Bear Essential News June 2022, Phoenix Edition

Bear 40 YEARS!

June 2022 Phoenix Edition

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®

Amazing Reptiles!

In This Picture: Find the sun, a Father’s Day necktie, a donut, a wedge of cheese, a swim fin, a meteor, a feather, a canoe, sunglasses and the word DAD.

FEATURE

NEWS

A mazing R eptiles!

Galapagos Tortoise Springtime In Italy

from the desert to the sea Pages 8 & 9

Spotlight on Dragon of Death News Highlights page 3

NEWS & more news kids can use Scoops pages 5, 7, 12 & 14

FAMILIES

FUN

Win Free Milk!

S ea Turtles

A whole year’s worth Page 16

Meet rescued reptiles Page 13

2 • Bear Essential News • June 2022

B

News Highlights

The Dragon of Death

The Galapagos Islands are home to some seriously cool animals, and scientists are constantly studying the area to see what they can learn about the islands’ animal inhabitants. That research led a team of scientists to a recent discovery of a new species of giant tortoise!

“The scientists concluded that nearly 8,000 tortoises which exist today on San Cristobal are not Chelonoidis chathamensis but correspond to a completely new lineage that has not yet been described,” according to a release from the Galapagos National Park.

The scientists compared DNA from bones and shells of tortoises that died more than 100 years ago with samples from the tortoise population that lives on the same island today. They found that the samples were very different from one another.

The researchers will continue recovering more DNA from bones and shells to determine whether the tortoises living on San Cristobal should be given a new name.

There were originally 15 species of giant tortoise on the islands, three of which became extinct centuries ago, according to the Galapagos National Park.

Three years ago, a specimen was found on another island more than 100 years after the species was

Image: shutterstock.com

New Species of Giant Tortoise Found

thought to be extinct, so this is not the first time scientists have had to reevaluate what they knew about tortoises in the Galapagos.

The Archipeligo, whose biodiversity inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, is home to a variety of land and sea animals! The Galapagos are often considered a natural laboratory that offers scientists a chance to further study evolution. The islands are in South America, roughly 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, and they are the second largest marine reserve in the world.

The islands’ land and sea occupants have faced threats in recent years from overfishing to human encroachment. In an attempt to help protect the Galapagos, Ecuador recently expanded the marine protected area around the islands by 50 percent, which covers an additional 23,000 square miles.

Webb Space Telescope In Sharp Focus

Photo source: gizmodo.com

Hopes are sky high as the James Webb Space nating aspects of distant objects. And two long-time Telescope sent back breathtakingly sharp test imagArizona astronomers play important roles for two of es after successfully aligning its 18 golden mirrors its instruments. at the end of George and Marcia Rieke, a April. husband and wife duo with the Launched in University of Arizona and members December and of the National Academy of Scimeasuring 21ences, have been involved with feet across, this infrared astronomy for decades.

George is the science team lead for is the largest, the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) most powerful while Marcia is the lead investigatelescope ever tor on the Near Infrared Camera put into space!

(NIRCam). The other two instruIt’s designed to ments of the Webb Space Telepeer into the oldscope are the NIRSpec, a specest parts of the trograph designed to study even universe, looking the faintest, most distant light, at some of the the by ged and the FGI/NIRSIS that aims the earliest galaxies. galaxy ima View of stars and a cloud-like pe. telescope and studies Earth-like The $10 billion sco Webb Space Tele planets called exoplanets. observatory is about 1 million miles from Earth. Its four main instruWith alignment razor sharp, the Webb telescope could start its science mission this summer! ments will help astronomers investigate some fasci-

A flying reptile being called “The Dragon of Death” that lived 86 million years ago has been discovered in Argentina.

The new specimen of ancient flying reptile, or pterosaur, was dubbed Thanatosdrakon by scientists as a combination of Greek words for death (Thanatos) and dragon (drakon).

“It seemed appropriate to name it that way,” said project leader Leonardo Ortiz. “It's the dragon of death.”

The rocks preserving the reptile’s remains dated back to the Cretaceous period, meaning the ancient predator lived alongside dinosaurs.

The new specimen measured around 30 feet long—roughly as long as a yellow school bus! The researchers involved say it predated birds as among the first creatures Dragon of Death Facts: • Age of fossil: 86 million years old

• Fossil found in: Argentina • Length of fossil: 30 feet

• Name of new specimen: Thanatosdrakon

on Earth to use its wings to hunt prey from the sky.

“The remains of Thanatosdrakon present different particularities that allow us to differentiate them from other known pterosaurs,” Ortiz told USA Today. “Fundamentally, these characteristics are found in the vertebrae and limbs. This allowed us to establish a new species of pterosaur.”

The paleontology team discovered the fossils of this intimidating creature in the Andes mountains in Argentina. This is not the first discovery of ancient fossils in the South American country. Earlier this year, scientists found a new dinosaur that is believed to be a close relative of the ancestors of an armless group of dinosaurs that roamed the area 70 million years ago.

Based on the timing of these discoveries, it may seem that fossils are easier to discover in Argentina, but specimens have been discovered on every continent except Antarctica. This is likely because fossil rock sediment is not easily accessible, not because the fossils aren’t there waiting to be found.

Fossils are easier for scientists to find in places like the badlands of the Dakotas, Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, and Argentina’s Patagonia, where the landscape and erosion exposes sediment that dates back from this time.

June 2022 • Bear Essential News • 3

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t is generally recommended that children visit the dentist every six months. Frequency of visits partly depend on the child’s eating habits, how clean his or her teeth are kept and whether the child drinks fluoridated water. Talk to your dentist to suggest a schedule of regular visits.

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www.KidzConnextion.com 4 • Bear Essential News • June 2022

Get the Scoop!

Taking a Springtime Tour of Italy

by Reporter Georgiana Readhead, Homeschool Ciao! Have you ever been to Europe?

My family went to Italy for a whole month this spring! We had so much fun and went to many different places including Florence, Tuscany, San Gimignano, the Cinque Terre and Venice.

Our first destination, Florence, was really interesting. We stayed at a hotel very close to the Duomo. It was lots of fun wandering around Florence’s characteristic and quaint streets. Some places we went to, things we saw, and activities we did in Florence included going to an interesting herb and medicine museum, playing in a beautiful garden, drinking delicious hot chocolate, riding on a double-decker bus to see an exciting tour of the city, and of course enjoying rich, creamy gelato! We even got to see Michelangelo’s famous ‘David’, Botticelli’s charming ‘Primavera’, and his stunning ‘Birth Of Venus’!

After Florence, we headed to the Tuscany countryside! We stayed on a farm in Arezzo for a week. On

the farm, we saw lots of cats, birds, and other animals. Every other night we had dinner made with ingredients from the farm, and every morning we had breakfast. On the farm, we learned how to do archery, and even cook a meal! We made pizza and pasta with another family, then we all ate together. It was really yummy!

We went on an amazing bike ride tour through the countryside.

We saw pigs, a farm, and a dog. About halfway through it started to rain heavily! It was lots of fun racing against the rain to get to where we were going!

MORE ITALY, page 7 ➧

Kids Can Build, Get Crafty at Workshops

by Reporter Ezekiel Perez, Homeschool

Did you know that at your local Lowe’s and Home Depot stores you can obtain a wood project every month? And best of all, it’s free! Find someone at Customer Service who will give you a kid’s workshop kit to make at home. You will need your own hammer, Phillips screwdriver, and paint. The stores will provide everything else including instructions.

The Home Depot workshop is the first Saturday of every month, and every year for Thanksgiving weekend, there is an additional one. The workshop kit includes a “Certificate of Achievement” and a pin with a picture of the project you are making. If it is your first time, ask for a Home Depot apron.

You will need it to protect your clothes when painting your project and also to keep your pins. Many stores have previous month’s kits left. Just ask!

The Lowe’s workshop is the second Saturday of every month. You have to register on their Lowe’s How-To site at diy.lowes.com to receive a kit to make at home. I recommend checking their site the same day you pick up a kit for the next registration period. If you do not find a new kit to register for, check the site often because spots fill up quickly! At Lowe’s the workshop kit includes an iron badge, and you can write your name and date directly on the project.

I would like to share that my dad found a small and light hammer for me at Harbor Freight hardware store, and that I use acrylic paint. I have made many projects from both Home Depot and Lowe’s. Some projects are Christmas decorations, others are games, and others are gifts for family and friends. I hope you enjoy your creations as much as I do when you give them a try.

News Stories Written by Kids— for Kids Learn About the Desert Sand Cockroach

by Reporter Audrey Frazier Tarwater Elementary

Have you ever seen a cockroach?

Well there are many kids of cockroaches such as the desert sand cockroach.

The desert sand cockroach has many characteristics that help them survive in the desert. An adult female is brown, round, as thick as a penny, fuzzy, has no wings, short legs and antennae. An adult male is medium tan with a flattened body, long wings and it has an antennae.

These roaches live in many places throughout the desert. You can find these creepy crawlies outdoors in sandy soil. Males will often fly towards lights because they are attracted to it and may enter houses. These roaches live in the Southwest in places like Arizona, New Mexico and Mexico.

The desert sand cockroach has many predators and prey. The natural predators of the desert sand cockroach are lizards and certain large species of beetles.

The desert sand cockroach has an exoskeleton to protect their soft bodies.

They will hide when they are molting (shedding) their exoskeleton to protect themselves. The exoskeleton is rigid and flexible to help them crawl into tiny crevices. Their legs are also built for running, so when they get scared, they can zoom away.

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June 2022 • Bear Essential News • 5

Growing, Growing,

Strong!

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Images: shutterstock.com

Fun tips on healthy foods, fitness and well being —from our family to yours!

FIBER BOY

Fiber is nutrition’s SUPERHERO because it does amazing things for your body!

What is fiber and how does it work?

Fiber is a natural part of food which your body cannot digest or use for energy.

Fiber is comparable to an internal toothbrush; it scrubs our digestive tract as it moves through the body.

What are examples of typical foods that contain high amounts of fiber?

Fiber is found in fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grain cereals and bread products. Below, you can find a list of high fiber foods:

How do I add more fiber to my diet?

• Try whole grain breads.

• Some of the fiber-rich group of foods called legumes include black & pinto beans; lentils make for great soups and hummus dip is made from chick peas.

• Eat various fruits and vegetables, including the peels.

• Thoroughly wash your fruits and vegetables prior to eating.

phoenixchildrens.org • 602-933-0935 Denelle Martin, CDCES, RDN

How much fiber should we consume daily?

Connect with your pediatrician to learn more about how much fiber you should consume based on what stage of life you are in. If you do not have a PCP for your child, Phoenix Children’s has an extended network called Phoenix Children’s Pediatrics with locations around the valley.

Below is the standard fiber measurement: Men: 38 grams a day Women: 25 grams a day Children: 14 grams of fiber for every 1000 calories eaten

Other tips about fiber intake:

Increase fiber consumption gradually (spread out over several days and weeks).

It is very important to drink water to keep things moving through the digestive tract.

How do I look for fiber on a food label?

The Nutrition Facts Label lists the amount of fiber in foods. A gram is the measurement used specifically for fiber.

Aim for two or more grams of fiber per serving.

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BOUNCE HOUSES, WATER SLIDES, INTERACTIVE GAMES, OBSTACLE COURSES, TENTS AND PARTY ACCESSORIES FOR EVERY EVENT LARGE OR SMALL.

Scan me 6 • Bear Essential News • June 2022

B

Get the Scoop!

More Italy

Continued from page 5

Continued from page 5

The Cinque Terre had many amazing hiking trails. On one hike, there was a rooftop bar where you could have fresh juice and a light snack!

I especially liked the lemon slushy they had there.

What was at the end of the hike? A beach in Monterosso Al Mare! It was lots of fun splashing in the waves, going kayaking, building sandcastles, and climbing on the rocks.

Venice was my favorite place.

We went on a gondola, wandered around the tiny streets, went on a really fast water taxi, went kayaking in the canals, and stayed in an apartment There’s always time for gelato! where you could look out every window and see a canal!

Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. I had a wonderful and charming time going to Italy, and hope that I can go back someday. But for now, ciao ciao, Italy!

MORE SCOOPS, page 12 ➧

June 2022 • Bear Essential News • 7

some slither & some run...

Amazing Reptiles!

Image: shutterstock.com

Yes, Gliding Lizards Are Real!

8 • Bear Essential News • June 2022

The largest native, venomous lizard in the United States lives in our own backyard—the Sonoran Desert. Meet the desert Southwest’s mightiest monster—the Gila monster!

Named for the Arizona Gila River basin where it was first discovered, the Gila monster, Heloderma suspectum, can weigh up to 5 pounds at 2 feet in length. It lives up to 30 years. Their stout, black bodies are covered in bumps called osteoderms. These contrast with patterns of bright peach, orange or yellow patches.

The Gila monster is slow moving. It crawls along at 1 mph, making it one of the slowest animals in the world! Gila monsters have poor eyesight, but use their sense of smell and taste to navigate their surroundings.

With its strong jaws, a Gila monster uses its venom primarily on predators rather than prey.

Their venom is located in glands along the lower jaw, which flows through their grooved teeth, into its victim.

In addition to the Sonoran desert, these reptiles are found in the foothills of the Mojave and Chihuahua deserts in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. They spend 95 percent of their time underground, especially when it’s cold or hot! They emerge only if they need to hunt or sunbathe.

Their diet consists of bird eggs and nesting

Photo courtesy of Angelo Lavo/Earthview Blog

These flying lizards have membranes that act as wings.

They stretch over long ribs that can expand or fold back against the body.

See that bright dewlap under its chin?

It’s used to signal to other lizards.

Image: shutterstock.com

The Gila Monster Is Monstrously Marvelous!

Reptiles On the Move!

animals like baby cottontail rabbits and ground squirrels. The food they consume can be stored in their tails for later when they need energy reserves.

Four to five meals can sustain them for an entire year!

SL I T HE R

SW IM

CL IM B

GL I DE

The Dashing, But Deadly Sea Snakes There are over 60 species of sea snakes. The yellow-bellied sea snake is the most wide ranging—it is found in the Indian and Pacific oceans from eastern Africa to the western coasts of North and South America. Sea snakes are very venomous, but fortunately they are not aggressive and they have small fangs.

The yellow-bellied sea snake lives in the open ocean, further from the coast than some of its kin.

Like other sea snakes, they are helpless if washed ashore. These snakes have oar-like tails and flat bodies adapted to swimming—they cannot crawl on land. Another adaptation to marine life is their respiratory system. The snakes’ lungs run the length of their bodies and they can breathe through their skin. This allows them to stay under water for hours at a time.

Yellow-bellied sea snakes give birth to two to six live young. They can grow up to 4 feet long. The snake is a bright yellow with a dark brown or black stripe on top and spots at its tail. It has a long head with nostrils on top of its snout used to breathe when it surfaces. But it spends about 90 percent of its life underwater.

tock.com

The Draco lizard, or flying dragon, is a small lizard that crawls and glides through the rainforests of Southeast Asia. Dracos grow to about 8 inches long—their tails make up about half their body length. They are a dull brown, but have brightly colored skin under their “wings.” The lizard also has a fold of skin under its chin, called a dewlap, which is brightly colored in the males.

Dracos have long ribs that can SPLAY out or fold close to their bodies. Folds of skin, or membranes, between the ribs spread out from their front and back legs and act as wings. This allows Dracos to glide 30 feet or more. Their tails are used to help them steer their flight. Gliding through the trees lets these reptile aviators escape from predators and pursue their preferred prey, insects. Their main diet is ants and termites.

Dracos spend most of their time in the trees, but do head down to the ground to lay eggs.

A female will dig a hole, lay about five eggs, then cover it up and watch over it for about 24 hours.

If you’re fascinated by reptiles—from slithering snakes to our adorable desert tortoises—then you’re living in right place.

“We have an incredible variety of reptiles here!” explains Howard Byrne, curator of Herpetology (reptiles), Ichthyology (fish) and Invertebrate Zoology (insects, spiders, scorpions and the like) at the worldfamous Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

“For those who really get excited about them, we have just a PLETHORA of different kinds of things that you can see on a single walk at night,” he says. “For instance, we have a nature trail here at the Desert Museum—and it’s not unusual to see three or four different kinds of lizards just on a 10-minute walk!

And since April, we’ve already seen four or five kinds of snakes on the property and several of them!”

The Jackson’s chameleon, or three-horned chameleon, grows to be about 12 inches long. Its lifespan is about 10 years. Only the males have horns, which they use to defend their territory. They may lock horns with another lizard to become “king of the branch.” But these chameleons are SOLITARY creatures— instead of fighting they may puff up or posture to ward off other males.

This chameleon lives in trees in tropical forests and mountains in eastern Africa. It can also be found in Hawaii, where it is an invasive species. It uses its prehensile tail to keep a grip on branches while it moves. They get the water they need from licking dewdrops.

Their unique eyes are not set in sockets—a thick muscular eyelid keeps their peepers in place. Their eyes are set on either side of the head and can move independently. This gives them a 360° view of the world around them.

Like other chameleons, the Jackson’s chameleon can change colors based on ambient temperature, its mood, or to blend it with its surroundings. Because it is very slow, the chameleon relies on this camouflage to protect itself from predators. While its main diet is comprised of insects, the Jackson’s chameleon will also eat smaller lizards and even small birds!

Unlike most lizard and other reptiles, the Jackson’s chameleon does not lay eggs. The female has about eight to 30 babies at a time. When they are born, the little chameleons begin to hunt their own food—insects—right away. They are brown when they are born and turn their distinctive bright green after about four months.

Images: shutters

Here Are A Few of Boomer’s Favorite Creatures from the Reptile Kingdom.

Sonoran Reptiles!

A Three-Horned Chameleon!

Visitors to ASDM can view and learn about dozens of amazing reptile species that live in the Sonoran Desert. From desert iguanas to chuckwallas to Mexican beaded lizards and Gila monsters (the only two kinds of lizards known to be able to deliver venom when they bite)—the lizards here are impressive! And so are the 70 species of native snakes that the Desert Museum cares for.

Rattlesnakes are some of Byrne’s favorite reptiles.

He calls the Arizona black rattlesnake a real beauty.

But the western diamondback rattler is the one you’re most likely to come across. “Rattlesnakes are the most fascinating, most misunderstood reptiles. There’s so much room for discovery,” he points out. “Their behavior is just really, really cool. They don’t care if it’s day or night—just want the right temperature—and they’ll be out and about.”

Reptiles are more active this time of year.

“There are more out there to enjoy, always from a distance,” Byrne says.

That means to give a snake a good 6 feet in Arizona, but he says they’re most likely to stay put where you find them!

June 2022 • Bear Essential News • 9

some slither & some run...

Amazing Reptiles!

Image: shutterstock.com

Yes, Gliding Lizards Are Real!

8 • Bear Essential News • June 2022

The largest native, venomous lizard in the United States lives in our own backyard—the Sonoran Desert. Meet the desert Southwest’s mightiest monster—the Gila monster!

Named for the Arizona Gila River basin where it was first discovered, the Gila monster, Heloderma suspectum, can weigh up to 5 pounds at 2 feet in length. It lives up to 30 years. Their stout, black bodies are covered in bumps called osteoderms. These contrast with patterns of bright peach, orange or yellow patches.

The Gila monster is slow moving. It crawls along at 1 mph, making it one of the slowest animals in the world! Gila monsters have poor eyesight, but use their sense of smell and taste to navigate their surroundings.

With its strong jaws, a Gila monster uses its venom primarily on predators rather than prey.

Their venom is located in glands along the lower jaw, which flows through their grooved teeth, into its victim.

In addition to the Sonoran desert, these reptiles are found in the foothills of the Mojave and Chihuahua deserts in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. They spend 95 percent of their time underground, especially when it’s cold or hot! They emerge only if they need to hunt or sunbathe.

Their diet consists of bird eggs and nesting

Photo courtesy of Angelo Lavo/Earthview Blog

These flying lizards have membranes that act as wings.

They stretch over long ribs that can expand or fold back against the body.

See that bright dewlap under its chin?

It’s used to signal to other lizards.

Image: shutterstock.com

The Gila Monster Is Monstrously Marvelous!

Reptiles On the Move!

animals like baby cottontail rabbits and ground squirrels. The food they consume can be stored in their tails for later when they need energy reserves.

Four to five meals can sustain them for an entire year!

SL I T HE R

SW IM

CL IM B

GL I DE

The Dashing, But Deadly Sea Snakes There are over 60 species of sea snakes. The yellow-bellied sea snake is the most wide ranging—it is found in the Indian and Pacific oceans from eastern Africa to the western coasts of North and South America. Sea snakes are very venomous, but fortunately they are not aggressive and they have small fangs.

The yellow-bellied sea snake lives in the open ocean, further from the coast than some of its kin.

Like other sea snakes, they are helpless if washed ashore. These snakes have oar-like tails and flat bodies adapted to swimming—they cannot crawl on land. Another adaptation to marine life is their respiratory system. The snakes’ lungs run the length of their bodies and they can breathe through their skin. This allows them to stay under water for hours at a time.

Yellow-bellied sea snakes give birth to two to six live young. They can grow up to 4 feet long. The snake is a bright yellow with a dark brown or black stripe on top and spots at its tail. It has a long head with nostrils on top of its snout used to breathe when it surfaces. But it spends about 90 percent of its life underwater.

tock.com

The Draco lizard, or flying dragon, is a small lizard that crawls and glides through the rainforests of Southeast Asia. Dracos grow to about 8 inches long—their tails make up about half their body length. They are a dull brown, but have brightly colored skin under their “wings.” The lizard also has a fold of skin under its chin, called a dewlap, which is brightly colored in the males.

Dracos have long ribs that can SPLAY out or fold close to their bodies. Folds of skin, or membranes, between the ribs spread out from their front and back legs and act as wings. This allows Dracos to glide 30 feet or more. Their tails are used to help them steer their flight. Gliding through the trees lets these reptile aviators escape from predators and pursue their preferred prey, insects. Their main diet is ants and termites.

Dracos spend most of their time in the trees, but do head down to the ground to lay eggs.

A female will dig a hole, lay about five eggs, then cover it up and watch over it for about 24 hours.

If you’re fascinated by reptiles—from slithering snakes to our adorable desert tortoises—then you’re living in right place.

“We have an incredible variety of reptiles here!” explains Howard Byrne, curator of Herpetology (reptiles), Ichthyology (fish) and Invertebrate Zoology (insects, spiders, scorpions and the like) at the worldfamous Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

“For those who really get excited about them, we have just a PLETHORA of different kinds of things that you can see on a single walk at night,” he says. “For instance, we have a nature trail here at the Desert Museum—and it’s not unusual to see three or four different kinds of lizards just on a 10-minute walk!

And since April, we’ve already seen four or five kinds of snakes on the property and several of them!”

The Jackson’s chameleon, or three-horned chameleon, grows to be about 12 inches long. Its lifespan is about 10 years. Only the males have horns, which they use to defend their territory. They may lock horns with another lizard to become “king of the branch.” But these chameleons are SOLITARY creatures— instead of fighting they may puff up or posture to ward off other males.

This chameleon lives in trees in tropical forests and mountains in eastern Africa. It can also be found in Hawaii, where it is an invasive species. It uses its prehensile tail to keep a grip on branches while it moves. They get the water they need from licking dewdrops.

Their unique eyes are not set in sockets—a thick muscular eyelid keeps their peepers in place. Their eyes are set on either side of the head and can move independently. This gives them a 360° view of the world around them.

Like other chameleons, the Jackson’s chameleon can change colors based on ambient temperature, its mood, or to blend it with its surroundings. Because it is very slow, the chameleon relies on this camouflage to protect itself from predators. While its main diet is comprised of insects, the Jackson’s chameleon will also eat smaller lizards and even small birds!

Unlike most lizard and other reptiles, the Jackson’s chameleon does not lay eggs. The female has about eight to 30 babies at a time. When they are born, the little chameleons begin to hunt their own food—insects—right away. They are brown when they are born and turn their distinctive bright green after about four months.

Images: shutters

Here Are A Few of Boomer’s Favorite Creatures from the Reptile Kingdom.

Sonoran Reptiles!

A Three-Horned Chameleon!

Visitors to ASDM can view and learn about dozens of amazing reptile species that live in the Sonoran Desert. From desert iguanas to chuckwallas to Mexican beaded lizards and Gila monsters (the only two kinds of lizards known to be able to deliver venom when they bite)—the lizards here are impressive! And so are the 70 species of native snakes that the Desert Museum cares for.

Rattlesnakes are some of Byrne’s favorite reptiles.

He calls the Arizona black rattlesnake a real beauty.

But the western diamondback rattler is the one you’re most likely to come across. “Rattlesnakes are the most fascinating, most misunderstood reptiles. There’s so much room for discovery,” he points out. “Their behavior is just really, really cool. They don’t care if it’s day or night—just want the right temperature—and they’ll be out and about.”

Reptiles are more active this time of year.

“There are more out there to enjoy, always from a distance,” Byrne says.

That means to give a snake a good 6 feet in Arizona, but he says they’re most likely to stay put where you find them!

June 2022 • Bear Essential News • 9

22 Local Girl Scouts Earn Prestigious Gold Award Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus-Pine Council is proud to announce 22 local Girl Scouts who earned their Gold Award, demonstrating outstanding leadership skills while discovering sustainable solutions to local, national and global challenges. The Gold Award is earned by Girl Scout Seniors or Ambassadors in grades 9 through 12.

When they pursue a Gold Award, Girl Scouts choose an issue they are passionate about, research the issue and connect with experts in the community. They form a project plan and after receiving approval from their Girl Scout council, they spend a minimum of 80 hours on their projects.

This includes leading their team and implementing the plan to tackle a challenge.

They also reflect on the changes they have created and share their stories to inspire others.

This year’s Gold Award winners are tackling promThese GSACPC Girl Sco uts and six others have earned the inent issues in our comprestigious Gold Award ! munities. These include raising awareness on life-threatening food allergies, educating the public on saguaro cactus health, hosting self-defense classes for all ages, collecting unused medical equipment to redistribute to underprivileged groups, bringing awareness to opioid addiction, teaching proper etiquette for service animals, giving people access to the clothing to be their authentic selves and much more.

The distinguished Gold Award is a nationally recognized symbol of leadership. Girl Scouts who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces can enter at a higher rank. Those who will attend college can earn scholarships. Girl Scout Gold Award winners also receive congratulatory letters and certificates from local and national officials, and a certificate, pin and letter from GSUSA. Congratulations to Elaine Apple, Joy Brown, Megan Burke, Marisa Chaidez, Maya Channer, Grace Cypert, Araceli Franco, Megan Gibbs, Maria Gonzalez, Ariella Hirsch, Senya Izzo, Amaya Jones, Brianna Lopez, Madalyn McKee, Julie Nutter, Shanti Oza, Michelle Pangilinan, Paige Petrine, Katie Prator, Alesandra Reyes, Eden Sapien and Ella Werre.

These Gold Award Girl Scouts have already left their marks on their communities and on the world. Their futures are golden and their potential is limitless!

Help your girl to explore and reach her potential and be her brightest, boldest self through Girl Scouts. Visit girlscoutsaz.org to find out how your girl and the entire family can start the journey.

Join Girl Scouts today!

Visit girlscoutsaz.org Call 602-452-7030 Text 844-317-9041

@GSACPC 10 • Bear Essential News • June 2022

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BoSa DONUTS

Celebrates Education!

BoSa Donuts salutes a different Valley teacher each month for their hard work, dedication and passion for teaching Arizona kids!

!

Tell us why your S D I teacher is GREAT K

She Loves Teaching Math, Seeing Kids’ Potential

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rayce De Leon teaches fifth grade at West Valley Christian School. She has been teaching for 28 years. De Leon was born in Miami. Her family moved to South Carolina when she was 10 and she went to college there, so she says she considers South Carolina home. She moved to Arizona when her husband was stationed at Luke Air Force Base.

He is now retired.

De Leon says she has always loved being in the classroom. When she was younger, she liked to play school and be the student with her sister acting as teacher. “I feel it was just something that has always been in me,” she says.

She explains that she always liked homework and schedules, and history was her favorite subject when she was younger. “In college I thought that I would be a lawyer and major in history,” says De Leon. Instead, she got her degree in elementary education at the College of Charleston. These days, her favorite subject to teach is math.

Student Mikayla writes, “My teacher is the best because she is the right amount of nice and strict…and is the best at teaching math.” Mikayla nominated De Leon.

BoSaDonuts.com PHOENIX 19th Ave & Pinnacle Peak 1900 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd #101 623-404-9999 44th St & Washington 125 N 44th Street, #100 623-899-6666 7th & Union Hills 710 E. Union Hills 623-388-6656 32nd St & Shea 10876 N. 32nd St 602-569-5556 37th St & Indian School 3722 E. Indian School Rd 602-955-5575 Central & Clarendon 3701 N. Central Ave 602-888-8999

23rd Ave & Camelback 2211 W. Camelback #186 602-368-4477

Bell Rd & Tatum 4601 E. Bell Rd, Ste A5 602-603-3892 4th St & Jackson 310 S 4th St, Ste 100 602-888-8666

1st Ave & Monroe 101 N 1st Ave, Ste 100 602-888-8777 3rd St & Fillmore 455 N 3rd St, Ste 1195 602-888-8555 35th Ave & Southern 6360 S. 35th Ave 602-702-6888 PEORIA 75th Ave & Cactus 7446 W Cactus Rd 623-334-0506 GLENDALE Glendale Ave & Litchfield Rd 13820 W Glendale Ave 623-271-7191

She also notes that her teacher will play four square or basketball with students and makes up fun nicknames.

De Leon says she wants her students to know “your identity is not in your test scores” and hopes that they make the right choices today for success in the future.

“I wish they could see the hope that they have if they stick with their education,” says De Leon. She wants her students to “see the talents they have and not what they don’t have. If they could see their potential.”

De Leon played the clarinet and piano when she was younger. “I used to be pretty musical,” she says. “My family is very musical and artsy.”

These days, De Leon likes to refinish furniture, go antiquing, cook, paint and go to church.

When asked about an unusual classroom incident, De Leon recalls one that, unfortunately, has become normal for her. “My very first day of teaching, I had a student vomit,” she says. But it seems to happen every year. Whether due to nerves or, she speculates, “maybe my classroom is too warm,” but for some reason “I bring out the vomit in kids.”

For her students, De Leon also works to bring out the best version of themselves and hope for the future.

and be entered to win a

$50

GIFT CARD

for your teacher

and a $25 GIFT CARD for yourself!

Teacher name: _______________________ School: _____________________________ District: _____________________________ Your name: __________________________ Grade: ______ Phone: _________________ email: ______________________________ Why is your teacher great? ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Send this info and your entry to Bosa Donuts/Teachers

(Winners by random drawing–no purchase necessary)

2525 E. Broadway #102 • Tucson, AZ 85716 or by email to renee@bearessentialnews.com

31 Valley locations to serve you—and growing!

SCOTTSDALE 74th St & McDowell 7444 E McDowell Rd 480-990-1398 CHANDLER Dobson & Elliott 2990 N Dobson Rd 480-899-4999 Arizona Ave & Galveston 655 N Arizona Ave 480-899-7134

Arizona Ave & Ocotillo 4015 S Arizona Ave 480-895-8955 MESA Country Club & Southern 1144 S Country Club Dr 480-844-6181

Mesa Riverview 805 N Dobson Rd, Ste 108 480-699-0066

Greenfield & University 4418 E. University, Ste 101 480-448-9999 CASA GRANDE Florence Blvd. & Arizola Rd. 1659 E. Florence Blvd 520-876-9266 GILBERT Val Vista & Queen Creek 4844 S Val Vista Dr 480-699-9084 Gilbert & Williams Field Rd 155 E Williams Field Rd 480-814-1681

QUEEN CREEK Power Rd & Chandler Heights 23858 S. Power Rd 480-699-9579 SURPRISE Reems & Greenway 15261 N Reems Rd,

Ste 104 623-404-8888

PRESCOTT Gurley & Pleasant 415 E. Gurley St 828-237-9999

Val Vista & Elliot 130 S Val Vista Dr, #E1 480-699-2229

SAN TAN VALLEY Combs & Gantzel 37591 N. Gantzel Rd, #100 480-699-6884

Higley & Williams Field Rd 3305 E Williams Field Rd, Ste 104 480-275-5044

More locations coming soon!

Higley & Baseline 1614 N Higley Rd 480-699-9962

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June 2022 • Bear Essential News • 11

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Get the Scoop!

Continued from page 5

Build & Race at Legoland

by Reporter Brett Eymann, Transitions Delta Center Do you like to build cars and have races? Then your excitement for this activity will continue to build as you experience the new LEGO Ferrari Build and Race attraction. It opened at LEGOland California Resort in May. The attraction features a life-size LEGO Ferrari F40. Put yourself in the driver’s seat as you make your way through the garage to the racetrack. Use your imagination and creative skills to build, test and race your own LEGO Ferrari. Build and Race features three zones. A LEGO pit crewmember will meet you when you enter the attraction and share Ferrari fun facts and race history.

Then you get the opportunity to sit in a life-size LEGO Ferrari F40 and have your picture taken. Next you will build your own LEGO Ferrari and race it on one of three racetracks. Each track is unique with different obstacles that will test your skills. You will even see if your Ferrari clocks the fastest time on the track.

After you have created your own Ferrari and had a chance to race it, you can scan your vehicle to add other customized features to it and your minifigure racecar driver. The cars are digitally projected on a LEGO racetrack and you get to compete with other digital cars to see who wins the race.

MORE SCOOPS, page 14 ➧

Let’s Go...

VALLEY METRO! V

alley Metro incorporates art in many areas of transit services.

Two ways are art contests for students. The Design a Transit Wrap contest encourages HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS to create artwork that promotes public transit from their point of view. Mountain View High School senior Jocelyn Hernandez is the winner of this year’s contest. Her artwork, Greet the Day the Valley Metro Way, is on a bus and light rail train for the next year. So be on the watch for those vehicles traveling the Valley.

The other contest is the Cool Transit STUFF 3rd Grade Art Contest, held in the Fall. Youth who enter the contests help us show how using transit helps the community and our planet and it’s a great way to travel.

Have a safe summer and see you on the bus and train!

Get Transit Smart with Transit Education Programs: https://www. valleymetro.org/transit-education 12 • Bear Essential News • June 2022

Transit Art Contests Color the Valley Bright!

Check out the art entries: https://www.valleymetro.org/transit-education/design-transit-wrap-contest

Color the Bus Artwork!

www.sealife.com/arizona • Arizona Mills Mall, Tempe June 2022 • Bear Essential News • 13

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Bear Essential News for Kids®

is published monthly by Kids’ View Communications Corp. to educate, enrich and entertain children and their families. Content of this newspaper is designed to promote reading and writing skills as well as creativity.

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14 • Bear Essential News • June 2022

Continued from page 12

Stay Safe at the Pool!

by Reporter Parker Hastings Leman Academy of Excellence Marana

For Dates and Times, check our website

Volume 43 • Issue 9

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Get the Scoop!

ENDORSED BY THE

Arizona Education Association

Now that the weather is warming up, it is summerswimming time! I interviewed Captain Hastings from the Golder Ranch Fire District to learn about water safety.

One thing Captain Hastings mentioned is to be aware of distractions. Some examples of distractions are cell phones and toys. Captain Hastings also says to learn about pool and water safety you need to take classes like swim lessons, life guard classes, and CPR classes. Another rule is there should always be barriers around a pool.

Here are some water safety rules I came up with as well. Never run around the pool. Don’t jump in the shallow end either, it might cause injuries like broken toes. Have an adult always watching you and always wear sunscreen! Do you have any water safety ideas for the summer?

June 2022 • Bear Essential News • 15

Summertime Is Dairy Time!

GROCERIES

WIN

FREE MILK!

k l i m e e r f n i w ! r a e y e n o r fo spend $25 on your favorite local dairy products receive entry code on your receipt at checkout scan for details

www.arizonamilk.org 16 • Bear Essential News • June 2022

Free Meals for Kids & Teens

This Summer!

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), also known as the Summer Meals Program, provides kids and teens in low-income areas free meals when school is out.

To Learn more about how to participate in the program, visit the sources listed below.