Tag: WildlifeWatch

#WildlifeWatch

Richard Vaughan

Oregon’s most clever and colorful jays

Oregon’s forests and backyards are alive with some of the smartest, most eye-catching birds around—jays! From the bold Steller’s Jay with its electric blue crest to the resourceful California Scrub-Jay that plans for the future, each species brings its own personality and flair. Even the elusive Gray Jay, known for its winter survival tricks, and the rare Blue Jay sightings spark excitement among birders. These birds aren’t just pretty faces—they play a big role in spreading seeds and keeping our ecosystems healthy. Which jay have you spotted lately, and what’s your favorite jay encounter? #Science #OregonBirds #WildlifeWatch

Tamara Jones

Colorado Rabbits Growing Tentacles?!

Wild rabbits in Fort Collins, Colorado are popping up with creepy tentacle-like growths on their faces, and locals are seriously freaked out. Turns out, it’s a virus (Shope papilloma) spread by mosquitoes and ticks—not dangerous to humans or pets, but still wild to see! Experts say it’s another sign that rising temps are helping bugs (and their weird diseases) spread. Nature is getting weirder, y’all. #Science #ColoradoRabbits #WildlifeWatch

Melvin Mosley

Tarantula Season Is Here—Would You Look?

Tarantulas are on the move in the Southwest, popping up everywhere from Texas grasslands to Colorado highways. It’s their annual mating season, so you might spot dozens trekking around at dusk—don’t freak, they’re just looking for love! Most are harmless (their bite’s like a bee sting), and the real drama is for the males, who risk it all for a date. Would you go tarantula spotting, or nope out? #Science #TarantulaSeason #WildlifeWatch

Tamara Jones

Tarantula Road Trip Incoming!

Tens of thousands of tarantulas are about to hit the roads (literally) across the Southwest and West for their annual mating season. If you’re hiking or camping in places like California, Texas, or Colorado, you might spot these big, fuzzy spiders on the move. Don’t worry—they’re mostly chill, but don’t pick them up (those hairs sting!). Fun fact: males go on this epic journey to find love, but usually die after. Nature is wild! #Science #TarantulaSeason #WildlifeWatch

Melvin Mosley

Jackson’s growing bear family surprises biologist

Running into a familiar face in the woods isn’t just for people—Jackson’s own wildlife biologist, Anthony Ballard, recently crossed paths with a teenage black bear he first met as a cub two years ago! The bear, now lanky but healthy, is part of ongoing research that helps Mississippi track and protect its black bear population. These chance encounters aren’t just heartwarming—they’re vital for understanding how local wildlife is thriving. Have you noticed more wildlife around town lately? What changes have you seen in our local environment? #Science #JacksonMS #WildlifeWatch

Zachary Gutierrez

Tropical Bird Crashes Colorado Party

A rare anhinga—usually chilling in Florida or South America—just popped up in Boulder County, Colorado, and bird experts are totally stumped. It’s only the fourth time it’s ever been seen there! Some think a wild storm blew it off course, but it’s also a reminder that shifting climates are making animals show up in the weirdest places. Birdwatchers are thrilled, but also a little worried—Colorado winters aren’t exactly tropical. Would you want to spot a rare bird in your backyard? #Science #WildlifeWatch #BirdNerd

Matthew Kirk

UK’s Butterfly Crisis: 5 Beauties to Spot

Butterfly numbers in the UK have hit a record low, and conservationists are calling it a nationwide emergency. If you spot any of these five rare beauties—small tortoiseshell, common blue, painted lady, small copper, or the striking Jersey tiger moth—consider yourself lucky! Even a tiny garden or a few potted herbs can help. Join the Big Butterfly Count this summer and let’s see if we can help these stunning insects bounce back! #ButterflyCount #NatureEmergency #WildlifeWatch #Pets

Cassandra Snyder

Bear on the Move: Miami Valley Edition

A young black bear is making its way through Miami Valley, and locals are catching it on camera! Experts say this two-year-old is just like a teen kicked out of the house—looking for a place to call its own. The cool part? Black bears are native to Ohio and might be making a comeback thanks to better habitats. If you spot the bear, snap a pic (safely!) and let ODNR know. Wild, right? #MiamiValley #BlackBear #WildlifeWatch #Pets

davisjames

Black Bear Spotted in Licking County!

Did you see this? Another black bear was spotted roaming near Heath over the weekend! That’s two sightings in Licking County this month. Locals are buzzing—should we expect more furry visitors, or is this just a wild coincidence? #LickingCounty #BlackBear #WildlifeWatch #Pets