Creature Comforts

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.

Pet day rolls around at the top of every month on Creature Comforts and no two shows come out the same. On this show, Dr. Troy Majure helps with wide-ranging pet questions about cats that do not like the litter box and the importance of a summer cut for your dog. While Libby Hartfield talks about the fledgling birds in her yard and the possibilities of seeing an albino squirrel in Mississippi. Also, they comment on the viral video of the altercation between a bear and a 17-year-old girl. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

With the seasons changing from spring to summer our friend Joe McGee joins the show to talk about what he is seeing and hearing in nature With many frogs sounding off we pick out some differences between frog calls and what are the best ways to hear nature around your area. Also, Libby talks about fireflies and Dr. Majure tries to bring relief for some pet owners dealing with several problems. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mississippi will hear the sweet sounds of cicadas this year so Dr. Richard Brown joins the show to talk about what type of cicada we should expect. The 17-year cicadas that have dominated the news latley will appear in large numbers in other parts of the country, just not Mississippi. Yet there is plenty to explore about the cicadas here in Mississippi, especially their protein content. Also, Libby and friend of the show Clarie Graves talk about the firefly light shows that have been seen nightly around the metro Jackson area. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Lynn Faust joins this edition of Creature Comforts to talks about the fire flies appearing this late spring. As the author of “Fireflies, Glow-worms, and Lightning Bugs: Identification and Natural History of the Fireflies of the Eastern and Central United States and Canada” Lynn really knows how to pick these bio-luminescent creatures out of the nights sky. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The guineafowl may not be as popular as chickens but are very well known for their yard tick control. But can you endure their call? This is just an example of the type of advice you hear on an all-pet edition of creature comforts. Along with tips for keeping pets calm during severe weather and learning about what Libby is seeing outside her window this May Pet Day is a great time to hear what is happening with your four-legged friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Terry Vandeventer is a Creature Comfort's favorite and always shares that snakes are more afraid of us than we are of them. As hard as a fact like that may be to believe, Terry talks about the proper way to interact with these creatures and dispel myths about them. So put away your mothballs and listen to Terry talk about the over 40 species of snakes that call Mississippi home. Also, Libby Hartfield shares about the 51st annual Earth Day and Dr. Majure answers another round of pet questions. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Former Director of the Mississippi Entomological Museum at Mississippi State, Dr. Richard Brown joins this episode of Creature Comforts to talk all things caterpillar. Last year, before he retired from the museum, he was on the show talking about moths. Which is what all caterpillars become, if they do not become butterflies. Between pet questions for Dr. Majure and Libby commenting on her latest nature sightings, Dr. Brown shares about the various caterpillars seen around Mississippi.Show Links:Moth Photographers Group at Mississippi State See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

National Wildlife week is a time to celebrate the beauty and diversity of America’s wildlife. Even species you think you know have strange secrets to reveal. Joining us to talk about these secrets and more is head naturalist and spokesperson for the National Wildlife Federation, David Mizejewski. Ever heard of an animal called a hellbender? Well they are here in Mississippi and that is just one of the nuggets of knowledge David shared through out the show. Also, Dr. Majure talked about the dreadful "kitten season" and why spaying cats is important. Libby even talked about some of the recent snake sightings everyone is sharing with her. Spring is here and the creatures are out.Show Links National Wildlife Week WebsiteNational Wildlife Federation See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As always, we like to open every new month on Creature Comforts with an entire show dedicated to your pets and recent brushes with nature. Easter season is here and Dr. Majure talks about how some homes litter train their pet rabbits. Also, he answers your pet questions, while Libby lets us know about the interesting things she is noticing outside her window. Pet day is always a great opportunity to get advice about your animal and a new nature checklist. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Orleans Audubon Society is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of wildlife and wild places of the southeastern U.S. Today on Creature Comforts we welcome Dr. Jennifer Coulson, President of the Orleans Audubon Society, to talk about the swallow-tailed kite that once had a population that would stretch as far north as Minnesota. This beautiful bird of prey is protected in the state of Mississippi but still has challenges that threaten its numbers. Along with talk of the swallow-tailed kite, Libby Hartfield talks about the first hummingbirds of the season and Dr. Majure answers your pet questions. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The newly discovered Rice's whale is named after biologist Dale Rice, who first recognized these whales in the Gulf of Mexico. Thought to be a subspecies of Bryde's whales they were properly identified after one washed up in the Everglades. From Healthy Gulf (HealthyGulf.org) we welcome Christian Wagley to give us details about this newly discovered species and what makes them different from other whales that frequent the gulf. Christian even shares ways we can help these endangered whales, who are affected by the heavy activity around their habitat. Also, Libby gives timely hummingbird feeder tips and Dr. Majure answers your pet questions. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today on Creature Comforts we dedicate the show to your pets and the animals around your home. As we share our space with creatures big and small there are times when everyone needs a place to call their own. Throughout the show, Libby Hartfield, Dr. Troy Majure, and guest host Java Chatman talk with listeners about their pet problems, help keep bird feeders for the birds, and even talk about the latest in animal cloning. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Now that all the snow and ice have melted it is time to check and see how our Mississippi wildlife was affected by the sudden arctic blast. After catching up with Libby and Dr. Majure about their unique experiences during the winter weather, we welcome back to the show biologist Joe McGee. Always observant about all things Mississippi wildlife, Joe talks about how the cold affected the birds around his feeder and what to look for when raptors are targeting smaller birds in your yard.Show Links:Allaboutbirds.orgPartners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Mississippi Frog Sounds See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pet days are a great time here on Creature Comforts. It is an opportunity to hear about what is happening with your furry friends. Often if there is a problem with a pet, listeners call in and share what worked for them and their pet. Also, Dr. Majure has a brand of veterinary advice that is all his own. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Around Mississippi, eagles are nesting, and now is a great time for eagle sightings. In this edition of Creature Comforts, Debbie Crum from Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation joins the show to talk about where these eagles are being spotted and what to do if you come across injured animals. Recently Debbie was called to help an injured bald eagle that was struck by a car and needed serious medical attention. Also, Dr. Majure and Libby are on hand for pet and wildlife questions about curious cats and attracting wildlife with native plants. Show LinksWinter Crappie – Hot Fishing on Cold Days (Mississippi Wildlife Fisheries & Parks) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.