Episode Summary: Hosts Susan Altruy and Joy Matlock explore how animals secure food—through foraging, hunting, and special tactics—and how habitat loss endangers those sources. Zookeeper Hannah then presents Monty, a Ball Python, to demonstrate snake adaptations for locating and subduing prey. Learn simple actions you can take to protect natural food chains.In this episode, you’ll learn:Foraging vs. Hunting: Black bears gather berries and carrion; river otters dive for fish; red-­tailed hawks hunt rodents.Habitat & Food: Clearing forests or draining wetlands removes vital plants and prey for box turtles, penguins, and pollinators.Python Biology: Monty’s infrared “pit organs,” backward­-curved teeth, and glottis “snorkel” let him ambush and swallow prey whole.Conservation Steps: How the Seafood Watch app guides you toward sustainable seafood to help maintain healthy food webs.Key Takeaways:Arkansas Black Bears: Once so plentiful the state was nicknamed “Bear State,” these omnivores switch from plant foraging to small­-mammal hunting.River Otter Fishing: Otters chase fish underwater with streamlined bodies and paddle­like tails.Red­-Tailed Hawks: Using sharp talons and keen eyesight, they patrol skies to catch rodents—showing aerial predator roles.Box Turtle Foraging: Native turtles eat insects, berries, and mushrooms; habitat loss removes their essential food.Monty the Ball Python:Pit Organs: Detect heat from warm­-blooded prey in darkness.Ambush Tactics: Strike quickly, grip prey with backward teeth, and constrict.Glottis “Snorkel”: Allows breathing while swallowing large meals.Ecosystem Impact: Losing predators or pollinators (snakes or bees) triggers imbalances—rodent overpopulation or plant declines.Practical Actions:Don’t Litter Roadsides: Food scraps attract rodents, which lure snakes or owls into traffic.Use Seafood Watch: A free Monterey Bay Aquarium app to choose sustainable fish and protect ocean ecosystems.Mentioned:Arkansas Black BearRiver OtterRed-­Tailed HawkBox TurtlePollinators: Bats & FirefliesBall Python (Monty “Monica”)Seafood Watch AppQuotes:“Wetlands and forests aren’t just landscapes—they’re grocery stores for wildlife.” – Susan Altruy “Monty’s pit organs are like an infrared GPS toward prey.” – Hannah (Zookeeper)

Ver todos los episodios