Creature Comforts

In this edition of Creature Comforts, we welcome master naturalist Robin Whitfield back to the show. As an ecologist, naturalist, and artist, Robin brings people of all ages to better appreciate the natural world with workshops and beautiful art pieces. We catch up with her about her work, admiration for Walter Anderson, and stewardship at the Lee Tart Nature Preserve.Show Links:Robin Whitfield - Mississippi Arts Commission ProfileWalter Anderson: Extraordinary Life and Art of the Islander See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The black bear and Mississippi have a storied history together, dating back to the days of President Theodore Roosevelt and the Teddy Bear. Dr. Dana Morin, Mississippi State University professor of Wildlife Biology, and Richard Rummel, Black Bear coordinator for Mississippi depart. of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks. They talk about the current bear population, where they are found, and what to do if you come face to face with one of these mighty creatures. Also, Libby talks about a recent possum sighting at her home and Dr. Majure answers your pet questions.    See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr. Frank Moore, Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Southern Mississippi, has studied the biology of migratory songbirds across North America, but most intensely along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico for over 30 years. Today we will talk about these migratory birds that visit Mississippi along with their flights and some of the hazards they tend to face. Also, we hear from David Mizejewski as the National Wildlife Federation works with Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom to celebrate National Wildlife Week (April 4-8). See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Delta Wind Bird mission states: “Our mission is to encourage creation of high-quality stopover wetland habitat for birds on private working lands, to preserve the best natural wetland habitats, and to foster awareness of the value of wetlands for birds and people.” As president of Delta Wind Bird, Jason Hoeksema brings this mission to life every day and joins Creature Comforts to talk about some of their current work. While also answering questions about other birds spotted around the state, Jason talks with Kevin on the importance of conserving lands for these birds. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this edition of Creature Comforts, we welcome back one of the good friends of the show, Dr. Cathy Shropshire. When she is not portraying the heroine Fannye Cooke on stage, Dr. Shropshire is staying in tune with Mississippi’s great outdoors. Today she talks about some of the smaller mammals around the state like weasels and minks. Also, Dr. Majure and Libby answer another round of pet and creature questions ranging from itchy pets to covert beetles.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Katelin Cross is the resident mammologist at the MS Museum of Natural Science. Often her work takes her into the field and recently she has taken a particular interest in the skunks of Mississippi. Also, we talk with her about several bats sightings around the state. And as always, Dr. Majure is here for your pet questions, and Libby shares her observations on her most recent trip to the Pacific Northwest. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The first Thursday of every month is always an all-pet edition of Creature Comforts. Dr. Majure answers another round of pet questions, and Libby Hartfield updates us on her latest nature observations. From itchy dog paws to the reason you may find empty turtle shells on your next nature walk, there is much to learn and enjoy during this week's episode. Enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mississippi is the proud home to some impressive lakes, rivers, creeks, and ponds. Over 280 species swim in these waters with great diversity. To help break down these species is biologist Robbie Ellwanger from the MS Museum of Natural Science. Also, as we move through Severe Weather Preparedness Week, we talk about keeping pets safe when severe weather strikes. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pet Day on Creature Comforts is always fun because you never know what you are going to get. As always Dr. Majure answers questions about your cats and dogs but also gives a refresher on litter box protocol when there are multiple cats in a home. Also during the show, we hear about how wild hogs are in Mississippi and be a real problem for pets and property. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We are often led to believe that nature is dormant during winter. However, a hike through the woods, along a creek, or around the edge of a pond in January or February can reveal lots going on in the natural world at this time of year. Today we welcome back our good friend, biologist Joe Magee to the show to talk about the observations he is making this time of year. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this episode of Creature Comforts Andrew Whitehurst, biologist with the organization Healthy Gulf joins the show. Today he talks about the Pearl River Map Turtle that’s being considered for Threatened Species status by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. He will also talk about other conversation efforts by Healthy Gulf including what is happening with the One Lake Project.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Invasive carp can be a serious problem for boaters and anglers who use Mississippi waters. Fisheries biologist, Dennis Riecke from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks joins the show to talk about carp and the programs in place to control these fish. Also special events coordinator for the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, Nicole Smith drops in to talk about Family Fun Science Day and the new addition at the Lefleur's Bluff Museum District. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

If you are thinking about making a nest box for some of our avian friends, now is the time to start planning before it is nesting season. Our friend Joe Magee is here to share tips about making your nest box and what birds to look for this December in Mississippi. Also, Dr. Majure answers your pet questions, and Libby shares about a recent eagle encounter she had in travels out west. Show Links:Birdhouse Book: The Complete Guide to Attracting Nesting Birds by Donald & Lillian StokesAllAboutBirds.org See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A true friend of the show, Terry Vandeventer, is back to talk about the numerous snakes found around the state. Although some snakes may be hibernating for winter, there are plenty to be found around the state this December. Always ready to help dispel rumors and old wives' tales about these animals Terry answers another round of questions about snakes of Mississippi. Also, Dr. Majure talks about finding the right weight for your pet and helps a listener find a new litter box for her cat. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The holiday season is a joyous occasion but can come with some real hazards for our pets. On this all-pet day of Creature Comforts, Dr. Majure talks about some of these potential dangers and how to avoid them. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

 For many years the Jackson Audubon Society has made the prothonotary warbler the focus of their nesting box program. These small songbirds breed in the Southeast and can be found near forested wetlands or water. Bird enthusiast and Jackson Audubon member, Charlie Pfeifer joins the show to talk about these birds and what makes them special. Also, Libby shares another tale in her yellowjacket chronicles and Dr. Majure helps listeners with very busy pets. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The first Thursday of every month is always an all-pet edition of Creature Comforts. While Dr. Majure did answer another round of pet questions, including one from host Kevin Farrel about his cat's recent whisker loss, today was all about your creature stories. From rodents to elephants, birds and spiders, there was plenty to share on this episode of Creature Comforts. Enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The cooling temps are settling in and you might notice a few changes in the behavior of your backyard critters. Libby gives an account of some of the changes she has noticed and shares more about some of the things she is seeing outside her window. Dr. Majure shares advice for a pair of rambunctious dogs, then a friend of the show Nicole Smith from the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science talks about the upcoming event Park After Dark. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As much as we enjoy our Mississippi outdoors it can sometimes not be as pleasant as we like. Have Bumble Bees ever ruined your afternoon or have fire ants somehow found their way inside your shoe? Today on the show our good friend Joe Magee will walk us through some of the more unpleasant sides of nature.   Also, Dr. Majure will answer some of your pet emails and talk about keeping our furry friends healthy.This is a special drive time episode and if you want to support this not-for-profit radio station, please visit our website: MPBOnline.org. Thanks! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this edition of Creature Comforts welcome carnivore ecologist and assistant professor at Mississippi State University Dr. Dana Morin. She studies the effects coyotes have on the population of deer in the Southeast. Sometimes seen as an invasive species she will discuss the role of the coyote in Mississippi wildlife and how you should interact with these animals especially when they are in residential areas. Also, Dr. Majue talks about pet teeth health, and Libby shares about the Mississippi hug she gets every time she returns from a trip out of the state. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.