Category: Episode

38: Horseshoe Crabs

38: Horseshoe Crabs

It’s Episode 38! It’s here! We made a mistake in recording and mistakenly thought we were at Episode 39 already…but this episode is actually Episode 38. Now that we’ve got THAT figured out, it’s time to talk about horseshoe crabs! You may find it fascinating to know that these strange and pre-historic critters are not actually crabs at all. To find out what they’re more closely related to, and even more interesting facts tune in to this episode!

Sources:

  • http://www.edc.uri.edu/restoration/html/gallery/invert/shoe.htm
  • https://www.stlzoo.org/visit/thingstoseeanddo/stingraysatcaribbeancove/horseshoecrabfacts
  • https://www.britannica.com/animal/horseshoe-crab
  • https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Invertebrates/Horseshoe-Crab
  • https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/crustaceans/horseshoe-crabs/facts/
  • https://bigthink.com/surprising-science/horseshoe-crab-blue-blood
  • https://marinebio.org/species/horseshoe-crabs/limulus-polyphemus/
  • https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red_Knot/lifehistory
  • https://www.fws.gov/news/blog/index.cfm/2016/11/30/Modeling-a-Future-for-Horseshoe-Crabs-and-Red-Knots
37: Meerkats

37: Meerkats

In this episode of CritterCast, we’re dishing the scoop on the cutest and most murderous (?!?!) of small mammals…the meerkat! Though these furry friends are not part of the feline family, they’re as cute as kittens. Of course we discuss the ever-popular Animal Planet TV Show “Meerkat Manor” as well as all the facts (fun or otherwise) that make meerkats so freaking cool. Excuse our technical difficulties as we figure out how to conduct phone interviews in order to be able to record when we’re not in the same place as someone else. We think it went pretty well!

36: Arapaimas

36: Arapaimas

Welcome back to CritterCast for Episode 36. If you’ve never heard of an Arapaima chances are you don’t watch Animal Planet or Discovery Channel because this mysterious fish is the only fish to ever elude host Jeremy Wade on River Monsters. Cassie was inspired to teach us all about this massively large and massively impressive fish because she thinks that giant fish are ultra cool, and after listening to Episode 36 we think you might agree! Give it a chance and let us know what you find most fascinating about Arapaimas!

Sources:

35: Turkey Vultures

35: Turkey Vultures

We’re back for episode 35 and it’s time to take it back to the skies! What critter spends most of their life putting in minimum effort? Turkey Vultures, that’s who. In this episode we discuss why Turkey Vultures are the laziest, most relatable birds. Did you know they have the most disgusting but surprisingly effective defense mechanism? You will after you listen to this 1 hour long fact-stravaganza!

34: Ball Pythons

34: Ball Pythons

It’s Episode 34 and this time we’re slithering back to snakes, one of our favorite types of critter to talk about. We’re freshly back from the NorCal Reptile Expo and we’ve been bit the Ball Python bug! These gorgeous and docile snakes are arguably the most popular pet snake in the U.S. and we can definitely see why. In this episode we discuss just why they’re so great and also give a little recap of our time at the expo. Tune in!

33: Tobacco Hornworms

33: Tobacco Hornworms

What’s green, squishy, and capable of taking down predators with toxic halitosis? Tobacco Hornworms, that’s who! These fascinating caterpillars are commonly used as model organisms and delicious snacks for captive reptiles. But why are their booties so active and what do they pupate into? Find out in Episode 33 of CritterCast with Cassie and Koreena featuring our brand new theme song!

32: Manatees

32: Manatees

Did you know that Manatees, unlike other marine mammals, don’t have blowholes? Or did you know that manatees aren’t freshwater OR saltwater animals? Listen to episode 32, all about the seacows, and you will be able to spread all the manatee knowledge. This week we chat about Koreena’s childhood manatee, Cassie’s continued inability to pronounce latin words, and Koreena’s strange obsession with Veggie Tales.

Sources:

  • https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/sea-cows-used-to-walk-on-land-in-africa-and-jamaica-2742073/
  • https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/phenomena/2013/01/16/sea-cow/
  • https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/14-fun-facts-about-manatees-180950308/
  • https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/group/manatees/https://
  • www.livescience.com/27405-manatees.html
  • http://mentalfloss.com/article/61457/12-things-you-might-not-have-known-about-manatees
31: Kittens (pt. 2)

31: Kittens (pt. 2)

Episode 31 is here and this time we’re revisiting a critter we talked about almost a year ago. We’re talking KITTENS. Part 2! Because we presume there will be more kitten episodes in the future, but for this episode we focus on kittens between 4-8 weeks old. The messiest, silliest, least coordinated of all ages. But arguably the most fun too! Listen and enjoy.

This episode, with a significant improvement in audio, is brought to you by our amazing Patreon supporters!

30: Gulls

30: Gulls

We’re back with Episode 30! Thank you to our listeners who sent us kind thoughts during our delay. We lost our foster kittens very tragically and needed to take some time. But luckily we’re back at it with those #critterfacts! This week we’re talking about Gulls and why they are #goals when it comes to a carefree lifestyle. We also talk a little about Koreena’s childhood BFF…spoiler alert…it’s a seagull!

29: Pangolins

29: Pangolins

CritterCast fam! You know that on CritterCast, we’re constantly questioning the way we classify animals…because sometimes it makes no sense. This week we’re talking about an animal that really doesn’t fit in anywhere. If you’ve ever seen a picture of a Pangolin, you’ve probably seen the photo of them looking like they timidly would like to ask you a question. Today we boldly ask: WHAT ARE YOU PANGOLINS? What are you and who are you related to?? Find out in Episode 29 of CritterCast!