By: Lauren Vincent, Class of 2023
Milkweed is a native Illinois perennial plant that serves a unique role in our backyard ecosystems and across the country. This plant is the only host for Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) making it critical for their survival. With progressive urbanization and habitat loss, milkweed distribution has plummeted, bringing the monarch populations down with it.
Chart created by Monarch Watch.
One of the most interesting species of snake in my opinion is the hognose snake, and we have a type of hognose native right here to Illinois! The plains hognose snake (Heterodon nascius) can be found as far north as Canada, as far east as Illinois, as far south as Mexico, and as far west as Wyoming!
The weather is starting to get warmer and the days are beginning to last longer – orphan season is about to start! We see the young of various species in our clinic each year; of those, each has its own unique breeding timeline and characteristics. So, what does the breeding season look like for our patients? Below, you’ll find information on some of the most common mammals that we see in the WMC during the spring season!
