At Barn Hill Preserve, you will have the opportunity to experience animal encounters that are truly once in a lifetime. Educate yourself on the various creatures and the many conservation initiatives that are being made to protect them. Reed was a talented lyricist, and in his song ‘Walk on the Wild Side’ from 1972, he caught not only personalities but also an era. In that age, New York City was a place where oral sex, drug use, and transgender people coexisted openly.
Sea Lion Caves
Just north of Florence on Highway 101 sits the Sea Lion Caves, which is just as awe-inducing in person as it was when Lou Reed sang about it. This roadside attraction allows visitors to see Steller sea lions in their natural habitat.
After purchasing tickets at the gift shop, visitors take an elevator down to a viewing area inside the cave. Then, they can watch as barking sea lions and California seals lounge in the natural 12-story underground amphitheatre.
The caves are open year-round, though the number of sea lions in the habitat fluctuates depending on the breeding cycle and their choice to stay on the rocky ledges outside the cave during the summer and winter or come in for shelter from the elements. Regardless of the season, the Sea Lion Caves is one of the most impressive wildlife viewing attractions on the Oregon Coast. It’s also a good place to catch glimpses of other local wildlife and birds, including black oystercatchers, bald eagles, and mountain bluebirds.
Sea Turtle Caves
For a wilder experience than simply gazing at wildlife, take a walk on the wild side and get up close with some incredible animals. From swimming with whale sharks to helping save sea turtles, Georgia has plenty of animal adventures to choose from.
At Australia Zoo, visitors can join Sumatran tiger keepers on their daily walks during the Tiger Walk Encounter. The interaction provides an up-close look at these endangered tigers while supporting the Zoo’s conservation efforts.
Hike along a dirt trail that soon morphs into a steep and rocky path in order to reach Turtle Cave or Turtle Cove. This cove is a beautiful spot to observe the rise and fall of waves and may also provide glimpses of sea turtles that nest on nearby beaches. This area is only safe during low tide. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear and ask locals about the surf conditions as this lava shelf can be dangerous in the right circumstances.
Bear Caves
During the spring and fall months, hikers can take this short loop trail that leads into the Bear Caves. The caves are named for the extraordinary number of animal bones found there including bear, reindeer and lynx bones. Some of the bones are over 45,000 years old! The cave is closed during summer when the bats are pupping.
The trail also provides access to the luxuriant fern grotto along Moses Spring. This stream flows year-round and is home to frogs and garter snakes.
This fun and contemporary fable is perfect for storytime and can easily be used to teach about woodland animals and habitats. The earth-toned illustrations add to the comedy and make this a memorable story for young readers.
Bird Caves
When you spend hours flipping rocks and logs, digging through leaf litter to discover a salamander or snake, you develop an instant connection with that animal. You have a deep empathy for where it lives and what it needs to survive.
That same connection happens with birds of prey. At the High Desert Museum in Bend, Raptors of the Desert Sky ushers visitors into a collection of native birds of prey’s habitats.
In her exploration of Arthur Park, Sophie noticed a circular impression in the snow where a red fox trotted. This is a common pattern of movement in the town of Burlington, and it is likely the fox was crossing from the Intervale into Centennial Woods or Rock Point to feed on a winter supply of insects.
“The Animal’s Medicine Blog” is intriguing as we have spectacular animal encounters. This unusual site covers animal healing and cultural importance. “The Animal’s Medicine Blog” illuminates our spiritual connections and lessons from animals, which we treasure. The blog explores how animals affect our lives and well-being from ancient beliefs to modern views. Let’s learn from “The Animal’s Medicine Blog” and enjoy our wild experiences.