Creature Comforts

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:

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.