Owl Attack Update
Before leaving Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge a few weeks ago, I encountered a Great Horned Owl that appeared to fly toward me intending harm, as I wrote in the last blog entry. But was the owl swooping in my direction for an attack, or…
Attacked!
Throughout our years of volunteering with U.S. Fish & Wildlife, we have been in many areas frequented by a number of potentially dangerous animals such as moose, bears, mountain lions, and venomous snakes. However, the only animal that has ever tried to attack me was…
Teachers Make the Difference
“I have a surprise for you today!” some teachers announce to their class as we enter the room carrying a cooler containing snakes and a box loaded with reptile biofacts. At that point, we realize that this teacher has not prepared the students for our…
Snake Attack?
“Snakes will be coming out soon,” we were told by a long-time employee of Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge. “There’ll be lots of them!” Not many people relish the idea of snakes emerging and slithering in all directions. We may be some of the few….
Playing in the Mud
As a child, I never liked playing in the mud. However, lately I’ve been involved in an activity that makes me realize what fun I missed in my younger years. Ongoing Project One ongoing project at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge is to restore the…
Javelinas on the Trail
Recently I wrote a trail guide for Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge. Writing a trail guide, I have discovered, can be as much or more involved as writing an article. But the challenge is rewarding, as well as educational. Each stop for the trail must…
Snakes as Necklaces Revisited (AGAIN)
Once again we viewed a website of well-intentioned reptile lovers who insist on placing large pythons around audience members’ necks. While they may deliver excellent information, as well as attempting to instill a respect for these misunderstood creatures, their message degrades into showmanship. We’ve written…