Where the Wild Things Are: Vol. 1, Ed. 2

Wow! Two weeks in a row??I'm off to a promising start, but we'll see how long this lasts. Hopefully I can prove myself wrong.

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???? In the Wild

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???1.?Texas changes mountain lion hunting rules after 50 years. What it means for the wild cat

For the first time in 50 years, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has updated the standards for hunting and trapping mountains lions, marking an early step in moving the state toward more modern wildlife management practices.

The big picture: TPWD banned canned hunting and implemented new rules for trapping, following a public comment session where 91%?supported these changes.

• What is canned hunting??Canned hunting is a type of trophy hunting that many do not consider a "fair chase."?It is the practice of capturing and later releasing a mountain lion for the sole purpose of hunting or pursuing with hounds. The species is confined in a fenced area, making it easier prey for the hunter.
• What are the new standards for trapping? The?Commission voted to adopt a 36-hour trapping standard for mountain lions, ensuring that live animals are not held in traps or snares for longer than that duration.

Voices from the field:?“If there’s one thing that Texans can agree on, it’s that the symbol of wildness in our state, the?mountain?lion, shouldn’t be left in traps for days or weeks on end until they die from dehydration and exposure,” said Texans for?Mountain?Lions?coalition member Ben Masters, in a news release.

“It was inspiring to see ranchers, trappers, hunters, hippies, outfitters, biologists and wildlife advocates from across the state all converge to support more respectful management of our cats. We are grateful for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission’s leadership on this issue and for the thousands of people who chimed in supporting these changes.” ?

What's next: TPWD will prepare for mandatory lion harvest reporting to track population trends. Because it is not already required, the state has no exact estimate for the number of mountain lions in Texas. Read more. ?

???2.?A magical forested ranch in North Texas awaits adventure. Take a peek inside

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Nestled on the outskirts of Weatherford, Fuller’s Folly River Ranch embodies the vision, kindness?and humor of its owner, Bill Fuller. ?

Bill Fuller's Vision:?A?Fort Worth native and third-generation landowner, Fuller has embraced adventure and a love for the outdoors his entire life. Introduced to fishing on the Brazos River by his grandfather at just 5 years old, Fuller's passions have only grown, from skiing in the Andes Mountains to scuba diving in Cozumel.

Passing on the Gift: Now, Fuller shares his adventurous spirit with his children and grandchildren, fostering a love for nature on his 350-acre forested property along the Brazos River.? Read more. ?

?? 3.?Flamingos walk through Houston Zoo to new home at Birds of the World exhibit

A flamboyant scene unfolded at the Houston Zoo last week as 54 Chilean flamingos paraded through the park to their new home in the Birds of the World exhibit.

The Scene:?Surrounded by a human corridor of approximately 200 zoo staff, volunteers, and board members, the colorful group of flamingos strutted their way to their new habitat.

New Exhibit Opening: Houston's Zoos newest exhibit will open to guests on Aug. 30, housing approximately 15 bird species from around the world across three aviaries: African Savanna, North American Woodlands, and South American Wetlands. The Birds of the World exhibit will also the Avian Conservation Environment building, providing updated space for bird care professionals and breeding programs for endangered species like the blue-billed curassow and Saint Vincent parrot.

Flamingo Fun Facts

• Group Name: A group of flamingos is called a "flamboyance," derived from the French word 'flamber,' meaning "flame," reflecting their vibrant-colored feathers.
• Color Evolution: Flamingos are born with dark gray feathers and acquire their pink color from their diet of carotenoid-rich foods like algae and brine shrimp. This diet influences their vibrant plumage and mate selection.

Read more. ?

???? 4.?Turtles, ducks and geese are out in Texas. Here's how to safely help them cross the road

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As temperatures rise, wildlife like turtles, deer, and Anatidae families (geese, swans, and ducks) are on the move, and they may need a little help crossing roads safely.

• Stand Guard: If you see wildlife crossing the road, stand guard and alert other drivers to ensure the animal can cross safely on its own.
• Pull Over Safely: If you need to assist, pull over as far as possible, use hazard lights, and wear a safety vest. Be cautious of oncoming traffic.
• Guide in the Same Direction: Always guide animals in the direction they were heading. This prevents them from attempting to cross again.
• Use a Barrier: When handling animals like turtles, use gloves or a car mat to gently slide them across the road. Never grab by the tail.
• Place Far from Roadside: Animals should be placed at least 30 feet away from the roadside to prevent them from returning to the road.
• Avoid Straddling: If you can't stop, try to drive around the animal rather than straddling, which can be dangerous for animals like snapping turtles.

Handling Special Cases

• Family of Waterfowl: If you encounter a family of geese or ducks on a busy road, call the local police's non-emergency line for assistance.
• Injured Animals: Contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center if you find an injured animal. They have the expertise to provide proper care.

Important Reminder: Large mammals like deer should only be handled by trained professionals to avoid causing further harm. Read more.

?? Beyond the Wild

• It's the longest day of the year! Here's 25+ Texas things to do before sunset
• Remember the mystery creature at Amarillo Zoo? 2 years later, it's still a mystery