“Keep your bear spray in your hands!” This warning from the biologist was meant to protect us as we meander through the wetlands inhabited by many moose on the National Elk Refuge. As we advise visitors, moose are the most dangerous animals in the area. With this in mind, we always pluck the bear spray …
“Trick or Treat!” For nearly 14 years, as we lived full time in our RV in remote locations on different National Wildlife Refuges around the country, we never heard those words. And now that we have acquired a residence in a 55 plus community near Phoenix, Arizona, for winter living, we probably still won’t hear …
“How do you kill a snake?” It was a legitimate question from an older resident of a care center we visited recently with our reptile program. Also in attendance was a group of preschoolers, children of some of the facility’s staff. We were intrigued by the differences in attitudes between the age groups. Preconceived Notions …
“Count the snakes and keep your distance!” a friend warned in an email after we told her our new assignment for biological work on the National Elk Refuge was to survey reptiles, mainly counting the snakes. Unknown to her, the snakes in Jackson Hole are comprised of three non-venomous species. Because one species, the rubber …
“Should I carry bear spray?” is a frequent question we get from visitors to the Tetons. They fear attacks from bears, mountain lions, wolves, coyotes, or just about any animal with four legs. Bear Bells Many hikers carry “bear bells,” jingly bells that supposedly warn an animal that a human is approaching. Locals call those …
We’ve enjoyed target shooting over the years, always looking for a shooting range or a remote location with a safe backdrop to discharge any weapon, whether rifle, pistol, or archery. And we always clean up any shells and targets that we use. Anger and Disgust So, it was with a bit of anger and disgust …
Who hasn’t been startled occasionally by a surprise encounter with wildlife? Perhaps the most startling encounter would be with a bear, a moose, a javelina, a large spider, or even …………. a snake. Many people are repulsed by these scaly, slithering serpents. The mere thought of a snake can send some into fits of revulsion. …