Wildlife commission wants to know if you’ve seen pine snakes in southwestern NC
Taking long walks during quarantine? If so, keep your eyes open for pine snakes. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is asking the public to report any sightings of the animal in southwestern North Carolina.
The commission is trying to learn more about the distribution of the northern pine snake. Pine snakes are large, non-venomous snakes that spend most of their lives underground. Spring is the best time to spot them because they’re more likely to be above ground this time of year, seeking mates and food. They are primarily found in the Sandhills and southern Coastal Plain of North Carolina, though they have also been spotted in Cherokee and Swain counties.
Since you can’t hug people, Iceland’s Forest Service recommends hugging trees
Around the world, social distancing measures are keeping people from hugging their nearest and dearest, but Iceland officials want the world to know that social distancing shouldn’t keep you from hugging trees.
Rangers at Hallormsstadur National Forest in Iceland have been clearing paths in the forest so locals can hug trees without coming in close contact with others. “When you hug [a tree], you feel it first in your toes and then up your legs and into your chest and then up into your head,” says ranger Por Porfinnsson. “It’s such a wonderful feeling of relaxation and then you’re ready for a new day and new challenges.”
Head outside in support of the 2020 City Nature Challenge
Hiking trails have been crowded during the pandemic and many officials are asking the public to stay away from our beloved outdoor spaces. But that doesn’t mean you can’t walk outside and discover what lives in your own backyard (literally.)
The City Nature Challenge, beginning April 24, asks the public to take pictures of wild plants and animals and note their locations through iNaturalist. When you participate, you help scientists learn more about nature in your neighborhood.
Photo: Public Domain – http://herpingmichigan.blogspot.com/2012/06/trail-continues.html
