Protect All Pumas

There are approximately 30,000 cougars in the western U.S.; so many that they're legally hunted in 11 out of the 14 states in which they reside. But it's a different story back East, where the endangered Florida subspecies Puma concolor coryi, commonly known as the Florida panther, is the only documented cougar subspecies this side of the Mississippi and is clinging to survival with a breeding population of approximately 80 individuals. Needless to say, the Florida panther is protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as is the eastern cougar, despite the latter's apparent absence in the wild. Because they are difficult to visually distinguish from one another, both subspecies have been listed under the Similarity of Appearances rule of the ESA. You can protect the future of all pumas by supporting the Endangered Species Act!

Spruce Up Your Celebration

The National Arbor Day Foundation's Gift Trees program has packaged the perfect gift for any occasion and one that, with proper mulching, will last for decades - evergreens! Also useful as favors at weddings or other special events, each sapling comes encased in its own 14-inch recyclable plastic tube, complete with planting and care instructions. You can even add a customized message to the label. Ordering is as easy as selecting the species native to your area and sending in your payment. From reducing greenhouse gases, to preventing erosion, to providing year-round wildlife habitat and creating the very oxygen we breathe, trees play an enormous role in maintaining the health of the planet. The Colorado blue spruce is the evergreen most commonly found throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. It's a member of the pine family, provides excellent windbreaks when planted in rows and is conveniently deer-resistant.

Dining for Wildlife

Small family farms often preserve valuable wildlife habitat by raising organic products without pesticides and other harmful chemicals, utilizing sustainable farming techniques that reduce soil erosion and conserving natural resources. But the future of small-scale farms is at risk due to a sharp decline in consumer demand. You can protect pumas, and the critically endangered family farm, each time you buy from your local farmers' market. Many farms also offer CSA programs which are helpful in developing mutually beneficial partnerships between farmers and their customers. By paying for a share of a farmer's crop before it's even planted, CSA members provide essential funds in advance to cover the costs of the growing season. This pre-paid demand for their goods makes sustainable farming practices cost-effective because it guarantees a steady income even if a season's yield is poor. As a result, CSA members support the local economy and local wildlife, while enjoying a rich assortment of fresh, high quality local fruits, vegetables and other farm products year round.

Drive Safely

According to Defenders of Wildlife, keeping up with road work expansions related to urban sprawl has significantly altered wildlife habitat and resulted in more than 1 million animals killed on our highways every day. In fact, road kill is the No. 1 way that humans kill wildlife in the United States. And road kill has pushed some rare species -- such as the Florida panther and grizzly bear -- closer to extinction. Pointers on how to avoid wildlife-vehicle collisions are shared as part of Defenders' Habitat and Highways Campaign. Heeding wildlife crossing signs and reducing your speed in wildlife areas are two simple ways to help, while less obvious actions like not littering because food attracts wildlife to roadsides are also offered. Of course any type of littering, food items or otherwise, is always discouraged. If you happen to see someone tossing trash out of their car in Pennsylvania, you can report them by taking down the license plate number, make and color of their vehicle and calling
1-888-LITTERBUG.

Seek the Truth

Misinformation can spell disaster for wildlife, which is why raising awareness is critical. The reclusive nature of pumas has left many unanswered questions, leading to speculation and hype about their behaviors and temperament. While some are thrilled at the thought of cougars re-populating their former range, others are fearful of what this may mean and, spurred on by myths and half-truths, have taken steps to prevent a re-emergence of this legendary beast.

But cougars aren't the only victims of fictitious folklore; take those that cause a stir based on nothing more than their appearance. In Search of the Albino, a film that explores much of the puma's eastern habitat, is tracking something else many would say can't be found in the wild - albino animals, including a white alligator, porcupine, bear and rattlesnake. By way of telling the story of these often misunderstood creatures, the film touches on the key point that before wildlife can be effectively protected, we must first understand the truth behind the needs of an animal, and then find ways to share that truth with others.

In Search of the Albino will be screened at the Academy of Natural Sciences and narrated by filmmaker Tom Sterling on November 15 at 2:00pm and again at 7:00pm.