As we move into the Fall season, have you ever wondered what happens to the overripe fruit that falls from the trees? Or the dead leaves and branches that drift to the ground? Or wild animals that have passed away? Well, we have scavengers to thank for taking care of nature’s trash (and sometimes ours, too)! We have several scavengers that live here at Sawgrass Nature Center including opossums, raccoons, and vultures.
Opossums get a bad rap, but DID YOU KNOW…. that it is extremely rare for an opossum to carry rabies? That’s because their body temperature is lower than many other mammals. DID YOU ALSO KNOW that they eat up to 5,000 ticks (which can carry Lyme disease) per season? Thank you, opossums!
There are many myths about raccoons, but DID YOU KNOW…. that raccoons that are out during the day are not necessarily sick or dangerous? They may just be hungry and are often seen dipping their food in water? Although raccoons are clean animals (it’s true!), they are not actually washing their food but just manipulating it instead.
And vultures, those are some crazy critters! DID YOU KNOW…if they feel threatened, they will vomit up their food (remember that they mostly eat dead stuff) to scare other animals away? Wait, we were trying to convince you to LIKE scavengers…. so how about the fact that they cool themselves down by pooping on their legs? No, still gross? Just remember that fun fact the next time you think you are sweating too much ?
Interested in learning more fun facts about native Florida wildlife? Schedule a program for your group today! Email us at education@sawgrassnaturecenter.org.
A wild raccoon visits the dumpster at Sawgrass Nature Center…. And inspires this blog post!
