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I wonder where Muscovado sugar  came from?
I wonder if muscovado sugar tastes like regular sugar?

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Muscovado, also Khandsari and Khand, is a type of partially refined to unrefined sugar with a strong molasses content and flavour. It is technically considered either a non-centrifugal cane sugar or a centrifuged, partially refined sugar according to the process used by the manufacturer.

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I wonder what muscovado sugar looks like?

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Size and Weight: The adult raccoon is a medium-sized mammal and the largest of the Procyonidae family. It averages 24 to 38 inches in length and can weigh between 14 to 23 lbs., or more, depending upon habitat and available food. The male raccoon, or boar, is slightly larger than the female, also referred to as sow. The young are called kits.

Physical Features: The mask of black fur that covers its eyes is its most characteristic and familiar feature. One hypothesis for the dark fur is that it may help reduce glare and enhance the nocturnal animal's night vision. The species has grayish brown fur, almost 90% of which is dense underfur to insulate the animal against the cold. Five to eight light and dark rings alternate on its tail. Because its hind legs are longer than the front legs, a raccoon often appears hunched when they walk or run. The five toes on a raccoon's front paws are extremely dexterous, functioning essentially as five little fingers which allow it to grasp and manipulate food it finds in the wild as well as a variety of other objects, including doorknobs, jars, and latches. A raccoon's most heightened sense is its sense of touch. It has very sensitive front paws and this sensitivity increases underwater. When able, a raccoon will examine objects in water.

Life span: In the wild, a raccoon has a life expectancy of about 2 to 3 years, but in captivity a raccoon can live up to 20 years.

Diet: The raccoon is an omnivorous and opportunistic eater, with its diet determined heavily by its environment. Common foods include fruits, plants, nuts, berries, insects, rodents, frogs, eggs, and crayfish. In urban environments, the animal often sifts through garbage for food. The majority of its diet consists of invertebrates and plant foods.

Geography: The raccoon is native to North America and can be found throughout the United States, except for parts of the Rocky Mountains, and southwestern states like Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. It can also be found in parts of Canada, Mexico and the northern-most regions of South America. During the 20 th century, the species was introduced to other parts of the globe, and now has an extensive presence in countries like Germany, Russia, and Japan.

Habitat: Originally raccoons lived in the tropics where they could be found foraging along riverbanks. Over time they moved north up the continent, successfully adapting to new territories and expanding their diet. Traditionally, they live in tree cavities or burrows emerging at dusk to hunt frogs and crustaceans while keeping an eye out for predators such as coyotes and foxes. Barns have aided their northern migration, offering refuge from cold northern winters, and now, raccoons have been found as far north as Alaska. The species originally kept to the deciduous and mixed forests of North America, but its impressive ability to adapt has enabled the animal to move into a wide range of habitats, from mountainous terrains to large cities. The first urban sighting was in Cincinnati during the 1920s. Raccoon populations do very well in urban areas, primarily due to hunting and trapping restrictions, a general lack of predators, and an abundance of available human food. The size of a raccoon's home range varies depending on habitat and food supply. In urban areas, its home range generally spans about one mile.

Breeding and Social Structure: The animal is nocturnal, mostly foraging and feeding at night. Though previously thought to be quite solitary, there is now evidence that the species congregates in gender-specific groups. Mating season for raccoons falls generally anytime between January and June. Most females begin reproducing around the age of one. The female has a 65-day gestation period and gives birth to two to five kits, usually in the spring. A mother usually separates from other raccoons to raise her young alone. The male does not participate in the raising of the kits. The black mask is already visible on newly-born kits. The kits stay in the den with their mother until they are between 8-10 weeks old, and will stay with their mother until they reach 13-14 months of age.

Risks: A raccoon has few predators though the animal has been known to be attacked by cougars, bobcats, and coyotes. Disease, infection, and run-ins with cars are generally the primary risks for the species. Some of their diseases, including roundworm, trichinosis and rabies, also place people and pets at risk.
Additional Facts:

The raccoon's scientific name, Procyon lotor is neo-Latin and translates to "before-dog washer."

Christopher Columbus is the first individual we know of to have written about the species.

The raccoon's taxonomy has been debated over time. Carl Linnaeus placed the raccoon in the Ursus genus-first as Ursus cauda elongate ("long-tailed bear") and then as Ursus lotor ("washer bear"). In 1780, Gottlieb Congrad Christian Storr created a separate genus for the species, Procyon, meaning doglike.

The English word "raccoon" is an adaptation of a native Powhatan word meaning "animal that scratches with its hands."

In the winter, the raccoon does not hibernate, but can sleep in its den for weeks.

A raccoon can run at speeds of up to 15 miles per hour.

The raccoon is a good swimmer and can stay in water for several hours.

The species makes a variety of vocalizations including hisses, whistles, screams, growls and snarls.

A series of studies in the mid-to-late-twentieth century show that a raccoon can remember solutions to tasks for up to 3 years.

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Raccoon Nation | Raccoon Fact Sheet | Nature | PBS

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Size and Weight: The adult raccoon is a medium-sized mammal and the largest of the Procyonidae family. It averages 24 to 38 inches in length and can weigh between 14 to 23 lbs., or more, depending upon habitat and available food. The male raccoon, or boar, is slightly larger than the female, also referred to as sow.

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I wonder how snakes shed their skin.
I wonder how long it takes for their skin to shed.
I wonder how often they do this.

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What are crawdads? Can we really eat them?
Are crawdads a type of animal you can cook?
If crawdads are an animal, where do they live?

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BioKIDS - Kids' Inquiry of Diverse Species, Orconectes rusticus, rusty crayfish: INFORMATION

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BioKIDS - Kids' Inquiry of Diverse Species

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Are there really thousands of alligators in Texas?
What do I do if I see an alligator?

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ABOUT ALLIGATORS...

The American alligator was once very common in rivers, creeks, and backwater sloughs of East and South Texas. Unregulated market hunting and habitat alteration resulted in near extirpation of the species in Texas by the 1950's. Legal protection, enhanced habitat conditions, and new water impoundment projects have resulted in a rapid repopulation of Texas by alligators during the past 20 years. To complicate matters, an ever-expanding human population continues to encroach upon the alligator's domain. These factors contribute to increased encounters between alligators and people.

Most Texans in "gator country" will live in close proximity to these native reptiles with no confrontations. However, there are occasions when certain alligators become "a nuisance" and must be handled by the proper authorities. TPWD received more than 400 nuisance alligator calls in Southeast Texas during 2003. (A substantial number of these were not true problem gators, and the sheer volume of these reports is taxing available manpower and resources needed to handle the real problems.) More than 100 alligators were relocated, mostly from subdivisions adjacent to natural habitat. A similar number had to be killed in similar situations. In these incidents alligators had lost their fear of humans and exhibited aggressive behavior. Relocation is not always a viable option, as by nature these animals are territorial. Relocating problem animals to other areas often creates greater problems. What is needed is a better-educated populace more able to recognize the few nuisance alligators and to coexist safely with the majority of alligators that are not nuisances.

The current legal definition of a nuisance gator is "an alligator that is depredating [killing livestock or pets] or a threat to human health or safety" under definitions laid out in the Texas Administrative Code (Title 31, Part 2, Chapter 65, Section 65.352). The following information should help you determine if the observed alligator may pose a threat to you or your property. If, after reading the following, you determine that an alligator is a "nuisance," please contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement communications center in La Porte at (281) 842-8100 or in Austin at (512) 389-4848.

IF YOU SEE AN ALLIGATOR...

If the alligator is not approaching people or otherwise posing an obvious threat, wait a few days if possible - even up to a week - before contacting TPWD. In spring and summer, alligators are moving to breed and find new habitat. Most of the alligators moving around are smaller ones that have been pushed out of their normal habitat by larger alligators. Usually, these smaller alligators will move further on in a week or two.

If you hear an alligator hiss, it's a warning that you are too close.

Alligators have a natural fear of humans, and usually begin a quick retreat when approached by people. If you have a close encounter with an alligator a few yards away, back away slowly. It is extremely rare for wild alligators to chase people, but they can run up to 35 miles per hour for short distances on land. Never make the mistake of thinking that an alligator is slow and lethargic. Alligators are extremely quick and agile and will defend themselves when cornered. A female protecting her nest might charge a person who gets close to the nest, but she would quickly return to the nest after the intruder left.

It is not uncommon for alligators to bask along the banks of a pond or stream for extended periods of time. These alligators are usually warming their bodies; they are not actively hunting. Often times a basking alligator may be seen with its mouth open; this is a way to cool its body temperature down, since alligators do not pant or sweat. An approaching human should cause these alligators to retreat into the water. (In some cases, the alligator may be protecting a nest - see below.) However, an alligator may be considered a nuisance if it leaves the banks of the water body to spend time near homes, livestock pens, or other structures.

If you walk near the water and an alligator comes straight toward you, especially if it comes out of the water, it is definitely a nuisance alligator that needs to be reported to TPWD. In many cases, these are alligators that have been fed by people or have been allowed to get human food.

If you see an alligator while walking a pet make sure that your pet is on a leash and under your control. Your pet will naturally be curious, and the alligator may see an easy food source. Alligators have a keen sense of smell. In areas near alligator sightings it is wise to keep pets inside a fenced area or in the house for a few days, during which the alligator will often move on.

If you see an alligator in the roadway, DO NOT attempt to move it! Notify local authorities so the alligator can be handled safely.

If you see a large alligator in your favorite swimming hole or pond, do not swim with it. Although alligator attacks in Texas are rare, it can happen. The "attack" reports in Texas are usually more accurately described as "encounters." As with all outdoor activities, realize that wildlife encounters are a possibility.

It is not uncommon for alligators to pursue top-water fishing lures, and this activity does not constitute a threat to humans. As with fish, alligators are attracted to these lures because they mimic natural food. Most alligators can be easily scared away from boats or fishing lures. However, alligators that repeatedly follow boats, canoes, or other watercraft, and/or maintain a close distance without submersing may be considered nuisance alligators.

If you see a nuisance alligator, consider why it is there. Did someone clean fish and throw the heads into a pond or river? If so, they created a potential alligator problem and could be breaking state regulations. Since October 1, 2003, it has been a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 for anyone caught feeding an alligator.

DOs AND DON'Ts FOR LIVING WITH ALLIGATORS

Adapted from "Living with Alligators," Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission )

- kill, harass, molest or attempt to move alligators. State law prohibits such actions, and the potential for being bitten or injured by a provoked alligator is high.
Do - call your TPWD regional office if you encounter a nuisance gator that has lost its fear of people.
Don't - allow small children to play by themselves in or around water.
Do - closely supervise children when playing in or around water.
Don't - swim at night or during dusk or dawn when alligators most actively feed.
Do - use ordinary common care. Swim only during daylight hours.
Don't - feed or entice alligators. Alligators overcome their natural shyness and become accustomed or attracted to humans when fed. It is now a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500, to intentionally feed an alligator.
Do - inform others that feeding alligators creates problems for others who want to use the water for recreational purposes.
Don't - throw fish scraps into the water or leave them on shore. Although you are not intentionally feeding alligators, the end result can be the same.
Do - dispose of fish scraps in garbage cans at most boat ramps or fish camps.
Don't - remove any alligators from their natural habitat or accept one as a pet. It is a violation of state law to do so. Alligators do not become tame in captivity and handling even small ones may result in bites. In particular, never go near baby alligators or pick them up. They may seem cute and harmless, but mama alligator will be nearby, and will protect her clutch for at least two years.
Do - enjoy viewing and photographing wild alligators from a safe distance of at least 30 feet or more. Remember that they're an important part of Texas's natural history, as well as an integral component of many wetland ecosystems.

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The American alligator was once very common in rivers, creeks, and backwater sloughs of East and South Texas. Unregulated market hunting and habitat alteration resulted in near extirpation of the species in Texas by the 1950's. Legal protection, enhanced habitat conditions, and new water impoundment projects have resulted in a rapid repopulation of Texas by alligators during the past 20 years.

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What is a bayou?
I wonder what kind of animals live in a bayou?
Is a bayou another name for a swamp?

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Comstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images

Bayou country spans the Gulf Coast of the southeastern United States. These slow-moving, flatland sections of rivers or lakes can be freshwater, saltwater or a brackish combination of the two. Usually shallow and often heavily vegetated, the bayous teem with wildlife that lend distinctive flavor to this slice of America.

Alligators

Once an endangered species, American alligators have now recovered; more than a million reside in the boggy swamps, rivers, lakes and bayous of the Southeast. Found mainly in Louisiana and Florida, the male alligator grows up to 15 feet long, weighs about 1,000 pounds and can live up to 50 years. These prehistoric reptiles swim through the water with great agility and feast on fish, turtles, snakes, small mammals and -- depending on their hunger level -- pets or people.

Fish and Snakes

Since bayous move slowly while swamps are stagnant pools, bayous have more oxygen in the water to provide a proper home for more than 100 species of fish. Bass, bream, Rio Grande perch, catfish, carp, shrimp, crawfish and more can be found in these waterways. The bayou also hosts the only poisonous water snake in the U.S.: the water moccasin, also called a "cottonmouth" snake. The diamondback water snake and yellow-bellied water snake aren't only harmless to humans but are predators of the cottonmouth.

Birds and Small Mammals

Avian bayou residents include pelicans, egrets, herons, ibises, ducks, vultures, hawks, owls, sandpipers, woodpeckers, wrens and more. Critters of the bayou include muskrats, beavers, raccoons, opossums and armadillos. On the larger side many deer are found in the bayou woods, making this area a draw for hunters.

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Bayou country spans the Gulf Coast of the southeastern United States. These slow-moving, flatland sections of rivers or lakes can be freshwater, saltwater or a brackish combination of the two. Usually shallow and often heavily vegetated, the bayous teem with wildlife that lend distinctive flavor to this slice of ...

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I wonder if raccoons really can fly?
I wonder what else raccoons can do?
I wonder what raccoons eat?

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Hidden World of Scavenger Pests | Raccoon Nation

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