What’s dark and slimy and over two feet long? It’s an Eastern Hellbender! This aquatic giant salamander, endemic to the eastern and central US, is the largest amphibian in North America, often weighing in at over 4 lbs.! The hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) is, not unlike Steve, secretive and slimy but also fascinating. Join the guys for one hell of an episode learning about this rare and disappearing denizen of fast-moving streams.

Ep. 55 - Bill and Steve Go to Hell(benders)

Nature nerds rejoice! The Field Guides is a monthly podcast that will bring you out on the trail, focusing on the science of our North American wildlife.

Natural Sciences

Science & Medicine

Social Sciences

Medicine

Education

Training

Language Courses

Higher Education

K-12

Educational Technology

Comedy

Fishers (Pekania pennanti) are a predator species reclaiming much of its former range in the northeastern US, but, as sightings become more common, so do stories of what fishers (AKA fisher cats) are up to. This episode, the guys are on the trail - both literally and figuratively - tracking down the life history of this elusive member of the weasel family.

Ep. 65 - Fishers: Eatin’ More Toes Than Turkeys

Who doesn’t love an eclipse? Apparently, wildlife has very mixed feelings about the whole affair. 
This month, the guys prepare for the upcoming 2024 total eclipse by looking into the research around how animals react to the moon photobombing the sun for a few minutes. The reactions are not universal, but they are varied. And trying to figure out what the animals are up to makes for a fascinating listen.

Ep. 64 - Let's Look at the Eclipse! (Not Literally)

Bill meets Daniel in south Florida to record an episode about the Florida Panther and tackle the questions and misconceptions that leave this cat shrouded in mystery.

Ep. 63 - Field Trip!: On the Trail of the Florida Panther

Part 2 of our Timber Rattlesnake episode. If you haven’t listened to part 1, go and do that. We’ll wait right here for you. 
The episode was recorded on December 7, 2023 at Hunters Creek County Park in East Aurora, NY.

Ep. 62 - Timber Rattlesnakes: Still Endangered, Still Danger Noodle-y (Part 2)

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, we wager you’ll enjoy this dive into the shiny (not slimy) world of rattlesnakes. This episode, the guys take a close look (but not too close) at the Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus), trying to show how it’s not out to kill you and also finding out how it ended up on the “Don’t Tread On Me” flag. Plus, they introduce the newest field guide, Daniel!

Ep. 55 - Bill and Steve Go to Hell(benders)

Download our free app to listen on your phone