There was a time years ago when we considered hiking an activity requiring little more preparation and thought than strapping on our boots and hitting the trail. In light of the recent death in Yellowstone National Park of an “experienced” hiker, we realize that many others still maintain that attitude, regardless of the signs posted …
Who will care for National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, and other public lands in the future? As mentioned in previous blogs, if we don’t involve and interest the next generation in nature and stewardship of wildlife habitats, these public lands may suffer. Reasons for Hope Over the years, we have met young people who give …
Once again, in less than a year, we have lost one of our elderly snakes. Karma, the Western Terrestrial gartersnake, was a co-worker we depended upon more than any of our other snakes for our reptile programs. Good Natured If a snake could be ever be considered good natured, it was Karma. Her disposition allowed …
The cell phone rang as we climbed a butte behind the volunteer campground on the refuge where we spend summers. “There’s a guy down here flying a drone,” one of the new volunteers said. “What should we do?” Peering through our binoculars toward the row of volunteer RVs, we spotted the man who had skirted …
Several years ago, a man in Denver draped his “pet” 11-foot Burmese python around his neck. Undoubtedly he had engaged in this practice before. But this time, the python tightened, eventually suffocating its owner. Not a Necklace In previous blog articles, we have covered using a snake as a necklace and have advised against it. …
Even though most of our reptile work centers around snakes, other reptiles interest us as well. Recently, we were invited to join a long term population study of freshwater turtles at Wekiva Springs State Park near Orlando, Florida, to help collect turtles for a survey. Warm drizzling rain accompanied us on our drive to the …
Most people cringe when we mention snakes. And that’s all right, we feel, as long as they respect the serpent’s place in nature and leave them alone to go about their business of eating rodents and other nuisance critters. Observing Snakes But occasionally we encounter someone who, even though they may be a bit intimidated …