Into the Outdoors: Reader Feedback and More

This past week, I have gotten a lot of reader feedback, something I really like. Let’s start with a look at some of it.

We all know about the problem with bats and white nose syndrome. The disease has greatly reduced the number of bats. There does, however, appear to be hope on the horizon. A reader reports seeing three of the little critters, our only winged mammal, on a recent evening. This is indeed encouraging. They may be making a comeback. A bat will eat insects, especially mosquitoes, by the thousands. They don’t get in your hair or turn into Dracula and suck your blood. They are, however, notorious carriers of rabies. This is a good reason to leave them alone.

Another reader reported seeing her first monarch butterfly of the year. I have yet to see even one. They have become endangered in recent years. One of the biggest reasons for their decline is the spraying and destruction of milkweed, which is their primary source of sustenance and the only plant upon which they lay their eggs. The larvae also feed on the milkweed. I purchased some milkweed seeds to plant, but they never came up. For the monarch’s sake, it’s best not to destroy milkweed.

Interestingly, some other names for the monarch are milkweed butterfly, common tiger, wanderer, and black veined brown. They also migrate over vast distances. They are beautiful and unique. They are well worth preserving. They are also toxic to predators. Another butterfly, the viceroy, is very similar in appearance to the monarch, and uses this to its advantage against predators.

Yet another reader sent a game camera photo of a fisher. (right) Since their reintroduction, they seem to have caught on. The photo clearly shows what the critters look like.

I have not included the names of the readers, as I failed to ask their permission to do so.

While researching for the column, I came across a rather disturbing article. It appears that the hot, humid summer we have been having has provided the ideal situation for ticks, and their population has exploded. While active the entire year, their activity level increases dramatically when the weather is hot.  This year, doctors’ office and emergency room visits due to tick bites have skyrocketed. Lyme disease, the best-known tick-borne illness, is now appearing in increasing numbers in areas in which it was once rare.  

This increase in tick population is not caused solely by weather. Other factors are also involved. Some other factors include changes in land use, increased deer and rodent populations, and closer contact between humans and wildlife have contributed to the problem.

Protective measures against ticks include wearing light colored clothing to make the little devils easier to spot. Good insect repellents are invaluable. My personal favorite is No Bite Me, by Sallyander.  It really seems to do the job without noxious chemicals. You should also check yourself carefully for ticks after outdoor activities, especially if you have been in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas. Ticks are also a problem for pets.  If your pets are allowed outside, be sure to check them carefully so that ticks are not brought into your house. Your vet can provide you with effective tick repellents for pets. In my personal experience, I once had a tick bite that was definitely Lyme, featuring the famous bullseye. Fortunately, I knew enough to go to the ER, where I was prescribed the proper antibiotics to prevent the disease.

The second photo includes the “Big Three” poisonous plants; poison ivy, oak, and sumac. It’s intended as a reminder to watch out for these. I fear them more than anything else in nature.

---

Email: salmonangler1@gmail.com