Bear Essential News June 2022, Phoenix Edition

Bear 40 YEARS!

June 2022 Tucson Edition

essential news

®

Amazing Reptiles!

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

FEATURE

NEWS

NEWS

FAMILIES

FUN

A mazing R eptiles!

Galapagos Tortoise

Climbing G ym ‘R ocks’

W in Free M ilk!

Write to Boomer

from the desert to the sea Pages 10 & 11

Spotlight on Dragon of Death News Highlights page 5

& more news kids can use Scoops pages 7–9, 14, 16 & 17

A whole year’s worth Page 20

He answers your letters!

Page 15

2 • Bear Essential News • June 2022

Complete the Summer Games and

stay safe this summer!

Do the Math to get the Message!

10 3 2 3 8 13 4

7

9 10 5

12 3 7 2 3

9 12 11

13 7 8 6 8

7

7

7 12 6 10 3 10 6 14

3

2 3 10

16 9 10 15 14 3

1. Do the ADDITION to UNLOCK the CODE! 2. Use the CODE NUMBERS to fill in the BOXES with the Right LETTERS!

2 + 1 = 10 + 5 = 4 + 6 = 6 + 3 = 4 + 3 = 3 + 2 = 3 + 5 = 3 + 3 = 1 + 1 = 7 + 7 = 9 + 4 = 6 + 6 = 9 + 2 =

E U N I A F R O V T C L D

Kids & Vehicles

Use the word bank to complete these sentences.

Check the ____________ when getting out of a car.

Place an item you will need in the back or place a diaperbag in the ____________ seat with you.

Teach children not to ________ around cars.

Keep ___________ out of the reach of children and lock the car at all times.

Check the entire ___________ first if your child is missing.

Be cautious of inside _________________ when placing a child inside a car. vehicle • play • backseat • temperatures keys • front

Match the vehicle on the left with its correct safety device on the right!

1 + 3 = H 8 + 8 = M 3. Discover the important safety message & share it with your family!

June 2022 • Bear Essential News • 3

Bear Hugs:

Engaging With the Grandkids

Avoiding the Summer Slide!

Image: shutterstock

The pandemic already made learning more difficult for many schoolchildren. And with students having returned to campuses this past school year, grandparents can play a significant role in preventing the dreaded “summer slide.”

Since this is a newspaper for young readers, we’ll start by recommending that you and your grandkid(s) pick up a free book at the Pima County Public Library and dive into its Summer Learning Program “Oceans of Possibilities.” The free books are available while supplies last, and the program offers something for all ages.

Fun events for kids and families are slated all summer. For details, visit www.library.pima.gov/summer/.

Another friend of Bear Essential News is Bookmans, which offers its Summer Reads program. Purchase a book and get a stamp card. With 10 books purchased, you get a free book and Bookmans donates another one to a local non-profit! Weekly Summer Kids Events are scheduled, too.

There are also AZ OnTrack Summer Camps near you (statewide actually) for any student pre-K thru 12th grade. These free camps established by Gov. Doug Ducey help students catch up and prepare them for their next grade level. Go to bearessentialnews.com and click on the AZ Ontrack link for availability and info.

Now is also a fine time to support your grandkid(s) in pursuing their interests in things they might not have had time for during the school year!

STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Art and Math) activities or joining Bear’s free Young Reporters Program and writing about their summer adventures are worthwhile pursuits!

Enter To Win a STEAM Lab for Kids Book!

Math Books Entry Form Name: ________________________________

Age: ______

Address: _______________________________ ZIP: _______ E mail: ____________________________________________ Mail your entry by July 31, 2022 to Bear Essential News 2525 E. Broadway Blvd. #102 • Tucson, AZ 85716 4 • 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 • 5

Be a Young Reporter!

(For kids in grades 3 thru 8)

Boomer will send you all the reporter stuff you need to get started:

• Reporter Pad • Official Press Pass • Bear Stylebook For your sign-up form, go to

BearEssentialNews.com and click on Young Reporters.

Bear’s Young Reporters Always Get the Scoop!

The Young Reporters Program is part of Bear Essential Educational Services.

Tucson Racquet & Fitness Club

Where Country Club Road ends and family fun begins!

Join Us! Friday Night Family BBQs with Live Music!

A Tucson Racquet Club Summer tradition continues!

& Fitness Club Tucson Racquet on family has been a Tucs 67. Open 24/7 tradition since 19 s on the we have 20 acre , tennis, handball, Rillito River path uch more! restaurant and m are in to see why we Call today or stop ed club.

Tucson’s most-lov

6 • Bear Essential News • June 2022

Enjoy live music from Tucson’s favorite bands, great Mesquite BBQ and our cool pool. Bring your blanket, hang out & rock out.

Lifeguard on duty. Non-members welcome ($5.00 for adults, $3.00 for ages 13–17 and FREE for kids 12 and under).

Children’s Parties!

Make your next party hassle-free.

Ramada rental $70.00 for members. $100.00 non-members; includes use of pool, jacuzzi, sand volleyball courts & basketball courts. Everything you need for a great party is included: tables, chairs, plates, utensils and wait staff.

We cater with great, affordable food & drinks.

(Minimum food purchase $200)

Call 795-6960

for more info or go to

tucsonracquetclub.com

Get the Scoop!

Local Gym Is Climbing to New Heights

by Reporter Valentin Ortega, Twin Peaks K–8 Walking into the new Rock Solid climbing facility, you’ll experience breathtaking views of climbing walls that go upside down, slant, twist and go up to the ceiling. Rock Solid, at 3949 W. Costco Drive, opened in September of 2020, but defying all odds, it successfully opened even with a global pandemic. Rock Solid was founded by Cory Hanson, Lindsey Taylor and Carlton Taylor.

Recently I was honored to sit down with Hanson and talk about all things climbing. As soon as you walk in, your attention immediately shifts to climbers completing incredible climbs. For me, it was humorously difficult to not stare in awe at the climbers and focus on the interview.

“I got put in touch with Carlton and Lindsey Taylor through a friend of mine who works in architecture,” says Hanson.

They were all looking for potential partners interested in opening a climbing facility. Even before the founders met, work was being done to assure Rock Solid would be great.

“Carlton was working on things six months before we met,” Hanson says. “Then it took about a year from us meeting and deciding to work together to actual construction starting.”

So much effort was put into making Rock Solid perfect— what drove Hanson to go for it? “Rock climbing, like a lot of other sports, teaches you about persistence, failure, and working towards a goal,” he says. He says he learned aspects of how to succeed in life through his experiences in rock climbing. He shared that “climbing and being physically active is just extremely important to being a well-rounded

Library Promotes One Seed, One Community!

by Reporter Madison Divijak Dove Mountain CSTEM K–8

individual and having a fulfilling life.” He wants others to know that it can be challenging to MORE ROCK CLIMBING, page 8 ➧

TRAK Ranch Is a Magical Place for Everyone

by Reporter Starla Walker Banchero, Faith Community Academy TRAK (Therapeutic Ranch for Animals and Kids) is strengthening kids and the community through animal interaction and camps. TRAK was established in

News Stories Written by Kids— for Kids

November of 2007, by co-founders Scott Tilly and Jill Prickett-Tilly.

TRAK is a one-of-a-kind ranch offering for kids with or without special needs, with animal interaction to help them reach their full potential. TRAK teaches western values and the Cowboy Code of Conduct.

The Tillys bring knowledge and passion for horses to their work, along with kindness, hard work and responsibility.

I have personally gone to camp at TRAK twice in the summer. At camp we rode horses, made friends, played games, swam and cared for the animals. Camp was a blast!

Currently, I volunteer at TRAK and help with birthday parties and social events. After 40 hours of volunteering, you are offered a free horseback riding lesson or can go on a trail ride. TRAK has been a wonderful experience and I believe you will love it, too.

Visit www.traktucson.org to see the camps that are offered or to sign up to volunteer.

At the Pima County Library there are seed libraries! This year the library has a 2022 One Seed Pima County program with the theme “Growing together—one seed, one community.”

You are invited to the library to pick up Crackerjack marigold seeds for free.

Marigolds are a type of flower that grows well in the warm weather in Arizona.

They can grow up to 36 inches tall and grow into a beautiful orange-yellow flower. When you pick up seeds from the library, you can take information with you about how to plant, grow and harvest the seeds.

An interesting fact about marigolds is that when it is humid and rain is expected or when it is dark, the flower closes up. After the flowers blossom you can use them as a spice that you can put in salad or to use it to dye rice a saffron color.

You are encouraged to harvest some of your seeds and return them to the library for others to use in the future. Visit the Pima County Library and pick up your marigolds or any other flowers, herbs or vegetables to grow at your home.

REPORT FOR BEAR! Call us at:

866-639-7543 sponsors

June 2022 • Bear Essential News • 7

B

Get the Scoop!

More Rock Climbing

Continued from page 7

Continued from page 7

fight your body’s desire to move. “It wants the adrenaline, it wants the hormones that are released from overcoming physical challenges,” he explains. “At this point in my life, I don’t climb to perform my best as much as I used to—a lot of what I do is climbing for fun and climbing to make sure my body and mind are satisfied with the activity I do all day.”

His partners inspire Hanson, he says, and the rock climbing industry as a whole “is really full of people that have made climbing what it is today…people like Jeff Pedersen, and those at Mesa Rim.” Rock Solid raises the bar, especially with its unique “Circuit Setting System,” a way to rank climbing routes that doesn’t tell people that they don’t belong. Hanson says people are easily intimidated by a higher number or level on a strict grading scale. “They’ll do really silly things like see a number, think that the climb looks fun, but if the number is a little bit bigger than the number they are used to getting on then they won’t get on it,” he says. The Circuit Setting System acknowledges that everyone is different. “When you blur the lines more and more, people are more interested and try more. That’s what we try to do,” says Hanson.

Is there anything that beginners do that makes Hanson climb up the walls?

“It’s a difficult question to answer because if you are a beginner, then by definition you don’t know all the answers,” he says. “So I don’t hold it against anyone who comes in with a fresh head without any experience…but I will say something that should not ever happen is when people wear their climbing shoes in the bathroom.”

Rock Solid can accommodate everyone from the expert to the beginner.

I believe that Rock Solid is a major win for the Tucson rock climbing community because there truly is nothing else like it.

8 • Bear Essential News • June 2022

Stay Safe at the Pool!

by Reporter Parker Hastings Leman Academy of Excellence Marana Now that the weather is warming up, it is summerswimming time! I interviewed Captain Adam 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?

Dogs Play at Miko’s Corner

by Reporter Faye McDonald, Satori School Do you have a lovable puppy, but your backyard is too small? Come to Miko’s Corner Dog Park! Under the age of 12? Bring an adult (and a dog) along.

Miko’s Corner Dog Park is located in Reid Park, at 900 S. Randolph Way near Country Club and 22nd Street.

Here are a few rules to know before you go: • Owners are responsible for the actions of their dogs.

• Dog owners must stay in off leash area with their dogs.

• All dogs must wear collars with a valid dog license and be up to date on all vaccinations.

• Puppies under the age of four months are prohibited.

So come play at Miko’s Corner!

MORE SCOOPS, page 14 ➧

June 2022 • Bear Essential News • 9

some slither & some run...

Amazing Reptiles!

Image: shutterstock.com

Yes, Gliding Lizards Are Real!

10 • 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 • 11

some slither & some run...

Amazing Reptiles!

Image: shutterstock.com

Yes, Gliding Lizards Are Real!

10 • 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 • 11

Boomer’s Boredom-Busting Activity Page

Summer Fun Is Here at Last!

Most kids love summer break activities, and being bored Is Not Allowed!

Can you find all the summer activities Boomer has hidden in this wordsearch?

Summertime Word Search

T R A P E M A S O V

H E I N L E K I B O T

R A K A R A T E I V M

T P A R O W P I O U E E T O R O Y R K S P U I D O E R

E R E A T B R C C A M P E U E

T O P P O R E E T N U L O V A M E

S B O A R D G A M E S A G R D E T

R I R R E N O U G D A S T R A

K D T T U S S C

M C A S K

O P I Y N I Z T

E E M N S

O G N I C M O

S T B O E

C S G O

M A G I C

O I H N

J Y O O T I

T N I O

I E C N A D

N G S I P T

L O R A C M

R A R F R U S O T N R A E L C A I

Summertime Words to Find!

PLAY SPORTS ART SKATEBOARD BIKE LEARN TO COOK KARATE FICTION WRITING CAMP

DANCE FRIENDS MUSIC READ POETRY FISHING PETS MAGIC

BOARD GAMES SING MOVIES VOLUNTEER GO ONLINE VIDEO GAMES LEARN TO SURF THROW A PARTY

12 • Bear Essential News • June 2022

TEXT VACATION SHOP JOURNAL HIKE REPORTING ICE SKATE SWIM

A T T F H O R M W U S N N O U V N

E E O F I C T I O N W R I T I N G

L X P N K S N P M S I U L E M

O T T C E E H T E R M O N

E T

U S E I V O M J O

F R I E N D S O O

N O P M I G E U G

Here’s An A-Maze-ing Way to Cool Down!

START

END The popsicle was invented in 1905

by Frank Epperson— an 11-year-old boy from California.

In 1923, Epperson filed for a patent for his invention, which became known as the popcicle!

Thanks, Frank!

Growing, Growing,

Strong!

Sponsored Sponsored by by

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

Images: shutterstock.com

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

FIBER BOY 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.

Volume 43 • Issue 9

Editor & Publisher

Sales Director & Publisher

Stephen B Gin

Nancy Holmes

City Editor

YR Coordinator

Renee Griffith

Julie Madden

Copy Editor

Art Director

Mike Loghry

Gary Shepard

®

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.

Classroom educators are welcome to reproduce any portion of this newspaper for their students.

Call or fax Kids’ View Communications for any additional information on stories.

Please Call (520)

792-9930 for any editorial or advertising inquiries.

©2022 Kids’ View Communications Corp.—all rights reserved • 2525 E. Broadway #102 • Tucson, AZ 85716 Fax# (520) 792-2580 • Bear Essential News is distributed free each month.

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ENDORSED BY THE

Arizona Education Association

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.

s

Annual Academic Advantage Guide Is Coming In July!

The Academic Resource for Tucson Families for over 40 years!

20

220 02182––20 2019 23

BEAR 40 YEARS •

December

2018

Academic Advantage Continued from page 19 Guide

TUCSON CHILDHOJ EARLY PROGRA OD EDUCATION M

3800 E. River Rd. • Tucson 299-3000 , 85718 Grades Presch jriddle@tucsonool www.tucsonjc jcc.org c.org

The Tucso n children fromJ provides an enrich ing, multi-f six weeks centered, aceted early environment of age through pre-kin childhood community where each education dergarten. child will explor program for The progra an individualand the environment m e interactions. developmental level. Each child is encoutheir world through provides a safe, childdiscovery raged to create Open Monda through self-di of self, ys through their own Thursdays. rected and teacher-facili experi SATORI tated activiti ences at SCHOOL es and 3801 N.

1st 887-4003 Ave. • Tucson, 85719 Ages 2 Years Teacher/Stude– 8th grade office@satoris nt Ratio: 1–8 www.satorisc chool.org hool.org

Open House of children : January 12, from emphasis age 2 1/2 through 8th10–11 a.m. Call to RSVP. Satori on intellectual, community, creativ grade in our private serves a engaging emotional, behaviorality and critical thinkin and charter campu diverse population environment ses g. that values and social needs of Our approach allows with an creativ individuality, us creativity and e and inquisitive to meet the children in diversity. an

TUCSON COUNTR DAY SCHO Y OL

9239 E. Wright stown Rd. 296-0883 • Tucson, 85715 Grades Presch Teacher/Stude ool–8 ckappler@tcd nt Ratio: 1–22 tcdchartersch charterschool.com ool.com

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ntialnews.com

At Tucson leader. We Country Day Schoo l, receive a offer a robust progra every student is a well-rounded Cham m gifted and educationalfocused on both acadepion and every Cham accele experience mic and social pion Spanish, techno rated classes, that excellence.is a School Assoc logy, and after physical education, includes a strong acade Students schoo art, genera iation calls l music, band,mic program, us “One of l clubs and sports . The the highes orchestra, t performing President of the choir, Arizona Charte schools in Tucson.” r TUCSON

SCHO

UNIFIED

OL tucsonunified DISTRICT .org

Tucson Unified School Distric Programs t’s are choice option the original public Magnet of their childre, providing familie school s with ways n. to meet the Tucson Unified individual School Distric learning styles the Tucso t has a compr n and interes an essentialcommunity optimu ehensive ts m achievement component of the choices for public magnet school progra school educa District’s effort , increase m that offers graduation tion.

Magnet theme rates and to support integration, Magnet programs s include STEM increase parent are language, increa , fine gifted and engagement se academic talented and and performing .

Fine, perfor arts, traditio Montessori. ming and nal acade communicat mics, dual Carrillo Magne ion arts schoo t School and ls: Science, Holladay Magne technology, t Elementary Thinking), School.

Booth-Ficketengineering and t Math/Science math schoo Dual Langu Magnet Schoo ls: Borton Magne age/Spanish Roskruge t School (Syste immersion l and Mansf Bilingual K-8 eld Middle ms Magnet Schoo schools: Davis Bilingu Magnet Schoo Visit our websit l. al Magnet l. e www.tucson School and unified.org for more inform ation about schools and school tours.

Reserve your space now!

Contact Nancy at (520) 792-9930 or at Nancy@ BearEssentialNews.com June 2022 • Bear Essential News • 13

B

Get the Scoop!

Continued from page 9

Get Reading This Summer

by Reporter Ellie Divijak Dove Mountain CSTEM K–8 Over the summer you can participate in the 2022 Pima County Public Library reading challenge. To participate in the Oceans of Possibilities Summer Learning Program, all you have to do is read 20 minutes a day. The program started June 1 and goes all the way until July 30, 2022.

You can read anything from chapter books to comic books or even listen to an audio book. The reading challenge is for kids ages 6–13. You can pick up the reading challenge information any time your local library is open.

When you visit the library, you can get your reading log, a free book, and grab an activity kit (while supplies last). If you complete the reading challenge on your tracker, you receive a certificate. There are also fun workshops you can attend at your library too. Classes include jewelry design, hula, and robotics.

You can find more information at www.library.pima.gov/summer/.

14 • Bear Essential News • June 2022

LETTERS to

r e m o o B

Sponsored by

Have a field trip or classroom presentation?

Mail your letter to: Bear Essential News 2525 E. Broadway Blvd. #102 Tucson, AZ 85716

Showcase your Special Features in Bear’s Popular August & September

Kids can also email their letters to Boomer@BearEssentialNews.com

Dear Boomer, Hi, I am Ezekiel, one of your Young Reporters, and I wanted to send you a letter. I am happy doing my Young Reporter job. And I wanted to ask you a few questions: What is your favorite color? Mine is blue.

What is your favorite thing about reporters?

How old are you? I am 9.

board and surfing! Have a blast building and in the water! Remember to only swim when an adult is watching.

Beach time is the best time!

Boomer Bear

Thank you, E.P. Good Questions, E.P.!

You’re doing a fine job reporting for Bear Essential News. I’m turning 10 in September, and, coincidentally, my fave color is also the same as yours! The best thing about my Young Reporters is seeing them get the scoop while becoming really strong writers.

Keep up the great work, Boomer Bear Hey Boomer, what’s up?

My family is going to the beach again this summer. I like to make sand castles and jump over the waves. What’s your favorite thing to do at the beach?

—L.L. Dear L.L., While I enjoy reading adventure books on the beach, I really love grabbing my

You should come—it’d be so much fun to have you there!

Field Trip Guide!

Sincerely, Paul P. Wow, Paul!

What a cool camp. Dave Rubio just finished his 30th year coaching Wildcat volleyball and has helped build Arizona Athletics. But I’m most impressed with his work with kids and how he encourages them to get into the sport. So, do you think a polar bear would be pretty intimidating on the court, especially up at net?

Call today for more information and to reserve your space!

520-792-9930 BearEssentialNews.com click on “Guides”

Your Buddy, Boomer Bear

Hi Boomer, I went to the Dave Rubio Volleyball Camp at the UofA for three days.

It was so much fun to be with all the other campers in the UofA gym and to practice all the volleyball drills.

We got to go to the Student Union for lunch every day. They’re going to have another camp for young kids on June 13–15 at Sporting Chance Center. I hope I get to go to that one, too.

Hello, Boomer!

We came to Tucson for vacation and we went to Golf ‘n Stuff. They have the coolest mini-golf course and bumper boats. And this is the first time I’ve ever driven a go-kart—that was a blast! I really like the arcade.

My favorite game was the piano keys.

Yours truly, A.L. So much fun, A.L. If you and your friends or family want to get moving, Golf ’n Stuff has a lot to offer. I love the challenge of their two mini-golf courses, and the bumper boats are great. I usually head into the arcade to cool off.

Have a great summer! Boomer Bear

Find Bear

Essential News all

SUMMER LONG! at...

• Public libraries • Bookmans • Parks & Rec Centers • YMCA locations

Find Our Comprehensive Summer Camp Guide Online All Summer Long! www.BearEssentialNews.com See our feature on pages 10 & 11 and read about some

Amazing Reptiles!

Also, mark your calendar for the

TUCSON REPTILE & AMPHIBIAN SHOW

coming Oct. 1 & 2 at the Tucson Expo Center tucsonreptileshow.com

June 2022 • Bear Essential News • 15

B

Get the Scoop!

Continued from page 14

Falconry Is His Artistry

by Reporter Sophia Bradley BASIS Tucson North At the Renaissance Festival, I interviewed Terry Foy, who does shows with many breeds and species of birds. His show is called The Ancient Art of Falconry.

Foy started training birds when he was 7 and has been doing it ever since. He sometimes practices for a full hour or even a whole day. If birds get injured, they have special vets to take care of them. Before his job with birds, Foy worked at a theme park and a zoo!

The most dangerous thing about the job, he says, is carrying the birds because of their sharp claws that can scratch you.

He is friends with almost everyone at the Renaissance Festival.

People go to the Renaissance Festival every year, but when did it all start? The Renaissance Festival was founded by two brothers, George and David Coulam, in 1962. They first called it “The Pleaser Fair,” but they changed the name due to its tie with European culture as well as history. The Renaissance Festival is now visited by over a quarter of a million visitors every year, and makes millions of dollars through its shows and markets.

16 • Bear Essential News • June 2022

Making Music & Friends

by Reporter Olivia Ali-Osman Davis Bilingual Magnet School This school year I was a proud member of Davis Bilingual Magnet School’s Las Aguilitas mariachi group. Las Aguilitas are under the direction of the awesome Jaime Valenzuela and the famous Dr. Valenzuela, also known as Dr. V. Mariachis are musicians and performers. They wear charro uniforms while singing and playing traditional songs, typically from Mexico, through a variety of instruments such as the three I am learning to play—violin, guitar and harp. Other important instruments in mariachi are the vihuela, guitarrón, trumpet and accordion.

For four days in early May, I attended the 40th Annual Tucson International Mariachi Conference at the Tucson Convention Center.

The conference gave new mariachis like myself the opportunity to improve sight reading, showmanship, communication and performance skills. We learned from the best! I was able to network with mariachis from local schools, other cities in Arizona and even from out of state.

The conference offered workshops in many areas including: classes by instrument and skill level, voice, harmony and folklorico dance. On our first night at the conference, one of the talented Aguilitas, Andrea Blumenkron, won first place in the El Mariachi Canta Student Vocal Competition. The second night, a Cinco de Mayo Corrido Competition was held. All groups were able to perform the following evening at the Student Showcase Concert. I was extremely nervous but Mr. Valenzuela worked with us all year and we sounded great!

The next evening before the Espectacular Concert, the TCC Music Hall was renamed the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall after the Tucson legend.

Summer Fun Days!

ALL PARK PASS $26.50

All Park Pass includes: Miniature Golf, 4 Ride Attractions and 12 Arcade Tokens

Now thru Labor Day 6503 E. Tanque Verde Rd. • Tucson, AZ Call (520) 296-2366 ext. 13 for reservations!

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FREE Golf Pass! (with the purchase of another at the regular price) 36 Holes of the Worldʼs Finest Miniature Golf Arcade • Skee-ball • Wet nʼ Wild Bumper Boats • Cool Go Karts • Batting Cages • Laser Tag • Group Rates

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Expires 7/31/22

June 2022 • Bear Essential News • 17

18 • Bear Essential News • June 2022

June 2022 • Bear Essential News • 19

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 o f spend $25 on your favorite local dairy products receive entry code on your receipt at checkout scan for details

www.arizonamilk.org 20 • 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.