Creature Comforts

Winter migratory birds are being seen around the state and with the proper feeding station your backyard could become a bird watching destination. Today on the show from Wild Birds Unlimited is Nathan Weissinger. He along with Dr. Troy Majure and Kevin Farrel talk about birds that you will see this winter in Mississippi, what seeds they enjoy, and how to keep fresh water available for our feathery friends. Also Dr. Majure comments on the cat that made a recent splash at Monday Night Football. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Friend of the show, biologist Joe McGee is back to talk about some of the migrating birds that are making their way through Mississippi. Have you seen any Kinglets yet? How about the Yellow-rumped Warbler? Joe talks about some of his recent bird sightings, also during the hour vultures become the topic of discussion. And at the top of the show Dr. Majure talks a huge mastiff that had to be rescued from a hiking trail in Utah. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The alligator snapping turtle looks like something from a time long ago, but if you are around Luke Pearson you see plenty of these freshwater creatures. Luke Pearson is a herpetologist from the University of Southern Mississippi and spends most of his days locating a studying these turtles that have seen a significant decline in their population. On the show today we talk with him about his work, along with Libby Hatfield and Dr. Troy Majure answering your creature questions. (Cover photo by: Norbert Nagel / Wikimedia Commons)_________Green tree frog picture sent by email: See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

During this early fall season the weather has been a hold over from summer, but now cooler temperatures have arrived. How has the fluctuation affected some of the creatures that call Mississippi home. Friend of the show, biologist Joe McGee is back to talk about the frogs and birds during this fall season. What is the activity level of frogs in October? What birds are we seeing this time of year? Also during this show Dr. Majure talks about choosing proper pet food and answers your pet questions. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Bob Crosby is a US Coast Guard licensed Captain and has been fishing for trophy blue catfish in the Mississippi River for over ten years. Today he is back on Creature Comforts to talk about what is necessary when wanting to go after the big fish and how he preaches staying safe when on the Mighty Mississippi. Also, Dr. Majure answers your pet questions and talks about the importance of keeping bat boxes not so close to your home. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Pearl Riverkeeper is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to improving the Pearl River watershed ​through restoration, advocacy and education. Today on the program we welcome board member Billy Mitchell to talk about how he became a "Water Ranger" and the big Pearl River trash pickup, Clean Sweep 2019. Also Dr. Majure talks about the pets that are power chewers and constantly cycling through chew toys.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr. Troy Majure, veterinarian at the Animal Medical Center in Jackson, is here ready to answer your pet questions. The doors to the pet hospital are wide open. The outside temperature is still high and heat stroke is a real problem for pets. Dr. Majure talks about keeping pets cool but still having them be active. Also one caller tells the story of his furry friend that only wants to be spoon feed. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Our favorite entomologist Audrey Harrison joins the show to highlight the beauty of the butterfly. Milkweed plants are critical for the life cycle of the monarch butterfly and can be a great addition to any garden. The miracle that is the butterflies migration is aided by the habitats created and maintained by butterfly lovers around the state, but there are also reasons butterflies may be missing from your area. Throughout the hour Dr. Mjaure also answers a few pet questions, while we get deep into the butterfly effect with Dr. Audrey Harrison. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

All persons born after January 1, 1972 are required to complete a hunter education course before purchasing a Mississippi hunting license. And today on the show Director of Hunter Education for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Megan Fedrick is here to make sure everyone knows this. Either in person or online completing a hunter education course does not have to be a chore. They are designed to be informative and help keep hunters legal. Also on today's show we talk about caring for animals that are not your pets. From stray dogs to raccoons there are certain rules to adhere when dealing with animals that you are not familiar with. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Biologists in Mississippi are using environmental DNA (eDNA) to document the occurrence of alligator snapping turtles throughout the state. Sheena Feist, Conservation Resources Biologist with the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, joins the show today ahead of her lecture next Tuesday on the subject. She gives us a preview into her findings and joins in the conversation with callers about their brushes with nature. Also, Dr. Majure discusses things to consider when adopting (or purchasing) at pet. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Enjoying the Mississippi outdoors is encouraged here on Creature Comforts with being safe and legal a top priority. Today on the show we bring in Central Mississippi Boating Coordinator for the Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks, Marc McCleskey. We talk about the regulations for boats on the water, who need to be a registered, and how to share the water with fellow boaters. Also Dr. Majure talks about aging dogs and the dangers of interacting with raccoons. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Fishing in Mississippi is one of its most popular recreational activities and there are plenty of places to catch great game fish. Jerry Brown, State Lake Coordinator with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks joins the show to take about these great natural waters and how to stay safe and legal while fishing. We even discuss some of the record breaking fish caught in the state. Also Libby is back from her trip and Dr. Majure answers your pet questions. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Donna Yowell has been an advocate for trees and green spaces for almost all her life. Now as the Executive Director of the Mississippi Urban Forest Council she educates communities throughout the state about proper tree planning and the benefits of having trees in urban areas. On this episode of Creature Comforts we dive into the work of the council and talk about the trees that attract certain wildlife. Also we get an update on the stray kitten found by our producer Java. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

With the change of every season nature brings us new sights and sounds. This summer do you know what birds are nesting in your neighborhood? Are you doing the right thing to attract these birds to your yard? Today our friend Joe Magee is back on the program to talk about nesting birds and answer some of your birding questions. Also, we discuss how you should deal with finding an animal that is far from home.______________________________________________________The kitten that Java found in the middle of the street on his way to work. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr. Brent Hendrixson, professor of biology at Milsaps College, spends a lot of his time with some of the spiders and scorpions of the state. He is also an advocate for these creatures that play wonderful part in our ecosystem. Through out the program he answers listener questions about the spiders they have encountered and gives advice when dealing with a sting or bite. Also Dr. Majure shares his thoughts about the declawing of house cats. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Adam Butler from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks joins this edition of Creature Comforts to chat about the wild turkeys of the state. As the turkey program coordinator, Adam works closely with conservation efforts for wild turkey habitats and the management of wild turkey hunting season. We talk about the health of the Mississippi turkey population and answer listener questions about their recent turkey experiences. Also Dr. Majure answers a few pet questions about keeping pets cool and excessive scratching. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Terry Vandeventer is not afraid of snakes and does not want you to be afraid of them either. Serving as one of Mississippi's most passionate snake advocates, Terry has visited Creature Comforts before and always shares his wisdom about the snakes of Mississippi. Snake Day is coming up soon at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science and Terry is bringing his own brand of fun to the event and today's show. Also, Dr. Majure talks about keeping pets safe and healthy as the weather warms up. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Unless you are a super fan of Mississippi wildlife, you might not know the state is home to fifteen different species of bats. These winged mammals are a essential part of the Mississippi ecosystem and Kathy Shelton from the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks joins the show to tell us about the role of the bat in Mississippi. Also through the show Dr. Majure answers pet questions and takes a look at the different ways pet owners tackle pet anxiety. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The summer season is almost hear and we know that it can bring some challenges for our pets. So today Creature Comforts is dedicated to your pet questions. Dr. Troy Majure is always ready to share the knowledge and help out our creature friends. No question is off the table, even if it's about having a raccoon as a pet.Discussed This Week:40th Annual Harrison County Gem and Mineral ShowMississippi Coast Audubon Society Tern Nesting Colonies TourpH•notix™ Rebalancing Ear Cleaner for Cats & Dogs41-pound cat on a mission to find a new home (and get in better shape)One Fast Cat - Cat Exercise Wheel See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The weather is warming up and the fireflies are starting to emerge. The darker the better for these bioluminescent beetles, who can actually sync their flashes. Paul Hartfield is back on the show today to help with the conversation and ask for your help with spotting these beautiful insects. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.