Deer Tick, a Questing Bloodsucker
In California, the Western gray squirrel is known to harbor the bacterium –Borrelia burgdorferi– that causes Lyme Disease. Ticks pick this up during their first or second blood meal. Lizards – Western Lyme Heros While in the larva or nymph stage, ticks frequently find lizard hosts. A protein in lizard blood kills the Lyme disease causing bacteria. Lizards … Read More
Bat – a Colonial Insectivore
Bats are the only flying mammals. Wing membranes are attached to their fingers. After rodents, they are the largest order of Earth animals. Microbats live in California. they are insectivores and can eat their weight in insects daily. (Large bats, such as the Fruit Bat, also known as a Flying Fox, live in tropical climates.) Roost/Colony: Roosts, which can contain … Read More
Owls of Nevada County
On silent wings these nocturnal hunters take prey by surprise. The only time you’ll hear an owl is if it’s hooting – calling to a mate, declaring territory of checking on young. They range in size from the tiny six-inch Northern Pygmy-Owl to the twenty-six-inch Great Grey Owl. Inviting them into your space (if you don’t have chickens or other … Read More
Crayfish – Aquatic Groundskeepers
Crayfish are freshwater crustaceans related to shrimp, lobster, and crabs. They’re all decapods—having ten legs. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the native range for the Signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) is the Columbia River’s lower estuary. The range goes northwest and through tributaries that reach into British Columbia, Washington, Idaho, and Oregon. Historical records say crayfish were first introduced to … Read More
