Critter Tales

Endangered whooper spotted in Kansas

Endangered whooper spotted in Kansas

By Kansas Dept. of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism

The first migrating whooping crane has been spotted in late October at the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, near Stafford in central Kansas. Whooping cranes, an endangered species, are North America’s tallest bird, some reaching 5 feet in height when standing erect. A rare and fantastic sight, this whooping crane is part of the only sustai... READ MORE

What is Alabama’s the rarest animal?

What is Alabama’s the rarest animal?

By M. Keith Hudson

Occasionally, wildlife biologists are asked, “What is the rarest animal in your state?” It might be interesting to consider candidates for Alabama’s rarest, most scarce or novel critter. Let’s identify candidates to eliminate. First, we’ll ignore elusive creatures that exist only as legend or as anecdotal evidence. Bla... READ MORE

Welcome back, Wood Storks!

Welcome back, Wood Storks!

By Carrie B. Johnson

While driving near her Alabama home last fall, wildlife biologist Carrie B. Johnson saw a flock of large black and white birds flying over the interstate. At first glance, she thought she was looking at egrets, a common wading bird found throughout the state, but soon realized these were federally endangered wood storks. It was a rare but exciting... READ MORE

Frog Invasion!

Frog Invasion!

By Roger Clay

Thousands of toads and frogs appearing on roadways or in backyards at this time of year may conjure other worldly scenes, but there’s no need to panic. Frogs and toads produce thousands of offspring at a time, yet only a few ever reach adulthood. A mass appearance of baby frogs or toads is completely natural. While the terms "frog" and "toad"... READ MORE

It’s a snake, not an earthworm!

It’s a snake, not an earthworm!

By Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Brunswick, Ga., resident Lori Parker was sweeping wet leaves from her patio in April 2013 when she picked up a mat and saw a few earthworms underneath. "The one that intrigued me,” she said, “was the one moving like a snake.” A longtime gardener used to finding creatures in the dirt, Parker wanted to know what this 4-inch long cre... READ MORE

Respect Mother Nature's wildlife babies

Respect Mother Nature's wildlife babies

By Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Despite the lingering cold weather in many parts of the nation, spring is here, bringing the arrival of baby birds and mammals. It's a good time to remember newborn wildlife may be found in your yard, along trails or in open spaces. What should you do? The very best advice is to leave them alone. In many states, personnel in Parks and Wildlife or D... READ MORE

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