Creature Comforts

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.

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.