Prickly Pear Wildlife

Cheeking Out a Chipmunk

chipmunk on rocks

The chipmunk, a striped symphony of rust and brown, is a tiny tenant in the grand scheme of North American wildlife. These energetic burrowers hold the title of “cheekiest character” in the critter kingdom, thanks to their signature bulging cheeks used to store an impressive amount of food. A Statistical Snapshot of the Speedy Scamperer […]

Hogs Wild: The Wild Boar Woes

wild hog

Wild hogs, also known as feral hogs, are a formidable and increasingly problematic species across the United States. Their numbers have exploded in recent decades, with estimates ranging in the millions. These adaptable creatures can thrive in a variety of habitats, from forests to agricultural lands. While they are active throughout the year, their behavior […]

Batty About Bats

bats flying in the sky

Bat’s are a symbol used to drive fear into the hearts of my enemies. “I am vengeance, I am the night, I am the bat… wait sorry, we are not a masked vigilante running around the rooftops of a certain city. But we are here to talk about these mammal masters of flight, the undisputed […]

Nutty Nutria: Orange Toothed Rodents

a beaver standing in water

Nutria, often misnamed “nutria rats,” are large, semi-aquatic rodents native to South America. Introduced to the United States in the early 20th century for fur farming. However, when the value of the fur fell, it became too expensive for farmers to continue to care for the nutria and they began setting them free. Since then, […]

Raccoons Those Rascally Rovers

a raccoon eating a nut

Overview of the Raccoon Raccoons, those masked bandits of the backyard, are surprisingly widespread across the United States. These adaptable creatures can be found in almost every state, though their population tends to be denser in the eastern and midwestern regions. While they’re active year-round, raccoons are most noticeable during the warmer months when they’re […]

Skunks: The Striped Defenders

Skunks in the forest

Skunks. The mere mention conjures up images of foul smelling sprays and frantic retreats. Yet, beneath that infamous odor lies a fascinating creature with a vital role in the delicate balance of nature, even in urban environments. Let’s dig into the world of skunks, exploring their defense mechanism (their smell), preferred dens, breeding habits, and […]