While mowing today, I killed five salamanders. I was rather upset, as I find them cute. In an effort to redeem myself, I present to you, my reading audience:
How To Be An Environmentalist: 5 Easy Steps To Rescue A Species
Warning: not intended for the squeamish.
1) Collect the necessary gear.
In this photo, you see that I have collected all the technical gear I will need, which included a battery-powered flashlight (torch, for my British readers), 5-gallon bucket (don’t know the metric on that, for my British readers), and plastic protective gloves (emphasized in the photo). Not pictured: pith helmet and cotton rope.
2) Decide on a species to rescue, and locate them.
Deciding upon the salamander as my own personal spotted owl, I was informed by Dad that they were “piled on top of each other like snakes in the shop pit.”
Clearly, the critters needed help.
You’ll note in the photos below the quantity of trapped salamanders. A number appeared to be making escape efforts, although they consistently fell back to the concrete with a thud. I was, however, able to pick out Steve McQueen from those attempting to escape.
He wasn’t the only salamander that wanted out; clearly these critters had a natural desire for freedom.
3) Rescue the species.
Attaching a rope to the bucket, I lowered the container in place. I then climbed down the rickety ladder into the pit. Snapping on a pair of gloves, I grasped each creature gently and deposited it into the bucket. After reaching 25 in my count, I lost patience and began to grab them by the handfuls. My best estimate is of around 60 salamanders.
4) Locate a new habitat suitable for the species.
Locating a stagnant and insect-filled pond was relatively simple here in the pothole region of Northeast North Dakota.
5) Release the species into the wild.
I tipped the bucket over, but the salamanders were hesitant to exit the container.
After some encouragement, they began to rush out of the bucket with much scratching and wriggling, crawling across the rocks and sliding into the water. The evidence of a slough newly filled with nearly 60 amphibians was evident, as much splashing could be seen and heard as the salamanders leaped to the surface to catch insects. They appeared to be small sea monsters as their heads and tails broke the surface of the water for lunch.
The species was, at first, unsure of their new surroundings. Who can blame them? After a while, however, they showed interest and began eagerly exiting the container. Like a soccer match in Spain, they ran out, sometimes over the top of each other, spilling across the rocks.
Let's take a close look at the species that was rescued today:
Let’s have a closer look at the newly adjusted species as they enjoy the natural environment they’ve been placed in. Take special note of how well they are camouflaged.
In summary, this five-step plan allows even the most reluctant individual to enjoy being an environmentalist. Instead of living in a city of concrete and steel and harping on those who live in rural areas for not being environmentally sound, you can take an active role in “saving the environment”.
コメント