At this time of summer, many folks take to the outdoors to be closed to nature be it by hiking local state parks, lake areas or the Blue Mountain trail. It’s also at this time when the chance of a snake encounter could be possible. Be it a rattlesnake or copperhead, these two are the most venomous snakes in Pennsylvania and they are but two of Pennsylvania’s 21 snake species

While the copperhead is more of a deep mountainous snake, it can occasionally be found locally at Leaser and Mauch Chunk Lakes, and more so at Hawk Mountain. 

The copperhead is one of three most venomous Pennsylvania snakes and it’s close cousin to the cottonmouth or water moccasin found in more southerly aquatic environments. 

The copperhead say the experts are quiet creatures that do its best to avoid trouble as it will quietly retreat to a safe retreat whenever it can. However, when threatened its capable of striking out. If its strike hits its intended victim, poison may be injected through two hollow fangs. The venom-injecting apparatus is similar to that found in the rattlesnake, although a copperhead’s fangs tend to be shorter. Its venom primarily affects the bloodstream and the bite and venom is painful. But it’s said with prompt medical attention, it seldom poses any serious threat to life. 
The pupil of the copperhead’s eye is vertically elliptical (similar to a cat’s pupil) which is a feature of all Pennsylvania’s venomous snakes. In comparison, the pupil of a non-venomous snake is rounded, common to non-venomous snakes. And the copperhead has the facial pit located between the eye and nostril that is common to Pennsylvania’s three most venomous snakes. This heat-sensitive organ is missing from non-venomous species in Pennsylvania.

The rattlesnake is the largest of the three venomous species and the most feared.  It can reach adult sizes off 36-54 inches. And like the copperhead, it would prefer to be left alone. A defensive strike does not always include a release of venom as its venom is used to disable prey.

And contrary to popular belief, the timber rattlesnake does not always sound its familiar rattle alarm before striking. In fact, when striking the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (who are responsible for Pennsylvania snakes) says that when striking, because of fear or the need to defend itself, more often than not the snake strikes without an audible warning that is generated by a rapidly vibrating tail that are hollow horny segments fastened to the tail that strike one another to produce the buzzing, rattle-type sound. The rattle may grow by two to four segments annually, because new segments are added each time the skin is shed. 

I recall a Pocono mule trip I was on with a group of other outdoor writers when we encountered a rattlesnake located alongside the mountainous trail we were on. The snake didn’t rattle even though my close friend and mentor the late Tom Fegely got off his mule to photograph it. Amazingly as well, the mules did not spook or rear-up and take off. 
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So if you’re hiking or merely taking a walk into up-country woods and encounter a rattler or copperhead, stay at least five feet from the snake. Don’t try to kill it. Be careful and look before stepping over a fallen tree limb or log and over large rocks where a snake could be resting. They can also be in tall grass where ticks can be lurking and if attached to you could pose a threat of Lyme disease.

With these hot, humid days, we have a tendency to drink more water. And if you’re a wildlife lover or deer hunter, it may come as a surprise that deer do too. 

According to the National Deer Association, deer get their water from three major sources: 
*Free water that standing or natural bodies of water such as ponds, creeks even man-made watering holes. 

*Preformed water is the water in green plants that are abundant in spring and summer. 
*Metabolic water is water released from that food during digestion as carbs, fats and proteins when broken down. 

Water is as important to deer as it is to humans for a variety of reasons. We both need it for daily function, nutrient and mineral transportation throughout the body, waste excretion and more. And just like with food, larger deer require a greater water intake than smaller deer. 

Location is another factor such as in the Southwest where extreme drought is a major concern, as deer are forced to rely almost entirely on water from their food due to the lack of free water. This also means drier food and an increased need for water. 

In the extreme North, free water can also be hard to come by not because it’s not there, but because it could be frozen. During this time, the demand for water is relatively low compared to summer months when even a diet of mostly woody browse and hard mast will quench their thirst. 

So how much water do deer drink? It depends in most cases across their range. A deer’s daily water requirements are more than satisfied with the water in their food and the water released from that food during digestion, with a nice long drink here and there for good measure. 

When herbaceous vegetation, that’s rich with water is most abundant, but when those plants tend to die off and go away, water decreases for deer. 
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As a rule of thumb, a study done by the National Deer Association says as a rule of thumb, about roughly half a gallon of water from the three water sources combined per 100 pounds of body weight, and you’ll be in the ballpark on how much water deer drink. Of course, deer will often drink free water when it’s available, not because they always need it, but because there’s nothing like a good sip of water on a hot day. 

If you didn’t visit the Jersey shore this past holiday weekend, it’s likely a trip is forthcoming. For anglers, this is prime time as good eating fluke are in the rivers, on the wrecks, in the surf and the reefs. For another good eating fish, bluefin tuna moved closer to shore and are 15-20 miles out along with stripers and bluefish. Yellowfin tuna are also in the offshore southern canyons and in the Hudson Canyon. 

According to On the Water Magazine, stripers are still in the surf and hitting clams, sand fleas and plugs. Metals are working for blues at the inlets, in the rivers and in the ocean. 

Triggerfish are also in the inlets and on the reefs, while croakers and spot remain thick up in Raritan Bay. Crabbing is excellent  around the Keyport waterfront and a good choice for some family fun as I remember our kids enjoyed setting traps and pulling them up to see their catch. But mom had to clean and boil them for a dinner delicacy. 

*Mark Fudill at Tackle World in Paramus, said that croakers and spot are all over Raritan Bay and he also had good reports of kingfish in the surf down by Long Branch. There’s also an early striper bite on the beaches on clams and sand fleas. Fluking is also good in the surf on Gulp and bucktails.

*Capt. Phil Sciortino at The Tackle Box in Hazlet, said croakers and spot are everywhere in Raritan Bay. Fluking is good but better out in the ocean with fish up to 6 pounds reported. There are also triggerfish on the rock piles. 

*Mike Pinto at Giglio’s Bait and Tackle in Sea Bright, reported a ton of fluke in the surf there. However many are shorts. But stripers are in the surf and one customer caught a 45-inch striper earlier in the week on a metal-lip swimmer bait. 

*Mike Gleason at Tak Waterman in Long Branch, said tuna fishing is really good since they pushed into their waters. They’re hitting jigs and a casting jigs. The average tuna was 40-50 inches with even larger ones around. He added that fluking is good in the Shrewsbury and Navesink rivers. Plenty of bluefish were caught offshore. Stripers are hitting sand bugs and calico crabs in the surf in Asbury Park, Ocean Grove and Bradley Beach. Mike said he picked up two last week around mid-morning on the outgoing tide.  

*Stanley Gola at the Reel Seat in Brielle, said there are loads of fluke in the Manasquan River along with small blues and stripers at night. Stripers are hitting small plugs and plastics. Ocean fluking is good and getting better on jigs and Gulp. Tuna fishing has really turned on with blues located from 15-50 miles out. Yellowfin are in the southern canyons and Hudson Canyon where tile fishing is also decent in the ocean. 

*Pete Kupper at Charlie’s Bait and Tackle in Normandy Beach, said stripers are still biting in the surf on clams. Fluking is improving off the beach and in Barnegat Bay, especially around the entrance to Point Pleasant Canal. Gulp and killies are doing the job in both locations. Spot are also in the bay and crabbing has been good. 
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Have you seen them? They’re here again. Yes, yards and fields are aglow with their yellow flashes from whence they got their nickname - fireflies. 

As robins signal the beginning of spring, fireflies (or lightning bugs) signal summer is upon us. These inch-long bugs are actually beetles, or nocturnal members of the family Lampyridae. Most fireflies are winged, which distinguishes them from other luminescent insects of the same family, commonly known as glowworms.  And there are about 2,000 firefly species. They live in a variety of warm environments, as well as in more temperate regions, and are, as we know, a familiar sight on summer evenings. 

Fireflies spend the first two years of their lives underground but lawn chemicals can kill them. They are nocturnal and during the day they spend most of their time on the ground. At night they crawl to the tops of blades of grass and will fly into tree branches to signal to mates with their flashes. They love long grasses as it conceals them better and allows them a better vantage point for signaling at night. And when mowing the lawn, it may disturb them. 

During the day, nocturnal adult fireflies hide in grass and low-profile plants. A nice variety of shrubs, high grass and low-growing plants will provide shelter. And did you know they are not found west of Kansas for some reason. Adult fireflies live about two months or long enough to mate and lay eggs in grasses. Their larvae usually live for approximately one year from mating season to mating season, before becoming adults and giving birth to the next generation. Females deposit their eggs in the ground, which is where larvae develop to adulthood. Underground larvae feed on worms and slugs by injecting them with a numbing fluid.

The flashes seen are done primarily by females to attract a male. Sometimes a male will imitate them to attract females of their own species. And when the female shows up thinking its food, they find a mate. Fireflies are said to feed on plant pollen, nectar, insects, other fireflies or nothing at all and can be considered pollinators as well. 

And in case you’re wondering how they flash and glow, they have light organs that are located in their abdomens. They take in oxygen and combine it with a substance called luciferin to produce light with almost no heat. Then when they flash, they flash in patterns that are unique to each species. Each blinking pattern is an optical signal that helps fireflies find potential mates. Scientists, however, are not sure how the insects regulate this process to turn their lights on and off. Their flashes also serve as a defense mechanism to warn other insect's that they are unappetizing.

If you’re seeing fewer fireflies, scientists say their populations are on the decline. It’s attributed to a combination of light pollution, pesticides and habitat loss. And it’s been said that when a field where fireflies lived gets developed, they don’t migrate to another field, they just disappear. 

As a kid I’d catch them then let them go. I remember afterward that my hand would smell from a scent they must have deposited on it, which may be the luciferin. And although some kids continue to catch them today, it’s recommended to not put them in a jar or bottle but give them their freedom so they can live to make a new generation so we can all enjoy their brilliant flashes in the summer night. They may not be flashing much longer, so enjoy the evening light show this summer. 
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Now that most schools are off for the summer and vacations start for many, Blue Mountain Resort offers outdoor activities for the entire family. 

“For the avid bikers in the family, Blue Mountain Biking returns and offers the only lift-served bike park. It features an exciting vertical drop of 1,082 feet and 30 downhill trails suited for riders of all skill levels from beginner-friendly flow trails to technical singletrack and jump lines,” says Marguarite Clark, Blue Mountain Public Relations Manager. Added to this, the biking park is serviced by the high-speed Comet Quad Lift. Offered too, are rental, protective gear, repair services and introductory lessons. 

Blue Mountain also offers their weekend Summit Adventure Park featuring ziplining, high ropes, laser tag, archery tag, nighttime climbing and the Adventure Cube which is a four-sided climbing structure designed to accommodate multiple participants simultaneously. 

Guests can also enjoy hiking trails, scenic lift ride and disc golf throughout the mountain. This can be followed by dining and live entertainment at Blue’s Slopeside Pub and Grill.

Campers are not left out at Blue Mountain as camping and glamping offers traditional tent and RV sites to upgraded glamping options. Campsites are located on scenic mountain prairie fields and include picnic tables, fire rings and access to bathrooms and showers. Group glamping is also available for reunions, youth groups and team outings. 

Glamping guests can choose from scenic mountain sites featuring amenities such as solar lighting, charging stations, bunk beds with air mattresses, coolers, solar showers, benches, Adirondack chairs and picnic tables. Two stocked ponds are available for fishing, and a camp store offers basic provisions and souvenirs. 

Beginning June 22, Blue Mountain hosts Summer Adventure Camps offering day and overnight programs for children ages 5 to 15. Planned activities include ziplining, rock climbing, hiking, team-building, challenges and other outdoor experiences designed to encourage exploration and confidence in a mountain setting. 

With travel costs reportedly high this year, staying closer to home makes sense and Blue Mountain offers a myriad of outdoor family enjoyment. 

NEW JERSEY SALTWATER FISHING REPORT

Since trout fishing action has ceased, and you crave big, good eating fish, New Jersey’s On the Water Magazine reports there’s plenty of bait around, including squid, sand eels and bunker. Squid are so plentiful that party boats are targeting them at night. 

Beach anglers are catching bass and black drum on clams and blues on bunker chunks and metal. Fluke are in the mix as well, as keepers have been caught in the suds on Gulp and bucktails. 

Anglers fishing the rivers report catching bass and blues along with fluke and weakfish. 
The Jersey tackle shops are hearing rumors of tuna, but no catches have been confirmed as yet. With all the sand eels and squid around, that’s likely to change. 

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It’s that time of year when young of birds and animals are being born. It’s not uncommon to find baby rabbits in your yard or birds that may have either fallen out of the nest or have fledged but still not able to take wing. A few years back I discovered a baby opossum in my back yard. But it was deceased so either the mother abandoned it, or a fox got it. 

While these findings encourage well-meaning folks to intervene, the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) says to leave wildlife alone. Adding that while some young animals appear to be abandoned, it’s likely their mothers are nearby and watching them. 

According to the PGC, mid-late spring and early summer are popular times for humans to encounter newborn and young wildlife. Matt Schnupp, PGC Bureau of Wildlife Management said, “Whether enjoying their backyards or recreating in the woods or water, it’s common for humans to witness new generations of wildlife in their natural habitats. But the best advice is to simply let them be.” 

Adult animals often leave their young while they forage for food. Typically, Schnupp says, the adults will not venture far and will return. Wildlife also rely on a natural defensive tactic called “hider strategy, “ where young animals will remain motionless and “hide” in surrounding cover while adults draw the attention of potential predators or other intruders away from their young. Deer fawns will often employ this strategy while their mothers are nearby. So it’s best to resist the urge to interfere or attempt to remove any wild animal from its natural setting. There are instances I’ve seen on neighborhood watch posts where a resident had fox kits under their garden shed where they were obviously born. 

I also recall a story told by the former PGC bear biologist Gary Alt who said he had a resident call him to report a bear had given birth to two babies under their house deck. 

Making contact with young wildlife can be harmful to people and wildlife in that wild animals can lose their natural fear of humans, making it difficult or even impossible for them to readjust to the wild. 

There’s also the human risk of contacting diseases or parasites such as fleas, ticks and lice. 
From a legal standpoint, it’s illegal to take or possess wildlife from the wild. Under state law, the penalty for such a violation is a fine of up to $1,500 per animal. And under no circumstance can anyone who illegally take wildlife into captivity, can that animal be kept which also poses a high risk of contracting rabies. That animal can no longer be returned to the wild because of possibly spreading disease. 

The PGC warns that animals with rabies may not exhibit obvious symptoms, but still could transmit the disease. Though any mammal might carry rabies, the rabies vector species identified in the agreement are: skunks, raccoons, bats, coyotes and groundhogs. 

Humans can contact rabies from the saliva of a rabid animal if they are bitten or scratched, or if their saliva gets into the person’s eyes, mouth of a fresh wound. 

If you do find a truly injured animal or bird, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator should be contacted. A list of licensed rehabilitators can be found on the Pennsylvania Association of Wildlife Rehabilitators website at www.pawr.com. Or call the PGC at 833-PGC-WILD or 833-PGC-HUNT. 
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If you’ve heard a lot of coo cooing sounds around your home lately, it’s most likely doves as this is the time  males are attempting to attract female doves for mating and in courtship. They’ll then begin nest building and having the first of up to six broods. 

I’ve had a dove trying to build a nest in one of our hanging flower pots that are void of flowers, which is not unusual. Don’t know if it was the same dove, but one built a nest on my neighbors porch column ledge that is only about two inches wide. But the neighbor didn’t want any mess so he took it down and I haven’t seen it return to that site. 

Unlike robins and cardinals who build sturdy cylindrical nests for example, doves will often build a loose platform of thin twigs that allows the eggs to be visible from below. Doves will nest on branches, ledges, gutters, air conditioner units and flat porch railings. It seems nest quality doesn’t matter, only the breeding pace does. And a dove sitting on a utility wire, pole or home gutter from now through August is almost certainly incubating. When doves take flight, their wings whistle, which is produced by the outer primary feathers – not vocally as some folks think.  

Female doves can have up to 12 chicks per season from their six broods. Fledlging’s are fed crop milk that is not related to mammalian milk. This milk is produced by sloughing off the inner lining of doves’crop, which are cells filled with fat and protein, then its detached. The consistency, it is said, is compared to cottage cheese. It allows doves to breed in habitats where insect protein is scarce as the fledgling’s food is internally manufactured. 

This crop milk is the chick’s only food, but as the chicks grow, the parents will gradually mix in seeds. And both parents manufacture food from their own throat lining. 

Fledgling’s leave the nest before they can fly well. They’ll then spend a day or two on the ground learning how to feed themselves as doves are essentially ground feeders. But this it where fledglings are most vulnerable to predation by cats, especially feral cats, and certain species of hawks. 

While I customarily feature doves during the initial small game hunting season, doves are actually the most abundant small game species. As proof, the bag limit is 15 daily. Plus, doves have the longest hunting season as this past year it was Sept. 1- Nov. 28 and again from Dec. 10-Jan. 3. And for hunters who hunt them, doves make excellent table fare, especially when wrapped in bacon and cooked on a grille. 
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So when you hear doves coo-cooing around your residence, you’ll know what they’re up to.