Anyone that has strolled through Explore the Wild knows our exhibit is a great habitat for local wildlife. This time of year you can see dozens of bird species, newly hatched turtles and snakes, and insects of every sort. You can always check in with our intrepid Ranger Greg to get the latest updates on flora and fauna at the museum.
As we were working in the bear exhibit on Thursday morning I noticed that the upper pool beneath the water fall was teaming with American toad, Bufo americanus, tadpoles. Amphibians like frogs and toads usually have a reproductive strategy that involves producing large numbers of offspring while providing no parental care. Luckily for us, all the tadpoles don’t survive to adulthood; if they did we would be knee deep in frogs. Tadpoles are important food items for birds, fish, and even other tadpoles.
Have you made any interesting wildlife sightings while visiting the Museum? You can share you story in the comments section.
I have seen A LOT over the years, but possibly my best find, many many years ago, were baby beavers and an otter in the wetland!
QUESTION
re:deeper animal learning
I have a friend with a 5 year old who, after discovering two dead birds with his grandfather is very interested in animal dissection.
Do you know of any place or resources to discover where we can take a learning class, or have an educational experience with animal dissection in the Triangle area? Thank you.