Happy #WildlifeWednesday! Today we will learn about a nocturnal animal that wants to be seen, smelled, and recognized…the striped skunk! While many animals use camouflage, burrows, and fleeing to hide from predators, the skunk does not rely on any of these. Instead, its strategy is to stand out, showing off the bright white stripes along its black back and bushy tail, a sight that animals who have encountered skunks before learn to avoid. Because upon encountering a skunk, an elaborate warning display of foot stamping and stomping will begin. The tail will rise, the back will arch, a little more stomping will occur with some hissing thrown in for good measure, and if the predator does not take the hint to continue on its way, it will be time for the main defense: the spray. The notoriously smelly oil that spurts from glands under a skunk tail is described generously as musky but more often likened to sulfur, rotten eggs, and sewer gas. The substance can cause serious harm to animals if it gets in their eyes, stinging them and even causing temporary blindness. The stench does not wash off easily and can cling to an animal’s fur for weeks. And skunks are a very good shot and rarely miss. Their lives depend on it. Most animals avoid skunks once they learn the powerful lesson. Great Horned Owls are an exception however, because these large birds of prey lack a sense of smell and generally attack from above. Written by Michelle Leighty, TWC Environmental Education Specialist
Happy #WildlifeWednesday! Whooooooo loves owls? Let's learn about the three most frequently seen owl species at TWC! The Great Horned Owl is the largest owl in Ohio and with its enormous yellow eyes, long ear tufts, and deep hooting call it is the classic owl that jumps to mind from storybooks and drawings. Its preferred habitat includes woods interspersed with fields and open areas, as well as swamps, wetlands, meadows, orchards, and agricultural land, making The Wilderness Center and its surrounding area an ideal location for it to call home. The Great Horned Owl is almost strictly nocturnal, with peak activity occurring after dusk and before dawn. This massive powerful owl is at the top of the bird of prey food chain and has no predators. The Barred Owl is a sizable owl with length measurements comparable to those of the Great Horned, but with only half the weight. The Barred Owl has dark black eyes, prominent facial discs, and lacks ear tufts. An extremely vocal owl, its call is described by the mnemonic “Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all?” Pairs will often perform duets with this song, vocalizing loudly for extended periods of time. The Barred Owl has a delicate and graceful flight style as it swoops through forests and prefers wooded areas over open spaces. While most active at night, the Barred Owl can sometimes be seen during the day roosting on tree branches and inside cavities. The Eastern Screech-owl is Ohio’s smallest and most common owl, occurring in all 88 counties. This small owl is about the size of an American Robin, though double the weight. It has wide yellow eyes, ear tufts, and can come in two color morphs, red or gray. Its vocalization is not actually a screech, but instead a combination of whistles, trills, and whinnies. The Eastern screech-owl is very adaptable and can occupy a wide variety of habitats, including woodlands, suburbs, urban areas, and woodlots. Its diet is more varied than any other North American owl, preying upon rodents, birds, insects, and worms. Be sure to visit us for the Enchanted Forest ! You never know whoooooooo you might encounter! Written by Michelle Leighty, TWC Environmental Education Specialist
