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Ways Humans Can Help Other Animals

In my project room a few weeks ago a lizard went scooting across the floor and hid in the cardboard box. I think he's surviving by eating the tiny ants that come inside during the winter, because i keep seeing him in different parts of the house. So I always leave out a saucer with a bit of water, a couple of pieces of catfood. But hes a pretty little lizard and he's kind of claimed my studio as his territory.
 
I have a Venus flytrap plant. It's not an animal but I help it by feeding it an occasional fly. It eats the tiny fruit flies that tend to appear around bananas in my kitchen. The fruit flies are attracted to its slightly sweet smell. I used to think it was native to Africa or South America but it's actually native to the Carolinas in the US. It's a carnivorous swamp plant that goes mostly dormant in winter.
 
Mary Terry said:
I have a Venus flytrap plant. It's not an animal but I help it by feeding it an occasional fly. It eats the tiny fruit flies that tend to appear around bananas in my kitchen. The fruit flies are attracted to its slightly sweet smell. I used to think it was native to Africa or South America but it's actually native to the Carolinas in the US. It's a carnivorous swamp plant that goes mostly dormant in winter.
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I very much approve of helping plants. I will clear small areas around native or rare plants so they can grow better with less competition.
 
WhitewaterWoman said:
I very much approve of helping plants. I will clear small areas around native or rare plants so they can grow better with less competition.
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I do that, too. And the native plants feed or shelter native species of animals and insects. I try to keep the wild pollinator plants healthy and we don't mow the yard until the early spring flowers die back so the bees will have something to eat while waiting for the summer plants to bloom.
 
I leave the wildlife alone. I quit kayaking along the shore, even though the open water is boring. I was always seeing seals diving and birds flying up.
 
This fellow, whatever type of lizard it is, hangs out in my workroom. I leave it water and he's gotten to where he doesn't hide anymore, but just hangs out watching.
 

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Cuddling animals when they are a pet is a good way to maintain good psychological health for one's pet.

I try to stroke my cat daily to show her that I love her.
 
I never know if I should laugh or cry about animals trapped in the city being released in "the wild." They didn't move to the city for the shopping. They just couldn't find another place to settle. Wild animals are both prolific and territorial. The woods are not "home" to them any more than a gated community is welcoming to homeless humans.
 
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Stop and save a turtle (or other animal)! Remember to move the turtle across the road in the direction he was headed. Do not relocate the turtle to a "better" place. Move him to a safe area nearby. Image by Susquehannock Wildlife Society.
Additional information: Of utmost importance, always help turtles and tortoises cautiously and safely.
1. Do your best to identify the species.
2. Many small turtle species, including Painted, Box, Sliders, Maps, etc., should be moved by holding both sides of the shell or by placing in a bucket for moving.
3. Some species with long necks, especially Snapping and Soft-shelled turtles, should be moved by holding the back of their shells or just in front of their rear legs. It is best to use both hands and this image is just to illustrate suitable hand placement. Carrying by their tails may cause spinal damage.
4. Always carry turtles low to the ground just in case they are dropped.
5. Desert tortoises should be moved only if essential as they may urinate releasing needed fluids. Be sure not to tip them.
6. Beware of the which species are listed as endangered in your area as moving them could be a crime. Be sure to only help cross the road if possible and not relocate (which shouldn't be done for any species unless required).
7. Turtles should be moved in the direction they were headed as they were moving that direction for a reason. If they are turned around, they will likely simply try to cross the road again.
8. Be sure you DO NOT put tortoises in the water. For instance, Gopher tortoises are often found near water or the ocean. These are not Sea turtles!
9. It is very simple to find species listings with photos to become familiar with turtles and tortoises in your area. Usually state Departments of Natural Resources, or similar agencies, will have the information online. Or simply type your state followed by turtle species (i.e. "Georgia turtle species") into any internet search engine.
10. If living in an area where this is common, having gloves, bucket, herping field hook, towel, and other helpful tools in your trunk is a good idea. Pack a turtle crossing safety kit.
11. Just as you should do after touching any animal, including a dog or cat, always wash your hands after handling reptiles and amphibians.

USARK - United States Association of Reptile Keepers | There is Strength in Numbers, Protect Your Rights!
 
Migrating turtles are inevitably female, on their way to lay eggs in the spot where they hatched.

Save a turtle, and you save their eggs - maybe 5 - 10 (?) baby turtles.
 
A broad snow shovel is useful if you want to pick up
a large snapping turtle.
 
tree said:
A broad snow shovel is useful if you want to pick up
a large snapping turtle.
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We use shovels to move snappers, too. You have to cut off their head to get them to release their jaws if they bite you. One time I moved a big snapper from our backyard, carefully lifting it on a shovel over the fence into the pasture. The horses watched me closely. As soon as I set the turtle down, they came racing over and began rearing up and smashing the turtle with their hooves. They killed the turtle right in front of me despite my yelling at them and waving my arms to try to scare them away.
 
I was stopped at a stoplight on a very busy six lane road, when I saw a huge turtle in the road. I got out of the car, picked up the turtle and put him (her?) on the floor of the passenger seat.

I drove way out of town and dropped her off at one of the “strands” (flowing wetlands.) she promptly took off into the vegetation.
 
It’s shocking how far a snapper can reach its head back and how quickly it can do so. I used a dust pan to get one out of the road last year. I would’ve preferred something with a longer handle. Heavy little guy, too.
 
Rodafina said:
It’s shocking how far a snapper can reach its head back and how quickly it can do so. I used a dust pan to get one out of the road last year. I would’ve preferred something with a longer handle. Heavy little guy, too.
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They can jump, too. When the horses were attacking the snapper I rescued from the backyard, the turtle was lunging at least a foot in the air and snapping at the horses. I still feel bad about that situation. If I had known the horses would kill it, I would have moved it somewhere else for sure.
 
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