while just a pup. Making the best of a bad situation, Iris was discovered
curled up in a doghouse with the family’s dog near Reno, Nevada.
Red Foxes
Vulpes vulpes
There are over 20 different species of foxes within the canid family.
They can be found in many different habitats and come in sizes ranging
from 3 to 20 pounds. Red foxes are the most common and come in a wide
variety of colors, ranging from white to black and many brown, gold,
and red combinations. W hat distinguishes them is the white-tipped tail
indicative of this species. (These foxes are still raised for their coats
in the fur industry. Zoo visitors can see an example of the typical cage
in which they might live on a fur farm.)
Mating for life is typical of this species and it is now believed that
many foxes live in small groups (a group of foxes is a “skulk”).
Mating occurs in the spring with both parents taking responsibility for
raising their family. Litters will have between 2 and 12 “pups” or “kits”.
Males bring food to the nursing mothers and later both hunt to provide
food for the growing pups. By fall the youngsters are ready to be on
their own.
Small prey such as rabbits, mice, birds and lizards make up most of
their diet. Foxes also eat fruit and nuts and will happily raid nests
for eggs. While an occasional raid might label foxes as a pest, for the
most part, foxes are actually helpful to farmers, keeping rodent populations
under control. Their stiff-legged pounce quickly identifies them as they
attack. They are great climbers too, though gray foxes are the only fox
species that can actually climb trees.
The fox family at FCZS is truly that–a biological family of siblings.
Two females (vixens) and two males (dogs) were an unwanted “accidental” breeding
from a licensed animal dealer in Southern California. Careful observers
will note subtle differences that help to tell which fox is which. Fern
and Forrest are nearly identical, with Fern having a shorter white tip
on her tail. Isabella has a dark band of fur on her face and Jasper is
the lightest colored of the four.
 Fern
DOB: 3/23/01
FCZS: 5/4/01
Sex: Female
Weight: 13 lbs.
Fern has the multicolors of tan, white and black markings found in
red foxes. A shorter white tip on her tail distinguishes Fern from brother
Forrest who is similarly colored. Behavior is another way zookeepers
are able to identify individual animals. For example, Fern is really
good at hiding under shrubs, sitting quietly while someone calls her
name.
 Forrest
DOB: 3/23/01
FCZS: 5/4/01
Sex: Male
Weight: 18 lbs.
Forrest looks very similar to his sister Fern. If visitors can compare
the white tail tips they will see that his is slightly longer. His quick
and agile movements however, can make comparisons difficult. Another
similarity that foxes have is of an olfactory variety. Visitors often
mistake the rather pungent odor around the fox exhibit as that of a skunk.
It is in fact fox urine, used for marking territory and during mating
periods.
Isabella
DOB: 3/23/01
FCZS: 5/4/01
Sex: Female
Weight: 11 lbs.
Isabella is easy to identify with the darkest coloration of any of
the group. She is also easy for keepers to identify as she is the most
difficult to “lock up”. Locking up is when the foxes go to
individual areas where they are fed. This routine not only assures each
animal a fair share of food, but also makes it easier to observe any
health issues. Often an animal must be brought in for medical evaluation
and having a normal routine of confinement makes it much less stressful.
Jasper
DOB: 3/23/01
FCZS: 5/4/01
Sex: Male
Weight: 18 lbs
In the wild, red foxes tunnel underground to provide safety for their
litters. Jasper can often be found tucked inside one of the culvert tunnels
in his exhibit. Just like his wild cousins though, he can also be found
sleeping on the ground or climbing up on something high. Jasper is the
lightest colored of the four siblings.
Livestock Guard Dogs
Canis familiaris
Anatolian Shepherds (Annabelle), are native to the
Anatolian Plateau of Turkey. Shepherds, protecting their flocks in this
difficult climate region, use these dogs. They have also been used for
hunting, as guard dogs and even in warfare.
Great Pyrenees (Cheyenne), named after the mountain
range in Europe, are a French breed of dog with a history hundreds of
years old. Developed from other large breeds, including the Maremma
Abruzzese, these hard working dogs have long been used to protect livestock
in the mountains. Sentry chambers often had areas for the dogs as well,
to help guards protect chateaus in the region. Their great size also
allowed them to work as pack animals and as messengers in the mountainous
terrain.
Maremma Abruzzese sheepdogs (Harrison) come from
the Maremma and Abruzzese regions in Italy. These animals have been
used for over 2000 years to protect livestock and property. They have
a strong sense of territory and are highly intelligent.
Annabelle
DOB: 7/2/07
FCZS: 11/13/07
Sex: Female
Weight: 68 lbs.
Annie came to FCZS after a leg injury prevented her sale. She is distinguished
by her shorter coat and slightly darker, cream color (compared to the
other guard dogs). There is no denying her puppy enthusiasm as she can
often be seen racing around the pasture—sometimes chasing other
pasture residents. She has especially taken to draft horse Gus, who
can be seen grooming her head as she blissfully sits enjoying the attention.
Younger guard dog Cheyenne is also a favorite playmate. The only ones
who are not thrilled with Annie are the free-range chickens and peafowl.
Several have not survived her “attention”. She is receiving
lessons in guard dog etiquette and seems to be a quick study.
 Cheyenne
DOB: 5/10/04
FCZS: 12/04
Sex: Female
Weight: 107 lbs.
Newcomer Cheyenne is part of the security detail at Folsom. Bred to
guard cattle, she seemed to be a somewhat reluctant student. She preferred
to stay with the children in the family and would be found on the porch
waiting their return from school instead of at her post with the cattle.
Though relieved of her duties in the cattle industry, her original owner
felt she would most likely develop these skills, if given enough time.
Guarding is such an instinctual part of the Great Pyrenees breed that
Cheyenne will no doubt pick it up soon enough. Her colleague Harrison’s
mentoring will help develop her talents as well.
 Harrison
DOB: 4/9/98
FCZS: 6/7/98
Sex: Male
Weight: 95 lbs.
Often mistaken for polar bears, Harrison and fellow guard dog Cheyenne
are really in charge of security at Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary.
As a pup, Harrison was quite a handful. He tended to chase rather than
protect livestock, especially chickens. The one thing he was highly protective
of was his food (still is). Older, and wiser, Chelsea ( Chelsea passed
away in 2004) somehow managed to impart her knowledge onto this active
youngster and now Harrison is the dependable guard for which his breed
of dog is known.
Within the pasture community Harrison has taken an affectionate interest
in Jane, one of the black-tailed deer. On the other hand he usually
growls at Charlotte the pig. Although Harrison is friendly with people
he knows, he takes his job very seriously, and aggressively protects
his domain.
Wolf-Hybrids
Canis familiaris x Canis lupus
Though very dog-like in appearance, hybrids produced by breeding wolves
and domestic dogs are very different creatures. Many people assume these
beautiful animals make good pets, but, as often is the case, their wild
behaviors make them very difficult. Through thousands of years of selection
and breeding, domestic dogs have evolved into animals that are much different
than their wolf ancestors. When domesticated dogs are bred with their
wild cousins, some of the wild traits will show up in the offspring.
These animals are often destructive, hard to housebreak, and unpredictable.
Their aggressive behaviors and protective instincts can make for dangerous
situations. Because of these problems, hybrids often end up in shelters.
Many shelters will not put them up for adoption—simply passing
the problem along to another family, and they are destroyed.
 Lincoln
DOB: January 2001
FCZS: 6/22/01
Sex: Male
Weight: 97 lbs.
Looking very much like a German shepherd, Lincoln is really a dog and
wolf hybrid. As with many of these animals his wild side, with its inherent
destructive and aggressive behaviors, became more evident with age. These
differences finally resulted in his being given up to the SPCA in Roseville.
Luckily, Lincoln found his way to the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary where
he will be able live happily with all his unique qualities.
Rex
 DOB: unknown
FCZS: 4/06
Sex: Male
Weight:
Rex was found as a stray in the Sacramento area and was held hoping
his family would claim him. Because wolf-hybrids can be difficult and
sometimes dangerous pets, most animal shelters destroy them if their
owners are not located. Rex was very lucky to find a home at the Folsom
City Zoo Sanctuary. He and Lincoln were able to be together right away
and seem to be getting along famously.
North American Wolves
Canis lupus
Wolves can be found in many habitats including the tundra, mountainous
terrain, forests and open plains. They are the largest of the wild canids.
Wolf packs adhere to a strict hierarchy among their members with the “Alpha
couple” as leaders. They are highly social, living in packs and
communicating through various body language and howls. Much of this communication
is demonstrated by making their body seem large or small. Tucking in
the tail and flattening the ears for example, can display fear. Lowering
the body adds to this submissive posture. The dominant posture would
require stiff legs to make the body tall. The tail would also be erect
and possibly a raised hackle on the neck. Scent signs are also an important
form of communication.
Gray wolves (also known as timber wolves) are listed as endangered
or threatened in every state except Alaska. With efforts to reintroduce
populations into areas such as Yellowstone, the wolves’ status
may change in some locations.
Colors range from gray, yellow-gray, red-yellow, brown, black and even
pure white. Bushy tails and round pupils are other characteristics of
this species.
In wild packs usually only the alpha couple will mate, with litters
ranging from four to seven pups. A hollowed out tree, cave or den is
dug to protect the young and the entire pack help in their rearing.
 Granite
DOB: 4/7/94
FCZS: 6/20/95
Sex: Male
Weight: 74 lbs.
Granite, an incredibly handsome, gray wolf has lived at the Folsom
Zoo since 1995. His original owners had planned to keep him as a pet,
but found early on that his behavior was “too wolf-like”.
Granite is the Alpha male and gets the attention of female Redbud and
the respect of other males.
Joshua
DOB: 4/26/04
FCZS: 6/7/04
Sex: Male
Weight: 97 lbs.
Joshua started life in the entertainment industry. Breeders providing
animals for show business had several “accidental” litters
producing unwanted pups. Even when such animals are required for filming
they become unwanted when no longer needed. Wolves do not make good pets
and end up with very few options.
A noticeable under bite distinguishes Joshua within the pack.
 Redbud
DOB: 4/10/95
FCZS: 6/19/95
Sex: Female
Weight: 69 lbs.
Beautiful Redbud came to Folsom from an Indiana wolf research center
in 1995. Redbud is now the only female in Folsom’s wolf pack. When
she first arrived however, the resident female, Black Onyx was not interested
in giving up the coveted Alpha female position. Keepers maintained the
peace by switching which female was on exhibit at any given time.
Yucca
DOB: 5/1/04
FCZS: 6/7/04
Sex: Male
Weight: 92 lbs.
Being adopted into the existing wolf pack at FCZS was easy for Yucca
and fellow pup Joshua. After careful introductions to the other wolves
these two pups started getting the attention and care wolf puppies would
get in their own biological families. While some members of the pack
hunt, pups are watched over by older relatives. When returning, partially
digested food is regurgitated to provide meals for the hungry little
ones. Redbud was a particularly easy mark for getting these extra servings.
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