Friday, December 30, 2016
The chase is on!
From USFWS National Wildlife Refuge System:
The chase is on! Sandy Carter captured the action at Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge in Missouri (https://www.fws.gov/
#USFWS
12-30-16
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The chase is on! Sandy Carter captured the action at Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge in Missouri (https://www.fws.gov/
#USFWS
12-30-16
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Thursday, December 29, 2016
A storm brings much-needed rain to Kofa National Wildlife Refuge
From Kofa National Wildlife Refuge:
A storm brings much-needed rain to Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. Happy Holidays!
12-29-16
Christmas Trees for Fish Habitat
From U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Headquarters:
Don’t toss out the tannenbaum!
Recycle your Christmas tree by donating it for habitat nesting and protective structures for fish. Only natural trees will be used, and trees with decorations or garland still attached will not be accepted. Contact your local Corps of Engineers lake to see where you can take your tree.
https://
12-29-16
Don’t toss out the tannenbaum!
Recycle your Christmas tree by donating it for habitat nesting and protective structures for fish. Only natural trees will be used, and trees with decorations or garland still attached will not be accepted. Contact your local Corps of Engineers lake to see where you can take your tree.
https://
12-29-16
Prairie Restoration in Wisconsin
From U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Region:
Own land in Wisconsin? You can enroll up to 50,000 acres of private land in the pollinators and monarchs SAFE project! Learn more:http://go.usa.gov/x9YuY
Photo: Restoring prairie by Tom Kerr/USFWS.
12-29-16
Own land in Wisconsin? You can enroll up to 50,000 acres of private land in the pollinators and monarchs SAFE project! Learn more:http://go.usa.gov/x9YuY
Photo: Restoring prairie by Tom Kerr/USFWS.
12-29-16
Salmon Spirit
From USFWS Alaska Fisheries and Habitat:
Keep that salmon spirit alive through the winter! #salmonlove
Keep that salmon spirit alive through the winter! #salmonlove
Terrapin
From USFWS Northeast Region:
Today's look back brings us to Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. This beautiful terrapin greeted refuge staff as they got to work one day in June. Check out the original post athttp://bit.ly/2h7ayde
Today's look back brings us to Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. This beautiful terrapin greeted refuge staff as they got to work one day in June. Check out the original post athttp://bit.ly/2h7ayde
Sea Turtles
From NOAA Fisheries Service:
One thing’s for sure, we love sea turtles and so do you!
#SeaTurtleWeek 2016 was high on the list of your favorite stories over the last 365 days, coming in at #3: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/
See more of 2016's most popular stories & photos:http://bit.ly/2hKm5jO
One thing’s for sure, we love sea turtles and so do you!
#SeaTurtleWeek 2016 was high on the list of your favorite stories over the last 365 days, coming in at #3: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/
See more of 2016's most popular stories & photos:http://bit.ly/2hKm5jO
Relocating Mussels
From U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Headquarters:
Louisville District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers assisted the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Mammoth Cave National Park, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to relocate approximately 2000 mussels along a 3.5 mile stretch of the Green River Lake - US Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District (USACE photo by Todd Hagman)
Louisville District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers assisted the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Mammoth Cave National Park, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to relocate approximately 2000 mussels along a 3.5 mile stretch of the Green River Lake - US Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District (USACE photo by Todd Hagman)
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Internship Supports Youth, Tribes, and Fish
From U.S. Geological Survey (USGS):
Internship Supports Youth, Tribes, and Fish
As winter takes hold in the Columbia River Basin, Sam Doak reflects back on a very busy field season. Over the summer and into the fall, Sam’s work covered three watersheds, included a variety of fish sampling techniques, and provided rewarding collaborations with the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Klickitat, WA. As part of the Student Interns in Support of Native American Relations (SISNAR) program, Doak’s work was focused on fish of importance to the Tribe and in areas either owned by the Tribe or considered to be the Tribe’s usual and accustomed fishing areas. “This was my first time in the Pacific Northwest“ said Doak “I’ve learned a lot about salmon and trout, as well as many regional issues.“ But, what he learned through this program has meant much more. “Working side-by-side with scientists from the Tribe has allowed me to learn about the societal aspect of fisheries—to better understand and appreciate the cultural values of conservation and restoration in addition to the ecological values, and to appreciate the Tribe’s knowledge and connection to the fish and land.”
The SISNAR program provides interns work opportunities on current USGS projects directly related to, and preferably on, Native American tribal lands, and assisting Tribes with natural resource research issues including water, hazards, fish and wildlife, and climate change. These mutually beneficial projects also serve to build upon or create new relationships with Native American Tribes. Through an internal competitive process, the USGS Office of Tribal Relations liaison team solicits proposals. They select USGS projects that most benefit the Tribe on whose land the research is being conducted (each Tribe must provide written support for the internship) and that will provide meaningful internship experiences that educate interns about research and management of tribal natural resources.
“It’s a great program for us,” said Fish Biologist Jill Hardiman, “it allows us to work with early career interns to provide technical field experience as well as interpersonal relations with tribal biologists who are passionate about protecting natural and cultural resources. Additionally, I feel that the interns are able to better understand through the tribal perspective of how the land and resources have changed.”
Sam Doak came to the WFRC’s Columbia River Research Laboratory in June, 2016. He brought with him prior experience in freshwater ecology, having recently completed a Master’s degree from Bangor University in the UK. While working at WFRC, his work has focused on salmonid populations in the Columbia River Basin tributaries, including Wind River watershed restoration, White Salmon River salmonid recolonization, and Rock Creek fish and habitat assessments. When asked about his future plans, he expressed interest in staying on the West Coast and doing work focused on conservation. “Protecting local species is meaningful work, and I want to continue in this direction.”
To learn more about the SISNAR or to be connected with Sam Doak, please contact Jill Hardiman jhardiman@usgs.gov.
Photo Caption: Sam Doak (center) and scientists from the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation set up block nets to perform population estimates of fish in a pool on Rock Creek, WA. Photo credit Jill Hardiman, USGS.
SISNAR Program: https://www2.usgs.gov/
Internship Supports Youth, Tribes, and Fish
As winter takes hold in the Columbia River Basin, Sam Doak reflects back on a very busy field season. Over the summer and into the fall, Sam’s work covered three watersheds, included a variety of fish sampling techniques, and provided rewarding collaborations with the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Klickitat, WA. As part of the Student Interns in Support of Native American Relations (SISNAR) program, Doak’s work was focused on fish of importance to the Tribe and in areas either owned by the Tribe or considered to be the Tribe’s usual and accustomed fishing areas. “This was my first time in the Pacific Northwest“ said Doak “I’ve learned a lot about salmon and trout, as well as many regional issues.“ But, what he learned through this program has meant much more. “Working side-by-side with scientists from the Tribe has allowed me to learn about the societal aspect of fisheries—to better understand and appreciate the cultural values of conservation and restoration in addition to the ecological values, and to appreciate the Tribe’s knowledge and connection to the fish and land.”
The SISNAR program provides interns work opportunities on current USGS projects directly related to, and preferably on, Native American tribal lands, and assisting Tribes with natural resource research issues including water, hazards, fish and wildlife, and climate change. These mutually beneficial projects also serve to build upon or create new relationships with Native American Tribes. Through an internal competitive process, the USGS Office of Tribal Relations liaison team solicits proposals. They select USGS projects that most benefit the Tribe on whose land the research is being conducted (each Tribe must provide written support for the internship) and that will provide meaningful internship experiences that educate interns about research and management of tribal natural resources.
“It’s a great program for us,” said Fish Biologist Jill Hardiman, “it allows us to work with early career interns to provide technical field experience as well as interpersonal relations with tribal biologists who are passionate about protecting natural and cultural resources. Additionally, I feel that the interns are able to better understand through the tribal perspective of how the land and resources have changed.”
Sam Doak came to the WFRC’s Columbia River Research Laboratory in June, 2016. He brought with him prior experience in freshwater ecology, having recently completed a Master’s degree from Bangor University in the UK. While working at WFRC, his work has focused on salmonid populations in the Columbia River Basin tributaries, including Wind River watershed restoration, White Salmon River salmonid recolonization, and Rock Creek fish and habitat assessments. When asked about his future plans, he expressed interest in staying on the West Coast and doing work focused on conservation. “Protecting local species is meaningful work, and I want to continue in this direction.”
To learn more about the SISNAR or to be connected with Sam Doak, please contact Jill Hardiman jhardiman@usgs.gov.
Photo Caption: Sam Doak (center) and scientists from the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation set up block nets to perform population estimates of fish in a pool on Rock Creek, WA. Photo credit Jill Hardiman, USGS.
SISNAR Program: https://www2.usgs.gov/
Ridgeway's Rail
From San Francisco Bay NWR Complex:
43 years ago today, President Richard Nixon signed the Endangered Species Act to help wildlife in peril survive and thrive--like this Ridgway's rail on the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge!
12-28-16
*****
43 years ago today, President Richard Nixon signed the Endangered Species Act to help wildlife in peril survive and thrive--like this Ridgway's rail on the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge!
12-28-16
*****
Endangered Species Success: Tobusch Fishhook Cactus
From U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Southwest Region:
Endangered Species Success: The tiny and inconspicuous Tobusch fishhook cactus was listed as endangered in 1979 with only about 200 plants known to exist in a few locations. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our partners includingTexas Parks and Wildlife, Texas Department of Transportation, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, The Nature Conservancy and central Texas landowners today more than 4,000 cacti are known to exist in eight central Texas counties. As a result, we are proposing to downlist the cactus under theUSFWS Endangered Species Act from endangered to threatened. For additional information on the cactus and the downlisting proposal please visithttp://bit.ly/2hOt7Ek
Photo: Tobusch fishhook Cactus. Chris Best/USFWS
Photo: Tobusch fishhook Cactus. Chris Best/USFWS
12-28-16
*****
Between Two Worlds: Frank Lake heals the land using modern science and traditional ecological knowledge
From the #USDA:
Frank Lake, research ecologist with the U.S. Forest Service’s Pacific Southwest Station, jots down some field notes after visiting a forest study plot in northern California. (Photo Credit: Kenny Sauve, Western Klamath Restoration Partnership).
Frank Lake grew up learning traditional practices from the Karuk and Yurok Tribes. He developed an interest in science which led to his career choice as a research ecologist with the U.S. Forest Service’s Pacific Southwest Research Station. As a young man, he didn’t realize how unusual the experience was of spending time in two parallel worlds.
The Megram Fire of 1999 was a turning point for Lake, and the Forest Service as well. It was one of California’s largest wildland fires ever and the agency grappled with how to restore salmon in the burned over watershed. Lake knew that local tribal elders considered “fire as medicine,” and an important part of the ecosystem. The link between fire and fish is through water, they told him, and “water is sacred to all life.” Fires could reduce the number of trees in overly dense forests and improve spring flow needed by rivers to support healthy fisheries.
“With the Megram Fire, we experienced how a big fire affected fish and watersheds, and the Forest Service really started to consider traditional ecological knowledge (TEK),” Lake said. Over the last 15 years, federal agencies established government-to-government consultations with regional tribes and other information sharing opportunities. Lake wanted to learn more as an ecologist.
One recent example of this collaboration is Lake’s research on forests regarding canopy cover. The elders shared with Forest Service scientists the degree of tree canopy cover they considered ideal for their cultural needs. By correlating the characteristics of preferred landscapes, the scientists were able to reduce the number of study plots needed to complete their research, with a substantial savings of time and money.
“We needed to bring the tribal point of view into a contemporary context to achieve multiple resource objectives, such as mitigating hazardous fuels in a forest and restoring fire as a natural process that promotes good things like water and desired vegetation for traditional foods and basket making.”
“Contemporary use of TEK to achieve desired management outcomes for an ‘all lands-all hands’ restoration approach is supported by USDA,” Lake said. “The next step with the Western Klamath Restoration Partnership is implementation, bringing TEK into forest research, planning and other landscape restoration strategies.”
Getting a School Garden Blooming
From the #USDA:
Administrator Audrey Rowe visits the Young Women’s STEAM Academy at Balch Springs Middle School, where students established a school garden as part of their culinary arts program.
School gardens are gaining popularity across the country. In Texas, nearly 3,000 schools participate in farm to school activities. Some of these schools work with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Learn, Grow, Eat, and Go program. Jeff Raska, a school garden specialist with the AgriLife Extension, works with numerous programs and offers practical advice to schools establishing a school garden. Here, he discusses the importance of a strong school garden committee.
By Jeff Raska, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Dallas County Texas
A school vegetable garden can be a wonderful outdoor classroom for studying natural science. Having worked with school gardens on and off for more than 25 years, I have seen many great school garden programs bloom, and then fade as time passes and school priorities change. For the last seven years, I’ve had the privilege of working with school gardens as a 4-H Club program assistant for Dallas County and have had the benefit of seeing a wide range of needs and challenges that schools face when trying to start a garden. However, the most successful programs have a few important things in place.
One of the first common elements is a dedicated garden committee. The committee can include teachers, parents, community members or school support staff. It’s important to have certain duties assigned to each member. For example, there needs to be a point person who reaches out for help when needed and maintains accountability. This is important because if the garden is funded by outside resources, such as grants or corporate sponsors, certain benchmarks must be met. I have honestly tried to talk some schools out of pursuing a school garden because they didn’t have a committee structure in place. The committee is important for success.
The committee needs to determine why they want to invest time and resources into a school garden program, and how it will benefit the students. The committee should write a list of goals they want to accomplish and the benefits the school garden will bring. Then, they need to balance those benefits with the costs involved such as the startup and yearly maintenance fees; the time it will take out of someone’s daily school duties; the team it will require to schedule and carry out a garden program; and how they will incorporate the garden into the school’s lesson plans. The committee can be responsible for start-up funding and long-term maintenance costs, as well as material procurement and maintenance schedules.
The committee should research and recommend a school garden curriculum that best fits the schools lesson plans and goals. I recommend the Learn Grow Eat Go Curriculum developed by the Texas A&M AgriLife Junior Master Gardener team through a USDA research grant. It not only incorporates the horticultural aspects, but also teaches nutrition, cooking and a classroom exercise plan for a complete healthy living model. I incorporate a nutrition element in all school programs I teach (being primarily Title 1 schools) because nutrition education is important in low-income communities.
The people on the committee will change as the years pass (kids and parents move up, teachers move schools, principals change) so a good foundation committee needs to be established and put in place to keep the garden blooming for years to come. I never use the word sustainable in horticultural systems, as no natural eco system just sustains itself. In the same way that an ecosystem evolves to climatic changes, understand that school garden programs must also plan to evolve to be able to enjoy long-term success.
Students show Administrator Rowe a cucumber proudly harvested from their garden. Members of the school staff, the Texas AgriLife Extension and parent volunteers all helped build and maintain the garden.
Elk in Iowa
From Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge:
Great shot of a few of our elk taken yesterday morning by Refuge visitor, Michael Leland. Thank you for sharing, Michael!
#USFWS
12-28-16
*****
Great shot of a few of our elk taken yesterday morning by Refuge visitor, Michael Leland. Thank you for sharing, Michael!
#USFWS
12-28-16
*****
American Goldfinch
From Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge:
American goldfinch near the refuge headquarters
Jessica Bolser/USFWS
#Bird #USFWS
12-28-16
*****
American goldfinch near the refuge headquarters
Jessica Bolser/USFWS
#Bird #USFWS
12-28-16
*****
Kissing Sperm Whales
From NOAA Fisheries Service:
Love is in the air for these kissing sperm whales! This aerial photo was taken during an Atlantic Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species survey aboard the NOAA Twin Otter. It's #4 of our top 6 photos of 2016. See more:http://bit.ly/2hKm5jO
12-28-16
*****
Love is in the air for these kissing sperm whales! This aerial photo was taken during an Atlantic Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species survey aboard the NOAA Twin Otter. It's #4 of our top 6 photos of 2016. See more:http://bit.ly/2hKm5jO
12-28-16
*****
Huge flock of birds ‘dance’ in unison in mesmerizing show of nature (VIDEO)
An incredible sighting of a flock of birds flying in unison and twisting and turning in mesmerizing patterns has been captured on video and shared online.
https://www.rt.com/viral/372061-flock-birds-dance-video/
https://www.rt.com/viral/372061-flock-birds-dance-video/
Bald Eagle Nesting at Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuge
From USFWS Northeast Region:
2016 was a year of firsts, but none was more popular on Northeast Facebook than this bald eagle - the first to nest at Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuge, AKA Eastern Shore of VA and Fisherman Island NWR. Check out the original post at http://bit.ly/2h787Yg
#USFWS
12-28-16
*****
2016 was a year of firsts, but none was more popular on Northeast Facebook than this bald eagle - the first to nest at Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuge, AKA Eastern Shore of VA and Fisherman Island NWR. Check out the original post at http://bit.ly/2h787Yg
#USFWS
12-28-16
*****
Oak Savanna Restoration
From Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge:
A highly anticipated oak savanna restoration has begun on our Rapids Lake Unit! Learn more:http://bit.ly/2inn9uB
Photo: Rapids Lake restoration area by Nicole Menard/USFWS.
12-28-16
*****
A highly anticipated oak savanna restoration has begun on our Rapids Lake Unit! Learn more:http://bit.ly/2inn9uB
Photo: Rapids Lake restoration area by Nicole Menard/USFWS.
12-28-16
*****
Cold Midwestern winters are no big deal for snow buntings!
From U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Region:
Cold Midwestern winters are no big deal for snow buntings! In April, they head back to high arctic breeding grounds where subzero temperatures remain.
Photo: Snow bunting courtesy of Kelly Colgan Azar/Creative Commons. https://flic.kr/p/idBqyz
#USFWS #Bird
12-28-16
*****
Cold Midwestern winters are no big deal for snow buntings! In April, they head back to high arctic breeding grounds where subzero temperatures remain.
Photo: Snow bunting courtesy of Kelly Colgan Azar/Creative Commons. https://flic.kr/p/idBqyz
#USFWS #Bird
12-28-16
*****
Winter White (Weasel in Winter)
From Necedah National Wildlife Refuge:
Did you know that short tailed weasels weigh only 2-5 ounces and long tailed weasels can weight up to 7 oz? Each can eat up to 30% of its body weight a day!
Photo: Winter White courtesy of Bryant Olsen/ Creative Commons https://flic.kr/p/dwNxic
#USFWS
12-28-16
*****
Did you know that short tailed weasels weigh only 2-5 ounces and long tailed weasels can weight up to 7 oz? Each can eat up to 30% of its body weight a day!
Photo: Winter White courtesy of Bryant Olsen/ Creative Commons https://flic.kr/p/dwNxic
#USFWS
12-28-16
*****
It's hard to complain about Salmon Camp
Listen in as young Salmon Camper Simon Lonheim shares information about the Kodiak Refuge Salmon Camp along with insights from other campers. Find out what interview question stumped the campers! This video was created by Kodiak seasonal Ranger and Youth Conservation Corp crew leaders Anelise Zimmer.
#USFWS
#USFWS
Eastern Phoebe Flycatcher Roosting on Garden Faucet
From Bureau of Reclamation:
Eastern Phoebe Flycatcher roosting on a garden faucet, making quite a mess too! Photo by Craig Brougher, Hydrologic Technician with the Bureau of Reclamation, Grand Coulee Power Office.
#wildlifewednesday
12-28-16
*****
Eastern Phoebe Flycatcher roosting on a garden faucet, making quite a mess too! Photo by Craig Brougher, Hydrologic Technician with the Bureau of Reclamation, Grand Coulee Power Office.
#wildlifewednesday
12-28-16
*****
The Kodiak Bears of Alaska
From USFWS National Wildlife Refuge System:
Ready for some hibernating after your hectic holidays? Consider the Kodiak bears of Alaska: Pregnant sows begin hibernating in late October. Males begin later and are the first to emerge -- in April. Females with offspring sometimes don't emerge from their dens until late June. This photo by Lisa Hupp was taken at Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge (https://www.fws.gov/
12-28-16
*****
Ready for some hibernating after your hectic holidays? Consider the Kodiak bears of Alaska: Pregnant sows begin hibernating in late October. Males begin later and are the first to emerge -- in April. Females with offspring sometimes don't emerge from their dens until late June. This photo by Lisa Hupp was taken at Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge (https://www.fws.gov/
12-28-16
*****
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Young Bald Eagles
From Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge:
These young bald eagles were recently photographed in the trees along the auto tour route. How many bald eagles have you spotted out on the refuge lately?
Photo: Juvenile Bald Eagles courtesy of Steve Hinds
12-27-16
^^^^^
These young bald eagles were recently photographed in the trees along the auto tour route. How many bald eagles have you spotted out on the refuge lately?
Photo: Juvenile Bald Eagles courtesy of Steve Hinds
12-27-16
^^^^^
Think sharks are scary? There’s a new critter swimming in Biscayne Bay
South Florida’s most aggressive invasive species has found a new way to grab headlines: slither atop a research platform in Biscayne Bay.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article123211614.html
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article123211614.html
Kirtland’s Warbler
From U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Region:
Kirtland's warblers were first identified in Ohio in 1851 but it took more than 50 years to discover where they nest! Learn more about the rebound of this endangered bird: http://go.usa.gov/x9x3G
Photo: Kirtland’s warbler by Joel Trick/USFWS.
12-27-16
^^^^^
Kirtland's warblers were first identified in Ohio in 1851 but it took more than 50 years to discover where they nest! Learn more about the rebound of this endangered bird: http://go.usa.gov/x9x3G
Photo: Kirtland’s warbler by Joel Trick/USFWS.
12-27-16
^^^^^
Biologically Diverse Southern Forests
From U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Southwest Region:
Southern forests, rivers and streams are some of the most biologically diverse in the world. A new partnership to help Southern family forest owners find sustainable forest management options that benefit wildlife has been formed. The "Southern Woods for At-Risk Wildlife Partnership" will help family forest owners protect at-risk wildlife. http://bit.ly/2i1pRWp
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation American Forest Foundation Landscape Conservation Cooperative Network
Photo: Bottomland Hardwood forest. USFWS.
#USFWS
12-27-16
^^^^^
Southern forests, rivers and streams are some of the most biologically diverse in the world. A new partnership to help Southern family forest owners find sustainable forest management options that benefit wildlife has been formed. The "Southern Woods for At-Risk Wildlife Partnership" will help family forest owners protect at-risk wildlife. http://bit.ly/2i1pRWp
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation American Forest Foundation Landscape Conservation Cooperative Network
Photo: Bottomland Hardwood forest. USFWS.
#USFWS
12-27-16
^^^^^
Killer Whale Family
From NOAA Fisheries Service:
What a great "family photo"! This killer whale family comes in at #5 on the countdown of our best photos of year. Check out the full list:http://bit.ly/2hKm5jO
12-27-16
^^^^^
What a great "family photo"! This killer whale family comes in at #5 on the countdown of our best photos of year. Check out the full list:http://bit.ly/2hKm5jO
12-27-16
^^^^^
Help Keep Key Deer Wild
From Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Complex:
Help Keep Key Deer Wild--This little Key deer was feeding in the mangroves with his mother and perhaps an older sibling last Sunday. All three were content to make their way along the beach, feeding on leaves, seeds and other parts of the native vegetation. Key deer have lived here for thousands of years, they are fully adapted to life in the wild, its an amazing thing to watch. Please help keep them wild and free by not feeding them.
(P.S. Its also against the law).
Photo: USFWS
12-27-16
^^^^^
Help Keep Key Deer Wild--This little Key deer was feeding in the mangroves with his mother and perhaps an older sibling last Sunday. All three were content to make their way along the beach, feeding on leaves, seeds and other parts of the native vegetation. Key deer have lived here for thousands of years, they are fully adapted to life in the wild, its an amazing thing to watch. Please help keep them wild and free by not feeding them.
(P.S. Its also against the law).
Photo: USFWS
12-27-16
^^^^^
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