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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimates that 7,000 to 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes annually. (Note: snakes can be venomous, not poisonous—there’s a difference.) Few deaths are attributed to the venomous bites, but the aftermath can be miserable, even life changing. Rattlesnake venom is largely composed of hemotoxins. So, beyond the initial…
Almost a month ago, we published a story on the benefits of cow share for those looking for access to raw milk. In the article, we mentioned that options also exist for those looking for steady access to organic beef, but glossed over the details. As it turns out, however, folks are curious about beef…
Plenty of people eat ducks and chickens, but many are unaware they are throwing out some of the best bits with the entrails. Hearts, livers and even gizzards can make excellent eating, though that last one will take some serious prep work. Read on for how to clean a gizzard for use in gravy, or…
Looking for a fun family activity to while away the hours during the holiday lull? Have the kids run you out of tinder for your fireplace? Maybe its time to show them how to create one of the world’s oldest fire starters: the humble featherstick. History The origins of the featherstick, as is usual with…
Find a bat in your attic? Are you sure its just one? Groups of bats in homes are often maternity colonies of female bats and their babies. The females typically come out of hibernation and take up residence in a structure to give birth, usually in May or June. They then have their babies and…
A Shepherd, Montana man lost his hunting privileges for 16 years and will pay fines and restitution exceeding $6,000 after pleading guilty to 16 state and federal charges of poaching mule deer and leaving some parts at a federal recreation area. Brayden Reed, 19, pleaded guilty in Yellowstone County Justice Court to four counts of…
You are on your way to your back 40, when suddenly you notice a moose in the middle of the woods. What should you do? Here are a few things to know about moose and how to avoid conflicts with them. The largest animals in the deer family, moose can be found a in any…
Aerial Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) treatments conducted by Indiana DNR divisions of Forestry and Entomology & Plant Pathology to slow the spread of gypsy moth, now called spongy moth, have been completed for 2022. Spongy moth is one of North America’s most devastating invasive forest pests and has caused thousands of acres of defoliation…
It’s that time of year: Black bears soon will leave their dens and become active. Though they’ll primarily forage on green vegetation, bears will eat from bird feeders, outdoor pet foods and garbage cans, if available. Taking simple steps now can keep bears safely at a distance and prevent conflicts this spring and summer: Remove…
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has been notified by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory of confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) strain: H5 2.3.4.4 in a lesser scaup, black vultures and other avian species. There is a low risk of HPAI transmission to humans and, to date, there have been…
Two mule deer bucks taken in the Slate Creek drainage near Lucile in October tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD), according to Idaho Fish and Game. Under Fish and Game’s CWD strategic plan, both hunters have been notified that their bucks tested positive. Although CWD has been known to exist in the Western United States for over 40…
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has published final regulations governing the annual Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Contest–also known as the Federal Duck Stamp Contest–beginning with the 2022 contest. These revisions provide artists more flexibility when designing their art and broaden the appeal of the Duck Stamp to a more diverse audience….
