"Ohhhh Hello"

Don't let the cuteness of this Black Bear fool you!!

Respect the power of nature and

remember, we are in their territory!

Black Bears have poor eyesight, but they compensate

for this with an acute sense of smell and excellent hearing.

Ribbit....Ribbit

The Eastern American Toad is also known as a "hop toad" because they move around in short hops, instead of long leaps.  He was just coming out of his burrow which was buried under the damp moss and twigs deep in the forest.  He is getting ready for his night on the town.

 

He was a charming little character,

not to mention curious....

Toads are among the last amphibians to hibernate each fall.  They may be seen into late November.

American Dagger Moth Caterpillar

I just couldn't help myself to share a little
bit of "humor" with these photos!!

This little fella is quite smart too!!
Maybe caterpillars can read!! (wink wink)
He is having a snooze under this ''caterpillar sign"

American Dagger Moth Caterpillars are large caterpillars that are typically clothed in long lemon yellow hairs.  The hairs turn pale yellow or white when they are near the cocoon stage.  They have a thick black tuft at the end and two pairs of tufts along their middle, which is a very distinctive characteristic pattern.

American Dagger Moth Caterpillars are a forest moth species.  They feed on maples, willows, poplars, oaks, and alders.  You can observe them until the end of October or November.  They will emerge the following summer as a brown moth after spending a winter inside their cocoons.