Winter Break: How aquatic animals make it through the coldest months
According to the calendar, spring is right around the corner! As we look forward to sunnier skies and warmer temperatures, we can also soon expect to see more signs of life around lakes and ponds. Our Georgia winters are temperate enough that the hibernation period for most mammals is short or non-existent, so you’ve probably […]
Featured Creatures: Turtles
Snapping turtle. Photo courtesy U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.The Southeast is home to more than two dozen turtle species, and while all have in common some form of the characteristic bony shell known as the carapace, they otherwise represent a wide natural diversity. Our native turtles come in a range of shapes and sizes: the […]
What’s Good for the Goose . . .
Canada geese. Photo courtesy U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceAs the size of our region’s population of Canada geese has grown, a species that was once admired as majestic wildlife is now often viewed as a pest. Depending on size and water quality, a normal, healthy lake can sustain a waterfowl population of up to three […]
Toxic Algae Caused Cattle Deaths: What Does It Mean for Your Pond?
Blue-green algae bloom with typical “green paint” appearance. Photo (c) Delaware Department of Natural Resources.Last week it was determined by University of Georgia researchers that a toxic blue-green algae bloom containing cyanobacterium caused the deaths of three cows in Gwinnett County in May. More details can be found in this article. In this particular case, climate conditions and […]
