Cutthroat Trout
The cutthroat trout is considered a keystone specie on which many other species depend on. Cutthroat trout live in shallow waters where they become an important food source for wildlife, including the grizzly bear. They are at great risk from hybridization by rainbow trout and predation by non-native lake trout
Prairie Dogs
Some of the prairie dogs' predators like to use prairie dog burrows, abandoned or occupied, as shelter. Animals also hunt prairie dogs as well.
Wolves
Wolves are keystone species because when an elk is killed by wolves, its carcass is partially consumed by the wolves, but then it is scavenged extensively by other carnivore species, for example; coyote, bald eagle, golden eagle, grizzly bear, black bear, raven, magpie, and red fox, and less intensely by up to 20 other species.
Beavers
Beaver are considered keystone species because they are among the most skilled builders in the animal kingdom. American beavers build structures called dams that stop flowing water. These dams help create wetlands. This provides habitat for mammals, fish, frogs, turtles, birds, and ducks. Beavers help create a rich habitat for so many species.
Bears
In addition to predation on elk, bears disperse seeds over large areas, and contribute to nutrient cycling.
Graphics for this page were found at:
"LARRY'S RAMBLE." : 2011-04-24. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Dec. 2012.
"LARRY'S RAMBLE." : 2011-04-24. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Dec. 2012.