![]() A small population of fallow deer ( Dama dama), native to Europe, was established in 1925 at the Bankhead National Forest, and a wild population was established near Miller's Ferry ( Wilcox County) in the 1930s. The state is home to large populations of the white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus). White-Tailed DeerMost of the ungulates in Alabama belong to the deer family (family Cervidae). Three other carnivore species have been sighted in Alabama, but only once each-the California sea lion ( Zalophus californianus), ringtail ( Bassariscus astutus), and jaguarundi ( Herpailurus yagouaroundi). The once-common cougar ( Puma concolor) has been extirpated from the state. Alabama is also home to two species of skunk (family Mephitidae), the striped skunk ( Mephitis mephitis) and the eastern spotted skunk ( Spilogale putorius), and one type of wild cat (family Felidae): the bobcat ( Felis rufus). Three members of the Mustelidae, or weasel, family reside in the state: the long-tailed weasel ( Mustela frenata), the American mink ( Neovison vison), and the North American river otter ( Lontra canadensis). ![]() Other Alabama carnivores include black bears ( Ursus americanus) that occasionally enter the extreme north of the state and raccoons ( Procyon lotor). Prior to extensive human settlement, Alabama was home to three canine species (family Canidae): The red wolf ( Canis lupus) has been extirpated from the state, but foxes and coyotes ( Canis latrans) still remain. Most have one litter annually that requires lengthy parental care. They are characterized by large canine teeth and fairly small incisors. CoyoteMembers of the order Carnivora are often true hunters, but some have a varied diet.
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