Tag: environment

A Javelina at our Door

 
The Arizona Sonora desert is a remarkable ecosystem. There are many plants and animals that are unique to this area of southern Arizona and northern Mexico. The Desert Museum in Tucson provides an excellent display of the plants and animals that live in this beautiful desert.
 
Some of these include the stately Saguaro Cactus and the tenacious desert Tortoise. One of the creatures that may not be as well-known is the Javelina. This wild pig is actually found in various places around the world and they are well known in the Sonoran Desert. They are larger than most pigs weighing up to 80 pounds and four feet high. They can be aggressive and should be treated with caution.
 
You might expect to see a Javelina in the wild but you wouldn’t expect to see one on your doorstep. On a recent visit to Arizona I had an unexpected encounter with a wild Javelina. I was walking on a sidewalk in our condo complex when I heard a noise behind me. I thought someone was walking up but when I turned to look I saw a Javelina less than ten feet away. He did not appear to be threatening but I wasn’t sure what his intentions were. I slowly backed away to give my furry friend a clear path and stepped through the door. I told my wife about my encounter and we stepped out on our enclosed patio so she could see the Javelina for herself and to take a few pictures.
 
We decided to call the local police to alert them to the presence of our wandering friend. He seemed confused and not sure which way to go. We didn’t want him to try to cross the busy street and get hit by a car. However the police said they don’t respond to calls about wild animals in the neighborhood. They said the Javelina were here first and told us to leave it alone. An hour later my furry friend was gone.
 
I smile as I look back on my close encounter with this wild creature. We forget that the Javelina and many other wild animals were here first. The suburbs have encroached on the home of hawks, skunks, snakes, squirrels, coyotes and Javelinas too. We have the privilege of seeing these amazing creatures in their habitat. But we need to do all we can to preserve and protect their lives and offspring.
 
Let me encourage you to respect and protect the wild animals in your neighborhood. Enjoy them at a safe distance. You will be glad you did and they will too!  

Read 365 more stories by the author in his book Let Me Encourage You by Mark Hopper. The cost is only $20 plus postage ($5). Order your copy today at markh@efreedb.org.

Out of Town Guests


One of the ways I know the seasons are changing is the arrival of the Canadian Geese. Recently a V-shaped formation of geese flew over our house. I heard them before I saw them. They have a distinctive “honk” that alerts you to their presence. They look majestic as they fly overhead.
 
Apparently they fly in a V-formation to improve their speed and distance. The lead bird sets the pace and the others benefit by following the V-shaped pattern. Different geese take turns leading the flock to enable others to reduce their exertion. They can fly up to forty miles per hour and up to 1500 miles in a day with a tail wind. They “honk” as they fly to encourage each other on their long flight.
 
I have heard that Canadian Geese return to the same location every year. They fly several thousand miles from Canada to their winter home in Arizona, California and other southern states and Mexico.
 
One of their favorite winter homes are golf courses. They are one of a few bird species that can digest grass. My in-laws lived near a golf course in Arizona.  They saw geese every winter. I see them on the golf course where I play golf here in southern California. However geese are very large birds and they leave a big mess on fairways, putting greens, parks and lawns.
 
I have also heard that Canadian geese are very loyal to one another. If one is injured or unable to fly others will stay behind with him. That may explain why I see many geese at our local golf course in the middle of summer. They are either injured or maybe they just prefer to stay in sunny California instead of a long flight back to Canada.
 
The Bible says that God created all of the animals on the earth, the fish in the sea and the birds in the air (Genesis 1:20-22}. The remarkable strength of the Canadian Geese and their sophisticated navigation system is evidence of God’s creative design.
 
Let me encourage you to watch for these amazing out-of-town guests this year. Take time to reflect on their beauty and strength. Give thanks to God for the majesty of His creation.

You can read 365 more articles and stories (one for every day of the year) in the book Let Me Encourage You by Mark Hopper. The price is only $20 per book plus postage. Order you copy today at markh@efreedb.org.