Creature Comforts

Creature Comforts is an MPB Think Radio staple and has been speaking to pet owners and nature enthusiasts for years. Dr. Troy Majure, Libby Hartfield, and Kevin Ferrall are ready to get 2021 off to a great start and continue this legacy. To start the year off it is an all pet edition of the show. What does a pet annual exam consist of? Why is my cat obsessed with my shoes? These questions are answered along with Libby talking about her cross country trip to the upper northwest part of the country. Happy New Year!

Winter birding in Mississippi really is special. With the robust number of birds making their migration to warmer temperatures, mingling with the fowl that call Mississippi home year-round, it is a sight to see. On this edition of Creature Comforts, Dr. Janet Wright joins the show to talk about different ways to see these wonderful winter birds. Either at home or in the wild there are tips that can make your next bird outing worthwhile. Also, Dr. Majure talks about how to keep our pets healthy and safe during this holiday season, while Libby gives another update from Oregon.

Pet days are especially enjoyable on Creature Comforts because we get to hear from you and what is happening with your furry friends. Dr. Majure is always ready to point you in the right direction with advice and Libby Hartfield is on hand to explain your latest brush with nature. On this all pet edition of Creature Comforts we hear about a cat that is long overdue for a doctor visit, the best calming practices for dogs, and proper litter box ettique.

The black bear and Mississippi have a storied history together, dating back to the days of President Theodore Roosevelt.Today on the show we welcome Becky Rosamond from the US Fish and Wildlife Service to talk about the black bear and the Black Bear Program.She shares that the black bear population in Mississippi is around 200 bears but they very hard to spot in the wild. With an emphasis on the slogan "Keep Wild Bears Wild", Becky shares tips about what to do if you become face to face with one of these mighty creatures.Show Links:Black Bears in MississippiBearWise.org

Firearm season for deer opens this weekend in Mississippi and William McKinley, Deer Program Coordinator for Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, wants all hunters to be safe. He joins the show to update Creature Comforts about the deer population of the state and provide an update about the chronic wasting disease. For the most update information about hunting in Mississippi visit:https://www.mdwfp.com/

Mark Woodrey has been looking toward the sky since the days of outdoor trips with his granddad. Those outings began his fascination with birds and now as a research associate at the Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Centerhe focuses on the scientific understanding and conservation of coastal ecosystems. This includes the migrating birds that call Mississippi home throughout the year. Mark joins the show to talk about how these birds impact Mississippi and how studying them provide a glimpse into conservation of our natural landscape.