[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-60px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”||48px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
These stereotypical \u201cpests\u201d are so much more than that! Although our work at NRF focuses on protecting Wisconsin’s threatened and endangered species, we have a soft spot in our hearts for all Wisconsin wildlife. <\/em><\/p>\n We’re highlighting some of the most well-known \u201cunlovable\u201d creatures in our state in honor of Valentine\u2019s Day. With any luck, you’ll start seeing them as a bit more lovable \u2014 and maybe even make one your Valentine!<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Blog-size-Raccoon-family-tree-by-Joseph-Riederer.jpg” alt=”Raccoon family in a tree by Joseph Riederer” title_text=”Raccoon Family Tree By Joseph Riederer” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A raccoon family peeking out of a tree. Photo by Joseph Riederer<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The name \u201craccoon\u201d comes from the Algonquian word meaning, “he scratches with his hands.” Known for their masked eyes and love of garbage, raccoons are highly adaptable mammals! Other fun facts: raccoon cubs are born blind and adults can lose up to 50% of their body fat during winter.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-60px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Blog-post-photo-dimensions-43-2023-12-11T140618.767.png” alt=”An Opossum in the grass” title_text=”Blog Post Photo Dimensions 43 2023 12 11T140618.767″ align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”21px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Opossums do not dig up yards but will eat from a garden, compost or garbage and may raid a chicken coop if given the opportunity. <\/span>Photo by Peter Granka via Flickr<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Did you know that the opossum is Wisconsin’s (and the United States’) only marsupial mammal? Aside from the ability to \u201cplay possum\u201d \u2014 feigning death by rolling onto its side with eyes open and mouth drooling \u2014 the opossum also has an opposable \u201ctoe\u201d much like the human thumb called a hallux. And according to the WIDNR<\/a>, they’re nature\u2019s garbage disposal, eating fallen fruit before it rots.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-60px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Blog-size-Banded-Argiope-Spider-by-William-Petersen.jpg” alt=”Banded Argiope Spider By William Petersen” title_text=”Blog Size Banded Argiope Spider By William Petersen” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”21px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A banded argiope spider in a web. Photo by William Peterson<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Eek! Are you scared? Spiders may not be the most popular, but they’re important to our ecosystems. Without them, the world would become overrun with the insects they eat!<\/p>\n Contrary to popular belief, spiders are not insects. Rather, they belong to a large group of animals called arthropods. Some of the differences between insects and spiders are easy to spot, others are more difficult. Insects have three body parts \u2014 the head, thorax, and abdomen, whereas spiders have two parts \u2014 a combined head and thorax (the cephalothorax), and the abdomen.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-60px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Blog-post-photo-dimensions-43-2023-12-11T141130.296.png” alt=”Two mudpuppies in the sand” title_text=”Blog Post Photo Dimensions 43 2023 12 11T141130.296″ align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”21px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Two mudpuppies in the sand. Photo by John Kubisiak, WDNR<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Ever caught one of these accidentally while fishing? While they may look like slimy fish, mudpuppies are actually amphibians with both lungs and gills. Mudpuppies can live for more than 20 years and are sometimes called waterdogs because of the barking sound they make.<\/p>\n If you do catch one while fishing, please report it<\/a> to the WIDNR so they can learn more about our state’s mudpuppy population<\/a>. New funding from the NRF\u2019s Wisconsin Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Fund is supporting a state-wide effort to learn more about these slimy amphibians<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n So now you’re in love with the mudpuppy. That’s why we created mudpuppy valentines.<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-60px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Blog-post-photo-dimensions-43-2023-12-11T143639.282.png” alt=”Prairie vole laying in rocks.” title_text=”Blog Post Photo Dimensions 43 2023 12 11T143639.282″ align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”21px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n A prairie vole laying on rocks. Photo by Jelle Devalez via Flickr<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Wait, what’s this cutie doing on this list? Preyed on by most medium to large predators, prairie voles use big systems of grass tunnels to protect themselves from owls, snakes, raptors and other predators.<\/p>\n Prairie voles (<\/span>Microtus ochrogaster<\/i>) are designated by the WIDNR<\/a> as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need<\/a>. <\/span>Loss of native prairies is causing a decline in prairie vole populations in parts of the upper Midwest, including Wisconsin. While they may only live around a year, prairie voles play a very important role in prairie ecosystems.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-60px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Blog-post-photo-dimensions-43-2023-12-11T144052.302.png” alt=”Red-headed woodpecker on a tree.” title_text=”Blog Post Photo Dimensions 43 2023 12 11T144052.302″ align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”21px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Red-headed woodpecker on a tree. Photo by Ben Lam<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We’ve all been annoyed once or twice by a woodpecker hammering away in our yard, but that’s no reason to hate! Wondering how their bills stay strong enough to constantly work? Special cells on the end of their bill are constantly replacing the lost material, keeping their bill strong and resilient and allowing it to be sharpened with every blow. While excavating a cavity, a woodpecker\u2019s head can strike a tree\u2019s surface at speeds up to 15 miles per hour \u2014 and do it at over 100 strokes per minute. This is equivalent to a person crashing head-first into a tree while running at top speed.<\/p>\n Two species of woodpecker are protected in Wisconsin: the red-headed woodpecker<\/a> (Melanerpes erythrocephalus<\/em>, found mostly in southeastern Wisconsin) and the black-backed woodpecker <\/a>(Picoides arcticus<\/em>, found mostly in northern Wisconsin). Like the prairie vole, both of these woodpeckers are designated as Species of Greatest Conservation Need.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Take this Valentines Day to do something to help both the \u201cunlovable\u201d and lovable Wisconsin wildlife.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Want to enjoy wildlife and contribute to science from the comfort of your home? Volunteer with Snapshot Wisconsin<\/a> by helping classify photos on Zooniverse, a crowdsourcing platform where volunteers from all over the world help to identify the animals captured on camera. You can also host a trail camera on your property.<\/p>\n Learn more about how snapshots from Wisconsin trail cameras are supporting research on how different species coexist<\/strong> by reading our guest blog by Marie Jensen, Education Coordinator with Snapshot Wisconsin.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/snapshot-wisconsin-captures-rare-wildlife-interactions\/” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Snapshot Wisconsin blog post” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Want to help Wisconsin’s birds? SOS Save Our Songbirds<\/a> has three simple ways that anyone can help them: add native plants to your yard, reduce window threats, and buy bird-friendly coffee. You can also join the Great Wisconsin Birdathon<\/a> when it starts in spring!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.sossaveoursongbirds.org\/” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Help Songbirds” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Join NRF as a member<\/a> to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of the state you love. Your membership donation ensures that NRF is able to focus on Wisconsin\u2019s highest-priority conservation needs. Plus, members can attend NRF’s popular Field Trips<\/a> across the state.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/donatenow.networkforgood.org\/wisconservationmembership” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Become a member” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Do you love pollinators as much as we do? Join the WDNR’s Bumble Bee Brigade<\/a>. Like getting your hands dirty? Get out there at a State Natural Area<\/a> or State Park<\/a>. And the WI Citizen-based Monitoring Network<\/a> has more ways to help.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"1) The Raccoon<\/h3>\n
2) The Opossum<\/h3>\n
3) The Spider<\/h3>\n
4) The Mudpuppy<\/h3>\n
5) The Prairie Vole<\/h3>\n
6) The Woodpecker<\/h3>\n
Show the unlovables some love<\/h2>\n
Volunteer with Snapshot Wisconsin<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Save Our Songbirds<\/h4>\n
Become a member<\/h4>\n
More ways to volunteer<\/h4>\n