Oklahoma has a wide variety of critters, mainly due to its geographical location. We have everything from alligators to bears to many varieties of insects. We also have many varying plant and tree species. Oklahoma has many different topographical features differing widely from north to south and from east to west. We have mountainous regions, desert regions, and plains/grassland regions. It's varying topography also contributes to it's wildlife diversity. This website hopes to document and explore this diversity and variety.
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People, in general, are apprehensive about nature and wildlife, largely due to a lack of knowledge. Also there are movies, novels, old wives tales, and folklore that promote fear and doubt. The fact is that there is nothing to fear in nature as long as you are aware of your surroundings and use common sense. Wolves are a good example of the media fostering fear of an animal that, in reality, is a very majestic and beautiful creature. Snakes are also prone to persecution. It is true that some snakes are venomous, even lethal, but animals in general, including snakes, would much rather be as far from humans as possible. There are exceptions, of course, such as the Black Mamba, which lives primarily in the Congo in Africa. It is a very aggressive snake and is the second largest venomous snake in the world. Fortunately here in Oklahoma we don't have such snakes. But, many people still believe that if they see a snake it will "come after them" and this is simply not true. It is true however, that if you provoke a wild animal, corner them, or make them frightened or threatened they will do what's necessary to protect themselves or protect their young. But, a healthy animal in the wild will not attack you for no reason. Of course, there are exceptions and these exceptions, accompanied by the media and folklore causes fear and panic. It is also responsible for countless deaths of wild species of all kinds.
Insects also have an undeserved bad reputation. But, the same philosophy holds true for them as it does for animals. An insect will not chase you down just because you happen to be walking by. However, if provoked, frightened, or if they are protecting their young they will claw, bite, or sting. Obviously if you aren't sure about a critter, whether it's an insect or animal, just leave it alone. For example, the Black Widow spider is Oklahoma's most venomous spider, as well as North America, and deserves respect. Even though they can be fairly aggressive when protecting eggs or when cornered they will generally leave you alone if you leave them alone. Most incidents occur when somebody picks something up that has one on it without realizing it or accidentally touches one because they didn't see it. The spider will react. The venom is neurotoxic, meaning it attacks nerves and nerve cells, and is reported to be about 15 times more potent than a rattlesnake and also much more potent than Cobras and Coral snakes (although I have been unable to find scientific evidence to support this) but because of the small amount of venom that is injected bites are rarely fatal. As I said, though, the Black Widow deserves respect. But again, if left alone insects will leave you alone. Brown Recluse (a.k.a. Fiddleback) spiders are also feared but fairly misunderstood. Fiddlebacks do not like open spaces, hence the name "recluse", so they aren't seen that often. Their venom can, but not always, produce a form of antibiotic resistant bacteria called Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which is very hard to treat. Some bites produce lesions that destroy tissue around the area of the bite. However, this does not always occur as is commonly believed. But, Brown Recluse spiders are not aggressive and most bites occur when the spider is pressed against in clothing or in bed. Of course, mosquitoes, ticks, mites, and the like won't leave you alone but they depend on blood to survive and we have relatively soft skin as compared to some other animals.
There is no doubt that nature and the wild can be a dangerous place if people refuse to acknowledge warnings, learn about their surroundings, and use common sense. But there is no need to fear it as long as good judgment is used and proper precautions taken. So, enjoy nature. It's beautiful, interesting, intriguing, and just plain fun. Sometimes we get so tied up in our fast paced lives that we forget the beauty that is all around us. Please take time to notice and enjoy nature and the wild.
