Should I Let A Possum Live Under My House?

As homeowners, we sometimes get critters under our houses, sheds, porches, or decks. At times, wildlife like possums tend to set up camps where they find food and safety. You might wake up one day to your trash scattered and little paw prints in the dirt surrounding the trash cans.

You may even find, to your surprise, the possums themselves stuck in the trash. So what happens when a possum takes residency under your home or other places in your yard? You might be wondering if they are safe to coexist with or if you need to take some steps to remove them.

Do possums play dead?

When you find a possum under your house or shed, you may presume that it is unconscious or still. However, it’s far from that. The Wildlife Hotline states that the only thing a possum will ever do as a defense is to play dead.

This aids them as prey in the wild. When they play dead they are not unconscious and they have not fainted. They are alive, fully aware that they are playing dead as their defense.

Why do possums live under houses and sheds?

Possums live under your house because they have found a food source. This food source is from your scraps and garbage! Trash and other food scraps attract all possums and other critters as well.

The trash smells sweet and lures the possums to your door. Every household has constant trash and food scraps. So, when a possum chooses to live under your house or shed, it’s because it is constantly being fed by your leftovers.

Are possums harmful to people?

According to the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, possums do carry infectious diseases that can infect humans and even cats. However, they can be more of a nuisance than they are harmful. They may damage your garden, dig holes under your home, and even get into fights with your dogs.

If they become too much of a burden, it’s best to find a way to safely remove or rehome them.

How do I safely remove them?

If … Read the rest of the story.

from Nature Nibble https://ift.tt/nMHxKkX

Do Deer Eat Their Antlers?

Deer are majestic creatures that people have long been interested in observing and trying to figure out what they are all about. We know for certain that their antlers come off of them at some point, but people always wonder how that happens and why. There is even a rumor that the deer eat their own antlers and that is why they disappear from their body.

As it turns out, the rumor about eating their own antlers is something that we should explore more in-depth.

What Are Deer Antlers?

You may see deer antlers hanging up high in the living room of some hunter somewhere and admire them. They are hard to look away from once you notice them. They are certainly beautiful to look at, but you might also wonder what they really are and why they deserve the attention that they receive.

The truth is that deer antlers are actually an extension of the deer’s skull. They are made from bone, cartilage, skin, tissue, and blood cells. Essentially, they are just an extension of the deer’s body.

Facts About Deer Antlers

It is vital to know that antlers are not horns. They have some similar characteristics in the fact that they are found on top of the head of an animal, but they are certainly not horns. It is easy to see how someone could get those two ideas confused, but it is important to recognize the difference.

They don’t serve the purpose of being used for combat as some animals use their horns, but they may serve as a defensive deterrent in some specialized cases. The point is, deer antlers are more about attracting a mate than they are about any kind of utilitarian purpose beyond that. Thus, deer antlers are very pretty to look at.

They have to be in order to be as appealing as they are to a potential mate.

Do Deer Antlers Have Value To Humans?

Yes, deer antlers can be very valuable to humans who want to look them over. They are used not only for scientific purposes (though that … Read the rest of the story.

from Nature Nibble https://ift.tt/ME21Qgu

What are the Oldest Forests in America?

Imagine standing next to one of the tallest and oldest species still alive today–and taller than the tallest dinosaur ever recorded.

The Sitka Spruce are some of the oldest trees in America and they reach towards the sky at an impressive 180 feet, about the height of a 17 story building. There are places in America with trees that have existed for centuries.

You can visit several states across the US to experience them today.

Tongass National Forest, Alaska

Tongass is the largest forest in the nation and some of the trees that are home here are thought to be more than 800 years old. Some of the rarest creatures live in the Tongass, including the Grizzly Bear and the Archipelago Wolf. It’s also home to the largest population of Bald Eagles in America.

The Tongass covers about 17 million acres and some of the trees which inhabit the area have trunks that measure, in diameter, more than 12 feet! The main types of trees found in the Tongass include Sitka Spruce, Red and Yellow Cedar, and Western Hemlock.

Porcupine Mountains, Michigan

Sugar Maple, American Basswood, and Yellow Birch are the most common types of old trees you can find in the Porcupine Mountains. The Porcupine Mountains are home to one of America’s oldest old growth forests. Old growth forests are otherwise called virgin forests, forests that have not ever been disturbed by logging.

The area is abundant in many species of trees and wildlife, including gray wolves, coyotes, red foxes, mink, bobcats, black bears, and white-tailed deer. The Porcupine Mountains state park dates back to 1945 and was established as a protective order for the old growth trees that grow there, mostly the maple hemlock species.

Rock Creek Wilderness, Oregon

The wilderness of Rock Creek is mostly dense rainforest and home to many Big Leaf Maple trees and Red Alder Trees. However, you can find Douglas Firs in this part of Oregon, which are some of the oldest in the area. Nearer to the ocean, you can find older Sitka Spruce as well.

According to Scientific American, “protecting remaining … Read the rest of the story.

from Nature Nibble https://ift.tt/HtfC7vz

The Noises Raccoons Make and What They Mean

You might be wondering why raccoons make all those different noises. Well, there are a few reasons. The most common noise that raccoons make is called screaming.

This is because it’s mating season, and the females are trying to find males in their territory. Males will also scream when fighting other males over territory or food. Other sounds that raccoons make include chattering, hissing, growling, and purring.

Raccoons are generally nocturnal creatures, so you’re more likely to hear them at night. However, if you do encounter a raccoon during the day, it’s probably because they’re looking for food. Raccoons are very adaptable creatures and can live in a wide range of habitats, from forests to urban areas.

In fact, raccoons are one of the few animals that have actually thrived in urban environments.

What Noises Do Raccoons Make?

Raccoons are known to make a variety of noises, including hisses, grunts, growls, and barks. These noises can vary depending on the situation, but they typically indicate that the raccoon is either feeling threatened or is trying to intimidate something. Hisses and growls are usually reserved for when a raccoon feels threatened, while grunts and barks are more commonly used as warning signals.

In some cases, raccoons may also make chattering or purring noises when they’re happy or content.

Why do Raccoons Make These Noises?

Raccoons are relatively quiet animals, but they do make a variety of sounds. The noises they make can be divided into a few different categories, including vocalizations, screams, growls, and clicks. Each type of noise serves a different purpose, whether it’s to communicate with other raccoons or to warn off predators.

If you hear a raccoon making any of the following noises, it’s best to stay away and give the animal some space. Raccoons can be aggressive, especially if they feel threatened, and they may also carry diseases that can be harmful to humans.

1. Hisses

Raccoons hiss when they feel threatened or startled. It’s a way to warn off whatever has caught their attention.

2. Growls and Snarls

Growls and snarls are usually reserved … Read the rest of the story.

from Nature Nibble https://ift.tt/7e5yk3O

Moose vs Elk vs Deer

You can tell the difference between a moose, elk, or deer mainly by their size and their antlers. These aren’t the only differences. Hopefully, by the time we are done exploring, you will be able to tell them apart with confidence.

The first thing we need to emphasize is that while all moose and all elk are deer, not all deer are moose or elk. Let’s get started!

The Similarities

All three of these animals belong to a class of animals called Cervids. You can think of these three as cousins. They are all cud-chewing plant-eaters. All three have hooves and the males of each species grow antlers throughout the spring and summer that they shed in the fall.

The antlers tend to grow larger every year until the animal has reached its prime. All three animals have a four-chambered stomach. This allows them to be able to store food when it is plentiful and then go somewhere safe to finish their meal.

They bring the food back up from the “storage” section and eat it. Now let’s take a look at the differences.

Moose vs Elk vs Deer –Telling Them Apart

You can get an idea of which animal you are about to meet before you even see one. Both the deer and the moose have heart-shaped footprints with rounded edges, while the elk has a print that is shaped more tooth-shaped, with pointed ends. Because the moose is so much bigger than the deer, its prints will be larger and sink deeper into the ground as it walks.

In addition, you will normally find several sets of prints if it is deer and only one if you are about to find a moose.

General Appearance

Deer are the smallest of these three. They stand about four feet tall at their shoulders and are often tan. Some species, like the white-tailed deer, have bright white on their tails.

They normally range from 100 to 300 pounds. They have the longest tails of the three species. The snout is long and narrow with a rounded nose.

Moose are the … Read the rest of the story.

from Nature Nibble https://ift.tt/jzIMFGg

10 Different Types of Lizards You Should Know

Lizards are some of the most fascinating and diverse creatures on Earth. They come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and even live in a range of habitats from deserts to rainforests. But many people don’t know about these amazing animals because they think lizards are just small snakes or slow-moving slugs that only exist in hot climates.

In reality, there are over 4500 species of lizards worldwide, and they come in a variety of colors, patterns, and sizes. Some can even change color to hide from predators by matching their surroundings! Here are ten of the most interesting and coolest types of lizards you should know about:

1. Gila Monster

The Gila Monster is a large, venomous lizard that is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. Gila monsters are able to grow up to around 2 feet (24 inches) long! They have a very slow metabolism which allows them to go long periods of time without food, and they primarily eat small mammals and birds.

Where it lives:

Southwestern US and Mexico

What it eats / how often it eats:

Small mammals and birds / Once every 2-3 weeks

How it gets food:

According to the Sandiego Zoo, Gila monsters use their long, forked tongues to sense the scent of prey. When they find an animal, they ambush it and bite down hard, injecting their venom into the prey. The Gila monster then releases its grip, and the prey usually dies within an hour due to the paralysis caused by the venom.

How long it lives:

20-30 years

Sleep behavior:

Gila monsters are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. During the day, they find a cool, dark place to hide from the heat and sun.

Types of homes it has:

Gila monsters live in a variety of habitats, including deserts, foothills, and woodlands. They prefer areas with lots of rocks and crevices where they can hide from predators and the heat.

Nomadic vs. territorial:

Gila monsters are not very nomadic, meaning they generally stay in the same area for their entire lives. They are, however, territorial … Read the rest of the story.

from Nature Nibble https://ift.tt/OLjHB1u

What Are the Oldest Forests in the UK?

Old trees are fascinating because they have seen history unfold. All the ancient trees have been through more than any person alive today, considering the UK’s oldest forests are home to trees that are thousands of years old. But that isn’t the only reason why old trees are so special.

The oldest trees are better from an environmental standpoint. But first, I want to know where in the UK long-living trees have successfully adapted and thrived.

Where Can I Find Old Woodlands in the UK?

Some of the longest living trees are found in forested regions all over the UK.

The New Forest of Hampshire

William the Conqueror once claimed The New Forest and granted only himself and his aristocratic circle privileges to its access, in 1079. William the Conqueror and his men were allowed to hunt wild boar and deer in the forest. The forest now covers 219 square miles and is the backdrop for many smaller villages and wide open pastures.

Throughout May, bluebells bloom and giant sequoias cover the surroundings. Walking through, I might be intimidated by the enormous leaves and trees like something from an entirely different time.

Glen Affric Forest of Scotland

Glen Affric is a magnificent forest with 30 miles of old pinewoods and thick brush. The woodlands are surrounded by snowy mountains. It’s an incredible place to go for a hike as the area has scenic walking trails that include waterfalls and canyons.

Glen Affric has its share of wildlife that calls it home, including otters, red squirrels, and golden eagles.

Sherwood Forest in Nottingham

I’m sure the story of Robin Hood, who took from the rich and gave to the poor, is well known. He is thought to have roamed and lived in the old Sherwood forest of Nottingham. Besides imagining what life was like during the days of Robin Hood and his merry men, I can visit Sherwood forest today and experience the calm of over 1,000 giant old oak trees.

The biggest oak in Britain is thought to be around 1,100 years old. Chestnut trees are mixed in with other … Read the rest of the story.

from Nature Nibble https://ift.tt/ifEVhTX