Canada Lynx, Porcupine Featured At Forest Preserve’s Mammal Madness

Celebrate the warm-blooded creatures around us during a Mammal Madness program from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 4, at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon

One of the highlights of this Forest Preserve District of Will County program will be a free, all-ages live animal presentation at 11 a.m. by Big Run Wolf Ranch. The presentation will feature a Canada lynx, opossum, skunk and porcupine. There is room for 200 and seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Mammals are relatable, and they play such a large role in our native ecosystem that we should celebrate them as much as possible,” said Jess McQuown, a program coordinator at Four Rivers. “We’re all taught about dolphins in the oceans and elephants in Africa, but we have some incredible mammals right here in our own backyards and we wanted to share our excitement with everyone.”

The big draw for the animal show will be the Canada lynx, said Alexis Lyons, an interpretive naturalist at Four Rivers.

"The Canada Lynx is a wild cat with large paws and long ear tufts," Lyons said. "They’re about the size of a medium dog, standing 2.5 feet tall. We are very thrilled to have this majestic animal visiting Four Rivers!"

All mammals play an important role in their habitats, she added.

“We are excited to have people learn about each of them and their unique adaptations," she said. "We hope everyone leaves with a new appreciation for these animals.”

Bad reputations

Some of the animals that will be featured during the presentation have bad reputations, Lyons said.

"For instance, skunks have gotten a bad reputation from the foul-smelling musk they spray when frightened," she said. "Skunks provide many warning signs prior to spraying such as, hissing, raising its tail, puffing its fur and stamping its front feet. Skunks are generally quite easy-going and benefit our neighborhoods by eating the insects and rodents that get into our homes and gardens."

In addition to the presentation by Big Run Wolf Ranch, which is a non-profit wildlife education facility in Homer Township, the event will feature other family-friendly activities.

“After the presentation, there will be mask-making in the craft room,” McQuown said. “We’ll have a puppet stage for families to bring their own mammal stories to life. There will be a show-and-tell space where families can touch mammal pelts and bones. They also will be able to test their skills against the skills of some local mammals in an Animal Olympics arena.”

Four Rivers Environmental Education Center is located at 25055 W. Walnut Lane, off of Blackberry Lane south of Bridge Street. For more information on the Forest Preserve District of Will County, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.