By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Little ones enjoyed an engaging and educational experience on Monday, November 27th, as Hands on Nature visited the Dover Town Library (DTL) to discuss contemporary big predators. Heather Simpson, a representative from Hands on Nature, delivered a PowerPoint presentation highlighting various predators, particularly those found in Massachusetts.
The presentation primarily focused on land predators, including wolves, bears, coyotes, bobcats, foxes, mountain lions, and a hybrid species known as the coywolf. Simpson clarified that a coywolf is a crossbreed of coyotes and wolves, emphasizing that they are the only hybrid animals that intentionally mated to create themselves.
During the discussion of each predator, many children enthusiastically identified having seen some of these animals, even in their own yards. Simpson discussed the fisher, emphasizing that while commonly referred to as a fisher cat, its correct name is simply fisher. Guardians in the room shared experiences of encountering these sometimes noisy animals in their backyards.
Towards the end of the talk, Simpson explored sky and water predators such as eagles, hawks, sharks, and whales. Children shared stories of their encounters with these animals and posed questions for Simpson.
The day concluded with a "food chain" craft, where participants used paper cups, animal cutouts, and glue. Using safety scissors, children cut out pictures of a coyote, snake, mouse, grasshopper, and grass, then glued each to their own cup, stacking them in the order of the food chain.
Simpson also brought animal pelts donated by a science teacher, allowing everyone to feel the fur of each animal and compare the size of their hand to a black bear paw.
The program left participants with smiles and happy faces, appreciating its creativity and informativeness. For more information about upcoming events at the DTL, visit their website at www.dovertownlibrary.org.
