This year has bestowed upon us one of the mildest summers I can recall. Folks are still mowing their grass in August, and the nights actually get a little cool. During a normal year, people have already had their fill of the heat by the time August rolls around. But I've noticed very little complaining in 2014.
Regardless of our preferences, Mother Nature does her own thing, and even though everybody appears content with the weather, change is imminent.
The upcoming months will bring with them new seasons, and we'll notice and be affected by the change in conditions. But the plants and wildlife inhabiting our forest will be most affected.
Fall is anticipated by many, as this is the time when our forests transform into a palette of vibrant colors. This is also the season when our native wildlife are showered with much needed nutrition.
The unseasonably cool and wet weather has certainly benefited our native wildlife, as their food sources have been more plentiful than usual, but things are likely to get even more bountiful. During the month of October, the acorns will begin to turn loose, dropping to the ground and providing many of our animals with one of their favorite and most nutritious food sources.
As the fall season nears its end, nights will become noticeably cooler. Colder temperatures and shorter days will cue many animals to prepare for winter.
Some animals will simply increase their eating times, increasing their body fat. Others begin hoarding food that will be used during the leaner months.
Other animals are not designed to handle cold temperatures and must take more drastic measures. Reptiles will find shelter beneath the earth's surface, many times depending upon sheer numbers to produce heat. Various species, both venomous and nonvenomous, hole up in the same den.
The night air will quieten as winter creeps up on us, and all of the noisy little nocturnal creatures will also be forced to find refuge from the colder temperatures. Even the night sky will become void of one of the most interesting nocturnal animals calling Arkansas home.
Bats will seek cracks and crevices, some species nestling between loose bark and the base of a tree. Others are apt to seek refuge in hollow trees or winter in caves.
Bats depend upon their fat reserves to sustain them through their hibernation period. They are in danger of starving before the return of warmer weather if disturbed and forced to exert any extra energy fleeing from danger.
As are a majority of our native wildlife, bears are already preparing for the upcoming winter. Although not going into a true hibernation, they do enter into a semiconscious state referred to as torpor.
Sows will give birth to their young during their winter torpor, needing to sustain themselves as well as their offspring. During this time of year, they will eat as many as 20 hours a day and gain several pounds a week. Bears den up for the winter to avoid starvation during a time when pickings are slim.
While some of Arkansas' native wildlife will be taking cover in preparation for the coldest months of the year, animals will be fleeing to our state from winter conditions much harsher.
Ducks will fly in by the droves and bald eagles will begin showing up at waterways and reservoirs galore. Birdwatching enthusiasts will hit the outdoors with anticipation of seeing our national bird. And duck hunters will eagerly brave the coldest days of the year with hopes of coaxing a limit within shooting range.
We can rest assured that change is just around the corner. It won't be long till we are forced to knock the dust from our winter gear if we plan to experience all of the activities that come along with winter.
Sports on 08/31/2014