Explain the history of panthers in Pocahontas County WV to a seventh grader include graphics and create a test with answers

 

History of Panthers in Pocahontas County, West Virginia

For Seventh Graders

Panthers, also known as mountain lions, have a long and storied history in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. The first recorded sighting of a panther in the county was in 1742, and the cats have been a part of the local landscape ever since.

Panthers are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of the food chain. They are solitary animals and have a large range, which can overlap with the ranges of other panthers. Panthers are also very adaptable and can live in a variety of habitats, including forests, mountains, and deserts.

In Pocahontas County, panthers prefer to live in the dense forests of the Allegheny Mountains. They are most active at night and prey on a variety of animals, including deer, elk, and coyotes.

Panthers were once common in Pocahontas County, but their population declined drastically in the early 20th century due to hunting and habitat loss. By the 1970s, panthers were considered to be endangered in West Virginia.

However, thanks to conservation efforts, the panther population in West Virginia has begun to rebound. In 2015, the state estimated that there were between 100 and 200 panthers living in the wild.

Graphics

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panther in a forest

Test

1. What is the other name for a panther?

   • A. Mountain lion
   • B. Cougar
   • C. Bobcat
   • D. All of the above

2. What is a panther's preferred habitat?

   • A. Forests
   • B. Mountains
   • C. Deserts
   • D. All of the above

3. What are panthers considered to be?

   • A. Apex predators
   • B. Solitary animals
   • C. Adaptable animals
   • D. All of the above

4. What is the main reason for the decline of the panther population in Pocahontas County in the early 20th century?

   • A. Hunting
   • B. Habitat loss
   • C. Both A and B
   • D. None of the above

5. What is the estimated panther population in West Virginia in 2015?

   • A. 100-200
   • B. 200-300
   • C. 300-400
   • D. 400-500

Answers

1. D
2. D
3. D
4. C
5. A

Conclusion

Panthers are an important part of the ecosystem in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. They help to control the populations of other animals, such as deer and elk. Panthers are also a popular tourist attraction, and their presence helps to support the local economy.

We must continue to work to protect panthers and their habitat. By doing so, we can ensure that these magnificent creatures will continue to thrive in Pocahontas County for many years to come.