The more you know

A disease called white-nose syndrome, caused by the fungus P. destructans, is killing millions of hibernating bats in North America. It spreads in caves and causes abnormal behavior and death. While humans can’t catch it, we can spread the fungus. There’s no cure yet, but you can help by avoiding closed caves and reporting dead bats.

In winter, large bald-faced hornet nests become visible in trees. Built anew each spring by a single queen, these papery nests house up to 300 hornets by summer. Though they can sting multiple times and damage wood, hornets also pollinate plants and control garden pests. If the nest isn’t causing harm, it’s best to leave it alone — bald-faced hornets play a vital role in the ecosystem.

Eyeshine is the glow you see in some animals’ eyes at night, caused by a reflective layer called the tapetum lucidum. It helps nocturnal and crepuscular animals like deer, foxes, and cats see better in low light. Eyeshine can appear in different colors depending on the animal and angle. Humans and many daytime animals don’t have this feature. So next time you’re out at night, watch for those glowing eyes.

Fall brings scattered seeds and busy wildlife. Acorns hold protein-rich nut meat squirrels love. Kentucky coffeetree pods look like bananas but are toxic unless roasted. Black walnuts have tough husks and bitter nuts enjoyed by animals and used as dye. Milkweed pods release fluffy seeds that float in the wind and help with nesting. There’s plenty to discover on autumn trails.

White-tailed deer leave silent signs like scrapes and rubs that reveal their presence and behavior. Scrapes are made under low branches and marked with scent and urine, often during mating season. Rubs are made when bucks shed velvet from antlers or mark territory using tree bark and scent glands. These signs help deer communicate without sound, especially during the rut when bucks become more active and visible.

Puffballs are spherical mushrooms that release clouds of spores when touched or hit by rain. Found in grassy areas and forests, they help decompose organic matter. Giant puffballs can reach massive sizes and were named Illinois’ official state mushroom in 2024. Some species have medicinal uses and were used by Native tribes. Common types include gem-studded, stump, purple-spored, and brain puffballs.

Snakes move without legs using four types of motion: serpentine, sidewinding, rectilinear, and concertina. These are powered by strong muscles and up to 400 ribs. Serpentine is the most common, while sidewinding helps on smooth surfaces. Rectilinear and concertina involve scooting or stretching movements. Legless lizards, like the slender glass lizard, move like snakes but have eyelids and ear openings. Earthworms use a similar method, gripping soil with tiny hairs as they mo

Acorn weevils drill into acorns to eat and lay eggs. Their larvae hatch, grow inside, then chew a hole to escape when the acorn falls. They burrow underground to become adults, which can take up to five years. Leftover acorns are used by other animals and insects, including acorn moths. You can collect acorns to observe the process, but return any larvae to nature so they can complete their life cycle.