Buzz Blossom & Squeak

Nobody loves the possum. That’s kind of the point.The hissing, the drooling, the naked scaly tail, the teeth — all fifty of them — and the dramatic habit of passing out and smelling like death when startled. None of this is doing the possum any favors in the public opinion department. But here’s what most people don’t know: that possumwandering through your backyard at night may be one of the best things for your family’s health that you’re never going to think to thank.I’m making the case for the possum today. Stick with me.Opossum or possum — and what’s the difference?The animal in the United States is the Virginia opossum, written with an O, but spoken without it. Americans dropped the silent O sometime after the word was recorded from the Algonquin language around 1600. The possums in Australia — the common brushtail possum — are a related marsupial but a different animal entirely. Both usages are considered acceptable in everyday conversation, which makes me feel better about the fact that I’ve been saying it wrong my whole life.North America’s only marsupialYes, really. Right here in the Northwoods, waddling through the leaf litter at night, is our very own pouched mammal. Their ancestors migrated up through South America at some point and have been here for a very long time — long enough to be a genuinely tropical creature that has slowly pushed northward and now has to contend with Wisconsin winters on a body designed for warmer climates. Their ears and tail tips are prone to frostbite. January is a hard month to be a possum.The tick vacuum in your backyardThis is the part worth remembering. Researchers at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies spent years testing which animals were most effective at killing the black-legged ticks that spread Lyme disease. They put different species in enclosed areas with ticks and counted survivors. White-footed mice? Terrible. Chipmunks and shrews? Similarly bad. Possums? Extraordinary. Because possums are compulsive groomers, and when ticks find their way into their fur, the possum eats them. Researchers found possums killed approximately 96% of the ticks that landed on them. A single possum may kill thousands of ticks per week — up to an estimated 5,000 per season. They’ve been called a “dilution host,” meaning they absorb tick exposure in a way that reduces overall disease pressure in an ecosystem. No spray, no barrier, nothing else out there does what a possum does on the night shift in your backyard.Playing possum — and why it’s not a choiceThe hissing and drooling when threatened? Bluffing. The possum is a small, slow animal with limited options and it’s doing its best impression of something scary. But the playing dead behavior — that’s genuinely strange. Scientists believe it’s involuntary: a catatonic state triggered by the nervous system in extreme moments of stress. The animal isn’t choosing to play dead. Its body just does it. Brain activity recordings show the possum is highly alert throughout. The smell of death it releases is apparently convincing enough to work on most predators, and the possum simply waits it out — anywhere from a few minutes to several hours — then quietly recovers and walks away.A short, useful lifeVirginia possums in the wild live one to two years, occasionally longer. Even in captivity with regular food and no predators, they rarely make it past four. They reproduce quickly — two litters per year, six to nine young each time, born after only thirteen days of gestation at the size of a honeybee, crawling into the pouch to develop. The population constantly replenishes itself. It’s a strategy built for a species that’s going to be someone’s dinner a lot of the time.A friend shared a photo recently of a possum skeleton in the woods — nearly intact, long narrow snout, all fifty teeth still present. It had been there for months. That was what started this whole episode. A creature that spent its whole short life eating ticks, cleaning up carrion, asking nothing of anyone, and returning quietly to the forest floor. There’s something worth respecting in that.Next time you see one frozen in your headlights: there goes the tick vacuum. There goes North America’s only marsupial. There goes a creature that nobody loves, doing the work anyway.Jill’s Linkshttp://jillfromthenorthwoods.comhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspodTwitter - https://twitter.com/schmernYouTube @BuzzBlossomSqueakBy choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. I am not a licensed biologist, ecologist, or wildlife professional. Any nature observations, identifications, or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional scientific or environmental guidance. Always follow local regulations when observing or interacting with wildlife and natural spaces. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

Winter isn’t empty—it’s stocked with hidden food. Berries are nature’s survival pantry when everything else disappears. Look closer, and you’ll see winter is very much alive.This episode explores why berries are one of the most overlooked yet essential food sources in nature, especially during winter. While the landscape may look barren, berry-bearing trees and shrubs are quietly sustaining birds and mammals when insects and fresh vegetation are gone. The discussion walks through how berries store summer energy, how different species rely on them, and why winter is not a pause in nature, but a continuation of it. The episode also highlights how planting native berry-producing plants can support wildlife right outside the door.Top Topics CoveredWhy Berries Matter in WinterBerries act as concentrated packets of energy, holding sugars and fats created during the growing season. Unlike many fruits that fall quickly, berries often stay attached to shrubs and trees deep into winter, standing out against snow as visible signs that food is still available.Birds That Depend on BerriesAs insect-eating birds leave and seed-eaters struggle with snow-covered ground, berry-eating birds thrive. Species like robins adapt by shifting their diet entirely to berries once the ground freezes. Cedar waxwings go even further, traveling in tight flocks and stripping entire trees of fruit in minutes.Berry Trees as Wildlife Gathering HubsA single berry-laden tree can attract multiple bird species at once, turning a quiet winter yard into a brief burst of activity. These trees function as communal feeding stations that support biodiversity even in the coldest months.Mammals and the Berry NetworkDeer, foxes, coyotes, squirrels, and small mammals all rely on berries for winter calories. Forgotten squirrel caches feed other animals, connecting species that never directly interact but depend on the same food system.Timing, Fermentation, and Nature’s HumorSome berries delay being edible until freeze-thaw cycles soften them, spreading food availability across the season. Occasionally, natural fermentation creates slightly intoxicated birds, adding an unexpected and harmless bit of comedy to winter survival.Key TakeawaysWinter is not a dead season—it’s a different chapter in nature’s story. Berries prove that energy harvested in summer continues to circulate through ecosystems long after leaves fall. Paying attention to berry plants reveals how wildlife adapts, survives, and stays connected even in harsh conditions.Planting native berry-producing trees and shrubs supports local wildlife while adding beauty and life to winter landscapes. Watching what happens to berries over the season offers a deeper understanding of how nature works right outside the door.http://jillfromthenorthwoods.comhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspodTwitter - https://twitter.com/schmernYouTube @BuzzBlossomSqueakEmail the podcast at mailto: jill@startwithsmallsteps.comBy choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

In this episode, we explore the remarkable diversity of snow and ice, uncovering the hidden science and sensory experiences behind winter weather. From the light crunch of fresh powder underfoot to the glassy threat of black ice, snow isn't just snow—it’s a constantly shifting part of life in the Northwoods. Whether you ski, hike, or just appreciate winter’s beauty, this episode will help you notice the small differences in the snow around you—and maybe even fall in love with winter a little more.Top Topics:The Many Faces of Snow:We start by learning how temperature, moisture, and wind create wildly different types of snow. Whether it's dry and fluffy powder or heavy, wet snow perfect for snowballs, each type affects how we walk, shovel, ski, and play. Discover how temperatures inside the clouds shape the snowflake and why not all snow is great for building snowmen.Lake Effect and Fern Snow:Snow isn't just formed in the clouds—bodies of water like the Great Lakes play a big role. Lake effect snow can dramatically increase snowfall totals in localized areas. We also discuss “firn” snow—partially melted and refrozen snow that forms the beginnings of glaciers—and how mountaineers and skiers value it for its firm, supportive texture.Slippery Situations – Ice and Safety:From sleet and freezing rain to invisible black ice and dangerous blizzard conditions, not all winter hazards look dramatic. Learn how and why freezing fog and melting snow create treacherous walking and driving conditions, and the best ways to stay safe while still enjoying the season.Nature’s Winter Artistry:Hoarfrost, rime frost, and diamond dust aren't just pretty names—they’re among the most beautiful and delicate signs of winter. These phenomena turn ordinary mornings into sparkling fairylands and offer moments of quiet magic for anyone willing to step outside early enough to see them.Takeaways:This episode invites listeners to deepen their relationship with winter by observing its nuances. Noticing how snow crunches or drifts, how frost forms on the east side of a tree, or how sleet bounces off a jacket can transform a routine winter day into something fascinating. Winter isn’t just cold and inconvenient—it’s alive with detail, beauty, and opportunity. Whether you're a skier, snowshoer, or sidewalk stroller, understanding snow helps you appreciate what nature is doing right outside your door. The next time it snows, take a moment. Listen. Look. Feel. It might just change the way you see the season.

"What if I told you that beneath this silent, frozen surface, fish are still swimming, plants are still growing, and nature hasn’t stopped at all?"In this episode, we explore the quiet yet vibrant world of lakes during winter. Though a frozen lake may appear silent and lifeless, there's an entire ecosystem at work beneath the ice. From slow-moving fish and dormant plants to persistent microbes and crackling ice sheets, winter in a lake is a carefully balanced, structured, and active time of year. This episode takes you under the surface—literally and figuratively—to reveal how life adapts and thrives in extreme conditions, offering a beautiful metaphor of resilience and quiet survival.Top Topics:1. Ice as Protector, Not EnemyWe kick off by dispelling the myth that ice suffocates lake life. Ice forms a protective lid on the lake, preserving a liquid environment beneath it. This frozen surface insulates the lake, shielding it from the bitter cold and allowing life to carry on in a slower but steady rhythm.2. Life Beneath the IceFish don’t hibernate. They shift gears. Perch and trout remain relatively active, while bass and sunfish conserve energy in deeper waters. Aquatic plants store energy in roots and rhizomes, and some even stay green, producing oxygen. Insect larvae like dragonflies and mayflies feed slowly, providing vital nutrition for fish.3. Microbial Magic and Nutrient RecyclingMicrobes remain tirelessly at work in near-freezing waters, breaking down decaying material and recycling nutrients. Their activity is so significant, they release gases that become trapped in bubbles under the ice—a visible sign that life continues, even unseen.4. Amphibians and Bottom DwellersFrogs and salamanders overwinter in lakebed mud, barely moving, relying on oxygen exchange through their skin. Alongside them, snails, worms, and crustaceans contribute to a slow but ongoing ecological process, helping keep the system in balance.5. The Lake’s Organized LayersWinter doesn’t bring chaos—it brings structure. The lake layers into zones: the icy lid, a freezing cold upper layer (epilimnion), a shifting middle layer (thermocline), and a life-rich lower refuge (hypolimnion). Each plays a role in protecting and organizing life below.6. Cracking Sounds and Ice AcousticsOne of winter’s wonders is the eerie, musical cracking of lake ice. These sounds—booms, groans, and pops—are the result of pressure shifts and temperature changes. Far from dangerous, they are a sign of the ice adjusting and holding strong, transmitting sound like a natural amphitheater.Takeaways:Winter lakes are not lifeless—they’re marvels of adaptation and resilience. From the surface, it might seem like everything has stopped, but underneath, life reorganizes, endures, and prepares for spring. It’s a reminder that in times of stillness, growth continues in quiet ways. Understanding this hidden activity deepens our appreciation for nature’s complexity and strength. So next time you're near a frozen lake, remember: it’s not asleep. It’s alive and waiting.Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a hiker, or someone just looking for a deeper connection to the natural rhythms around you, this episode invites you to see winter not as an end—but as a powerful pause filled with quiet determination.http://jillfromthenorthwoods.comhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspodTwitter - https://twitter.com/schmernYouTube @BuzzBlossomSqueakEmail the podcast at mailto: jill@startwithsmallsteps.comBy choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

Black, Brown, and Polar Bears: What Makes Each Unique?In this episode, I explore the fascinating world of bears—not just as powerful wilderness icons, but as intelligent, adaptable, and ecologically essential animals. From their plantigrade feet to their mental calendars, from myths about hibernation to the science of nitrogen recycling, this episode uncovers what truly makes bears extraordinary. Whether you’re an avid camper, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about wildlife, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for bears and the roles they play in ecosystems around the world.Top Topics:1. Bear Biology and Evolutionary AdvantageWe start by exploring the basic anatomy and versatility of bears. With plantigrade feet like humans and powerful shoulders built for digging and climbing, bears are built for survival in vastly different environments—from polar ice to tropical forests. Their adaptable skull and omnivorous diet give them a competitive edge, making them ultimate opportunists in the animal kingdom.2. Bears and Their Strategic DietContrary to the popular belief that bears are mainly carnivores, we uncover that up to 80% of their diet in some regions is made up of plant material. Berries, roots, nuts, and grasses dominate their intake. Meat becomes part of their diet when it’s efficient, such as during salmon runs or scavenging. Bears are strategic eaters with a mental map of seasonal abundance.3. Hibernation and Medical MarvelsBear hibernation isn’t the sleep-all-winter myth many think it is. Their heart rates drop, and they don’t eat or drink, but they don’t suffer muscle wasting or bone density loss. Medical researchers study hibernating bears for clues to treating human conditions like osteoporosis and kidney failure. Even more fascinating—mothers give birth during hibernation, nurturing newborn cubs in their dens until spring.4. Intelligence and Human InteractionsBears aren’t just brawn—they’re brains. Their problem-solving skills and memory help them navigate natural and human-influenced environments. But this intelligence can lead to dangerous food conditioning when humans leave food out or feed them intentionally. Once a bear associates humans with easy calories, it often ends poorly for both species.5. Bears as Ecosystem EngineersBeyond their charisma, bears are ecological powerhouses. Their digging aerates soil. Their scat spreads seeds. And in salmon-rich regions, their leftovers enrich forests with marine nutrients. These subtle behaviors make them essential to the health of their habitats.6. Safety Tips for Bear CountryCamping or hiking in bear territory? You’ll learn practical advice on how to stay safe: lock food in bear-proof containers, make noise while hiking, and never run from a bear. Black bears typically avoid humans, but brown and polar bears pose greater risks. Knowing what to do during an encounter can make all the difference.7. Bear Species Around the WorldWe take a global tour of the bear family—from North America’s black, brown, and polar bears to Asia’s sloth, sun, and panda bears, and South America’s spectacled bear. Each species has evolved to fit its unique environment, yet all share core bear traits. We even bust the myth that raccoons are mini bears—they’re distant cousins, not siblings.Takeaways:Bears are much more than symbols of wilderness—they are brilliant, adaptable, and vital parts of the ecosystems they inhabit. Their intelligence, physical strength, and ecological contributions remind us how interconnected life really is. Learning about them encourages us to respect wildlife, make safer choices in nature, and better understand the world just outside our doors. Whether it’s a bear track on a hiking trail or a story of an accidental close encounter, every moment shared with these creatures teaches us something about nature, survival, and balance. Jill’s Links http://jillfromthenorthwoods.comhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspodTwitter - https://twitter.com/schmernhttps://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgodEmail the podcast at mailto: jill@startwithsmallsteps.com By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.