Hey there Nature Nerds! We’re going to take a little sabbatical while Jen gets her PhD but don’t fret, we’ll be back! You can still reach us on Instagram and email (youregonnadieoutthere@gmail.com)! Share your adventures and until next time…. Don’t Die Out There!

Welcome to 2024 Nature Nerds! In this Nature Nugget, Megan talks surfing, the mountaineering of the ocean!

References:

https://www.hbo.com/100-foot-wave

https://www.explainthatstuff.com/surfingscience.html

https://www.sfgate.com/hawaii/article/hawaii-surfing-star-mikala-jones-dies-18198643.php

https://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/the-most-notable-deaths-in-surfing#:~:text=But%20shark%20attacks%20still%20are,drowning%20is%20your%20next%20opponent.

https://www.theinertia.com/surf/5-of-the-goriest-wipeouts-in-surfings-history/

https://surfspots.org/worst-wipeouts-ever/

Happy Holidays Nature Nerds! In this, our last episode of 2023, Jen talks about the dangers of K2 and the recent tragedy of Muhammad Hassan.

Organization to Support: The Intrepid Foundation

https://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/

We empower our travelers to make real impact in the communities they visit.

Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organizations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

With our local knowledge and Intrepid teams on the ground, we support our carefully chosen partners to make a positive impact and create solutions on important issues. This ensures that your donations aren’t just about giving back but giving responsibly – impactfully – where it's really needed.

In 2019, the Intrepid Foundation is launched the Step Up for Porters Challenge: A fundraising initiative to engage trekkers and raise money for porter welfare. It’s for anyone with an interest in doing good and getting fit, with a goal of at least 10,000 steps per day, per participant, over the month of June.

Links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K2

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1986_K2_disaster

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_K2_disaster

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_K2_disaster

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_deaths_on_eight-thousanders

https://basecampmagazine.com/2018/02/12/the-2008-k2-tragedy/

https://www.alanarnette.com/blog/2023/09/06/k2-2023-coverage-harila-and-tenjen-cleared-on-muhammad-hassans-death/

https://www.insider.com/death-k2-real-story-climbers-stepped-dying-man-kristin-harila-2023-8

https://explorersweb.com/muhammad-hassans-death-k2-expeditions/

Happy Holidays, Nature Nerds! As a little gift to you, we’re releasing a Bonus Patreon Episode from earlier this year! Enjoy and new episodes will coming your way in 2024!

A big thanks to Patron Annette for this suggestion! In this month's bonus episode, Jen talks about Lapland and the amazing story of Aimo Koivunen and the down side of mittens! Enjoy!

Organization to Support: Snowchange Cooperative

Snowchange.org

Snowchange was started in late 2000 to document climate and environmental change in the North and work with local and Indigenous communities of the Northern regions.

Re-wilding Finland™ is a trademark owned by Snowchange with the purposes of advancing community-based and -controlled national efforts to fight impacts of climate change, enhance biodiversity and protect waterways.

Hey there Nature Nerds- this week Jen shares the creepy and mysterious story of Lake Nyos!

Links:

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/gas-cloud-kills-cameroon-villagers

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Nyos_disaster

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/defusing-africas-killer-lakes-88765263/

https://theconversation.com/cameroons-exploding-lakes-disaster-expert-warns-deadly-gas-release-could-cause-another-tragedy-190154

Hey there Nature Nerds! This week Megan talks Snow Leopards! Bundle up and enjoy!

Organization to Support: Snow Leopard Trust

https://snowleopard.org/

The Snow Leopard Trust aims to protect this endangered cat through community-based conservation projects that are based on an improved scientific understanding of snow leopard behavior, needs, habitats and threats.

References:

https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/living-with-snow-leopards-tashis-story-a-nature-short-film-sneak-peek/16903/

https://www.wwf.org.uk/learn/fascinating-facts/snow-leopards

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/snow-leopard

https://snowleopard.org/snow-leopard-facts/

WIld Films India: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRQXebUBZtI

BBC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKWVvMaml_8

Real Wild: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GorzEZtv_Z0

https://snowleopardblog.com/stories-of-shape-shifting-snow-leopards/#:~:text=The%20story%2C%20based%20on%20ancient,one%20to%20take%20her%20place.

https://snowleopardblog.com/about/snow-leopards-in-the-movies/

https://wildfor.life/guarding-the-ghosts-of-the-mountain#:~:text=It%20is%20the%20belief%20held,the%20guardians%20of%20the%20mountains.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-41270646

This week Megan talks quicksand! Enjoy!

References:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quicksand

https://www.britannica.com/story/how-deadly-is-quicksand

https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geology/do-people-die-in-quicksand.htm

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20160323-can-quicksand-really-suck-you-to-your-death

https://interestingengineering.com/science/quicksand-is-not-very-deadly

https://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2010/08/terra_infirma.html

https://www.dellamente.com/quicksand/

This week's episode, Jen tackles the infamous Bermuda Triangle!

Organization to Support: Conservation International: The Coral Triangle Initiative

https://www.conservation.org/projects/coral-triangle-initiative

As a founding partner of the CTI since its inception in 2007, Conservation International works with governments, communities and other stakeholders to help them achieve sustainable change.

Following the first guiding principle of the CTI — "Support people-centered biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, poverty reduction and equitable benefit sharing" — our focus is on working with people to sustainably manage marine ecosystems so they can support their well-being, now and into the future. Our guidance has been requested by partners, communities and governments, allowing us to work across sectors and at all levels. By connecting the efforts in-country to the wider region, we are ensuring that successes are amplified, creating momentum from the ground-up for changes that last.

This week Jen shares some news about the sargassum blob!

Links:

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/heres-the-real-story-behind-the-massive-blob-of-seaweed-heading-toward-florida/

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/07/us/seaweed-blob-florida-sargassum-shrinking.html

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230622-what-is-causing-the-atlantics-seaweed-blobs

For this, the 100th episode, Megan talks creepy cruise ship disapperances. Get your personal flotation device and hop aboard this episode!

Organization to Support: International Cruise Victims Association

https://internationalcruisevictims.org/

Since 2006, International Cruise Victims, Inc. (ICV) has grown to include members around the world. Our all-volunteer staff is made up almost entirely of victims or survivors of tragic events which occurred in the course of a cruise voyage. Our goal is to contribute to growing a cruise industry where passengers and crew are safe from victimization by working with Congress and other agencies and organizations to improve/increase standards, regulations, laws, and justice. ICV also offers victims a community of belonging and a voice with which they might share their stories while providing assistance to other victims as they each in turn seek to recover from the injustices they have experienced.

Hey there Nature Nerds! This week Megan talks about the Great Molasses Flood of 1919.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Molasses_Flood

https://www.history.com/news/great-molasses-flood-science

https://www.history.com/news/the-great-molasses-flood-of-1919

https://time.com/5500592/boston-great-molasses-flood-100/

Hey There Nature Nerds! This week Jen talks all things owls, starting with the infamous staircase and owl theory! Keep an eye on the skies and enjoy!

Organization to Support: Owl Research Institute

htps://www.owlresearchinstitute.org

The owl research institute is a small non-profit based out of Montana. They conduct long-term research on owls, their prey species, and their relationship to the habitat in which they live. They use these data to help maintain viable populations.

Additionally, they collaborate on strategic projects; educate the public about owls; and provide research data to land management agencies and conservation partners.

Also check out the American Bird Conservancy page.

Links:

htps://www.vulture.com/2018/06/the-staircase-neflix-owl-theory explained.html

htps://www.crimemuseum.org/crime-library/famous-murders/michael peterson/

htps://www.audubon.org/news/was-owl-real-culprit-peterson-murder mystery

htps://www.audubon.org/news/no-barred-owls-are-not-trying-kill-you

htps://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/2015/12/22/return owlcapone-two-atacks-reported/77760094/

htps://www.npr.org/2022/11/02/1133260919/an-owl-twice-atacked-a washington-woman-a-biologist-says-its-becoming-more-comm

htps://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/owl-atack-killarney-provincial park-1.6786893

htps://www.worldatlas.com/articles/10-fascinating-facts-about-owls-not many-people-know.html

htps://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/what-are-owl-pellets htps://abcbirds.org/birds

htps://facts.net/owl-facts

Hey there Nature Nerds! Here's this week's nature nuggie all about the captive Orca Tokitae. <3

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lolita_(orca)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captive_orcas

https://www.cascadiadaily.com/news/2023/aug/21/supporters-push-for-tokitaes-return-to-salish-sea-after-necropsy/

https://www.mmc.gov/priority-topics/species-of-concern/southern-resident-killer-whale/

Hey There Nature Nerds! We’re back in the saddle again! This week Megan shares the mystery of the Kali River Monster!

Organization to Support: https://eastkaliriverwaterkeeper.org/ and NEER Foundation

Objective of creating awareness on various issues related to water involving the community in finding various solutions for sustainable future

As the Founder Director of NEER Foundation, it is the belief of Raman Kant that environment problems can only be addressed adequately if local people are involved in decision-making at all levels and have control over resources. Lead by him, NEER Foundation acts as an independent, not-for-profit making voluntary organization working towards environment protection and management by means of water conservation and rural development. NEER Foundation is involved in research, campaigns, grassroots level practical work and advocacy on issues related to environment and human rights.

References:

https://kalamtimes.com/news/lifestyle/kali-river-history-do-you-know-the-story-of-the-origin-and-history-of-the-kali-river-237434

https://eastkaliriver.org/research/kali-river-east-history/3/

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/black-curse-of-the-kali-river-39382

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kali_River_(Karnataka)

https://www.earthday.org/this-is-how-antwada-an-earth-day-network-star-village-is-reviving-kali-river/

https://www.corbettnationalpark.in/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Corbett_National_Park

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bagarius_yarrelli

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kali_River_goonch_attacks#:~:text=The%20Kali%20River%20goonch%20attacks,Nepal%2C%20between%201998%20and%202007.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/3163501/Mutant-fish-develops-a-taste-for-human-flesh-in-India.html

https://darktales.blog/2019/04/22/kali-river-goonch-attacks/

https://river-monsters.fandom.com/wiki/Goonch_Attacks

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1075530/Mutant-fish-taste-human-flesh-attacks-swimmers-Indian-river.html

https://www.reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/gnmhx/til_about_the_kali_river_goonch_attacks_which/?rdt=52370

https://wildfact.com/forum/topic-goonch-bagarius-yarrelli

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2Zh3JzfyJU

https://kidadl.com/facts/animals/devil-catfish-facts

http://www.wild-facts.com/2010/wild-fact-651-watch-where-you-swim-goonch-catfish/

https://kids.kiddle.co/Catfish

https://improveangling.com/most-dangerous-catfish-species-in-the-world/

https://www.google.com/search?q=river+monsters+goonch+full+episode&oq=river+monsters+goonch+full+&aqs=chrome.0.0i512j69i57.16516j1j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:47f81b25,vid:RFj4BqQjjU4

Hey Nature Nerds! We’re still working on getting up to speed post typhoon, so in the meantime, enjoy this special Bonus Patreon episode!

This month's episode starts with Jen's science news about a town in Australia being overrun by Kangaroos. Then Megan keeps the fun going with the not-so-great and occasionally creepy history of Lake Lanier, GA. Thanks to Laura L, you awesome friend and Patron, for this suggestion! Get your life vest and enjoy!

Organization to Support:

Chattahoochee River Keeper

Chattahoochee.org

Our mission is to educate, advocate and secure the protection and stewardship of the Chattahoochee River, including its lakes, tributaries and watershed, in order to restore and conserve their ecological health for the people and wildlife that depend on the river system and in recognition of the important ecosystem functions provided throughout the region and planet.

Established in 1994, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper employs a variety of strategies to protect and preserve the Chattahoochee River, its lakes and watershed. They include:

· Water monitoring

· Education

· Research

· Advocacy

· Communication

· Collaboration

· Legal action

· Over time, we have steadily grown in size, scope and influence:

· 10,000 members throughout the watershed

· 4-star (highest) rating by Charity Navigator for 11 consecutive years

· 11th licensed program of more than 350 in the international Waterkeeper Alliance

Hey there Nature Nerds! We're baaaaack! This week Jen talks all things Hot Air Balloons, so strap on your parachute and enjoy! ;)

Organization to Support: bfa.net (90% approval rating on charity navigator)

Balloon Federation of America

The BFA is a 501c3 non-profit association dedicated to the advancement of the sport and science of lighter-than-air aviation, both hot air and gas balloons. Founded in 1961, membership in the BFA is open to anyone who shares a fascination with Lighter Than Air flight.

They seem to be the one stop shop for all balloon events and activities in the US for those who are interested.

There are also charities that take disabled folks for free like the Cream Catcher Balloon non-profit out of Carlsborg, WA at dreamcatcherballoon.org

Links:

https://www.virginballoonflights.co.uk/blog/how-do-hot-air-balloons-work

https://www.nationalballoonmuseum.com/about/history-of-ballooning/

https://seattleballooning.com/how-dangerous-are-hot-air-balloon-rides-low-risk/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Aviation%20Accident,air%20ballooning%20is%20even%20safer.

https://www.space.com/16595-montgolfiers-first-balloon-flight.html

https://napavalleyballoons.com/hot-air-balloon-facts.php

https://balloonsgalore.co.uk/blog/ten-strange-facts-about-hot-air-balloons

https://blog.gitnux.com/hot-air-balloon-crash-statistics/

https://www.austinmonthly.com/the-deadliest-hot-air-balloon-disaster-in-american-history/

https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-deadliest-hot-air-balloon-accidents-ever-recorded.html

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3113771/What-REALLY-happened-doomed-hot-air-balloon-flight-killed-19-passengers-dream-day-turned-carnage.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_Carterton_hot_air_balloon_crash

https://listverse.com/2017/06/16/top-10-horrific-hot-air-balloon-accidents/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1989_Alice_Springs_hot_air_balloon_crash

Hey there Nature Nerds! Somehow we are getting back on track and able to upload this little nugget for you. Our pod recording room is still without power :( but we recorded this one before Typhoon Mawar wrecked it's way through Guam. Enjoy this week's Nugget where Megan talks about the mysterious Flannan Island storm!

References:

https://www.iflscience.com/the-flannan-isle-mystery-what-happened-to-three-lighthouse-keepers-123-years-ago-68462

https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/our-islands/lewis/flannan-islands

https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/animals/birds/puffin-facts/

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_vanishing_2019

Hey there Nature Nerds! Enjoy this week's full episode all about Squirrels! Also, think of Jen and Megan as they grab some Nutter Butters and hunker down for an incoming Typhoon! <3

Organization to Support: Red Squirrel Survival Trust

https://www.rsst.org.uk/

RED SQUIRRELS ARE HEADING FOR EXTINCTION

Red Squirrels are the UK’s only native squirrel and have lived here longer than humans

TOGETHER WE CAN SAVE THEM

The Grey Squirrel

The introduction of grey squirrels from America between 1876 and 1929 and their rapid spread had a devastating impact on red squirrel populations in the British Isles. In contrast to the red squirrel which has evolved in Britain over millennia, the heavier grey squirrel lives in denser populations than British woodland can sustain.

Food

The higher population density of the larger grey squirrel results in a higher daily food requirement from its habitat. It can eat a greater variety of plant foods at an earlier stage of maturity. For example, red squirrels find unpalatable the tannin in acorns, a plentiful and high energy food source favoured by greys which will also eat all the other foods eaten by reds. The outcome is inevitable: the red squirrels are literally starved out.

Disease

Grey squirrels are carriers of squirrel-pox virus and often remain asymptomatic. The disease is devastating for red squirrels and an outbreak can wipe out the majority or all of a local population. Infected individuals can take up to two weeks to die, often starving to death as they are unable to feed themselves.

They aim to:

· Raise awareness of the plight of red squirrels

· Protect red squirrels by keeping red and grey squirrels apart

· Fund research on how to secure the long term future of the red squirrel in the UK

· Encourage successful populations of red squirrels

· Reintroduce red squirrels within the UK where conditions are right

· Secure the red squirrel’s natural environment by ensuring our woodlands are healthy

References:

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-59819349

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/08/squirrel-attacks-nyc-neighborhood-fear

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/buckley-grey-squirrel-stripe-attack-biting-village-wales-residents-b974135.html

https://www.nola.com/news/vicious-squirrel-attacks-elderly-slidell-man-causing-significant-injuries-authorities-say/article_abbe15e0-c627-11ec-85e6-4b5c44d8f87a.html

https://6abc.com/squirrel-attacks-aggressive-squirrels-queens-rego-park-65th-drive-and-fitchett-street/9233808/

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/carleton-place-squirrel-1.6385340

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/alabama-mans-trial-keeping-meth-fueled-attack-squirrel-delayed-rcna13654

https://fox59.com/news/national-world/vicious-squirrel-attack-sends-louisiana-man-to-hospital/

https://blog.nwf.org/2015/01/10-nutty-facts-to-make-you-appreciate-squirrels/

https://www.treehugger.com/happy-squirrel-appreciation-day-4868817

https://canadiangeographic.ca/articles/7-fascinating-facts-about-squirrels/

https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/mammals/10-nutty-facts-about-squirrels/

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/squirrels

https://www.vice.com/en/article/jgp9x4/the-story-of-primal-astrology-how-one-man-created-an-entire-horoscope

https://www.primalastrology.com/

https://www.primalastrology.com/squirrel.html

This week Jen talks about free range super pigs from Canada!

References:

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/feb/20/us-threat-canada-super-pig-boar

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/destructive-super-pigs-from-canada-threaten-the-northern-us-180981692/

https://freerangeamerican.us/canadian-super-pigs/

This week Jen tells us the survival story of Deborah Scaling Kiley and Brad Cavanagh! Batten down the hatches and sit tight for this lost at sea tale!

Organization to Support: The Pelorus Foundation

www.pelorusfoundation.org

The Pelorus Foundation is addressing the unique opportunity to pair marine scientists and conservation experts with private yachts to conduct vital research. If you are a yacht-owner, work on board or know scientists with a prospective project, please contact us by emailing support@pelorusfoundation.com.

References:

https://explorersweb.com/great-survival-stories-shipwreck-sharks-and-deborah-kiley/

https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/lost-at-sea/

https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/646229/what-actually-happens-if-you-drink-saltwater#:~:text=Guzzling%20saltwater%20would%20cause%20a,in%20a%20sea%20survival%20situation.%E2%80%9D

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deborah_Scaling_Kiley

https://www.wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?306743

https://www.newsweek.com/we-just-hear-this-shrill-scream-then-it-was-over-sharks-1760348

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/9671851/shark-week-attack-survivor-ate-friends/

https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/i-watched-sharks-eat-friends-24531975