Did you know that June is National great outdoors month? There are many ways to celebrate, take a hike at your local state park, go canoeing, or explore nature close to home by camping out in your backyard. It is important to be safe while spending time outdoors. In Florida, while hiking or canoeing, you may encounter alligators or snakes. Here are a few tips on what you should or should not do if you encounter one of these reptiles while enjoying the great outdoors:

Alligators do not need your table scraps this species has been roaming the earth for a very ling time and are fully capable of feeding themselves. It is illegal to feed them and if you are caught you can face jail time and a hefty fine. Once they are fed they are taught to approach humans for food and may attack the next person that isn't carrying a piece of chicken in his/her pocket.

If chased by an alligator run away in a straight line. It is the shortest distance between two points and when against an animal that runs at the same speed as us we need all the help we can get. The bonus is we have much more endurance than Alligators and can out run them by a long shot. Keep in mind they can run up to 10 miles per hour for short distances on land. After running a few yards Lactic acid builds up around their hearts and could cause a heart attack.

Just because you do not see an alligator it doesn't mean they aren't there. In fact 9 out of 10 bodies of water in Florida have alligators in them. They can hold their breath for up to 2 hours and stay completely submerged under water. Do not let your pets or children swim in lakes that may contain gators especially near vegetation where they could be hiding. Never leave children or pets unattended near lakes or ponds. Lastly, never attempt to move or relocate a gator, always call authorities if you feel an alligator is a threat to humans or other animals.

Did you know that out of 44 species of Florida snakes only six are venomous? Snakes would rather avoid encounter and will usually flee when approached by humans. Most will not bite unless they feel threatened. Usually snakes are seen close to houses or buildings due to the presence of rats and mice, which they feed on. Many common variety snakes like Garter snakes and Black Racers are beneficial to your garden because they eat the bugs that are harmful to your plants. Venomous or not snakes should be left alone. Humane traps are available if you are worried about snakes too near your home.


photo credit: cuatrok77 via photopin cc
photo credit: TomSpinker via photopin cc

Hurricane season is upon us once again. Most Floridians have an emergency plan and disaster kit in case a storm hits. They keep water, canned food, flashlights, batteries and extra medication on hand, just in case. But does your plan include the safety of your animals? Don't be unprepared when a storm threatens. During Hurricane season it is a good idea, to have on hand, at least a seven day supply of pet food, extra medications, a leash/harness or carrier, a thunder shirt for the nervous pet and tags/ID and vet records in a waterproof container.

What if you have to evacuate? Before the threat of a hurricane is near check with local shelters to see which ones will allow pets. Contact hotels, motels, boarding facilities and vet offices outside your area and make reservations if you are in danger of being evacuated. Keep a list handy with these numbers. It will be easier to cancel than find a place at the last minute. Ask friends and family outside the evacuation area if they would provide shelter for you and your animals. Remember if it is not safe for you to stay in your home then it is definitely not safe for your pets either.

The following items will need to be brought with you if you are evacuated. 

• food bowls, food and water for 7 days
• comfort items like a favorite toy or one of your tshirts
• Copies of medical records and tags 
• First Aid kit
• Kitty litter and box
• Pictures in case you are separated from your pet

Obviously farm animals like horses and cows would not be allowed in a shelter, what do you do for them? The safest place for these larger animals would be in an open field. Keeping them locked in a barn or other structure is not a good idea. Now is a good time to take a look at your fencing and gates to make sure they are secure. Make sure all of the feed or water containers are filled with water. This will help keep them from blowing around while also supplying a water source for your animals. Remove anything in the field that can become a projectile. You should also prepare a kit for your horses like the one for your other pets including vet papers, coggins, emergency contact numbers and photos of you and your pet. The Humane Society offers this tip: Write your horse's name, your name and phone number on his halter. If you are lucky enough to have a boarding facility or friend who can house your horse be sure to bring enough feed/hay for a week. Make sure your trailer tags are up to date too. The Sunshine State Horse Council offers a data base for emergency horse evacuation due to hurricane or fire in Florida: http://www.sshc.org/evac/dbinfo.htm

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Animal Enrichment Program at Majical Miniatures

Ever see a pig wallowing in a mud pit or a goat climbing on a pile of rocks? Animals need to run and jump, climb, play, hunt, explore and do what comes naturally for them. Providing enrichment for animals is as important as providing proper nutrition and veterinary care. Enrichment not only provides exercise but also mental stimulation. Many zoos and wild life sanctuaries around the country use some sort of enrichment with their animals. Majical Miniatures is no different, animal enrichment is a big part of our animal care program. There are many forms of enrichment that can be used with many species of animals. Over the next few months we will be exploring some of the methods we use at Majical Miniatures and sharing them with you.

Goat Climbing Enrichment:

Play Time

Goats are extremely intelligent animals that require many types of enrichment. We enjoy introducing our goats to new enrichment on a regular basis. Every yard they rotate through has climbing structures to encourage them to do what would come natural to them as most species of goats are mountain dwellers and love the opportunity to climb. This method of enrichment encourages exercise that is very important to our little guys.

Thanks to one of our volunteers for donating the spools pictured above.
They work perfectly for our goat enrichment.

Food Related Enrichment:

Shannon creating the Giraffe

Jenna, our operations manager, and her niece, Shannon, made a Cardboard Giraffe for the Kinkajous using recycled paper bags, cardboard boxes and tubes. It was part of their enrichment this week. Fig newtons were hidden in the boxes. The kinks had to find ways to open the boxes to access the yummy treats. As you can see from the pictures below they had a wonderful time.

Supplies included recycled paper and cardboard

How cute is this!

Shannon 

Victory at last!