OAKHURST – If you live in the foothills, you probably have great stories about animal sightings in the local wilderness, or perhaps some creature great or small has run the gauntlet and turned up inside your own abode.
Now, here’s a chance to learn more about those two and four legged (or no-legged) critters we’ve all come to know and love or sometimes loathe.
The Oakhurst Library will host Park Ranger Chris Raines on Saturday, Aug. 23, in the library’s Community Room, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Ranger Chris’ topic is “Backyard Wildlife,” and participants will learn about different wildlife habitats, adaptations, physiology and behaviors.
The animals she’ll discuss are not only prominent in Yosemite National Park but in our surrounding communities, as well. The experienced ranger will talk about bobcats, mountain lions, raccoons, mule deer, coyotes, gray squirrels, Steller’s jays, field mice, rattlesnakes and black bears. In addition, she will cover some of Yosemite’s sensitive species such as peregrine falcons, red fox and pacific fishers.
Each species enacts a different story depending on the land which they inhabit. Those in attendance will learn how these creatures have adapted to foothill conditions, and Ranger Chris will cover recommended ways to stay safe while surrounded by wildlife.
There’s even a bit of show with the tell: she’ll bring skins and skulls to illustrate the subjects.
Ranger Chris Raines is an educational outreach specialist in Yosemite National Park, where she provides curriculum-based programs including “Parks as Classrooms” to students of all ages. Her programs are designed to provide people with an engaging learning experience and the chance to experience nature as the ultimate classroom.
If you have any questions about this special presentation, please call the Library at (559) 683-4838 or visit Friends of Oakhurst Branch Library.
