OUTDOORS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2019 A8 Mr. Badger and his courage Walking down one of the Adaptations to their jaw aisles at the Montrose Library, structure combine with ex- I spied a book I haven’t read tra strong muscles to give since … well, a very long time. these predators a power- Wind in the Willows was ful, swift bite when encoun- first published in 1908, and tered. One researcher found our local library has three cop- they are powerful enough ies. Among the pages are the to leave teeth marks on the adventures of Rat and Mole Outdoors iron of a spring trap. “simply messing about in By Paul Zaenger As burrowing mammals. boats.” The escapades of Toad badgers are also equipped are here; and the wisdom and with great digging muscles. stability of Badger. The front feet have noteworthy claws for The book jumped off the shelf at me. I loosening earth, and the toes are partially sure enjoyed Kenneth Graham’s book — it’s webbed for better scooping. After a suitable a short read — but Badger seemed to reach amount of excavating has been done, they me more this time. shift gears and the rear legs push the dirt Badgers prefer open meadows and sagebrush plains for their homes. One North Rim ranger One of my first encounters with a bad- backwards and out the hole. at Black Canyon saw one of these secretive creatures a couple of times late this summer. (Photo ger was not far from the South Rim And they have a nictitating membrane courtesy of National Park Service) Campground at Black Canyon. Out on an This is a clear layer that acts as an inner early morning foot patrol, I spotted a white, eyelid. It covers the eye to keep dust out Estimates suggest that coyotes are one- grab him. brown, and black-furred creature waddling and moisture in. It gives this mammal third more likely to succeed in catching Badgers are committed by their dar- along on one of the loops in the road. an edge when pursuing prey below the prey this way. ing and have carved out a place on earth. It was uninterested in me; I’m sure it was ground’s surface. But if a coyote is that hungry, why not We can all take a lesson from Mr. Badger’s searching for a morsel. After a brief snort at Badgers are pretty clever hunters. They just eat the badger? Badgers are smaller, playbook. The mindset we bring to our me, it strode off in a manner that was half might lurk within a squirrel’s burrow for an slower, and offer more to eat than a cou- approach with others is what matters. trot, half waddle. I followed it, knowing ambush when the rodent returns, or they ple of mice. Remember that surly attitude? Ambling away is sometimes the best strat- these creatures can be cantankerous. might use human-made features to cloak They are fierce creatures that can stand up egy, yet somehow badgers become more It turned on me with a growl and a clack- their movements. They will eat almost for themselves. Mark Twain had it right than they would be by their courage. ing of its teeth. I’m sure I was seven times anything — insects, reptiles (rattlesnakes when he wrote, “It’s not the size of the dog Or as he says in Wind in the Willows, its weight and many more times its size. Yet seem to be on the menu), birds, mammals, in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the “The Wild Wood is pretty well populated the badger acted as though it would give and if in need of some roughage, they have dog.” by now; with all the usual lot, good, bad, me a charge. Courage is not uncommon been known to eat berries and nuts. This might have been the kind of bold- and indifferent … It takes all sorts to make in the natural world, but this animal was They usually dig after their prey, but re- ness that another ranger encountered on a world.” startling. search shows that they team up with coy- the Rock Point Trail years ago. The bad- Paul Zaenger has been a superviso- Badgers have reason to be nervy, as two otes to catch their targets. The coyote might ger was snarling and chomping at him. ry park ranger at Black Canyon of the adaptations have made them formidable. chase its quarry underground. The badger It rushed him and then retreated. His Gunnison National Park since 1993. Other Their skulls have a pronounced sagittal goes after it, forcing the first one out an- thought was that maybe we should relo- park assignments include Mount Rushmore crest. It’s a bony ridge on top of the skull to other hole for the coyote, but catches the cate the badger away from the visitor area. National Memorial and Glen Canyon which the jaw muscles are attached. other rodents that are still below ground. My thought was, yeah — you go ahead and National Recreation Area. Hiking with Children 101 A NNE JANIK A hike can combine the best parts of FRIENDS OF YOUTH AND NATURE being in nature — freedom, adventure and discovery. Take breaks often. Pick a Fresh air, exercise, family bonding, boulder or a log to rest, enjoy the view, and exploring nature are just some of the and have a snack — the best part of a benefits of hiking with your children. hike. Pack lots of light snacks, like nuts, If you are at all uneasy about this fam- protein bars, and fruit. Surprise your kids ily outing, here are a few tips and tricks with a few unexpected incentives to keep that will help you have fun and ensure them going like Skittles, gummy worms, your kids will want to go again and again. or Smarties. Take more water than you For the kick-off hike, pick an easy and think your family will drink and drink it interesting trail, go slow, and be enthused often. — it’s contagious! A destination hike can Remain upbeat through the melt- motivate kids to keep going to reach an downs and whines. Your kids will feed off endpoint — an overlook, cave, rock art, of your energy, but be flexible. Change or waterfall. When you reach that point, your plans if things are not working out. have lunch, a special treat, or a fun activi- Remember that you are trying to intro- ty like an energizing jump into a swim- duce your family to a nature outing; they ming hole. Also, at the end of your hike, won’t want to go again if they aren’t hav- have a good refreshing treat waiting in ing fun. When boredom sets in, distrac- the cooler. Plan lots of stops to observe tion is the name of the game, and there and play. are lots of trail games to keep everyone The best kid-friendly hikes usually in- occupied and hiking. Your family is also volve scrambling over rocks or boulders, having fun together! wading through shallow creeks, or walk- Here are a few to keep in mind. Kids playing in a sunflower meadow on the Grand Mesa National Forest (Submitted Photo/Ryan ing around a lake. Your kids can practice •Who doesn’t love a scavenger hunt? Fricke) skipping stones, discovering aquatic bugs Make a list of items everyone has to find under wet rocks, naming wildflowers, or such as four different shades of green, Let them talk — ask questions about •Keep track of the time; make stops, spying fish darting about. Definitely have something smooth, rough, or wet; some- their favorite animal, place, food, or but keep moving so you can get to your dry socks and shoes at the car. thing blue; an animal track or animal game. Share stories. Enjoy this priceless destination. Glance off-trail and look around of- sign; something made by humans. bonding time. Life is busy; but when you •Know before you go. Check the trail • ten. A shiny object can get a curious Guess the animal: Take turns think- are unplugged and surrounded by nature, and weather conditions. Cancel your child off course — that’s a good thing! ing of an animal; everyone asks questions this is a perfect time to just let your kids plans if the weather is not working in Observation is a great skill, and improves to figure out what that animal is. talk while you listen. They will love this your favor. with practice. The more you look, the •I Spy: You pick something along the undivided attention from you, and what more things you will see. Point out a liz- trail and give hints until kids guess it. they have to say may surprise you! For more outdoor safety tips, trail game ard scurrying in the shade of a rock, a •A fistful of sounds: With a minute of ideas, and hiking trails, visit the Friends of strange sound in the forest, the soft feel silence and eyes closed, each person tal- Some additional trail tips: Youth and Nature website: (www.friend- of moss on a log, the earthy scents of a lies all the sounds they hear using their •Keep a simple first aid kit in your sofyouthandnature.org). FOYAN is a decomposing log. Guide your children’s fingers. After a minute, eyes open, and pack. non-profit that promotes opportunities for interaction with nature and try to appeal everyone sees who has heard the most •Dress in layers, and have rain gear youth and families to go outside, experi- toWelcomeAd_2019_John all their senses.