When spotting a baby animal by itself, the best thing to do is to leave it alone. By Julie Geiser This time of year, people may find wild baby animals including deer, birds and rabbits. When spotting a baby animal by itself, it is natural to want to rescue it. The best thing to do, however, is to leave it alone. In most cases, the parent is nearby and is keeping its young safe through camouflage. Deer Does will leave …

Many summer fun activities in Nebraska involve being in or around water. Remember these tips to make sure everyone comes home safe at the end of the day. By Julie Geiser For Swimmers • Only swim in designated swimming areas, especially in large reservoirs where there are boaters and personal watercraft users. • Don’t dive into water less than 12 feet deep. Enter the water feet-first to check for depth and to avoid head or neck injuries or drownings. Never …

A recent spurt of warm temperatures may decrease ice stability across Nebraska water bodies. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission warns anybody venturing onto the ice to be cautious and use the following safety tips: Never go out alone. Have a buddy. A minimum of 3 inches of clear, blue lake ice will support a single person. Use an ice chisel or spud bar to strike the ice and evaluate conditions as you venture out. Have a long throw rope …

Participating in outdoor activities during winter can be tons of fun, but stay safe in the cold. By Julie Geiser Frostbite Frostbite happens when the skin and outer tissues of your body become frozen. This condition tends to happen on extremities such as the fingers, toes, ears and nose. They may become pale, gray and blistered, and the skin will have a burning sensation or become numb. If frostbite occurs, head indoors and place the frostbitten parts of your body …

Lake Mac Study Fuels Changes to Fisheries Managment By Julie Geiser Lake McConaughy is one of the best fisheries in Nebraska for many fish, including wiper, smallmouth bass, channel catfish and, especially, walleye. For the latter, it is considered one of the best in the Midwest. Maintaining the walleye fishery, however, is complicated. Recruitment is cyclical in most walleye waters, with strong production years often followed by poor ones, and McConaughy is no exception. In Big Mac, anglers have as …

By Julie Geiser The Mississippi kite (Ictinia mississippiensis) is a small raptor that many people don’t know about. After reading this, hopefully you’ll keep an eye on the sky as these graceful birds will leave you admiring them. The Mississippi kite is about the size of a peregrine falcon; their body length is about 13 to 15 inches, with a 3-foot wingspan. They weigh 7 to 14 ounces. Both the male and female are similar in appearance and have gray …

By Julie Geiser Everyone has seen a roly-poly bug. Their ability to tuck into a little ball, called conglobation, has amazed children and adults alike. But what exactly is a roly-poly bug, and what is its purpose in nature? The roly-poly bug is sometimes called woodlouse or wood shrimp, but its official name is pillbug or Armadillidium vulgare. The pillbug is an isopod; iso- means same or equal and pod means foot. Actually, the pillbug isn’t a bug at all. …

By Julie Geiser Camping is a great way to enjoy nature, recreate, and recharge, but while you’re at a campground there is always some etiquette to follow to make sure everyone has a good time every time. Not Too Early or Too Late Try to arrive at your campsite well before dark. This gives you time to set up camp while it’s still light out, which is much easier than trying in the dark. And when possible, don’t pack up …

Drone operators should be aware of wildlife laws pertaining to their use in Nebraska, including restrictions on Nebraska Game and Parks’ properties. State law and the federal Airborne Hunting Act prohibit the use of aircraft, including drones – or recreational unmanned aircraft – to harass birds, fish, or any other animal. Drones never should be used to flush, chase or harass any wildlife, including large flocks of migrating birds, such as sandhill and whooping cranes, and Canada or snow geese. …

Due to blizzard conditions in western Nebraska, the 1940s Christmas in the Hollow event at Ash Hollow State Historical Park this Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. has been cancelled. Access to the park will remain open daily from sunrise to sunset, however, there is no vehicle or foot access to the visitor center or parking area due to construction on the public bathrooms and sidewalk entrance to the visitor center. Primitive restrooms remain available to the public. A …