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JANUARY 3, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XXXIX• NO 39
Creating a legacy beyond the ring BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
Lancaster County’s wild animals behave differently over the winter, which may lead to unexpected encounters with residents who visit parks or trails during the colder months.
What you should know about local wildlife in the winter BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
adapted their diet to rely on seeds and berries, making an annual migration unnecessary. Many years ago, robins were seen as a sign of spring’s return; today, these birds can be seen throughout the winter as they scrounge for worms and wild berries to eat. “One thing humans often forget is that animals migrate for food,” said Sanchez. “Only humans migrate to get warm. Birds are much more adaptable than us in cold weather because of those wonderful feathers.” Sanchez noted that individuals who attend her programs are often surprised to learn that bears do not simply hibernate for the entirety of winter. Although bears consume more food and rest on cold days, they usually emerge from their dens if there is a spike in temperature. Female bears also remain awake to give
birth to cubs and raise their young. Bats are one of Lancaster’s true hibernators, and they remain inactive until their favorite food sources return in the spring. Sanchez advises hikers to avoid caves during the winter, as disturbing bats in hibernation could force them to expend their limited supply of energy. The Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation offers a variety of winter programs that combine wildlife education with family activities. Sanchez and other park naturalists regularly hold full-moon hikes and crafting activities at parks throughout the county, in addition to weekly programs for homeschooled students. For more information, visit http://tinyurl.com/lancpark programs.
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ost residents of Lancaster County are well acquainted with a variety of local wildlife. From the heavily wooded suburbs in Mountville to the sprawling farmland between Landisville and East Petersburg, animals such as deer and foxes often leave tracks in backyards or startle drivers as they cross the road. The patterns of wild animals change during the cold months, however, and being mindful of their behavior can make the winter season safer for both you and your neighbors out in nature. Lisa Sanchez is a park natu ra l i s t w i t h t h e L a n c a s te r County Department of Parks and Recreation. Every winter, S a nchez t rave l s ac ro s s t he
county to educate the public on the seasonal changes that occur in nature. She also debunks several misconceptions about local wildlife. “This is a popular time of year for people to feed birds in their backyards. People always ask me how to get rid of the hawks who prey on the cardinals and chickadees who visit their bird feeders,” Sanchez said. “You can’t; it’s a part of nature, and hawks are protected by law. I always jokingly tell them, ‘Well, it’s still a bird feeder.’” Another common misunderstanding that Sanchez frequently addresses is the migration patterns of birds. Songbirds such as tree swallows, wood thrushes and redwinged blackbirds fly south for the winter due to a lack of mosquitos and other insects that make up their diet. Other birds have
When many people hear the term “professional wrestling,” they picture the ostentatious getups and dramatic performances associated with companies such as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). The professional wrestling promotion is notorious for hosting extravagant shows that combine athleticism with intense theatrics, the likes of which have turned eccentric characters like Hulk Hogan into household names. Although most people view professional wrestling as nothing more than a display of impressive stunts, L ancaster residents Jesus Rodriguez and Chris Dreisbach see the art form as a means to impact the community in a positive way. Rodriguez has been active in the world of wrestling for many years, serving as both a wrestler and an announcer for organizations such as WWE and Combate Global during his career. After his time in the ring, Rodriguez worked as a trainer in wrestling academies across the United States, and he has traveled to nearly every continent on the globe as an instructor. Rodriguez first visited Lancaster to receive treatment at Blueprints for Addiction Recovery, a local rehabilitation center owned by Dreisbach. Dreisbach had also previously worked with WWE to benefit addiction recovery programs, and he and Rodriguez connected over their shared love of wrestling.