Creature Comforts

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

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

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.

The Orleans Audubon Society is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of wildlife and wild places of the southeastern U.S.Today on Creature Comforts we welcome Dr. Jennifer Coulson, President of the Orleans Audubon Society, to talk about the swallow-tailed kite that once had a population that would stretch as far north as Minnesota. This beautiful bird of prey is protected in the state of Mississippi but still has challenges that threaten its numbers. Along with talk of the swallow-tailed kite, Libby Hartfield talks about the first hummingbirds of the season and Dr. Majure answers your pet questions.

The newly discovered Rice's whale is named after biologist Dale Rice, who first recognized these whales in the Gulf of Mexico. Thought to be a subspecies of Bryde's whales they were properly identified after one washed up in the Everglades. From Healthy Gulf (HealthyGulf.org) we welcome Christian Wagley to give us details about this newly discovered species and what makes them different from other whales that frequent the gulf. Christian even shares ways we can help these endangered whales, who are affected by the heavy activity around their habitat. Also, Libby gives timely hummingbird feeder tips and Dr. Majure answers your pet questions.

Today on Creature Comforts we dedicate the show to your pets and the animals around your home. As we share our space with creatures big and small there are times when everyone needs a place to call their own. Throughout the show, Libby Hartfield, Dr. Troy Majure, and guest host Java Chatman talk with listeners about their pet problems, help keep bird feeders for the birds, and even talk about the latest in animal cloning.