FVCC Nature Journal

Join us for a ride through the interesting world of bats! There are more than 1,200 species of bats worldwide, and 15 species in Montana. Some bats can fly 100 miles per hour; they are the only mammal capable of true flight. The smallest bat in Montana is the western small footed myotis, which weighs only 5 grams. Bats are valuable insectivores, but they also represent spookiness and fear for their association with Halloween.

In this episode, explore the variety of wilderness areas in Montana, focusing on the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex not far from campus. You’ll learn about how wilderness is designated and managed, and hear some fun stories about old-time and more recent wilderness visits! 

Porcupines have captured the attention of people for centuries. Their quills are used for decorations and are feared by other animals. In this episode, you will learn lots of fun facts, and join a discussion of factors behind the porky's near disappearance in western Montana. 

Tune in for a tour through the world of black bears and grizzly bears in Montana, including fun facts, stories, and management challenges. 

Deer and humans have had a long history together in our country. Deer have provided sustenance to people over time, and now are moving into suburban and urban areas creating challenges for the deer and for humans. In this episode we will peer into deer biology and behavior and talk about the continued value of our relationship with deer in Montana.

Join Dr. David Long and host John Fraley as they discuss fascinating chemical connections in the natural world around us. Dr. Long is a popular chemistry Professor here at FVCC known for his reflective and entertaining lectures. One of the things he describes in the show is a long ski across Yellowstone National Park and some surprising chemistry of thermal features.

In this episode of the nature journal, tune in and learn about the Pika, or rock rabbit, a small high-elevation critter found in the Jewel Basin high country and other mountainous areas. This territorial, 4-ounce animal cuts and cures alpine vegetation in hay piles under boulders to help them last through the winter.

Bull trout are the largest native trout in Montana, traveling one of the longest migration routes (up to 150 miles) of any inland trout. Join the discussion about the unique life history of this fish, which uses Flathead Lake, the river, and upstream tributaries to spawn. Biologists count bull trout nests each year to keep track of how they are doing. Bull trout are a federally threatened species and a species of special concern in Montana.

The weasel family in is amazingly diverse, including the wolverine, otter, marten, mink, and three species of weasels. Surprisingly, the least weasel has the strongest bite (pound for pound) of any mammal, and the short-tailed weasel is probably our most numerous carnivore. Join host John Fraley and producer Collin Burkhart for a lively discussion of fun facts and surprising quirks of weasels in Montana.

Montana waters support at least 90 species of fish with a diversity of species and habits. Learn about the largest fish in Montana (paddlefish, up to 142.5 pounds) and the smallest (a tiny sculpin, 0.05 pounds). Some Montana fish can live to be more than 100 years old! Come along on the trivia trail by tuning into this week’s FVCC Nature Journal.