Here are some simple things you can do to reduce light pollution: -Turn off your outdoor lights when not needed for safety. -Replace your private street lamps and flood lights with motion-activated lighting. -Use low-glare lighting fixtures for outdoor light. One company that offers star-friendly outdoor lighting is Starry Night Lights. -Write to companies inContinue reading “Protect Wildlife:End Light Pollution”
Category Archives: General Info
How Do Cactus Bucks Happen?
Deer like this are a rare sight, but have been spotted almost everywhere in the United States, and in almost every species of deer. These cactus bucks, as they’re called stand out because of their bizarre, deformed antlers covered in irregular growths. A cactus buck’s irregular antlers develop due to low testosterone levels, which causeContinue reading “How Do Cactus Bucks Happen?”
Red Raccoons?
This raccoon’s beautiful coat is caused by erythrism, a genetic condition that causes reddish pigmentation of the fur and skin. Erythrism in raccoons usually runs in families. It isn’t harmful and, other than making them more likely targets for fur trappers, erythrism doesn’t affect a raccoon’s life expectancy.
Grey Foxes on the Decline
Three hundred years ago, grey foxes were much more common throughout the U.S. than wolves, coyotes, or red foxes. That’s because we had more old-growth forests and these beautiful animals thrive in areas with large, knobby trees with hollow openings, which are their preferred dens. They also use trees for climbing and hunting. That’s right:Continue reading “Grey Foxes on the Decline”
Why Do Skunks Smell Like Weed?
I am a big fan of the furry type of skunk, personally. As a licensed skunk rehabilitator, I transport these amazing creatures frequently in my car and have been sprayed a few times while rescuing upset animals. The resemblance between skunk musk and marijuana has, unfortunately, led to some awkward encounters. “Yes, sir, I doContinue reading “Why Do Skunks Smell Like Weed?”
The Silver Fox is a Red Fox
If you’re lucky, you might spot one of these beautiful creatures in the wild one day, including right here in Tennessee. Although often mistaken for an exotic pet or the distantly related grey fox, this animal is actually the exact same species as the familiar red fox. Like a black cat or panther, a silverContinue reading “The Silver Fox is a Red Fox”
The Stink-Goddess Skunk
The ancient Samnites did not know about skunks, but they did know about the balance of the natural world. It’s fitting that their goddess of foul smells was not evil, but was also a symbol of love, devotion, motherhood, and strength. Scientists made the right decision in naming the striped skunk— which was valued inContinue reading “The Stink-Goddess Skunk”
Tennessee’s White Foxes
Few are lucky enough to spot a white fox in the wild here in the Southern U.S., but it does happen! I had the privilege of seeing one of these rare beauties in Northeast Alabama in 2008. Contrary to popular belief, a white fox in the Southern U.S. is not necessarily an escaped pet orContinue reading “Tennessee’s White Foxes”
How to Feed Raccoons Properly
It’s not a good idea to feed wild raccoons, but there are a lot of people who will do it anyway. If you absolutely insist on feeding a wild raccoon, please follow these guidelines: -Do not allow the raccoon to see you leaving food. If the raccoon starts begging humans for food, someone will believeContinue reading “How to Feed Raccoons Properly”
Grey Fox or Coyote?
Grey foxes are sometimes killed because of a case of mistaken identity. This shy and elusive animal may look similar to a coyote pup at first glance, but can be distinguished by its very long tail with a black tip, its orange ears, and a black stripe that runs down most of its body. TheyContinue reading “Grey Fox or Coyote?”
For Fox Sake Wildlife Rescue 