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Wolves and Raptors and More, Oh My!
Written By: Deena Bouknight | Issue: July - 2022
Expect to encounter our furred and feathered neighbors at Mountain Wildlife Days, July 15-16 at Sapphire Valley Resort Community Center
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Perhaps the Smoky Mountains’ opportunity to see diverse wildlife is not as thrilling an experience as – say – a visit to Yellowstone National Park. However, wildlife on the ground and in the air is aplenty in this area, and the annual Mountain Wildlife Days draws attention to that fact.Held July 15-16 this year, the Mountain Wildlife Days event offers several programs, presented by professionals, that provide safe and up close and personal interactions with a wide variety of native species. In fact, included in the programs are raptors, an American eagle, owls, reptiles and snakes, wolves, and more. While an entire lineup of presenters will educate and enthrall participants, one is well-known to the area. Rob Gudger is an outdoorsman and avid naturalist who for many years has presented wolves for educational purposes at area schools and various other events. Anyone who attends his program will have a chance to interact with a wolf and also learn a plethora of information regarding the animal’s habitat, feeding habits, and other idiosyncrasies.The 77-year-old Gudger, who resembles the character from the 1970s series Grizzly Adams, began owning wolves when he learned of some pups that needed raising. One of the points he always shares with an audience is that “wolves are not dogs and they are not coyotes. They are an entirely different species, and they are often misunderstood or lumped in with the understanding of dogs or coyotes.”Other participants at the two-day event, which is in its 15th year, are:• Carlton Burke, a naturalist and educator who operates an educational service called Carolina Mountain Naturalist;• Michael Skinner, an experienced naturalist who provides leadership for the Balsam Mountain Nature Preserve and presents raptors; • Bill Lea, a noted black bear expert; and,• Geraldine Regan, a wildlife advocate who teaches humor-ously with her puppet, “Ricky.”Mountain Wildlife Days offers much more, including Zoo To You, a “Wildlife Wonders” program that showcases numerous animals. Each day, presentations are scheduled for specific times.For more information, contact The Sapphire Valley Community Center at (828) 743-7663. Or visit highsouthadventures.com/mountain-wildlife-days.html.
by Deena Bouknight
photo by Bill Lea
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