Most of us who live in southwest Missouri are used to sharing our surroundings with wildlife. Seeing a skunk or a raccoon along a country road is nothing unusual. But several recent cases of rabies in our area are a good reminder that we should
Rabies awareness: Simple steps to protect your family Read More »
From my combination man cave/workshop behind our house, I can still look out and see the old tree in my mind’s eye. I had known it for a long time until one afternoon this past March when high winds brought it to the ground from
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is beginning to receive some reports of hemorrhagic disease (HD) in deer this summer and is asking the public to help determine the extent of the disease by reporting suspected cases. HD is a general term for two related
MDC asks public to report hemorrhagic disease in deer Read More »
Unique western ratsnake to turn 9 years old. BRANSON, Mo. – One of the most well-known snakes of Southwest Missouri is celebrating a milestone. Tiger-Lily, a two-headed western ratsnake, is turning 9 years old. The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Shepherd of the Hills Conservation
Celebrate two-headed snake’s birthday Oct. 3 at MDC’s Shepherd of the Hills Center Read More »
WILDWOOD — September is migration season for many birds, which makes it an ideal time for avian enthusiasts to go birding and hiking in Missouri. The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Rockwoods Reservation in Wildwood is an excellent destination for both activities. Lingering warmer temperatures
MDC’s Rockwood Reservation to hold birding & hiking events Sept. 14 Read More »
Missouri’s softshell turtles are some of the most odd-looking creatures in the state, but also some of the most interesting. There are two types of softshell turtles in Missouri: the Northern spiny softshell and the midland smooth softshell, both primarily living in large rivers and
Last week it was announced by California health authorities that so far this year, three persons have died from venomous snake bites in California and another 70 or so have been bitten but have survived it. Bill Hoagland Apparently, the unusually warm weather in California
A wildlife specialist in Jefferson City got a call recently from a concerned citizen who had a newborn white-tailed deer fawn. Mike Roux He gets them every year, just as every office of the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) does. The fawn had been near
Mark Twain National Forest invites birders — new, veteran, and everyone in-between — to discover the Forest through this fun and educational activity this year. Beginner-friendly birdwatching opportunities abound across the forested hills, open glades, and diverse riparian areas of the Forest. National Forest System
Celebrating birds & birding during this special year Read More »
Missouri is home to three species of treefrogs — the gray treefrog (Dryophytes versicolor), Cope’s gray treefrog (D. chrysoscelis) and the green treefrog (D. cinereus). All three are known for their ability to change colors. Both Cope’s and gray treefrogs exist in a wide range
From the wildflowers of Paintbrush Prairie to the forested land around Spring Fork Lake, habitat diversity is a key component of keeping Sedalia’s natural areas thriving. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has partnered with the City of Sedalia to revitalize 20 acres of oak
Crews remove overgrown cedar to create healthy habitat for native wildlife Read More »
ST. LOUIS – A familiar avian presence has returned to Franklin County as a pair of Peregrine falcons has officially claimed the nest box, where at least one egg has already been laid – now streaming live on Ameren Missouri’s Falcon Cam. After last year’s
Live stream the Peregrine falcons journey from egg to first flight Read More »
