Branta canadensis–Canada goose–is the largest species of goose and is a ubiquitous migratory species in North America. These herbivorous, freshwater-preferring waterfowl have done quite well in the modern age, conservatively numbering 5 million strong. While the picture above is a goose, some people long ago decided to refer to a grouping of these critters as…
Buteo jamaicensis–the red-tailed hawk–is one of the most common birds of prey that is seen on campus. With a range that spans from Alaska to Panama and a little beyond, these birds are both common and conspicuous. These hawks feed on many other critters on campus, such as small mammals and birds, but will actively…
The University of Rhode Island Police Department responded to 16 medical emergencies this week, all of which resulted in hospital transportation. Of the 16 medical emergencies, one was on Feb. 24, two on Feb. 25, three on Feb. 26, six on Feb. 27, two on Feb. 28 and two on March 1. On Feb. 5,…
Bos taurus–cows–are domesticated ungulates used as livestock across the world. Cows are some of the most prolific grazers to ever covet grass. It is said that there are over 1.5 billion cows in the world currently. Cattle as a whole make up around 35% of the total mammalian biomass in the world, eking out the…
The University of Rhode Island Police Department responded to eight motor vehicle accidents this week. Of the eight motor vehicle accidents two were on Butterfield Road, two were on Bills Road. and the remaining four were on West Alumni, Biar, Keany, and Plains. Only the accident on West Alum Ave. had more than one dispatcher…
Domesticated sheep–Ovis aries–are a domesticated ruminant species numbering in the billions worldwide. Sheep have lived with humans for thousands of years and often hold symbolic meanings in various Eurasian cultures. These grazing herbivores are quite prolific and are an essential farm animal and have their place along with horses, cows, and chickens in the farm-cannon….
The University of Rhode Island Police department responded to 10 medical emergencies, nine resulting in hospital transport and one well-being check resulting in transport to a hospital of the four reported this week. Of the 10 emergencies, two of them had three or more dispatchers arrive at the scene. On Feb. 11, there was a…
Trachemys scripta–the red-eared slider–is a terrapin native to the southeast United States. Prevalence in the pet trade has made the subspecies invasive in many parts of the world, including Rhode Island. These sliders are one of the most invasive species in the world and are now common in many ponds and lakes across many continents. …
President Donald Trump signed a partial funding bill from the senate appropriating government funds for the remainder of the year while allocating two weeks of funding to the Department of Homeland Security on Feb. 3. Congress agreed on appropriations that fund nearly all aspects of the government in the longest package they have passed all…
Junco hyemalis–the dark-eyed junco–is a small snowbird common in most of North America and is quite abundant on campus during this time of year. Dark-eyed juncos feast primarily on seeds but will also target insects when the opportunity presents itself. The dark-eyed junco’s ecology is a “what you see is what you get” situation. They…