Topic
Communication
Sound, posture, scent, and light used to say something specific.
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- ExplainerA Raccoon in the Attic is Usually a Nursing Mom with BabiesA raccoon in the attic is usually a mother with dependent young that are hidden out of sight. That possibility should shape every removal decision.
- ExplainerBaby Rabbits: When to Leave the Nest and When to ActA shallow nest of baby rabbits in a lawn often looks abandoned because the mother is rarely visible. That is normal. Eastern cottontail mothers typically minimize time at the nest, visiting briefly to nurse and then leaving so they do not draw predators to the babies.
- ExplainerBaby Squirrels: Reunite With Mom Before Assuming OrphanedWhen a squirrel nest falls or a baby is found at the base of a tree, rescue may be necessary—but rescue does not always mean taking the baby away. If the mother is alive and nearby, reunion is usually the best outcome.
- ExplainerEastern Glass Lizards: The “Snake” That Is Really a LizardAn Eastern glass lizard can fool almost anyone at first glance. It is long, sleek and legless, yet it is not a snake. Recognizing that difference is a perfect reminder that wildlife identification works best when we look at multiple features rather than relying on a single silhouette.
- ExplainerRabies: Take Exposure Seriously Without Treating Every Wild Animal as RabidRabies is a fatal viral disease once symptoms begin, which is why exposure deserves prompt medical attention. But fear becomes counterproductive when every daytime raccoon, curious fox or grounded bat is casually labeled “rabid.” Good public education holds two truths at once: rabies is serious, and most individual wild animals are not rabid.
- ExplainerSnake Identification: Use Multiple Features, Not One MythSnake identification goes wrong when people rely on a single “rule”: triangular head, round pupil, water location, tail vibration, color rhyme or body thickness. Most of those shortcuts have exceptions or can be distorted by posture, age, lighting and stress.
- ExplainerTimber Rattlesnakes: Shy Native Predators Worth RespectingTimber rattlesnakes are large venomous snakes with a powerful cultural reputation. In reality, wildlife agencies describe them as shy animals that prefer wooded, relatively undisturbed habitat and avoid interaction when possible.
- ExplainerWhat to Do If a Person Is Bitten by a Venomous SnakeA suspected venomous snakebite is a medical emergency. The most important first aid is simple: get away from the snake, keep the person as calm and still as practical, remove constricting jewelry near the affected limb and get emergency medical care.
- ExplainerWhat to Do If You Encounter a CoyoteA close coyote encounter can feel intense, especially when you are walking a dog. The best response is not to run, chase wildly or try to corner the animal. Your goal is to create space, keep control of pets and communicate clearly that approaching people is not rewarding.
- ExplainerWhat to Do If You Find a Bat in the House or on the GroundA bat inside a room or lying on the ground creates two separate questions: Is a person or pet potentially exposed to rabies, and does the bat need wildlife assistance? Answer the exposure question first, because releasing the bat too quickly can eliminate the possibility of testing.
- ExplainerWhat to Do If Your Dog or Cat Is Bitten by a SnakeA suspected venomous snakebite in a dog or cat is a veterinary emergency. The priority is not home treatment and not catching the snake. The priority is getting the animal to an emergency veterinarian quickly while limiting activity.