Creature Comforts

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.

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.