Wild Fact: Water Snake

Many people refer to the Cottonmouth as a “water moccasin,” but not all snakes that live in or near the water are venomous. Actually, most water snakes in Georgia are non-venomous species belonging to the genus Nerodia. These harmless reptiles frequently are misidentified as Cottonmouths because they are relatively large snakes with triangular-shaped heads. Also, body patterns may be obscured by mud, further adding to the confusion. Although pupil shape helps with identification (non-venomous have round pupils while venomous pit vipers have vertical pupils), don’t get too close to confirm this feature. All snakes have mouths and may bite if they feel threatened!

For more information on identifying Georgia’s snakes, visit the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division website. Here you can also find helpful publications, such as “Snakes of Georgia and South Carolina” and “Is It A Water Moccasin?”

WILD Fact is a regular feature written by Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division based at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia.

All New Georgia Outdoors!

All New!

Georgia Outdoors: Pine Mountain

Friday, October 24 @ 9 PM

Saturday, October 25 @ 6 PM

Tuesday, October 28 @ 7:30 PM

Pine Mountain is one of Georgia’s best kept secrets, and there are plenty of reasons to visit:

The breathtaking views of Pine Mountain’s highest point and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s favorite picnicking spot: Dowdell’s Knob; The majestic walls of Sprewell Bluff State Park, where the Flint river cuts through the pine mountain belt; The fantastic azalea blooms and other attractions at Callaway Gardens; The miles of lush vegetation and abundant wildlife along the Pine Mountain Trail; And the fascinating history at Warm Springs, home of FDR’s Little White House.

Click here to view a promo for Georgia Outdoors: Pine Mountain.

Watch Georgia Public Broadcasting on these nine stations across Georgia: Atlanta - Channel 8; Albany - WABW/14, Augusta - WCES/20, Chatsworth - WNGH/18, Columbus - WJSP/28, Dawson - WACS/25, Macon - WMUM/29, Savannah - WVAN/9, Waycross - WXGA/8.

Tonight on Georgia Outdoors: Backyard Habitat

Georgia Outdoors: Backyard Habitat
Friday, Oct 17, 9:30 PM
Saturday, Oct 18, 6 PM

Our world is becoming increasingly urbanized and as we pave our way across the land, native ecosystems are affected. Habitat loss is the number one cause of wildlife population declines, and over the years, commercial and residential development have pushed a number of Georgia’s species to the brink of extinction. But, there are a few things you can do around the house to make a difference by making your yard more wildlife friendly: providing food, water and shelter for birds, and planting native plants helps attract more wildlife to your backyard.

First, we take the The Audubon Society wildlife sanctuary tour. The Atlanta Audubon Society is one of the most active organizations in Georgia helping to encourage people to create wildlife sanctuaries right in their backyards. In fact, in Atlanta residents can have their yards certified as a wildlife habitat.

Another place that’s making a difference is a unique housing development on coastal Georgia. It is a place that rises above and beyond the “typical” golf community. It is home to lush coastal woodlands, a variety of wildlife, an Audubon Certified Golf Course and an environmentally active community.

Bird watching and gardening are great ways to experience the joys of nature right in your own backyard during the day, but the enjoyment doesn’t have to stop just because the sun sets. Backyard campouts are another way to experience outdoor adventure in your very own yard. Each June, the National Wildlife Federation sponsors the Great American Backyard Campout, a nation-wide event designed to make kids aware of the wilderness right outside their door. We joined Sustaining Urban Villages at the Outdoor Activity Center as they hosted their own backyard campout.

Watch Georgia Public Broadcasting on these nine stations across Georgia: Atlanta - Channel 8; Albany - WABW/14, Augusta - WCES/20, Chatsworth - WNGH/18, Columbus - WJSP/28, Dawson - WACS/25, Macon - WMUM/29, Savannah - WVAN/9, Waycross - WXGA/8.

Wild Fact: Yellow jackets

Did you know a yellow jacket actually is a wasp rather than a bee? These insects look similar, but wasps are smooth while bees are hairy. Bees eat pollen and nectar while wasps eat insects, animals, and sugary foods (including picnic snacks and soda). A wasp hive doesn’t produce honey and is made out of paper rather than wax. Both yellow jackets and bees may sting to protect their colonies, but a wasp can sting many times (bees die after stinging only once). Never squash a yellow jacket – that makes the wasp release an alarm scent, alerting other yellowjackets to flock towards you.

WILD Fact is a regular feature written by Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division based at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia.

5 Reasons it's a Perfect Time to Plant your Backyard Habitat

Right now is the perfect time to add plants to your garden!

1. The soil is nice and warm, allowing roots to grow faster than when planted in spring.
2. It's easier on your wallet since nurseries usually have many plants on sale.
3. You’ll save on water since cooler temperatures mean water doesn’t evaporate as quickly.
4. The cooler temperatures also make gardening easier for you.
5. You’ll attract beautiful birds and other small animals right away.

Plant your garden this weekend and certify it as a National Wildlife Federation Wildlife Habitat!

Tonight on Georgia Outdoors: Healthy Outdoors

Georgia Outdoors: Healthy Outdoors
Tuesday, October 14, 7:30 PM


From hiking and biking to canoeing and swimming, there are many ways to get your exercise outside. Research suggests that even low impact activity in the outdoors stimulates endorphins and contributes to both mental and physical health.

Across Georgia, there are thousands of acres of land open for you to explore. Georgia’s state parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, lakes, and other public lands are great places for wildlife viewing, hiking, hunting, fishing, and general outdoor enjoyment.

In this episode we'll experience The Tri-the-Parks Triathalon Series, the Georgia State Parks' Canyon Climbers Challenge and attend Unicoi's State Park's annual Outdoor Activity Day looking for other unique outdoors adventures.

Visit the Georgia Outdoors website.

Watch Georgia Public Broadcasting on these nine stations across Georgia: Atlanta - Channel 8; Albany - WABW/14, Augusta - WCES/20, Chatsworth - WNGH/18, Columbus - WJSP/28, Dawson - WACS/25, Macon - WMUM/29, Savannah - WVAN/9, Waycross - WXGA/8.

Wild Fact: Chiggers

Chiggers, also known as red bugs, are the teeny-tiny larvae of harvest mites. If you spend time in weedy areas, you may get these arachnids on your body, resulting in itchy bumps. Contrary to popular belief, chiggers do not burrow into your skin and die. Rather, using specialized mouthparts, they attach themselves to thin skin ~ often around ankles, the backs of knees, belt lines, and armpits. Although the chigger’s bite often goes undetected, its saliva causes much discomfort. Digestive enzymes in the saliva liquefy cells, which the chigger then sucks up. Once full, the chigger falls off and continues its life cycle towards an adult mite.

WILD Fact is a regular feature written by Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division based at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia.

Season Premiere of Georgia Outdoors, Tonight!

Join us for a special hour of

brand-new back-to-back episodes of

Georgia Outdoors

this Friday at 9 & 9:30 PM!

Georgia Outdoors: Fire Ecology

Friday, October 3 at 9 PM

Click here for a video preview

Over the course of human history our civilization has developed an important relationship with fire. From its beneficial use in cooking, warming our homes, and managing our land to its destructive capabilities; fire connects us to the natural world. On this episode we’ll look at the 2007 wildfire that consumed over 400,000 acres of forest, burned 22 homes and forced the evacuation of over 1000 people in and around the Okefenokee Swamp.

But fire isn't all bad, in fact, it's a necessary part of a healthy forest ecosystem. We'll also join forest managers as they employ a technique called prescribed burning at the Jones Ecological Research Center just south of Albany. The landowners here regularly perform prescribed burning for it's large amount of longleaf pine, a species of pine dependent on fire for it's survival. Other species have also adapted to this fire-dependent ecosystem including the red cockaded woodpecker and the gopher tortoise.

Georgia Outdoors: Ocmulgee River Watershed

Friday, October 3 at 9:30 PM

Click here for a video preview

From its headwaters in north Georgia, to its intersection with the Oconee River forming the mighty Altamaha River, the Ocmulgee River cuts across 241 miles of diverse terrain. Along the way, the Ocmulgee and its tributaries drain about 6,180 square miles across thirty-three Georgia counties. This is the Ocmulgee watershed.

From its more developed shores in the Macon area to stretches of pure wilderness, the Ocmulgee River is truly one of central Georgia’s hidden treasures. And the best way to experience the river is by paddle. Every year, the Georgia River Network sponsors Paddle Georgia, an event which draws hundreds of paddling enthusiasts from all skill levels to take on a river. In 2007 they chose the Ocmulgee River and we tagged along to experience the river with them.

Wild Fact: Great Crested Flycatcher

If you hear an ascending “wheep” whistled from the treetops, a Great Crested Flycatcher is nearby. As its name suggests, this large songbird is one of nature’s pest controllers. Flies are only one kind of insect this species catches. Other foods include beetles, wasps, bees, crickets, moths, and caterpillars as well as fruits and berries. Rarely, flycatchers eat hummingbirds too.

Great Crested Flycatchers breed in eastern North America but migrate towards Central and South America every fall. Typical nest sites are hardwood tree cavities near clearings, although they sometimes use bird boxes in suitable habitat. Twigs, leaves, hair, feathers, snake skins, and cellophane are common nest materials.

WILD Fact is a regular feature written by Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division based at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia.

Leaf Watch 2008

In just a few weeks, Georgia’s forests will turn into a brilliant blanket of red, orange and gold, inspiring leaf peepers to pull out their cameras and lace up their hiking boots. To help track the changing leaves and plan autumn escapes Georgia State Parks will launch Leaf Watch 2008 beginning today on the Georgia State Parks website.

Whether traveling to the Blue Ridge Mountains for hiking and biking, or heading south for canoeing and camping, Leaf Watch 2008 will offer advice on where and when to find the best color at Georgia’s state parks. Visitors can read regular updates provided by park rangers, get safety tips for hiking and camping, and learn why leaves change color. Last-minute availability for campsites, cottages and lodge rooms at the state parks will be posted, in addition to a Webcam showcasing the rolling mountainside of Black Rock Mountain State Park near Dillard.

Typically, northern Georgia peaks in late October; however, color can be seen as early as September and as late as mid-November. Some parks in southern Georgia put on a pretty display during late autumn, particularly those with cypress trees and tea-colored swamps.