Davidson biology professor Michael Dorcas (right) and students lifted this large python in a college lab before Dorcas implanted a device to track the snake's movements and habits.

Davidson College Communications

Precipitous declines in formerly common mammals in Everglades National Park have been linked to the presence of invasive Burmese pythons, according to a study by Davidson Associate Professor of Biology Michael Dorcas and colleagues published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

“Pythons are wreaking havoc on one of America’s most beautiful, treasured and naturally bountiful ecosystems. Right now, the only hope to help halt further python invasion into new areas is swift, decisive and deliberate human action.”

– U.S. Geological Survey director Marcia McNutt

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Get your kids off the couch and into the woods this summer at a Carolina Raptor Center Kids for Conservation day camp. Six exciting weeks of camp, including the new Nature Scene Investigators (N.S.I.) experience, start on June 18 and extend throughout the summer. Read the full story

Nanki-Poo

Hi, my name is Nanki-Poo (named for a character in the comic opera Mikado).  My owner passed away and I had to come live with her son’s family here in Davidson. 

Problem is they already had two cats and I was very accustomed to being the king of my domain.  I find these two other cats intolerable (and let us not forget the smelly dog).  They harass me and make use of my litter box so I’ve decided to move on.  I’m looking for a home where I can go back to my rightful place as head mouse catcher.  I’m a fine male cat but, alas, I am unable to reproduce as my previous owner took care of that.  I’m affectionate, come from mixed parentage, but as you can see, I’m very handsome.  I spend much of my time outdoors or sleeping but I do like to come in from the cold.  Interested cat lovers can contact me at (704) 892.3005 or clarkcross4@bellsouth.net.

Doc

Doc is an 11 year old, AKC registered yellow lab in need of a home. He was a therapy dog at Patrick Harris Hospital in Anderson, SC since he was a puppy and has all of his papers. Because of his age and some mild arthritic issues, the hospital decided it was time for him to ‘retire,’ but nobody would adopt him. Rather than see him put down, he was taken in, but is unable to accompany his new family to their apartment. Doc is now looking for someone who can take care of him as he’s done for so many others his entire life. If you, or anyone you know, would like to take in a very sweet and gentle dog, please contact David Narramore at 864-242-9881.

UPDATE: We received word yesterday that Doc has found a new home. Thank you to all who helped.

Copio with a neighbor's Airedale

Runners, walkers, dog lovers, animal advocates and those who just want to celebrate spring are invited to the second annual “Pawz Too Run” event on Saturday,  April 14 on the Village Green in downtown Davidson.

The event, spearheaded by Cannon School ninth grader Joanna Copio, will benefit the local not-for-profit Friends of the Animals, whose mission is to promote responsible pet ownership, provide low cost spay/neuter services and promote adoption of homeless pets.

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There is exciting news at the Carolina Raptor Center! Savannah, one of the resident American Bald Eagles at the center, has laid the first egg of the 2012 nesting season. The event occurred Wednesday at 4:07 p.m. She and mate, Derek, now take turns caring for the egg. Read the full story