Creature Comforts

Mississippi is the proud home to some impressive lakes, rivers, creeks, and ponds. Over 280 species swim in these waters with great diversity. To help break down these species is biologist Robbie Ellwanger from the MS Museum of Natural Science. Also, as we move through Severe Weather Preparedness Week, we talk about keeping pets safe when severe weather strikes. Hosted on Acast. See...

Pet Day on Creature Comforts is always fun because you never know what you are going to get. As always Dr. Majure answers questions about your cats and dogs but also gives a refresher on litter box protocol when there are multiple cats in a home. Also during the show, we hear about how wild hogs are in Mississippi and be a real problem for pets and property. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...

We are often led to believe that nature is dormant during winter. However, a hike through the woods, along a creek, or around the edge of a pond in January or February can reveal lots going on in the natural world at this time of year. Today we welcome back our good friend, biologist Joe Magee to the show to talk about the observations he is making this time of year. Hosted on Acast. See acas...

On this episode of Creature Comforts Andrew Whitehurst, biologist with the organization Healthy Gulf joins the show. Today he talks about the Pearl River Map Turtle that’s being considered for Threatened Species status by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. He will also talk about other conversation efforts by Healthy Gulf including what is happening with the One Lake Project.  Hosted on A...

Invasive carp can be a serious problem for boaters and anglers who use Mississippi waters. Fisheries biologist, Dennis Riecke from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks joins the show to talk about carp and the programs in place to control these fish. Also special events coordinator for the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, Nicole Smith drops in to talk about Family Fun S...

If you are thinking about making a nest box for some of our avian friends, now is the time to start planning before it is nesting season. Our friend Joe Magee is here to share tips about making your nest box and what birds to look for this December in Mississippi. Also, Dr. Majure answers your pet questions, and Libby shares about a recent eagle encounter she had in travels out west. Show Links: B...

A true friend of the show, Terry Vandeventer, is back to talk about the numerous snakes found around the state. Although some snakes may be hibernating for winter, there are plenty to be found around the state this December. Always ready to help dispel rumors and old wives' tales about these animals Terry answers another round of questions about snakes of Mississippi. Also, Dr. Majure talks about...

The holiday season is a joyous occasion but can come with some real hazards for our pets. On this all-pet day of Creature Comforts, Dr. Majure talks about some of these potential dangers and how to avoid them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 For many years the Jackson Audubon Society has made the prothonotary warbler the focus of their nesting box program. These small songbirds breed in the Southeast and can be found near forested wetlands or water. Bird enthusiast and Jackson Audubon member, Charlie Pfeifer joins the show to talk about these birds and what makes them special. Also, Libby shares another tale in her yellowja...

The first Thursday of every month is always an all-pet edition of Creature Comforts. While Dr. Majure did answer another round of pet questions, including one from host Kevin Farrel about his cat's recent whisker loss, today was all about your creature stories. From rodents to elephants, birds and spiders, there was plenty to share on this episode of Creature Comforts. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See...

The cooling temps are settling in and you might notice a few changes in the behavior of your backyard critters. Libby gives an account of some of the changes she has noticed and shares more about some of the things she is seeing outside her window. Dr. Majure shares advice for a pair of rambunctious dogs, then a friend of the show Nicole Smith from the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science talks a...

As much as we enjoy our Mississippi outdoors it can sometimes not be as pleasant as we like. Have Bumble Bees ever ruined your afternoon or have fire ants somehow found their way inside your shoe? Today on the show our good friend Joe Magee will walk us through some of the more unpleasant sides of nature.   Also, Dr. Majure will answer some of your pet emails and talk about keeping...

In this edition of Creature Comforts welcome carnivore ecologist and assistant professor at Mississippi State University Dr. Dana Morin. She studies the effects coyotes have on the population of deer in the Southeast. Sometimes seen as an invasive species she will discuss the role of the coyote in Mississippi wildlife and how you should interact with these animals especially when they ar...

It's another all-pet edition of Creature Comforts and Libby Hartfield is back from her annual trip to Oregon. Dr. Majure addresses questions about pet food allergies, animal training, and Libby comments on a few birds that she was excited to see on her trip. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Creature Comforts, we welcome back Jason Hoeksema to talk about shorebirds. Also known as wind birds, Jason has a special place in his heart for these migratory birds being the president of the Delta Wind Birds organization. Ahead of the next Delta Wind Birds field trip, Jason talks about what makes these birds special and how everyone can help them thrive by focusing on their h...

Today we welcome back Tom Mann from the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. Best known for working with the cold-blooded creatures here in Mississippi, including the 30 different species of salamander, you may have seen Tom and other salamander enthusiasts carrying salamanders across the Natchez Trace as the bucket brigade. Today we’ll get an update on these small but mighty creatures foun...

On this episode of Creature Comforts, we welcome back Claire Graves from Pearl Riverkeeper. They are a non-profit organization dedicated to keeping the Pearl River watershed clean and healthy through advocacy and education. And on occasion they get into the water do the dirty work. Their annual Clean Sweep event is their largest group clean-up and has removed over 130,000 pounds of...

Our friend, biologist Joe McGee is back to talk about migratory birds and which species can be seen here in Mississippi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pet day rolls around at the top of every month on Creature Comforts and no two shows come out the same. Following the aftermath of Hurricane Ida Dr. Majure talks about safety tips for your pets during severe weather and answers another round of pet questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Biologist Joe Magee is back in the studio to talk about the birds that can be seen around Mississippi this time of year. This is a very exciting time for bird watchers and enthusiasts, from shorebirds to waders and the elusive swallow-tailed kite, there is much to see and hear. Also, Dr. Majure helps with your pet questions and Kevin brings new findings of his favorite bird. Hosted on Acast. See a...

Urban Wildlife is a phrase that might spark images of squirrels and backyard birds, but what about raccoons and possums that are often hidden until the nighttime. Or what about that deer that may be seen around your home or workplace. And do not forget about the coyotes downtown and the cougars in the suburbs! Today we speak about Urban Wildlife with Dr. Adam Rohnke, from the Mississippi...

Our good friend Joe Magee joins the show to talk about some of his latest animal sightings and encounters. Also, Dr. Majure talks about the situation surrounding pandemic pets. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pet days are always fun and this edition is extra festive ahead of the 4th of July holiday. Dr. Mjaure shares plenty of advice to help our furry friends during these summer months Also, we got plenty of calls from Starkville after the historic night on the baseball diamond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The American alligator is the largest reptile in North America. In Mississippi, they are most prevalent in the southern two-thirds of the state but can be found in many parts of Mississippi. Today we talk with the Alligator Program Coordinator for the MDWFP, Ricky Flynt about what to do if you spot an alligator and how to participate in the upcoming alligator hunting season.   Hosted on...

Jerry Brown, Assistant Director of Fisheries at the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks, is back on Creature Comforts to talk about one of the state's favorite outdoor activities. Between pet questions for Dr. Majure and Libby Hartfield talking about her latest bird sighting, Jerry gives information about new lake openings and how to stay legal while on the water. Bass, bream, c...