Welcome to the Alabama Nature Notes Wildlife FAQ!

One of the best parts of spending time outdoors is discovering something you've never seen before. Over the years, I've asked hundreds of questions while observing wildlife around my own backyard—from Carolina Wrens raising their babies to curious opossums, insects, reptiles, and everything in between.

This page is a growing collection of answers to some of the most common questions about Alabama wildlife. I'll continue adding new questions as I learn more, so be sure to check back often.

🐦 Wild Birds

Why do baby birds always have their mouths open?

Baby birds instinctively gape (open their mouths wide) whenever they sense a parent returning with food. The brightly colored inside of their mouths also helps parents quickly see where to place food.

What is a fecal sac?

A fecal sac is a small, white membrane that contains a baby bird's droppings. Parent birds carry these away from the nest to keep it clean, reduce bacteria, and avoid attracting predators.

Why do parent birds remove poop from the nest?

Keeping the nest clean helps protect the chicks from disease and parasites while reducing odors that predators might detect.

Can I touch a baby bird?

In most cases, yes. Contrary to popular myth, birds do not abandon their babies simply because they smell like humans. However, you should only handle a baby bird if it's absolutely necessary for its safety.

Why do birds chirp so early in the morning?

This is called the Dawn Chorus. Birds are establishing territories, attracting mates, and communicating before the day's activities begin.

Why do birds puff up their feathers?

Birds fluff their feathers to stay warm, relax, dry off after rain, or sometimes because they're feeling unwell.

Why do birds take dust baths?

Dust helps absorb excess oils, remove parasites, and keep feathers in good condition.

🐻 Bears

Are there bears in Alabama?

Yes! Alabama is home to the American Black Bear. Although sightings are uncommon in many areas, bear populations are slowly increasing throughout parts of the state.

What should I do if I see a black bear?

Stay calm, keep your distance, never run toward or away from it, and give the bear plenty of room to leave. Most black bears want nothing to do with people.

Do black bears hibernate in Alabama?

Not always. Because Alabama winters are relatively mild, bears may remain active for much of the year.

🦎 Reptiles

Why do snakes stick out their tongues?

Snakes use their tongues to collect scent particles from the air. These are analyzed by a special organ in the roof of their mouth called the Jacobson's Organ.

Are all snakes in Alabama venomous?

No. Most snake species found in Alabama are completely harmless.

Can turtles leave their shells?

No. A turtle's shell is part of its skeleton and grows with it throughout its life.

🦝 Mammals

Why do opossums play dead?

When extremely frightened, an opossum may involuntarily enter a catatonic state that makes it appear dead. This behavior discourages many predators.

Do opossums carry rabies?

Very rarely. Their lower body temperature makes it difficult for the rabies virus to survive.

Why do squirrels flick their tails?

Tail flicking is a warning signal used to communicate with predators and other squirrels.

🦋 Insects

What are those tiny cone-shaped holes in the dirt?

They're often made by antlion larvae, sometimes called doodlebugs. The larvae wait at the bottom of the pit for ants and other insects to fall inside.

Why are lightning bugs glowing?

They use flashes of light to attract mates and communicate with other fireflies.

Are praying mantises good for gardens?

Generally yes. They eat many insects that damage plants.

🌿 Plants & Nature

Why are there mushrooms growing after rain?

Fungi thrive in moist conditions, and rainfall encourages mushrooms to produce their fruiting bodies.

Why is moss growing on one side of a tree?

While moss often grows where conditions are cooler and more humid, it is not a reliable way to determine north.

Have a Wildlife Question?

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?

Feel free to reach out! If it's something I don't already know, I'll enjoy researching it—and your question might even become the next article published on Alabama Nature Notes.