The longer I live, the more I wish scientists would succeed with “induced hibernation,” especially for old duffers like me. I hate winter! Well, not really. I do enjoy going out with my family getting in the winter wood, something I’ve been doing almost all my life, but not a much as I did when […]
outside world
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Bugging Out!
After a host of bugs come in, our Natural World columnist has something to say
Enough is enough, all you good people! I’m all bugged out! Thank you for the response to my request for the bugs mentioned in my kissing bug piece, published in the Source Feb. 14. Those of you who sent me notes about bugs in their lives—and especially those who sent me the actual bugs and […]
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If Allowed, Raccoons Will Stay
Like deer, raccoons shouldn’t be fed by humans. Take this hilarious tale as proof
Our common variety raccoon, usually found near water, always mooching, is truly a wonder. Raccoons can get by on just about anything edible left out on the back porch, and once they’ve found a food source, they’re reluctant to change their habits. Feeding mule deer is a very bad habit, but feeding raccoons is a […]
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Spiders in the Northwest
Revisiting hobos, widows and violins
Judging from the phone calls, emails and text messages, things have gotten out of hand in the spider world, especially regarding those thought to be dangerous. Hence, right from the get-go, let’s put the real “Bad One,” the brown recluse, also known as the violin spider—behind us. One, it does not and cannot live in […]