An unusually large Alligator mississippiensis (American Alligator) was harvested in Alabama in 2014. We report on the animal's length and mass, and document the techniques used to obtain those measurements. We compare our measurements to other extreme lengths and weights reported for the species. We show that the size of the American Alligator is consistent with known allometric relationships of head length, total length, snout—vent length, tail girth, and weight. The specimen's straight-line total length of 450.0 cm (14 ft 9.25 in) makes it the longest officially measured American Alligator for Alabama and arguably the longest credible record for the species. We recommend using standardized techniques, particularly the straight-line total-length measurement, for documenting record-length or near-record-length American Alligators.

Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus (Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel) is a federally endangered subspecies that occurs in high elevation forests of the southern Appalachian Mountains. Denning sites may be a limiting factor for this subspecies in areas where cavity trees are not abundant or where interspecific competition from other tree squirrels occurs. This shortage can result in use of unusual denning sites, such as subterranean dens. Herein, we report atypical denning habits of radio-collared Carolina Northern Flying Squirrels in southwestern Virginia and western North Carolina from 2008 to 2011 and 2014. Increased knowledge of denning habitats may be beneficial for conservation and habitat management of this subspecies, particularly in sub-optimal or degraded habitats.

We conducted a survey of rodents and ticks in Brazos County in east-central Texas to learn more about native fauna that may be involved in enzootic transmission of pathogens that can cause tick-borne diseases in this region. Our objectives were to describe the species richness and seasonal activity of rodents, as well as to document their infestation with ticks over time. We captured 5 rodent species over the course of 19 months: Sigmodon hispidus (Hispid Cotton Rat), Reithrodontomys fulvescens (Fulvous Harvest Mouse), Peromyscus leucopus (White-footed Mouse), Peromyscus gossypinus (Cotton Mouse), and Baiomys taylori (Northern Pygmy Mouse). We observed a large increase in Hispid Cotton Rat capture success in the fall of 2013, reflecting a characteristic population boom periodically exhibited by this species. Overall tick-infestation prevalence of rodents was low (2.3%), and was comprised of juvenile ticks of 2 species—Amblyomma maculatum (Gulf Coast Tick) and Ixodes scapularis (Blacklegged Tick). The co-occurrence of tick vectors and rodent species that are known reservoirs of tick-borne pathogens underscores the importance of studies to assess tick-borne disease risk in the region.

Micropterus cataractae (Shoal Bass), an enigmatic fluvial specialist, has experienced range-wide declines because of habitat fragmentation and other negative effects of impounded rivers. In addition to these concerns, anglers often translocate Shoal Bass from riverine habitats to impoundments following tournament weigh-ins. To investigate the potential effects of this practice, we translocated adult Shoal Bass from riverine habitats to a downstream impoundment and assessed their movements, homing abilities, and eventual fates. All fish rapidly evacuated the impoundment in favor of lotic habitats, and the majority of translocated fish returned upstream within about 3 weeks. Half of our translocated fish also displayed homing to within 1 river km of their original capture site. Our results demonstrate that fluvial-specialist Shoal Bass can survive translocation into impoundments, but the differential effects of translocation associated with fishing tournaments should also be considered in the management of Shoal Bass fisheries.

We assessed area sensitivity of overwintering Peucaea aestivalis (Bachman's Sparrow), Ammodramus savannarum (Grasshopper Sparrow), and A. henslowii (Henslow's Sparrow) within utility rights-of-way (ROWs) at the US Department of Energy's Savannah River Site (SRS) in South Carolina. We compared sparrow abundance among 4 ROW-width classes (25–44.9 m, 45–64.9 m, 65–84.9 m, and >85 m) and used landform index (LFI; a measure of topography and environmental exposure) as a covariate in our analyses to assess potential effects of abiotic characteristics. Total number of sparrows flushed/ha. Grasshopper Sparrows flushed/ha, and Henslow's Sparrows flushed/ha were positively related to ROW-width class. Total number of sparrows flushed/ha and Bachman's Sparrows flushed/ha were negatively related to LFI, indicating a positive relationship with site exposure. Utility ROWs in the Southeast provide wintering habitat for grassland sparrows, especially on exposed elevated plateaus within wide ROWs.

Predation, especially during the nesting and poult-rearing seasons, may inhibit Meleagris gallopavo (Wild Turkey) recruitment in east Texas. Numerous authors cite Lynx rufus (Bobcat), Canis latrans (Coyote), and Procyon lotor (Raccoon) as predators of Wild Turkey. Consequently, we investigated prey selection of these 3 common mesopredators using scat analysis. We also investigated prey-population dynamics using capture—mark—recapture techniques for small mammals (Rodentia), and spotlight surveys and track plate counts for Sylvilagus floridanus (Eastern Cottontail). We found no evidence that mesopredators preyed upon Wild Turkeys. Small mammals and lagomorphs were the primary components of mesopredator diets. Small-mammal numbers varied seasonally; however, Cottontail relative abundance did not. Mesopredator diets were most diverse in summer. In summer, Bobcats increased their use of small mammals, whereas Coyotes and Raccoons diversified their diets to include seasonal fruits. Decline in small-mammal populations and increase in mesopredator dietary diversity coincided with Wild Turkey nesting and poultrearing seasons, which potentially could result in an increased threat to Wild Turkeys during the nesting and poult-rearing season.

Widespread decline of native freshwater mussels has increased their susceptibility to extinction from environmental factors such as competition, disease, and predation. Mammals, in particular Ondatra zibethicus (Common Muskrat), are well documented as major predators of freshwater mussels. We assessed the impact of Common Muskrats on the native freshwater-mussel community in Shoal Creek, AL. We surveyed 12.7 km of Shoal Creek for signs of mussel predation by Common Muskrats. Based on the species composition of observed shell middens, Common Muskrats foraged on all 6 native mussel species in Shoal Creek, including federally listed threatened and endangered species (Hamiota altilis [Finelined Pocketbook] and Pleurobema georgianum [Southern Pigtoe], respectively). Common Muskrats appeared to feed on native mussels based on their natural availability rather than exhibiting strong size-selective predation.

Helianthus porteri (Confederate Daisy), one of the rarest plants in Alabama, has previously been known only from granitic outcrops and glades of the Piedmont province along the state's eastern border. The discovery of new populations at Oak Mountain State Park in the sandstone outcrops of the Valley and Ridge Province led to the search for additional populations in the Piedmont, Valley and Ridge, and Appalachian Plateau provinces. We examined a total of 17 Alabama sites between 2007 and 2013 and documented 5 new populations (and 2 county records)—2 in the Piedmont and 3 in the Valley and Ridge.

Cheniers are ancient beach ridges in southwestern Louisiana that are often characterized by coastal forest surrounded by marshland. Coastal chenier forests (CCFs) are considered an imperiled habitat in Louisiana because many forest remnants are considerably impacted due to human activities and recent hurricanes. Because little is known about the herpetofaunal community of CCFs, I initiated a seasonal herpetofaunal diversity and abundance study on a privately-owned, remnant CCF in eastern Cameron Parish, Louisiana. Utilizing coverboards and drift fence arrays with pitfall and funnel traps, I documented 12 species (4 anuran, 4 snake, 3 lizard, and 1 turtle) comprising CCF obligate and facultative species, as well as one marsh transient species. Species-accumulation curves indicate the sample was representative of the small herpetofaunal community. Three amphibian (Incilius nebulifer [Gulf Coast Toad], Lithobates sphenocephalus utricularius [Coastal Plains Leopard Frog], and Gastrophryne carolinensis [Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad]) and 2 reptile (Scincella lateralis [Little Brown Skink] and Thamnophis p. proximus [Orangestriped Ribbonsnake]) species comprised 94% of the captures. Diversity was highest during the spring, with 3 months (March–May) of sampling detecting 92% of the total diversity observed. Sampling during single months only yielded 42–75% of the diversity. Amphibian abundance varied by month (highest June to September) and with the presence of rain, whereas reptile abundance only varied by month (highest in March). Funnel traps were more effective and quantified diversity better than pitfall traps or coverboards. The herpetofaunal diversity at the site was low and comprised of mostly generalist species; regional specimen records also exhibit a modest herpetofaunal community. This data will provide baseline information to determine the impacts of future hurricanes on the herpetofaunal community, analyze recolonization dynamics following hurricanes, and make comparisons to other CCF remnants in the region. I also provide recommendations for improving herpetofauna sampling methodology in coastal settings.

Discarded containers along primary and secondary roadways trap and kill small mammals, and recently, small-mammal remains were found in containers along roadside pull-offs in more remote areas. We investigated the effects of containers along 7.9 km of a graveled, 2-lane forest service road in a remote area of the Cherokee National Forest, TN. We examined 2997 containers, of which 107 containers had 202 small-mammal skulls representing 8 species of mammals including Sorex fumeus (Smoky Shrew), Sorex longirostris (Southeastern Shrew), and Synaptomys cooperi (Southern Bog Lemming), which are deemed species of greatest conservation need and in need of management by the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency. Our observation of Southern Bog Lemming mortality due to container debris is the first report of collection of this species from bottles. We recorded the first observation of shrew mortality caused by aluminum cans, where 1% of all aluminum cans contained shrew skulls. Unlike previous studies, we quantified all possible containers available to trap small mammals and found glass disproportionately trapped more small mammals than plastic or aluminum. Additionally, we determined the orientation of bottle and can openings for all available containers and found that containers oriented upslope (>15°) were significantly more likely to be associated with the mortality of small mammals than containers in other orientations. We estimated that a mean of 25.6 small mammals/km were killed in discarded containers. By using bottling dates on containers, we also estimated containers were in place along the road an average of 2.16 ± 0.37 years before discovery. Only using modern bottles with dates, we conclude that the minimal potential impact on small-mammal populations was at least 973 small mammals killed per year in container debris along graveled category 3 and 4 forest service roads in the Cherokee National Forest.

The Big Cypress Swamp (BCS) is a large freshwater wetland system and drainage basin (640,000 ha) in southwest Florida and an important component of the Greater Everglades ecosystem. Despite its size and relationship to the Ever glades, the fish fauna of BCS has received little study. Documentation of its fish fauna is important to better understand this dynamic natural system and to monitor changes to the fish community, including the spread of non-indigenous species. To that end, we surveyed the ichthyofauna of freshwater habitats in Big Cypress National Preserve (BCNP), the largest and most intact wetland area (295,000 ha) remaining in BCS. Between October 2002 and May 2004, we recorded 63 fish species from freshwater habitats in BCNP, including 9 non-indigenous species. Species richness was greatest in permanent freshwater habitats and lowest in shallow temporary wetlands and seasonally fresh coastal marshes. The most speciose families were the native Centrarchidae (8 spp.) and the non-native Cichlidae (6 spp.), whereas the most abundant and widely distributed species were members of Cyprinodontidae, Fundulidae, and Poecilidae. Similar to other coastal drainages of southern Florida, BCNP has a relatively high occurrence of euryhaline species (28 spp.).

Drymarchon couperi (Eastern Indigo Snake) has a threatened conservation status and restricted range in the southeastern US. Evidence suggests it mainly consumes other reptile species. Dietary nutrient analysis is a component of habitat/resource quality and species health assessments, and the results provide guidelines for optimal captive-feeding protocols. Native prey items (7 snakes, 1 tortoise, 1 rodent) had higher protein and lower fat content, considerably higher concentrations of vitamins A and E, and variable mineral content (high Ca, P, Na; low Cu, Mn) compared to the diets of commercially reared and captive-fed rodents. Data suggest that diets for captive snakes may require modification to better duplicate natural food sources. Further investigation of captive diets is warranted to understand possible health implications for wild Indigo Snake populations.

The invasive Pomacea maculata (= Pomacea insularum) (Perry) (Island Apple Snail) is becoming increasingly abundant in the southeastern US with potentially detrimental effects on wetland vegetation and water quality. Here, we investigate the association of plant-community structure and aquatic-predator abundance with Island Apple Snail invasion in seasonal wetlands on a cattle ranch in south-central Florida. We found a negative correlation between Island Apple Snail abundance and abundance of its preferred forage species, raising concerns that the snail may have already altered plant communities in these seasonal wetlands. We also found a negative correlation between Island Apple Snail abundance in wetlands and distance to the nearest ditch. In a snail-growth experiment, we found a negative effect of species evenness and a positive effect of total vegetation cover on Island Apple Snail weight gain. To understand Island Apple Snail invasion success in seasonal wetlands, more research is needed on the relative importance of landscape- versus local-scale wetland characteristics and how resources such as preferred forage versus egglaying sites affect snail-population growth.

The effect of beaver ponds on sediment deposition is undocumented in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain of Virginia and North Carolina. We used 3 methods to examine sedimentation: 1) depth-integrated base-flow sampling, 2) repeat channel-surveys, and 3) sediment-accumulation pads. During base flow, Piedmont ponds exported sediment and Coastal Plain ponds had little or no effect on downstream suspended-sediment concentration. Most ponds accumulated sediment within the channel until dam breaching. Ponds inundating the floodplain trapped more sediment. Ponds of varying configuration trapped sediment differently. Mean floodplain accretion rates in these beaver ponds (2002–2003: 20 mm/yr 2003–2005: 15 mm/yr) greatly exceeded the mean deposition rate of similar unimpounded streams in these areas. Intact Piedmont ponds trapped 11 m³/yr on the floodplain and 77 m³/yr in the channel. Intact Coastal Plain ponds trapped 107 m³/yr on the floodplain and 8 m³/yr in the channel.

Alosa alabamae (Alabama Shad) is an imperiled anadromous species that reproduces in northern Gulf of Mexico drainages. To date, there have only been 4 vouchered specimens collected from marine waters, but none have been verified with molecular techniques. On 28 March 2013, we collected a single adult female in proximity to a barrier island (Petit Bois) off the coast of Mississippi. Microsatellite DNA analysis corroborated the identification of this individual and suggested that the specimen was most genetically similar to the group from the Pascagoula River drainage rather than other portions of the range. Thus far, research has been focused on the species' freshwater life history, and it is crucial that more effort be directed toward documenting and understanding the full life history of this threatened fish.