Be a Volunteer in Demand
Five years of volunteering at national wildlife refuges has brought my husband Chuck and me into contact with many other volunteers whom we’ve enjoyed working with and living near in our RVs.
The Owl and the Scorpion (part 4)
Recently we once again met with Arizona Western College (AWC) professor and veterinarian Cecilia Vigil to discover the progress of the great horned owl brought there for rehabilitation.
Snakes: Love ‘Em or Leave ‘Em?
Author’s note: This article originally appeared at eNature.com and is republished here with their kind permission. The information within reflects many of our views.
Ophidiophobia is an irrational fear of snakes. Many people, perhaps a majority, claim to have a loathing or dislike of these limbless reptiles. Why do snakes get such a bad rap?
The Snakes go to Third Grade
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.
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.