Squirrel Removal Palm Beaches AAAC Wildlife Removal West Palm Beaches focuses on quick, careful, and thorough squirrel removal services across West Palm Beach, Florida. This playlist captures the recurring concerns that property owners face when squirrels settle inside attics, soffits, and other concealed corners of a building. Each track reflects…Squirrel Removal Palm Beaches AAAC Wildlife Removal West Palm Beaches focuses on quick, careful, and thorough squirrel removal services across West Palm Beach, Florida. This playlist captures the recurring concerns that property owners face when squirrels settle inside attics, soffits, and other concealed corners of a building. Each track reflects the noise, damage, and disruption that come with active squirrel presence and the swift action needed to address it. With substantial expertise gained through years of squirrel-specific cases, AAAC Wildlife Removal West Palm Beaches relies on ethical handling methods and structured removal plans that protect both the animals and the people sharing the property. The approach moves beyond capture alone, layering in entry point sealing, attic restoration, and preventive treatments that block future return. Every audio entry reflects the kind of hands-on response that field technicians carry out daily. Listeners will gain awareness of how squirrel activity unfolds inside a typical West Palm Beach home, including chewed wiring, damaged insulation, gnawed wood beams, and persistent scratching above ceilings. The recordings illustrate how each scenario is read, planned around, and resolved through measured steps that prioritize both safety and structural protection. It demonstrates why qualified professionals are often the right call when squirrels take hold of a property. This playlist stands as a record of the steady dedication shown by AAAC Wildlife Removal Palm Beaches in handling squirrel intrusions throughout the region. Whether the situation calls for active removal or detailed exclusion work, the outcome sought is the same, restoring safety, quiet, and stability to every property affected. More on Sound Cloud: https://soundcloud.com/aaac-wildlife-removal/sets/raccoon-removal-palm-beaches On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6KWuz7L6wfvSx3OXCMDWGPEW_i6XW9rr AAAC Wildlife Removal Palm Beaches supplies expert and humane squirrel control services throughout West Palm Beach, Florida. Contact Us: AAAC Wildlife Removal - Palm Beaches 4440 PGA Blvd Suite 600 Palm Beach Gardens , FL , 33410 561-515-0201 Website: https://palm-beaches.aaacwildliferemoval.com/ Email: palmbeaches@aaacwildliferemoval.com Find us around the web: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aaacwildliferemovalofthepa5785 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/aaac-wildlife-removal
Check for these tell-tale signs to stay safe! Hey there, adventurer! Ever been out on a hike, soaking in the beauty of nature, when you suddenly spot something slithering across your path? Your heart skips a beat, and you wonder, “Is that snake dangerous?” We’ve all been there. It’s a…Check for these tell-tale signs to stay safe! Hey there, adventurer! Ever been out on a hike, soaking in the beauty of nature, when you suddenly spot something slithering across your path? Your heart skips a beat, and you wonder, “Is that snake dangerous?” We’ve all been there. It’s a mix of excitement and a bit of panic. But fear not! I’m here to help you unravel the mystery of how to tell if a snake is venomous. In this guide, we’re diving deep into the world of snakes, busting myths, and giving you the lowdown on spotting the dangerous ones. Spoiler alert: It’s not just about the color! Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a curious learner, or someone who just loves nature, by the end of this article, you’ll have the know-how to confidently identify whether a snake is a friend or foe. Stick with me, and I promise you’ll not only become the go-to snake expert among your friends but also feel a whole lot safer on your next outdoor adventure. Ready to become a snake-savvy superstar? Let’s slither right in! Key Takeaways Learn the main physical traits of venomous snakes. Understand behavioral signs that indicate danger. Discover safety tips for when you encounter a snake. Identifying Physical Traits Alright, let’s get down to business. How exactly can you tell if a snake is venomous? Here are the main physical traits to look out for: Head Shape One of the easiest ways to identify a venomous snake is by its head shape. Most venomous snakes have a distinct triangular or diamond-shaped head. This is due to the venom glands located on either side of their heads. So, if you see a snake with a broad, angular head, it’s time to stay cautious. Pupil Shape Ever heard that the eyes are the windows to the soul? Well, in the case of snakes, they can also be windows to danger. Venomous snakes often have elliptical, slit-like pupils, much like a cat’s eyes. In contrast, non-venomous snakes typically have round pupils. Next time you’re face-to-face with a snake, check out its peepers! Body Patterns This one’s a bit trickier because it’s not a hard-and-fast rule, but many venomous snakes have distinct, bright patterns on their bodies. However, don’t rely solely on this. Some harmless snakes can be just as colorful, while some venomous ones are more subdued in color. Presence of Fangs venomous snakes have prominent fangs that they use to inject venom into their prey. If you can safely observe, look for those tell-tale fangs. But remember, getting too close is never a good idea unless you’re a trained professional. Behavioral Signs Alright, now that we’ve covered the physical traits, let’s talk about behavior. Snakes have their own way of communicating danger, and if you know what to look for, their behavior can be a dead giveaway. Aggressiveness Venomous snakes are often more aggressive when they feel threatened. If a snake is coiling up, hissing, or making sudden movements towards you, it’s likely not a happy camper. This defensive behavior is a clear sign that the snake could be dangerous. Always give it plenty of space to avoid any unpleasant encounters. Warning Signals Some venomous snakes have built-in alarm systems. Take the rattlesnake, for instance. That iconic rattle isn’t just for show—it’s a warning to back off. Similarly, some snakes might flatten their bodies, puff up, or make loud hissing sounds. These warning signals are their way of saying, “Hey, stay away, I mean business!” Movement Watch the way the snake moves. Some venomous snakes, like the cottonmouth, have a unique way of swimming on the water’s surface with their bodies fully exposed. This distinctive movement can be a clue to their venomous nature. On land, a snake’s movement can also tell you a lot. If it seems overly confident and undeterred by your presence, it might be because it knows it has venomous backup. Safety Tips When Encountering Snakes Now that you’re well-versed in the physical and behavioral signs of venomous snakes, let’s talk about what to do if you actually encounter one. Here are some practical tips to keep you safe: Keep Your Distance This is the golden rule. The best way to stay safe is to maintain a respectful distance from any snake. Most snake bites occur when people try to handle or get too close to the snake. Stay Calm If you see a snake, don’t panic. Sudden movements can provoke a snake to strike. Take a deep breath, stay calm, and slowly back away from the snake. Educate Yourself Knowledge is power! Familiarize yourself with the types of snakes that are common in your area. Knowing what to expect can help you stay prepared and confident. Emergency Preparedness Know what to do in case of a snake bite. Quick and calm actions can make a huge difference. Keep a first aid kit handy and learn the basic steps of snake bite treatment. Remember, seeking professional medical help as soon as possible is crucial. Myth-Busting: Common Misconceptions Alright, let’s debunk some myths! There’s a lot of misinformation out there about snakes, and it’s time to set the record straight. Color Confusion Not all brightly colored snakes are venomous, and not all dull-colored snakes are safe. While some venomous snakes do have bright warning colors, many harmless snakes mimic these patterns to ward off predators. Don’t rely solely on color to make your judgment. Size Matters Think big snakes are more dangerous? Think again! Venomous snakes come in all sizes. Some of the most dangerous snakes can be quite small, so never judge a snake’s danger level by its size alone. Snake Charms Forget about those old wives’ tales and folklore. Stick to facts and evidence-based knowledge. For example, the idea that all venomous snakes have triangular heads is generally true but not foolproof. Always use a combination of traits to make your identification. Conclusion Next time you’re out exploring, you’ll be armed with the knowledge to stay safe and maybe even impress your friends with your snake smarts. Remember, when it comes to snakes, respect and caution are your best friends. Happy adventuring, and may your paths be snake-free—or at least, snake-savvy!
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ArticleWildlife Damage Management Technical Series
United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series Date of this Version 2-2018 Document Type Article Citation Marks, D.M. 2018. Mute Swans. Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series. USDA, APHIS, WS National Wildlife Research Center. Fort Collins, Colorado. 14p. Abstract Mute swans (…United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series Date of this Version 2-2018 Document Type Article Citation Marks, D.M. 2018. Mute Swans. Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series. USDA, APHIS, WS National Wildlife Research Center. Fort Collins, Colorado. 14p. Abstract Mute swans ( Cygnus olor ) are an invasive species originally brought to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for ornamental ponds and lakes, zoos and aviculture collections. Original populations were located in northeastern states along the Hudson Valley but have since expanded to several Midwestern states and portions of the western U.S. and Canada. Mute swan damage includes competing with native waterfowl, destroying native plants, spreading disease, and colliding with aircraft. They are also considered a nuisance in some areas due to their abundant fecal droppings and aggressiveness towards people. Mute swans can impact ecosystems by foraging on native plants and competing with native species for food and habitat. Mute swans forage primarily on submerged aquatic vegetation, and each swan consumes 4 to 8 pounds of vegetation per day. While feeding, mute swans use their feet to expose plant shoots and roots for foraging, and to help dislodge food for cygnets (i.e., young swans). This damages aquatic substrates and vegetation surrounding preferred foods. Mute swans typically consume less than 50 percent of what they remove. Results from one study showed their diet overlaps considerably with many native waterfowl species that overwinter in the lower Great Lakes or temporarily use the area during migration. Mute swans are known for their highly territorial behavior during their breeding season, and may compete with native wildlife for space and associated resources. Of particular concern are potential impacts on threatened and endangered species. During the breeding season, mute swans sometimes displace other native waterfowl from preferred nesting locations, and may kill adult and juvenile ducks and geese. During one incident in Maryland, a large molting flock of mute swans caused a colony of least terns ( Sterna antillarum ) and black skimmers ( Rynchops niger ) to abandon a nesting colony by trampling nests, eggs, and chicks. The mute swans also displaced nesting common terns ( Sterna hirundo ). In 2011 in Michigan, a mute swan nest was found in the middle of a black tern ( Chlidonias niger ) colony that had previously supported approximately 54 black terns in 2009. Only a few black tern nests remained, approximately 30 to 40 feet away from the swan nest. DOWNLOADS Since March 03, 2018 COinS
United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications Jade R. Arneson , United States Fish and Wildlife Service, New Franken, Wisconsin Dennis A. Peloquin , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services,…United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications Jade R. Arneson , United States Fish and Wildlife Service, New Franken, Wisconsin Dennis A. Peloquin , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin Thomas G. Prestby , Audubon Great Lakes, Chicago, Illinois Sarah P. Saunders , National Audubon Society, New York, New York Document Type Article Date of this Version 2024 Citation Waterbirds (2024) 47(1): 1-6 doi: 10.1675/063.047.0111 Abstract Common grackle ( Quiscalus quiscula ) was observed consuming eggs from an exclosed (protected) Great Lakes piping plover ( Charadrius melodus ) nest in the lower bay of Green Bay, Lake Michigan in Wisconsin, USA during June 2023. The observation, captured by a trail camera, is the first photographic documentation of grackle predation in any of the three piping plover breeding populations. This behavior adds common grackle to the suite of egg predators and has critical implications for this shorebird species, particularly in the Great Lakes region where piping plover is listed as federally endangered and common grackles are relatively abundant. Given that current nest protection efforts rely on exclosures with openings that enable access by grackles, we recommend (1) identification of piping plover nesting locations across the Great Lakes region that are frequently used by common grackle, and (2) subsequent alteration of exclosure use (e.g., omission to prevent cueing by grackles or possible structural modification to prevent access) and/or habitat or predator management at locations where grackles are particularly problematic. In addition, increased deployment of trail cameras at Great Lakes sites will help elucidate the extent to which common grackle predation of piping plover nests is a population-wide threat. DOWNLOADS Since November 23, 2024 Included in Natural Resources and Conservation Commons , Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons , Other Environmental Sciences Commons , Other Veterinary Medicine Commons , Population Biology Commons , Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons , Veterinary Infectious Diseases Commons , Veterinary Microbiology and Immunobiology Commons , Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Epidemiology, and Public Health Commons , Zoology Commons COinS
Center, Internet, Wildlife Damage Management TWS Wildlife Damage Management Working Group Newsletter: Winter 1999 - Volume 6(1) Date of this Version 1999 Document Type Article Abstract Forward -- Scott Craven; Next Edition Deadlines; 1999 Wildlife Damage Management Working Group Officers:; Tws 6th Annual Conference Working Group Sponsored Sessions; Proceedings Of…Center, Internet, Wildlife Damage Management TWS Wildlife Damage Management Working Group Newsletter: Winter 1999 - Volume 6(1) Date of this Version 1999 Document Type Article Abstract Forward -- Scott Craven; Next Edition Deadlines; 1999 Wildlife Damage Management Working Group Officers:; Tws 6th Annual Conference Working Group Sponsored Sessions; Proceedings Of The 18th Vertebrate Pest Conference Held March 2-5, 1998 In Costa Mesa, Ca Are Now Available; Announcing The Availability Of A New Publication And Video On Managing Urban Canada Geese; Wildlife Damage Management Around The World - Part 3; Application For Membership / The Wildlife Society DOWNLOADS Since November 09, 2010 COinS
United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications Nathan P. Snow , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado Follow Benjamin Smith , United States…United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications Nathan P. Snow , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado Follow Benjamin Smith , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado Michael J. Lavelle , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado Follow Michael P. Glow , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado Kayleigh Chalkowski , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado Bruce R. Leland , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, San Antonio, Texas Follow Sarah Sherburne , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado Justin W. Fischer , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado Follow Keely J. Kohen , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado Seth M. Cook , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado Hatton Smith , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado Kurt C. VerCauteren , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado Follow Ryan S. Miller , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health, Fort Collins, Colorado Follow Kim M. Pepin , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado Follow Document Type Article Date of this Version 2024 Citation Preventive Veterinary Medicine (2024) 233: 106347 doi: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106347 Abstract Introductions of transboundary animal diseases (TADs) into free-ranging wildlife can be difficult to control and devastating for domestic livestock trade. Combating a new TAD introduction in wildlife with an emergency response requires quickly limiting spread of the disease by intensely removing wild animals within a contiguous area. In the case of African swine fever virus (ASFv) in wild pigs (Sus scrofa), which has been spreading in many regions of the world, there is little information on the time- and cost-efficiency of methods for intensively and consistently culling wild pigs and recovering carcasses in an emergency response scenario. We compared the efficiencies of aerial operations, trapping, experimental toxic baiting, and ground shooting in northcentral Texas, USA during two months in 2023. Culling and recovering carcasses of wild pigs averaged a rate of 0.15 wild pigs/ person hour and cost an average of $233.04/wild pig ($USD 2023) across all four methods. Aerial operations required the greatest initial investment but subsequently was the most time- and cost-efficient, costing an average of $7266 to reduce the population by a standard measure of 10 %, including recovering carcasses. Aerial operations required a ground crew of ~7 people/helicopter to recover carcasses. Costs for reducing the population of wild pigs using trapping were similar, although took 13.5 times longer to accomplish. In cases where carcass recovery and disposal are needed (e.g., response to ASFv), a benefit of trapping was immediate carcass recovery. Toxic baiting was less efficient because both culling and carcass recovery required substantial time. We culled very few wild pigs with ground shooting in this landscape. Our results provide insight on the efficiencies of each removal method. Strategically combining removal methods may increase overall efficiency. Overall, our findings inform the preparation of resources, personnel needs, and deployment readiness for TAD responses involving wild pigs. 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United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series Date of this Version 4-2020 Document Type Article Citation Bodenchuk, M.J. and D.L. Bergman. 2020. Grackles. Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series. USDA, APHIS, WS National Wildlife Research Center. Fort Collins, Colorado. 16p. Abstract Numbering…United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series Date of this Version 4-2020 Document Type Article Citation Bodenchuk, M.J. and D.L. Bergman. 2020. Grackles. Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series. USDA, APHIS, WS National Wildlife Research Center. Fort Collins, Colorado. 16p. Abstract Numbering in the tens of millions of birds, grackle populations in North America can cause a variety of conflicts with people. Grackles eat agricultural crops and livestock feed, damage property, spread pathogens, and collide with aircraft. Their large roosts can be a nuisance in urban and suburban areas. A combination of dispersal techniques, exclusion, and lethal removal may help to reduce grackle damage. Grackles adapt easily to human-dominated environments, and exploit human food and other features of human landscapes. Thus, an integrated damage management approach to grackle damage focuses on reducing and eliminating the damage, rather than simply controlling grackle populations. Three species of grackles are present in North America: the common grackle, the boat-tailed grackle, and the great-tailed grackle. A fourth species, the greater Antillean grackle (Q. niger) is present in Puerto Rico. All are part of the Family Icteridae that includes blackbirds, orioles, cowbirds, meadowlarks, and bobolinks. The population status of all three grackle species is considered common to overabundant. DOWNLOADS Since April 17, 2020 COinS
Colorado is known for its sweeping landscapes, recreational opportunities, and iconic wildlife. Any visitor or resident who is online searching for, “Things to do in Colorado,” is soon inundated with … Read more The post Three Unexpected Places to Find Refuge in Nature Near Denver, Colorado appeared first on The…Colorado is known for its sweeping landscapes, recreational opportunities, and iconic wildlife. Any visitor or resident who is online searching for, “Things to do in Colorado,” is soon inundated with … Read more The post Three Unexpected Places to Find Refuge in Nature Near Denver, Colorado appeared first on The National Wildlife Federation Blog.
Multiple extreme weather events may threaten wildlife in the future if climate change is not mitigated The post What habitats will be impacted when wildfires and floods collide? appeared first on The Wildlife Society.
Endangered Species Day this year falls on May 15, 2026. In 2006 the U.S. Congress designated the third Friday in May as Endangered Species Day (ESD). ESD spotlights and advances … Read more The post What in the Hellbender? appeared first on The National Wildlife Federation Blog.
Mobile phone data provides a snapshot into how animals respond to humans The post How human footsteps reshape animal tracks appeared first on The Wildlife Society.
The BLOX are moisture- and mold-resistant so they can be used in any condition — wet or dry, indoors or out. The post Bell Labs: FASTRAC All-Weather BLOX first appeared on Pest Management Professional.
Last month, I had the opportunity to represent Early Childhood Health Outdoors (ECHO) and join other advocates who support young children’s right to access healthy environments at a variety of events in Washington, D.C. First on the agenda was “The Future We’re Building Symposium,” a collaborative event by the Children’s…Last month, I had the opportunity to represent Early Childhood Health Outdoors (ECHO) and join other advocates who support young children’s right to access healthy environments at a variety of events in Washington, D.C. First on the agenda was “The Future We’re Building Symposium,” a collaborative event by the Children’s Environmental Health Network and The Center for Environmental Policy at American University’s School of Public Affairs. This event brought together national leaders, students, advocates, and experts in children’s environmental health to reflect on the last decade of progress and envision the path ahead. Speakers included Leah Defenbaugh, Director of Youth Development Projects, Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board ; Alissa Mwenelupembe, Chief Early Learning Quality and Research Officer, National Association for the Education of Young Children ; and LaTricea Adams, Founder, CEO, and President, Young Gifted and Green . It was inspiring to join these leaders and others like long-time National Wildlife Federation partner Nsedu Obot Witherspoon, Children’s Environmental Health Network Executive Director, to discuss topics like “Healthy Places to Live, Learn, and Play.” It was reinvigorating to know that ECHO’s vision—a future where every young child has rich and engaging daily opportunities to play and learn in high-quality outdoor environments that support healthy development and lifelong connections to the natural world—is so well-aligned with this national movement. The ECHO team is proud to be actively engaged and working hard to meet emerging challenges like the impact of climate on young children and ongoing priorities like environmental justice. Next up was the “Childcare Supply Network National Showcase,’ part of the National Association of Counties 2026 Legislative Conference where partners, stakeholders, and officials from all levels of government came together to learn about the economic and social transformation that comes from improving local childcare supply, accessibility, and affordability. I was thrilled to connect in person with valued ECHO partners that I have only previously had the pleasure to engage with on Zoom, like Low Income Investment Fund ’s (LIIF) Nicole Barcliff, Senior Policy Director and Shelly Masur, Early Childhood Education Vice President. The reunion with LIIF felt like a homecoming, since the ECHO team worked closely with LIIF to support two cohorts of early childhood education centers and family child care homes in the DC area over the last several years. We provided early care and education providers with professional development and resources; hands-on, individually tailored design workshops; design assistance; and, in some cases, support in navigating the district’s permitting and construction processes. ECHO’s landscape designers facilitating design workshops with child care providers in DC. Credit: ECHO Team It was deeply gratifying to see the direct connection between these important gatherings and ECHO’s impact on the ground. We know from our pre- and post-engagement surveys that these providers are spending more time outdoors with the children in their care and they now have the skills and resources they need to help children experience the wonders of the natural world, inspiring lifelong environmental stewardship. On Saturday, it was inspiring to take a break from convening to visit the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. I also highly recommend a visit to the National Museum of Women in the Arts! Credit: ECHO Team Sunday, it was back to work! I attended the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s Public Policy Forum. This event was a multi-day advocacy experience designed to help early childhood educators exercise their powerful voices on policy to make themselves heard. We enjoyed a packed agenda of workshops, keynotes, panels, strategy sessions, and conversations with policymakers on Capitol Hill. I’m grateful to Cameron Fall, Board member of the Colorado Association for the Education of Young Children , for his coordination and guidance in preparing us for our day on Capitol Hill. We had the opportunity to meet with staff members from the offices of Senators Hickenlooper and Bennet to speak about the importance of sustaining public funding for affordable, high-quality child care. I also had the pleasure of meeting with staff for my own Congressman, Joe Neguse, and appreciated a robust conversation about how important child care is to families with young children in my small rural county. Washington, D.C. was especially hopping that day, with the State of the Union taking place in the evening—there was some “wildlife” spotted in the Hart Senate Office Building—the Portland Protest Frogs (see header photo!). The week was a huge success, and, on behalf of ECHO, we are grateful to the George B. Storer Foundation and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation for supporting our efforts to transform early childhood settings and systems to ensure that every young child has opportunities to thrive in healthy outdoor environments every day.
The National Pest Management Association recently announced the launch of a national paid digital awareness campaign designed to reintroduce pest control as a modern, skilled and purpose-driven career. The post NPMA launches campaign to modernize pest control careers first appeared on Pest Management Professional.
Social conditions and prey availability may be the most important factors pushing individuals to leave their natal packs The post Young wolves disperse more when well fed appeared first on The Wildlife Society.
Back to Resources A bee hotel at a Bees@Schools location has several tubes where bees have nested. Credit: Sage Handler Students in Canada are helping scientists learn more about a mysterious group of insects: cavity-nesting bees and wasps. Around 5,000 students at participating Bees@Schools locations across the country installed trap…Back to Resources A bee hotel at a Bees@Schools location has several tubes where bees have nested. Credit: Sage Handler Students in Canada are helping scientists learn more about a mysterious group of insects: cavity-nesting bees and wasps. Around 5,000 students at participating Bees@Schools locations across the country installed trap nests and waited to see what insect guests arrived. The traps were made out of a PVC pipe and tubes of cardboard where the bees and wasps would hole up and build a nest. Then, the researchers removed the nests and analyzed them using DNA metabarcoding, a method that allows scientists to search for the DNA of multiple species at once within a single sample. The researchers found not only what species of bee or wasp built the nest but also what pollen or insect resources they used for food and what parasites the insects carried with them. The research, published in Metabarcoding & Metagenomics, uncovered new relationships between bees and wasps, pollen resources and their parasites. “A lot of people want to contribute to conservation or learn more about biodiversity but don’t know how,” said Sage Handler, a researcher at the University of Guelph and lead author on the paper. “This shows that a small, practical action, like hosting a trap nest, can contribute real data that researchers can use. Read more at phys.org.
We compared breeding bird populations and community organization between a beaver pond habitat dominated by willows (Salix spp.) and an adjacent nonwillow riparian habitat on Summit Creek in east-central Idaho. For the previous 14 years both habitats had been protected from livestock grazing by a fenced excloser (122-ha). Bird populations…We compared breeding bird populations and community organization between a beaver pond habitat dominated by willows (Salix spp.) and an adjacent nonwillow riparian habitat on Summit Creek in east-central Idaho. For the previous 14 years both habitats had been protected from livestock grazing by a fenced excloser (122-ha). Bird populations were determined by spot-mapping on 9-ha plots in spring 1989. Structural (physiognomic) differences in vegetation between the two habitats and the availability of impounded water on the beaver pond site were reflected in associated breeding bird populations. Total bird density in the beaver pond habitat was three times that of the adjacent riparian habitat. Similarly, our estimates of total bird biomass, bird species richness, and bird species diversity were 3.49, 3.25, and 1.67 times higher, respectively, in the beaver pond habitat. Further, there were more foraging and nesting guilds represented on the beaver pond plot than esewhere. Our findings suggest that beaver pond ecosystems can provide important habitats for nongame breeding birds.
