The Skunk CornerAug 12, 20205 minBuilding a Wildlife-Proof Chicken CoopWith people spending more time at home during COVID-19, 2020 has become a record year for backyard chicken raising. If you are planning...
The Skunk CornerOct 29, 20194 minThe Wildlife Behind HalloweenSpiders, bats, and owls have long been common symbols of Halloween, but that doesn't mean you should only look for them in festive front...
The Skunk CornerOct 6, 20193 minTo Live Trap or Not to Live Trap?Live traps, also known as catch-and-release or Havahart traps, may seem like a good fix to a human-wildlife conflict at first glance. ...
The Skunk CornerSep 1, 20195 minA Closer Look at Backyard NatureLook closely at the habitat in your backyard or a nearby open space and you will likely find plants, animals, and other features that...
The Skunk CornerApr 8, 20194 min5 Ways to Enjoy Nature This SpringBaby animals, vibrant wildflower blooms, and flowing creeks are all in season right now, and it's a great time to get outside and enjoy...
The Skunk CornerFeb 15, 20195 minWhat Happens to Creeks During the Rain?During the recent rain, you may have noticed rushing water in some of Santa Barbara’s creeks. Creeks are important features in any...
The Skunk CornerJan 4, 20192 min5 Ways to Enjoy Nature This WinterEven though we don't get snow in Santa Barbara, the winter months still bring unique opportunities for wildlife observation. Below are...
The Skunk CornerNov 22, 20183 minWhat's Going On at the Arroyo Burro Open Space? Lately, drivers along Las Positas may have noticed what looks like a construction project across the road from Elings Park. What they...
The Skunk CornerSep 1, 20183 minBats: Fact and FictionIf you look in the sky above your yard around dusk, you may catch a glimpse of a bat on its nightly insect hunt. The combined area of...
The Skunk CornerJul 31, 20184 minWhich Animal Is Eating Fruit Off Your Trees?It is often difficult to harvest fruit from a tree at the right time without letting animals get to it first. Birds, raccoons, opossums,...
The Skunk CornerJul 7, 20185 minWhy Should We Protect Our Local Habitats? Santa Barbara County includes multiple types of habitat, including riparian areas, chaparral, oak woodland, and others. Preserving these...
The Skunk CornerMar 31, 20182 min5 Wildlife-Friendly Yard UpgradesIf you are thinking of making changes to your yard this year, why not consider the local wildlife in your plans? Adding features such as...
The Skunk CornerFeb 5, 20182 minRaccoon-Proof Your TrashDon't let your trashcan end up like the one above, which is what happens when raccoons knock it over in search of food. Not only is this...
The Skunk CornerJan 6, 20181 minThe Owls of Arroyo Burro Open SpaceIf you visit the Arroyo Burro Open Space around dusk, you may catch a glimpse of a great-horned owl or two. There are currently a pair...
The Skunk CornerDec 30, 20172 min5 Good Locations for Wildlife Water SourcesIf you'd like to welcome animals to your yard, whether those animals are birds, pollinating insects, or mammals like skunks, it is...
The Skunk CornerDec 2, 20172 minChristmas Gifts for the Wildlife EnthusiastThe fall and winter are great times for observing wildlife. Different species of birds show up in backyards, rain may fill creeks with...
The Skunk CornerDec 1, 20172 minChristmas Gifts for the Wildlife EnthusiastThe fall and winter are great times for observing wildlife. Different species of birds show up in backyards, rain may fill creeks with...
The Skunk CornerNov 4, 20172 minAwesome PossumsVirginia opossums are common backyard visitors in Santa Barbara, climbing on fences and meandering across lawns. They are omnivores,...
The Skunk CornerNov 4, 20172 minAwesome PossumsVirginia opossums are common backyard visitors in Santa Barbara, climbing on fences and meandering across lawns. They are omnivores,...
The Skunk CornerOct 8, 20172 min5 Ways to Minimize Cat/Wildlife ConflictsHousecats and wildlife don't usually mix well. Many cats, even the most gentle and calm ones, follow their predatory instincts when they...