To earn their weekly mouse, our snakes travel to schools and libraries to teach children (and adults) why some people are afraid of snakes and what to do if and when a snake is encountered.
Betty
Fear of Nature
What happens if an animal attacks us? Is it scary out there? What do we do if we see an animal? These are just some of the questions elementary students ask as we prepare them for their field trip to Imperial National Wildlife Refuge 40 miles north of Yuma, Arizona. And their questions impress upon us how far removed today’s children are from nature.
Burro Damage in the Desert
As larger animals with a less efficient digestive system, burros (small donkeys) consume more vegetation than native bighorn sheep and mule deer. Damage to desert foliage can be extensive as they congregate near water during dry spells.
Begging Wildlife
A raccoon tiptoeing near our campfire the other night surprised and delighted all of the volunteers gathered for a hot dog roast at Imperial National Wildlife Refuge. For years we’ve seen raccoon tracks, and occasionally we catch a glimpse of one. But, unlike other raccoons on the Refuge, this animal lingered, obviously not shy around people.
The Owl and the Scorpion, Part 3
Two weeks ago we learned that the great horned owl that had been stung by a giant hairy scorpion had been transferred from raptor rehabilitator Dr. George Montopoli, professor of mathematics with Arizona Western College (AWC) in Yuma, to Dr. Cecilia Vigil, doctor of veterinary medicine and biology professor also at AWC. Recently we met with Dr. Vigil at the college to be briefed on the owl’s progress.
Great Horned Owl (the Owl and the Scorpion), Part 2
Not long ago, a great horned owl was brought to Imperial National Wildlife Refuge’s visitor center suffering from what Refuge biologist Joe Barnett thought might have been a sting from a giant hairy scorpion. Today we visited with George Montopoli, the rehabilitator who took in and nursed the owl.
The Owl and the Scorpion
An owl sitting in the middle of the road is not natural. So when someone reported a great horned owl on the road leading toward Imperial National Wildlife Refuge, biologist Joe Barnett investigated.