Creature Comforts

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.

It's another all-pet edition of Creature Comforts and Libby Hartfield is back from her annual trip to Oregon. Dr. Majure addresses questions about pet food allergies, animal training, and Libby comments on a few birds that she was excited to see on her trip. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this edition of Creature Comforts, we welcome back Jason Hoeksema to talk about shorebirds. Also known as wind birds, Jason has a special place in his heart for these migratory birds being the president of the Delta Wind Birds organization. Ahead of the next Delta Wind Birds field trip, Jason talks about what makes these birds special and how everyone can help them thrive by focusing on their habitat. Also, Dr. Majure shares tips for introducing a new dog into a family with an already established pet dog and how to curb a very playful pup that will chew on anything. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today we welcome back Tom Mann from the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. Best known for working with the cold-blooded creatures here in Mississippi, including the 30 different species of salamander, you may have seen Tom and other salamander enthusiasts carrying salamanders across the Natchez Trace as the bucket brigade. Today we’ll get an update on these small but mighty creatures found around the state also Dr. Majure answers pet questions, including one about a very senior bunny. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this episode of Creature Comforts, we welcome back Claire Graves from Pearl Riverkeeper. They are a non-profit organization dedicated to keeping the Pearl River watershed clean and healthy through advocacy and education. And on occasion they get into the water do the dirty work. Their annual Clean Sweep event is their largest group clean-up and has removed over 130,000 pounds of trash from the Pearl River watershed. Clair talks about this year's event and other work the Pearl Riverkeeper group is doing.  Also, Dr. Majure answers your pet questions, throughout the show. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Our friend, biologist Joe McGee is back to talk about migratory birds and which species can be seen here in Mississippi. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pet day rolls around at the top of every month on Creature Comforts and no two shows come out the same. Following the aftermath of Hurricane Ida Dr. Majure talks about safety tips for your pets during severe weather and answers another round of pet questions. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Biologist Joe Magee is back in the studio to talk about the birds that can be seen around Mississippi this time of year. This is a very exciting time for bird watchers and enthusiasts, from shorebirds to waders and the elusive swallow-tailed kite, there is much to see and hear. Also, Dr. Majure helps with your pet questions and Kevin brings new findings of his favorite bird. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Urban Wildlife is a phrase that might spark images of squirrels and backyard birds, but what about raccoons and possums that are often hidden until the nighttime. Or what about that deer that may be seen around your home or workplace. And do not forget about the coyotes downtown and the cougars in the suburbs! Today we speak about Urban Wildlife with Dr. Adam Rohnke, from the Mississippi State University Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center. Also, Dr. Majure is here for your pet questions and talks about how your pets might feel when they encounter urban wildlife. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Our good friend Joe Magee joins the show to talk about some of his latest animal sightings and encounters. Also, Dr. Majure talks about the situation surrounding pandemic pets. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pet days are always fun and this edition is extra festive ahead of the 4th of July holiday. Dr. Mjaure shares plenty of advice to help our furry friends during these summer months Also, we got plenty of calls from Starkville after the historic night on the baseball diamond. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The American alligator is the largest reptile in North America. In Mississippi, they are most prevalent in the southern two-thirds of the state but can be found in many parts of Mississippi. Today we talk with the Alligator Program Coordinator for the MDWFP, Ricky Flynt about what to do if you spot an alligator and how to participate in the upcoming alligator hunting season.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jerry Brown, Assistant Director of Fisheries at the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks, is back on Creature Comforts to talk about one of the state's favorite outdoor activities. Between pet questions for Dr. Majure and Libby Hartfield talking about her latest bird sighting, Jerry gives information about new lake openings and how to stay legal while on the water. Bass, bream, crappie, and catfish can be found in most Mississippi waterways and Jerry gave great advice for catching your next prize fish. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.