At Sierra Outdoor School, we are always observing the
natural world around us. Unique animal
sightings make for exciting moments. Here
are the most remarkable creatures spotted by naturalists and students at Sierra Outdoor School in the year of 2013.
Sierra Nevada
Ensatina
During hunts for decomposers, several groups of students
have found the Sierra Nevada Ensatina, a type of salamander. As amphibians,
salamanders are cold blooded and their body temperatures depend upon the outdoor
air temperature. This explains why they can often be seen basking on rocks in
the sun. When it gets too cold, they
take shelter underground where it is warmer and some even hibernate. Some of these critters are special in that they
breathe through their skin and can regenerate their tails.
Flying Squirrel
The elusive and legendary Northern Flying Squirrel was spotted
around the gym at SOS by several naturalists.
Contrary to the name, these creatures do not actually fly but
glide. They use a flap of skin, or
paragrim, on their sides to help them coast from tree to tree. Flying Squirrels can be found throughout
North America, east of North Carolina and all the way out to California. They enjoy eating mushrooms and help the
spread the spores of the mushrooms they eat.
Jerusalem Cricket
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Students and teachers from Fauncher Creek were thrilled to
find a Jerusalem Cricket on the blacktop one evening in November. Go figure, this creature just so happens to
be nocturnal. Full grown Jerusalem
Crickets can be as big as two inches.
When threatened, these bugs may emit a strong odor and inflict a painful
bite. The origin of the name ’Jerusalem
Cricket’ is highly debated. However, the
nickname ‘Potato Bug’ comes from the story that this creature could eat an
entire potato for one meal.
Keep your eyes and ears peeled for more impressive creatures
out there. Comment below to share your findings!
- Kim "Cedar" Pedersen
Very cool post. Thanks for sharing what the kids are finding at SOS!
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