Enzo Creek Nature Sanctuary - The Fauna

The Fauna

The fauna found at Enzo Creek is as diverse as its flora. It is the abundance of appropriate habitat which makes it possible to view wildlife within the sanctuary. On any given day, one may see white-tailed deer, fox, bobcat, wild turkey, cottontail rabbit, squirrels (Eastern, Red, and Fox), coyote, raccoon, porcupine, Ruffed Grouse, and Ring-necked Pheasant. A black bear sighting is not impossible, as both Newaygo County (6 miles west of Enzo Creek) and Osceola County (10 miles north of Enzo Creek) each have legal hunting seasons for black bear, and many bear seek Mecosta County as a refuge.

In 2007, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources extended the range for bear hunting to include Mecosta County.

The most recent species of interest to be identified at Enzo Creek is the Northern Flying Squirrel as a pair was seen gliding from tree to tree in November 2011.

The abundance of wildlife is spectacular at Enzo Creek. It is the waterfowl habitat that makes Enzo Creek so unique. In autumn, when waterfowl are migrating, Enzo Creek is home to many species of waterfowl. Most abundant are Wood Duck, Mallards, Canada Geese, and Teal. Loons also take up residence on Hunt Lake, and their presence is known by their unique cry at twilight, although the birds prefer Townline Lake (located 600 ft (180 m) to the east of Enzo Creek) due to its size.

Due to the abundance of waterfowl, Ducks Unlimited conducted extensive research on Mallard nesting success at Enzo Creek in 2003. As part of the study, 60 Mallard Hens were decoy trapped in the early spring and surgically implanted with transmitters. Hens were followed via truck-mounted null-array systems, with handheld antennas and/or with aircraft from the time of implant to either 30 days after their bood hatch, complete brood loss, or death. Data from this study was instrumental in helping Ducks Unlimited revise their managagment plan for Great Lakes Mallard populations.

In 2006 one wood duck nesting box was installed at Enzo Creek, and a resident hen successfully hatched two ducklings while taking up residence. In 2007, two additional nesting boxes were installed to help provide optimal nesting habitat. In October 2007 a check was made on one of the nesting boxes installed in the spring, and there was no sign of nesting activity. It is speculated that the abundance of other natural nesting habitat precluded it from use.

Hunt Marsh is also home to the Great Blue Heron, the largest in the heron family with a wing span of seven feet. Kingfisher are observed on a frequent basis as they ambush fish, a staple in their diet.

Hunt Marsh would not exist without the activity of the world's second-largest rodent: the beaver. Beaver remain very active in the marsh and any novice can identify their trademark "stump" left behind. Muskrat are also abundant and seen traveling throughout the lakes, ponds, marsh and even Enzo Creek.

The Northern River Otter is also prevalent on Hunt Lake and Hunt Marsh. Able to swim for nearly a mile underwater when disturbed, they often seem to disappear without a trace. When observed, they are without question one of the most amazing creatures to observe as they are often socially playful with one another. Of special note is the river otter's acute sensitivity to any form of environmental pollution, as it generally vacates any area with tainted water quality very quickly. Their existence at Enzo Creek is a testament to the water quality within the nature sanctuary.

Enzo Creek is home to the Blanding's Turtle, which is threatened and even endangered within its range. These turtles do not reach sexual maturity until they are 18–20 years old and may live to be as old as 70 years.

The Common Snapping Turtle can be found in the spring nesting in sandy areas of the preserve. Rarely do they pose a threat if encountered in water, but on land they can be very aggressive if disturbed.

Hunt Lake harbors a vibrant fishery. The Northern Pike is at the top of the food chain, and considering it is such a small body of water, Hunt's pike are in balance with the forage available in the lake. Most are in the 3–5 year class, but much older fish are also found. Largemouth Bass are also part of the food pyramid, but to a much lesser extent. Bluegill, Yellow Perch, and Emerald shiner make up the bulk of the forage base. A complete fishery survey had not yet been completed as of 2007. Strangely, a four year old Muskellunge was identified in Hunt Lake in 2006, and it unclear if this fish was the sole representative of its species or if a small reproductive population exists.

Nehmer Lake is similar in resources as Hunt Lake. Hybrid sunfish have been stocked on several occasions. However, their survival in abundance has been curtailed due to predation by Northern Pike.

In an April 2007 spring waterfowl survey, an American Bald Eagle was observed soaring low over Hunt Lake. Bald eagles often hunt over the Muskegon River, which is located approximately 1-mile (1.6 km) west of Enzo Creek. Evidence of nesting activity at Enzo Creek was recently observed with the first sighting of a nest under construction in August 2009.

In this same survey, several migratory Bufflehead were viewed waddling in a pool below one of Hunt Marsh's several beaver dams. Bufflehead are arguably one of the most colorful species of waterfowl which pass through Enzo Creek each spring and fall. In route from the bird's southern winter range to Canada's boreal forest to nest, they are vulnerable to predation by the bald eagle.