Chiggers, also known as red bugs, are the teeny-tiny larvae of harvest mites. If you spend time in weedy areas, you may get these arachnids on your body, resulting in itchy bumps. Contrary to popular belief, chiggers do not burrow into your skin and die. Rather, using specialized mouthparts, they attach themselves to thin skin ~ often around ankles, the backs of knees, belt lines, and armpits. Although the chigger’s bite often goes undetected, its saliva causes much discomfort. Digestive enzymes in the saliva liquefy cells, which the chigger then sucks up. Once full, the chigger falls off and continues its life cycle towards an adult mite.

WILD Fact is a regular feature written by Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division based at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia.

Join us for a special hour of brand-new back-to-back episodes of Georgia Outdoors this Friday at 9 & 9:30 PM!


Georgia Outdoors: Fire Ecology Friday, October 3 at 9 PM Click here for a video preview

Over the course of human history our civilization has developed an important relationship with fire. From its beneficial use in cooking, warming our homes, and managing our land to its destructive capabilities; fire connects us to the natural world. On this episode we’ll look at the 2007 wildfire that consumed over 400,000 acres of forest, burned 22 homes and forced the evacuation of over 1000 people in and around the Okefenokee Swamp.

But fire isn't all bad, in fact, it's a necessary part of a healthy forest ecosystem. We'll also join forest managers as they employ a technique called prescribed burning at the Jones Ecological Research Center just south of Albany. The landowners here regularly perform prescribed burning for it's large amount of longleaf pine, a species of pine dependent on fire for it's survival. Other species have also adapted to this fire-dependent ecosystem including the red cockaded woodpecker and the gopher tortoise.

Georgia Outdoors: Ocmulgee River Watershed Friday, October 3 at 9:30 PM Click here for a video preview
From its headwaters in north Georgia, to its intersection with the Oconee River forming the mighty Altamaha River, the Ocmulgee River cuts across 241 miles of diverse terrain. Along the way, the Ocmulgee and its tributaries drain about 6,180 square miles across thirty-three Georgia counties. This is the Ocmulgee watershed.

From its more developed shores in the Macon area to stretches of pure wilderness, the Ocmulgee River is truly one of central Georgia’s hidden treasures. And the best way to experience the river is by paddle. Every year, the Georgia River Network sponsors Paddle Georgia, an event which draws hundreds of paddling enthusiasts from all skill levels to take on a river. In 2007 they chose the Ocmulgee River and we tagged along to experience the river with them.

If you hear an ascending “wheep” whistled from the treetops, a Great Crested Flycatcher is nearby. As its name suggests, this large songbird is one of nature’s pest controllers. Flies are only one kind of insect this species catches. Other foods include beetles, wasps, bees, crickets, moths, and caterpillars as well as fruits and berries. Rarely, flycatchers eat hummingbirds too.

Great Crested Flycatchers breed in eastern North America but migrate towards Central and South America every fall. Typical nest sites are hardwood tree cavities near clearings, although they sometimes use bird boxes in suitable habitat. Twigs, leaves, hair, feathers, snake skins, and cellophane are common nest materials.

WILD Fact is a regular feature written by Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division based at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia.

In just a few weeks, Georgia’s forests will turn into a brilliant blanket of red, orange and gold, inspiring leaf peepers to pull out their cameras and lace up their hiking boots. To help track the changing leaves and plan autumn escapes Georgia State Parks will launch Leaf Watch 2008 beginning today on the Georgia State Parks website.

Whether traveling to the Blue Ridge Mountains for hiking and biking, or heading south for canoeing and camping, Leaf Watch 2008 will offer advice on where and when to find the best color at Georgia’s state parks. Visitors can read regular updates provided by park rangers, get safety tips for hiking and camping, and learn why leaves change color. Last-minute availability for campsites, cottages and lodge rooms at the state parks will be posted, in addition to a Webcam showcasing the rolling mountainside of Black Rock Mountain State Park near Dillard.
Typically, northern Georgia peaks in late October; however, color can be seen as early as September and as late as mid-November. Some parks in southern Georgia put on a pretty display during late autumn, particularly those with cypress trees and tea-colored swamps.

Checkout the new on-line water calculator! It helps you understand your unique water footprint and provides personalized tips with simple ways to conserve water. The calculator is fun and easy to use, and a great teaching tool for children.

It's our most requested show. Tune in and find out what it's all about!

Georgia Outdoors: Green Georgia Getaways
Tuesday, Sept 30, 7:30 PM

From the Georgia mountains to the coastal barrier islands, Georgia has a lot of opportunities to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. On this episode, we feature a few ways to get away from it all in an environmentally friendly way.

We start with the Coastal Plain Meander, an annual trip down the Savannah River from Augusta to Savannah by pontoon boat. Along the way, we'll learn about the ecology of this great river.

Next, we visit the Hike Inn, a mountain getaway that's accessible only by foot. Lastly, we stop by an environmentally friendly "green" hotel on Jekyll Island and explore some ways to enjoy this protected island.

In celebration of the passion for the outdoors that you share Georgia Outdoors encourages you to get out and participate in one of the many activities the GeorgiaDepartment of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division that will be held in honor of the 2008 National Hunting and Fishing Day, this Saturday, Sept. 27.

Events that will be offered in Georgia include SEVEN Outdoor Adventure Days (activities will differ at each event - but some highlights include birdhouse building, archery and air rifle shooting, trout fishing, hunting dog demonstrations, exhibits and more), kids’ fishing events, a “day at the range” and much more!

In addition to these events, a free fishing day is offered to all Georgia residents on that Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008. On this day, residents do not need a fishing license or a trout license to fish on any public waters in the state including lakes, streams, ponds and public fishing areas (PFA). In addition, residents do not need to obtain a wildlife management area (WMA) license to fish on a PFA, WMA or on Waters Creek on this day.

The U.S. Congress established National Hunting and Fishing Day 37 years ago to recognize generations of hunters and anglers for the time and money - more than a billion dollars each year - they donate to wildlife conservation programs. Conserving the state’s natural and wildlife resources is one of the most important responsibilities for this and future generations, and the conservation programs supported and financed by Georgia hunters and anglers have benefited hundreds of wildlife species, including deer, wild turkeys, bald eagles and songbirds for all Georgians to enjoy.

For more information on NHF Day in Georgia - including a complete listing of events in the state visit www.georgiawildlife.com , and then select “Get Involved.”

Native to the Southeast but stocked elsewhere, mosquitofish are also known by their genus name, Gambusia. These live bearers resemble guppies, with males and females only reaching 1½ and 2½ inches long respectively. To protect themselves from big fish, mosquitofish hide in vegetation along pond edges. In these same areas, pesky mosquitoes lay eggs that hatch out into tiny, worm-like larvae. Surviving larvae turn into flying mosquitoes, but most get gobbled up before reaching adulthood. True to its name, one mosquitofish eats hundreds of larvae each day. A decrease in mosquito numbers means fewer itchy bites and fewer West Nile Virus cases.

WILD Fact is a new regular feature written by Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division based at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia.

Georgia Outdoors: Green Georgia Getaways
Saturday, September 27, 2008 - 9:30pm
Tuesday, September 30, 2008 - 7:30pm

From the Georgia mountains to the coastal barrier islands, Georgia has a lot of opportunities to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. On this episode, we feature a few ways to get away from it all in an environmentally friendly way.

We start with the Coastal Plain Meander, an annual trip down the Savannah River from Augusta to Savannah by pontoon boat. Along the way, we'll learn about the ecology of this great river.

Next, we visit the Hike Inn, a mountain getaway that's accessible only by foot. Finally, we stop by an environmentally friendly "green" hotel on Jekyll Island and explore some ways to enjoy this protected island.

Visit this website to learn more about the places we visited in this episode.

The Mourning Dove is the most abundant and widespread game bird in North America, despite an annual harvest in the millions. This member of the Pigeon family is about one foot long with a grayish brown back and buff-colored underside. Unlike the non-native pigeons you see in cities, Mourning Doves have pointed rather than blunt-tipped tails. As its common name suggests, this species’ call is a mournful coo (which some people mistake for an owl). Mourning Doves also make non-vocal noises too. The next time you observe this bird taking off to fly, listen for the nervous whistling sound created as wind quickly travels over its wing feathers.

WILD Fact is a new regular feature written by Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division based at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia.

Georgia Outdoors: Held in Trust
Friday, September 19 @ 9:30 PM
Saturday, September 20 @ 6 pM
Tuesday, September 23 @ 7:30 PM

Georgia's history is diverse and rich with stories of triumph and tragedy. From Native American burial mounds to plantations to civil war fortifications, physical remnants of this past have been left behind in the form of buildings and structures. Many of these locations are preserved and open to the public.

On this episode, we'll trace Georgia's history through its historic sites and see how the staff at these locations work to make history come alive.

We join a torchlight tour of the Etowah Mounds near Cartersville, and find out about syrup making at the Jarrell Plantation. Finally, we'll see how archaeologists are continually digging up new elements of Georgia's history and feature the restoration of Hardman Farm, a historic dairy farm in Helen.

More species of salamanders live in Georgia than any other group of amphibians or reptiles. Nevertheless, perhaps because these creatures are shy and silent, most people know little about them. Members of the mole salamander family are especially secretive, primarily living underground and only rising to the surface to breed. The marbled salamander is one such species, and it breeds in the fall. On rainy autumn nights, adults migrate towards the edges of wetlands. After mating, females deposit eggs under logs and in debris that is likely to be flooded. Although the larvae begin developing, hatching only occurs after rising waters inundate the eggs.

WILD Fact is a new regular feature written by Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division based at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia.

GEORGIA HUNTERS CAN HELP IN THE FIGHT AGAINST HUNGER - Ten collection sites available beginning September 13

For the past 15 years, hunters across the state have been bringing meat to the tables of those in need through the Georgia Hunters for the Hungry program. This successful program celebrated serving its one-millionth meal in 2007 and provides numerous opportunities for hunters to share their harvest with those in need. This year, hunters can donate deer at ten participating processors beginning September 13 and continuing through January 15.

Hunters interested in participating in Georgia Hunters for the Hungry should bring field-dressed deer to any of the drop-off locations listed below. All hunters who donate a deer during this collection period will be entered into a drawing for a deer rifle, sponsored by the Georgia Wildlife Federation.

For information about collections sites visit this website: www.gohuntgeorgia.com

In celebration of the passion for the outdoors that you share Georgia Outdoors encourages you to get out and participate in one of the many activities the GeorgiaDepartment of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division that will be held in honor of the 2008 National Hunting and Fishing Day, this Saturday, Sept. 27.

Events that will be offered in Georgia include SEVEN Outdoor Adventure Days (activities will differ at each event - but some highlights include birdhouse building, archery and air rifle shooting, trout fishing, hunting dog demonstrations, exhibits and more), kids’ fishing events, a “day at the range” and much more!

In addition to these events, a free fishing day is offered to all Georgia residents on that Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008. On this day, residents do not need a fishing license or a trout license to fish on any public waters in the state including lakes, streams, ponds and public fishing areas (PFA). In addition, residents do not need to obtain a wildlife management area (WMA) license to fish on a PFA, WMA or on Waters Creek on this day.

The U.S. Congress established National Hunting and Fishing Day 37 years ago to recognize generations of hunters and anglers for the time and money - more than a billion dollars each year - they donate to wildlife conservation programs. Conserving the state’s natural and wildlife resources is one of the most important responsibilities for this and future generations, and the conservation programs supported and financed by Georgia hunters and anglers have benefited hundreds of wildlife species, including deer, wild turkeys, bald eagles and songbirds for all Georgians to enjoy.

For more information on NHF Day in Georgia - including a complete listing of events in the state visit www.georgiawildlife.com , and then select “Get Involved.”

Cougar, mountain lion, puma, panther, and even painter are all common names used when referring to "Puma concolor." This large cat ranges from the Canadian Northwest, across the western half of the US, and southward through most of South America. The cougar’s wide distribution may explain why it has more common names than any other animal, with 40 names in English alone.

Because this species requires such huge continuous areas of habitat and since development is so rampant, the only confirmed population in the eastern US is that of the endangered Florida Panther. Confined to the southern tip of Florida (about 5% of its historic Southeast range), less
than 100 remain in the wild today.

Join thousands of neighbors, friends, and families across the country for NWF’s fourth annual Great American Backyard Campout on Saturday, June 28, 2008!

Be part of this nation-wide event! Visit this website for help making the most of your event with packing lists, recipes, wildlife guides, activities, tips and more.

Join thousands of neighbors, friends, and families across the country for NWF’s fourth annual Great American Backyard Campout on Saturday, June 28, 2008!

Be part of this nation-wide event! Visit this website for help making the most of your event with packing lists, recipes, wildlife guides, activities, tips and more.