Rattlesnake Report for 5-20-12

Posted on by Stevo

Zoe has moved around 60 feet south of her previous location beside the trail.  I found her coiled in a resting coil about 6 inches from an 8 inch diameter oak log.  About 10 feet uphill from and resting beside the same log as Zoe I spotted a small Copperhead coiled on the surface–the hunting must be grand in this area.  Zoe is far enough from the trail that I can lower her danger level to a 3 but not far enough to make it a 1 because she could easily move back uphill to the trail.

Utsanati remains on top of the ridge where he has been for the last couple of weeks.  His danger level is a 2.

View the video below for the action from the field!

This report was made from the field using my Droid.

FREE PAUL WATSON

Posted on by Stevo

One of my heroes–Paul Watson, the founder and leader of the aggressive and highly effective marine conservation group “Sea Shepherd” – known mainly for disrupting whale hunts, documented on the reality TV program “Whale Wars” – has been detained in Germany at the request of Costa Rica, which wants him extradited on trumped up charges from shark fin poachers and whale killers. I strongly support Sea Shepherd and their past actions to protect marine life and I look forward to their  forthcoming “global campaign to save sharks from extinction”.   Love him or hate him Paul Watson is making a difference in the way people view the animals of our oceans.  Please do all you can to help get Capt. Watson released from jail and back at the helm of the Steve Irwin protecting the seas from man.


I also feel that I must say that while I have been to Costa Rica and find it to be a beautiful country with wonderful people–I cannot continue to support their tourism industry when they support shark finning –especially when it is in their own designated marine preserves like Cocos Island.  If you are planning a trip to visit Costa Rica–please reconsider.  If you stop supporting them with your tourist dollars then they will hopefully get the message and work to end illegal shark finning in their waters. If you did not know or do not believe that Costa Rica is shark finning then please watch the documentary Sharkwater  —   It changed the way I view sharks and our impacts on the oceans.  It changed my life.  Paul Watson has changed my life and made me more of an activist for the change that is needed in this world.

I have also included several links where you can learn more and sign petitions to help free Capt. Watson.

http://www.seashepherd.org/index.php

Visit FreePaulWatson on facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/FreePaulWatson

http://www.ecoearth.info/shared/alerts/sendsm.aspx?id=shark_finning

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/663/009/291/release-paul-watson/

http://redhotchilipeppers.com/news/340-red-hot-chili-peppers-call-for-german-authorities-to-stop-extradition-of-sea-shepherd-captain-paul-watson-to-costa-rica

 

Please support Sea Shepherd in their fight to protect the oceans from man and out destructive ways.

LOST TURTLE ALERT

Posted on by Stevo

Mr. Bones is an Eastern Box Turtle that lives in the forests and fields in Cedar Mountain, NC.  Since 2007 he has been part of the TURTLE TRACKS wildlife conservation study using radio telemetry to learn more about the natural movements of wild box turtles.  In 2010 his transmitter (the object attached to his shell on his left side) failed and we lost track of him.

If you live in Cedar Mountain you can help us find Mr. Bones by keeping your eyes open for box turtles crossing the road in front of the Creekside Market on the south side of 276.  Also keep your eyes open for road crossing turtles for about 1 mile up and down 276 on either side of the Creekside Market.  If you find a box turtle in this area–with or without a transmitter attached to it’s shell–please pick up the turtle (they do not bite),  place it in a tall bucket or box, note exactly where you found the turtle and if possible, the direction it was moving.

Then call the Turtle Tracks project coordinator Steve O’Neil at 828-606-8939.  If you are unable to reach Steve and/or if the turtle is injured please call Steve’s intern Elisha Ely at 724-991-7893 so that one of us can pick up the turtle and if it is Mr. Bones attach a fresh new transmitter and release him back into the forest so that we can continue tracking his movements.  If it is not Mr.Bones or Mrs. Bones the female that we are tracking–finding new turtles is always a great thing because it furthers our knowledge of the Eastern box turtle in the Cedar Mountain area.

Box turtles are most active during the mornings and later in the day and especially during and after rain showers so please drive carefully during these times.

Thank you for you help finding the lost Mr. Bones.

For more information on the Turtle Tracks project take a look at our website at: www.earthshinenature.com

Box turtles are in danger when they cross roads.  No matter where you are,  if you find road crossing box turtles please pick them up and move them to the side of the road that they are moving toward then place them a few yards off of the road in the cover of the forest/bushes.  This greatly improves their chances of survival and you get extra credit for doing a good deed and helping an animal in need.

Rattlesnake Report for 5/14/12.

Posted on by Stevo

Utsanati has moved over 300 feet south since my last report. He is near the highest point on the property and about 100 feet from a rarely used trail. When I found him he was in a resting coil among the blueberries. His Danger Level is a 2.

Zoe remains in the brush pile beside the trail. She is in almost exactly the same spot where I have located her on the last three locate days. Today I noticed that her eyes are looking opaque. This indicates that she will be shedding her skin soon. She also looks like she recently ate a large meal-possibly a squirrel. Zoe’s Danger Level is a 5 due to her proximity to the trail. Use caution. I placed a small cairn of rocks near her location so the human and canine residents of the community where she lives will be able to use caution when in her territory.

Watch a video of the latest locations of the snakes below.

This report was posted from the field using my droid.

Rattlesnake Report for 5-6-2012

Posted on by Stevo

Rattlesnake Report #3 for  5/6 2012. In these special blog postings I will update you on the movements and status of Timber Rattlesnakes Utsanati and Zoe that we are following with radio telemetry.  I have come up with a “potential danger level” scale that represents the potential danger the snakes could pose to the human inhabitants of the community due to their proximity to human habitations and activity areas.  The danger level also applies to the snakes being in danger if they are near a road or yard where they could be accidentally injured or killed or by man and his machines and toxic chemicals such as insecticides and herbicides.  If you live in the community where the snakes live please pay close attention to their locations and the “potential danger level” and take appropriate care in your activities to protect you and the snakes from any harm.  The scale will be as follows: Danger Level 1= No immediate danger.  The snake is in the rough.  Danger Level 5=High danger level.  The snake is very close to a residence/trail/road–walk, drive or mow carefully and please do not spray toxic chemicals in the area where the snake was last found.  If you have questions about the snake’s locations please do not hesitate to contact me.

Utsanati has also moved from his from his last location under the tin at his capture location.  He has moved around 300 feet and is headed east toward the highest point on the ridge.  He is only about 25 feet from a heavily used trail so I will have to keep a close eye on Utsanati for a while.  From his posture with his chin resting on a stick I would say that he is possibly  hunting for rodents in the rocks.  Take a look at a photo of him below and then view the video below for more details of his location and status.  Danger Level 4=Elevated danger level.  Click photos to zoom.

Another view of his position.

A close up–note his chin on the stick.

Another view.

The Female rattlesnake Zoe has moved around .29 miles southeast from her last location in the backyard of a residence.  I found her coiled in a resting coil on the side of a hiking trail.  While she was in the forest her location was close to a private residence, a hiking trail to a waterfall and on the edge of Earthshine’s property so for these reasons I give her a Danger Level 4=Elevated danger level.  Please use caution when hiking, working in the area and if you live in the community please call me if you see Zoe or any other rattlesnakes.  Take a look at a photo of her below and view the video below for more details of her location and status.

Watch this video for all the latest details of the travels of Utsanati and Zoe.

Earthshine Nature Programs Open House/Benefit Event Reminder

Posted on by Stevo

The countdown has started!

Only 10 days remain!

On May 12, 2012

Earthshine Nature Programs will hold an

Open House/Benefit event!

Event Time: 11:00 am-5:00pm

Event Location: Earthshine Mountain Lodge 1600 Golden Road Lake Toxaway, NC 28747

Bring the family and join us for an open house and benefit for Earthshine Nature Programs. Learn all about our in-house and outreach wildlife and nature programs, wildlife rehabilitation efforts and unique reptile conservation education projects featuring Eastern box turtles and Timber rattlesnakes.

Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy during the introduction by Naturalist Steve O’Neil.  After lunch have some wonderful chocolatey gourmet deserts made at Earthshine and gelato from Kiwi Gelato in Brevard.  Snacks, coffee and tea will be provided.

Throughout the day kids of all ages will enjoy creating a custom tie-dyed t-shirt (new t-shirts will be provided) to take home as a memento.

Listen to some earth-shaking drones on the didgeridoo by local didgeridoo master John Vorus and Earthshine Naturalist Steve O’Neil with Jason Alfrey on percussion.  Then the Naughty Pillows will introduce you to their unique and beautiful harmonies from the heart.   We are planning to  have an open jam session after the event at ~5:30pm so if you play an instrument feel free to being it along and jam with us.

Throughout the day the ole timey sounds of Benny and Shawn will be heard as the wandering minstrels stroll merrily about the mountaintop while pickin’ and grinnin’.

After lunch visit the nature center’s animals and then take a short hike to meet one of our study animals in the field.  The nature center will be open all day and it will be staffed by knowledgeable naturalists and volunteers so feel free to visit with the animals any time you like.

Participate in a silent auction of many unique wildlife/nature/outdoor themed items that have been created by local artists and donated by many local businesses to help us raise funds to support our work–all donations are tax deductible.  As of 4/1/12 local artists that have donated their works include: Christina Ramsey, Linda Martinson, Jenny Geer-Hardwick and Jim Hardy.  Local businesses that have contributed to the auction include: Earthshine Lodge, Kiwi Gelato, Headwaters Outfitters, Looking Glass Outfitters, Jets Pizza, O.P. Taylors, Local Color, Broad Street Wines, Pure Pets, Elements Spa, La Petite Spa, The Forest Place, The Gatekeepers Table, Twin Dragons, Healthy Harvest Natural Foods, Hallelujah Natural Foods, Braken Mountain Bakery, Pad Thai,   …more soon!  All  proceeds from the silent auction directly supports the continued operation of our in-house and outreach nature education, wildlife rehabilitation efforts, conservation programs and projects.

Attend our special nature programs in the lodge hosted by regional experts to learn more about the wonderful wildlife and nature that we share our local world with. Programs include: Earthshine Nature Programs by Naturalist Steve O’Neil (this program will be presented during the introduction at 11:00), The Green Salamander by Alan Cameron and The Hellbender (aka: Snot Otter) by NC Wildlife Resources Commission Field Biologist Lori Williams.

Close out the day on the trail on a native wildflower/mushroom/reptile and amphibian hike led by Naturalists Clint Calhoun, Steve O’Neil, John Vorus, Lori Williams and Alan Cameron.  We will be sure to uncover many interesting wild things on this wonderful moderate level hike guided by some of the most knowledgeable naturalists in the area!

All scheduled events begin promptly on time beginning at 11:00 am so arrive early to get a good parking spot.  Parking lot opens at 10am.

Event happens rain or shine.  In the event of inclement weather the guided hike will become a wildflower/native plants of the area  slideshow in the lodge.

For more information and to view the schedule of events go to the ENP website.

Updates/changes will be posted on this Blog and on the ENP website.

If you are unable to attend but would still like to make a donation please follow this link to our donate page.  THANK YOU!

Earthshine Nature Programs is a not for profit 501c3 organization that is a separate entity from Earthshine Mountain Lodge.   All  proceeds from the sale of t-shirts, confections, Gelato, donations and from the silent auction directly supports the continued operation of our in-house and outreach nature education, wildlife rehabilitation efforts, conservation programs and projects.

NOTE: Photos by Steve Atkins, Will Thomas, Jim Hardy, Aaron Weed,  Mark Tegges and Steve O’Neil.

New visitors at Earthshine!

Posted on by Stevo

In mid April, Oliver and Jen came to meet the Nature Center’s animals and learn about snakes.  Oliver is working on a project for TEDxyouth and I am more than willing to help him in any way that I am able.  Thank you Oliver and Jen for caring what happens to the misunderstood creatures of the world like snakes and trying to make a difference in how people view and treat them.  The world needs many more people just like you!

 

We also have some new feathered visitors at Earthshine!  A few days ago a pair of Canada Geese appeared at the pond.  They are not very afraid of people and will let you get fairly close.  I believe that they may be deciding if it is a good spot to nest or not.  I will keep you updated on their status.

 

I saw this in Asheville–enjoy!

 

Rattlesnake Report for 4-30 and 5-2 2012

Posted on by Stevo

Rattlesnake Report #2 for 4/30 and 5/2 2012.  In these special blog postings I will update you on the movements and status of Timber Rattlesnakes Utsanati and Zoe that we are following with radio telemetry.  I have come up with a “potential danger level” scale that represents the potential danger the snakes could pose to the human inhabitants of the community due to their proximity to human habitations and activity areas.  The danger level also applies to the snakes being in danger if they are near a road or yard where they could be accidentally injured or killed or by man and his machines and toxic chemicals such as insecticides and herbicides.  If you live in the community where the snakes live please pay close attention to their locations and the “potential danger level” and take appropriate care in your activities to protect you and the snakes from any harm.  The scale will be as follows: Danger Level 1= No immediate danger.  The snake is in the rough.  Danger Level 5=High danger level.  The snake is very close to a residence/trail/road–walk, drive or mow carefully and please do not spray toxic chemicals in the area where the snake was last found.  If you have questions about the snake’s locations please do not hesitate to contact me.

Zoe remains in the tangle of brush and cut logs and blueberry thicket at the edge of a yard behind a house in the human community where she lives.  She has only moved about 30 feet in the last 10 days so I believe that she is hunting for rodents that live in the logs.  Danger Level 5!  I found her on the surface under the blueberry bushes in a resting/hunting posture  Take a look at her below.

Utsanati has moved from his remote location in the forest and is back at his capture location near Earthshine!  It has not even been a full year since I first discovered him and during that time he has traveled deep into a distant cove to hibernate and then come full circle to almost the exact location where I discovered him!   His reasons for coming back to the area of his capture to me is obvious–food.  The forest in the area is full of rodents and on top of that there are lots of great thermoregulation spots in the form of old metal roofing, rocks and logs to shelter and hunt under.   I have no doubt that Utsanati remembers being captured at this sight but his need for food outweighs his fear of man.  This is very good information indeed so I rate his presence at this location as a Danger Level 3.  Can you find Utsanati in the photo below?

Here is a close up of Utsanati resting under the old piece of tin.