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.

To kick off the state’s “Get Outdoors Georgia” initiative, every one of Georgia’s 63 state parks and state historic sites will be free for every Georgian on Saturday, June 14 - just in time for Father's Day weekend. All parking fees and admission fees will be waived for a full day to enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, picnicking and dozens of other activities in Georgia’s diverse and beautiful outdoors.

Dozens of events, such as fishing rodeos and guided hikes, are planned across the state, details can be found at www.GetOutdoorsGeorgia.org.

Watch Georgia Outdoors: Held in Trust


Georgia Outdoors: Family Getaways


Sites to Behold: The History of Georgia's State Parks

To kick off the state’s “Get Outdoors Georgia” initiative, every one of Georgia’s 63 state parks and state historic sites will be free for every Georgian on Saturday, June 14 - just in time for Father's Day weekend. All parking fees and admission fees will be waived for a full day to enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, picnicking and dozens of other activities in Georgia’s diverse and beautiful outdoors.

Dozens of events, such as fishing rodeos and guided hikes, are planned across the state, details can be found at www.GetOutdoorsGeorgia.org.

Watch Georgia Outdoors: Held in Trust


Georgia Outdoors: Family Getaways


Sites to Behold: The History of Georgia's State Parks

National Trails Day is a celebration of trails that evolved from the report by the President's Commission on Americans Outdoors. In 1987, the report recommended that all Americans be able to go out their front doors and within fifteen minutes, be on trails that wind through their cities or towns and bring them back without retracing steps. The recommendation, dubbed Trails for All Americans, became the impetus behind several public and private parties joining American Hiking Society in launching National Trails Day in 1993.

To learn more about National Trails Day events in Georgia visit this website.

National Fishing and Boating Week, June 1-8, began in 1979 and was created to recognize the tradition of fishing, to broaden the spirit of togetherness and to share the values and knowledge of today’s anglers with tomorrow’s anglers.

In the spirit of introducing new family members or friends to the sport of angling, Georgia offers a free fishing day on Saturday, June 7, 2008. On this day, Georgia residents do not need a fishing license or a trout license in order to fish. Residents can fish on any public waters in the state including lakes, streams, ponds and public fishing areas (PFA).

In addition to the free fishing days, there are more than 50 Kids Fishing Events (KFEs) scheduled across the state during the week to help introduce children to fishing. These events offer a healthy form of entertainment for kids and are an excellent opportunity for beginning anglers to experience the vast rewards of recreational fishing. KFEs are FREE, held statewide and have experienced volunteers on hand to help. Many events offer prizes, free lunches and other fun-filled activities - so make plans to attend a KFE today!

Georgia Outdoors: State Symbols
Friday, June 6, 9:30pm
Saturday, June 7, 12 Noon & 6pm
Tuesday, June 10, 7:30pm

From the majestic right whale to the diminutive honeybee, Georgia has a number of official state symbols from the natural world. On this episode, we'll feature ten natural state symbols and find out why each make good representatives of our state.

Why is the turtle crossing the road? To get to the other side, hopefully without a car squashing it! Turtle travel is on the rise this time of year as they search for mates and scope out suitable spots to lay eggs. Eastern Box Turtles also move around more after rain, hoping to gobble up emerging worms. Without risking your life or the lives of others, slow down and drive around turtles when possible. On quiet streets, it may be safe to assist a turtle out of the road, but be sure to put it in the direction it was facing.

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.

On June 8th hundreds of communities around the globe will celebrate the 16th annual World Ocean Day – an opportunity to celebrate our world ocean and our personal connection to the sea, and to raise awareness about the crucial role the ocean plays in our lives and the important ways people can help to protect it.

The Ocean Project – with 750 Partner aquariums, zoos, science museums and other educational organizations in all 50 states and 70 countries – is the largest network ever formed to focus on conservation of the ocean. The Ocean Project, working closely with the World Ocean Network each year, helps to coordinate events and activities to celebrate World Ocean Day with Partners and other organizations around the globe. Click here for events in Georgia.

National Trails Day is a celebration of trails that evolved from the report by the President's Commission on Americans Outdoors. In 1987, the report recommended that all Americans be able to go out their front doors and within fifteen minutes, be on trails that wind through their cities or towns and bring them back without retracing steps. The recommendation, dubbed Trails for All Americans, became the impetus behind several public and private parties joining American Hiking Society in launching National Trails Day in 1993.

To learn more about National Trails Day events in Georgia visit this website.

National Fishing and Boating Week, June 1-8, began in 1979 and was created to recognize the tradition of fishing, to broaden the spirit of togetherness and to share the values and knowledge of today’s anglers with tomorrow’s anglers.

In the spirit of introducing new family members or friends to the sport of angling, Georgia offers a free fishing day on Saturday, June 7, 2008. On this day, Georgia residents do not need a fishing license or a trout license in order to fish. Residents can fish on any public waters in the state including lakes, streams, ponds and public fishing areas (PFA).

In addition to the free fishing days, there are more than 50 Kids Fishing Events (KFEs) scheduled across the state during the week to help introduce children to fishing. These events offer a healthy form of entertainment for kids and are an excellent opportunity for beginning anglers to experience the vast rewards of recreational fishing. KFEs are FREE, held statewide and have experienced volunteers on hand to help. Many events offer prizes, free lunches and other fun-filled activities - so make plans to attend a KFE today!

Governor also signs proclamation declaring June as Georgia Great Outdoors Month

Today at Skidaway Island State Park Governor Sonny Perdue announced the launch of Get Outdoors Georgia, an initiative of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that encourages Georgians to get outdoors, get fit and enjoy Georgia's State Parks.

“I want to encourage all Georgians, especially those with children, to take some time to visit one of our state parks,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “Our state parks are great places to see some of Georgia’s most beautiful sites while spending quality time with your family and getting some good, healthy exercise.”

The campaign launch, developed by the Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites Division (PRHSD) of DNR includes the following: a Free Day in the Parks on June 14 sponsored by the Coca-Cola Company; the introduction of a Library Loan ParkPass Program to make admission to state parks and historic sites accessible through local public libraries; special recreational activities and events at state park and historic site locations throughout the state; a proclamation signed by Governor Sonny Perdue to declare June as Georgia Great Outdoors Month in recognition of this initiative and as part of a National Great Outdoors Month celebration; and the introduction of the Get Outdoors Georgia Gopher .

There are 63 properties that preserve the state's diverse environment and history. Included are 45 state parks, three state historic parks and 15 historic sites, stretching from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Colonial Coast. Together, the sites offer an exceptional variety of resources, including mountains, canyons, forests, fields, marshes, waterfalls, lakes, swamps, rivers, battlefields, historic homes and Native American artifacts.

Watch Sites to Behold: The History of Georgia's State Parks.

Female white-tailed deer (called does) give birth to fawns in late spring and early summer. Each doe may have one fawn, twins, or rarely triplets. At birth, a fawn’s body measures only 1½ feet long and weighs 4-7 pounds. Its eyes are open, but weak legs don’t allow for much standing or walking. Until the fawn is 2-3 weeks old and is strong enough to follow its mother, it stays hidden close to where it was born. Camouflaging spots on the fawn’s coat mimic dabs of sunlight on the forest floor. Although a young deer may appear abandoned, its mother feeds nearby and frequently returns to nurse.

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: Georgia Beaches
Friday, May 30, 9:30pm
Saturday, May 31, 12 Noon & 6pm
Tuesday, June 3, 7:30pm

Some of the most popular destinations in Georgia are our beaches. From the well-visited sands of Tybee Island to the protected shores of Cumberland Island, Georgia Outdoors explores the geology and ecology of our amazing beaches.

But Georgia's beaches are more than just great spots for soaking up the sun. Beaches also play an essential ecological role. They provide nesting habitat for shorebirds and sea turtles and serve as an important storm buffer along with the dune system.

On this episode of Georgia Outdoors, we'll take a closer look at where the water meets sand.

Memorial Day is a great chance to visit one of Georgia's state parks (an hour drive or less for everybody in Georgia!) for a host of good times: picnics, cookouts, hiking, biking, and so on.

Many towns have smaller trails and nature areas that aren't associated with any kind of park system. These "little trails" are great opportunities to explore and learn more about your local area. (As usual, use caution, tell people where you are going, always take a map of the area, whistle, knife, etc.)

I myself am taking the long weekend to explore some trails in the south metro area on my mountain bike. I plan on limping into the office on Tuesday with a few bruises and at least one scrape to show for my efforts.

Leave a comment and talk about what you used the weekend for! We're always interested in what Georgia residents are up to in the great outdoors!

--Andrew

Turtles are one of the most endearing and symbolic of America's
native wildlife. Turtles not only fascinate each passing generation of children, who find endless wonders under those hard shells, but they also continue to serve as a timeless role model in children's literature: the slow and steady turtle, whose patient progress always wins out against his fast but feckless competitor.

Yet the turtles' lofty status hasn't prevented humans from abusing the creature. In fact, all land, freshwater, and sea turtles are facing imminent threats to their survival, simply because of human activities. Turtles are the reptile most affected by the pet trade, not to mention the food and traditional medicine industries. Many turtle species also suffer from the effects of pollution as well as from the destructive effects of industrial fishing operations.

Despite these hardships, May is a busy month for turtles. Many have recently emerged from winter hibernation and are beginning their search for mates and nesting areas. For this reason, May 23 was designated World Turtle Day.

World Turtle Day was initiated in 2000 by the American Tortoise Rescue, a turtle and tortoise rescue organization founded in 1990. The group brings attention to turtle conservation issues and highlights ways each of us can help protect these gentle but jeopardized animals. In the spirit of World Turtle Day, check out these suggested actions you can take to honor these fascinating creatures.

Georgia Outdoors: Georgia's Sea Creatures featuring the Loggerhead Sea Turtle

Georgia Outdoors: Longleaf Pine Ecosystem featuring the Gopher Tortoise.

Fifth Anniversary Nature Photography Contest
Friday, May 23, 9:30 PM
Saturday, May 24, 12 Noon
Saturday, May 24, 6 PM
Tuesday, May 27,7PM

Nature photography is a great way to experience the outdoors. It's a non-consumptive activity that leaves nothing behind, yet it provides nature lovers the chance to take something tangible away from their experience.

Georgia Outdoors has been encouraging people to get out and enjoy the art of nature photography for 5 years through our nature photography contest.

From the sandy shores of Jekyll Island to the lush gardens at Callaway, we've visited some very photogenic places with our winners. On this episode we take a look back at some of the amazing winners and amazing places we've seen in the process.

The first manatees of the season have been spotted along the coast of Georgia. This means it is time again to remind boaters to be on the lookout to avoid collisions with the endangered animals.

With an estimated population of only 3,000 animals in U.S. waters, manatees, also known as sea cows, are protected as an endangered species under federal and Georgia law. Approximately one quarter of all manatee mortalities in Georgia since 1980 were caused by watercraft collisions. Other dangers to the species include entanglement in fishing gear and harmful algal blooms known as red tides.

Although Florida manatees are present throughout the year in Florida, they are migratory in Georgia. Manatees begin their slow migration up the Georgia coast each spring when water temperatures rise into the upper 60s. They can be found in tidal rivers, estuaries and near-shore marine waters throughout Georgia and the Carolinas throughout the summer months. Manatees return to Florida in September and October as water temperatures cool.

Adult manatees are approximately 10 feet long and weigh up to 1 ton. Their skin varies from gray to brown, and their bodies are rounded with two pectoral flippers and a wide, flat tail. Subsisting on marsh grass and other aquatic plants, the animals are gentle and pose no threat to humans. It is illegal to hunt, play with or harass manatees.

Manatees have a slow reproductive rate. Females are not sexually mature until about 5 years old, and males mature at approximately 9. On average, an adult female gives birth to one calf every two to five years, and twins are rare. The gestation period is about a year.

Mothers nurse their young for one to two years, so a calf may remain dependent on its mother during that time. Manatee calves are approximately 4 feet long at birth and about 60 pounds.

The number of manatees along Georgia’s coastline each year is unknown because the turbid, murky waters near the coast make surveys difficult. Georgia residents can help biologists learn more about the movements and habitat use of manatees by reporting any sightings and taking photographs.

Collisions between boaters and manatees are more likely to occur in shallow waters, particularly around docks and at the edge of marshes where manatees feed. Following boater safety regulations in these areas can reduce the risk of a collision. Boaters should also watch for
manatee backs, tails, snouts and “footprints” - a series of round swirls on the surface caused by a swimming manatee’s tail.

If a boat accidentally collides with a manatee, the DNR Wildlife Resources Division asks that the boater stand-by and immediately contact the U.S. Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16 or DNR at (800) 2-SAVE-ME (800-272-8363). Doing so provides biologists the best chance to help the animal and gather valuable scientific data. According to Wildlife Resources, boaters will not be charged if they were operating their boat responsibly and the collision was an accident.

If you see or photograph a healthy, injured or dead manatee, please contact DNR at (800) 2-SAVE-ME or (912) 269-7587. Please note the date, time, location and number of manatees seen, as well as the coordinates, if possible. Photographs of scars on their backs and tails are especially useful because they can often be used to identify previously known manatees.

Here are some other ways Georgia residents can help protect manatees:

• Look around for manatees before cranking your boat’s motor.

• Use caution when navigating in shallow water and along the edge of a marsh. Manatees cannot dive away from boats in these areas.

• Please heed “slow speed,” “no wake” and manatee warning signs, especially around docks.

• Wear polarized sunglasses to reduce glare, making it easier to spot manatees below the surface.
  

• Watch for large swirls in the water called footprints that may be caused by manatees diving away from the boat.

• Dock owners should never feed manatees or give them fresh water. This could teach the animals to approach docks, putting them at greater risk of a boat strike.

• Never pursue, harass or play with manatees. It is bad for the manatees and is illegal.

Watch Georgia Outdoors: Coastal Sports and Wildlife

After laying eggs in the spring, female songbirds often lack calcium. You can help them replenish this important nutrient by providing your leftover eggshells. Simply rinse the eggshells in plain water, dry them, and then bake on a cookie sheet at 250F for about 30 minutes (or until the edges just start to turn brown). After cooling, crush the eggshells into small pieces. These little tidbits of calcium are then ready to be placed in a platform bird feeder, along a deck railing, or scattered on the ground. Many songbird species, including insect eaters that normally don’t visit feeders, may be drawn to your yard by eggshell offerings.

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.

Watch Georgia Outdoors: Birding