We’ve gotten several calls in the last few months about foxes that appeared “too thin” and “sickly.” While a few of them were sick with mange— which is marked bu bald patches of skin with scabs and crust— most were actually perfectly healthy! Foxes are built like whippets. They have very long legs and leanContinue reading “That fox isn’t too skinny!”
Category Archives: General Info
Tennessee’s Flying Squirrels
We love flying squirrels! Because these cuties are nocturnal and aren’t very common in cities and suburbs, many people don’t even realize that they live right here in Tennessee! We’re actually blessed with not one, but two flying squirrel species. The most common in the state is the Southern flying squirrel, which, as its nameContinue reading “Tennessee’s Flying Squirrels”
Bats Make Scary Faces to “See” Better
A lot of people find bats creepy. There are a lot of reasons for this, such as their mythical association with vampires and ghouls. One thing that makes people nervous about bats is that their faces often look menacing and aggressive, like they’re threatening to bite. But this weird grimace isn’t what you think. WhenContinue reading “Bats Make Scary Faces to “See” Better”
Wild-Domestic Goose Hybrids
You might one day see a flock of Canada geese, with one goose that looks… well, off. If you see these types of patterns and markings, it’s very likely that you’re looking at an unusual bird whose parents were star-crossed lovers! Canada geese and domestic geese don’t normally mate with each other. They instinctively tendContinue reading “Wild-Domestic Goose Hybrids”
The Booming Bobcat Fur Trade
Wild cats have always been a primary target to fur trappers seeking big money. The demand for the skin of beautiful wild cats nearly drove animals like the leopard, snow leopard, and tiger to extinction. While the sale and trade of big cat furs has declined rapidly since the 1970s thanks to tight international regulations,Continue reading “The Booming Bobcat Fur Trade”
Most American Squirrels Used to be Black
Black squirrels aren’t common anymore in the U.S., but you may still see them if you’re lucky! Believe it or not, there was a time that most squirrels in the U.S. had this interesting (and beautiful!) trait. Black coloration, or melanism, can occur in both fox squirrels and Eastern grey squirrels. Prior to European invasionContinue reading “Most American Squirrels Used to be Black”
Woodchucks Don’t Chuck, Chew, or Eat Wood
Centuries before any English speakers ever laid eyes on this animal, the Narragansett people of Rhode Island— an Algonquian tribe— called it a “wuchak.” This indigenous name likely shared roots with a similar Cree word meaning weasel or fisher. English speakers turned “wuchak” into “woodchuck,” leading not just to a popular tongue-twister, but a lotContinue reading “Woodchucks Don’t Chuck, Chew, or Eat Wood”
Why People Call Vultures Buzzards
A lot of people in the South use the word “buzzard” to describe our native vultures, especially the turkey vulture, but this is actually the result of a long-lasting mistake! “Buzzard” doesn’t mean vulture. Instead, it’s a British name used for any of dozens of species of hawk. As the name might suggest, the mostContinue reading “Why People Call Vultures Buzzards”
Why Are Skunks Called Polecats?
Have you heard this Southern colloquialism? Although it’s not very common anymore, some people in the Southeast (especially older folks) will refer to this animal as a “polecat.” My grandmother always used the term not just for skunks, but anyone and anything that she found malodorous! So where does this term come from? In reality,Continue reading “Why Are Skunks Called Polecats?”
Aquatic Turtles and Butt Breathing
Snapping turtles, like all aquatic turtles outside the tropics, have to hibernate underwater every winter. They don’t have gills and can’t rise to the surface while asleep for a full season, and may even be completely locked under a thick layer of ice. So how do they breathe? Through their butts! If you want toContinue reading “Aquatic Turtles and Butt Breathing”
