Barred Owl
Strix varia
"Whooo-Who-Cooks-For-You, Who-Cooks-For-You-All" is the typical call of the Barred Owl. This type of Owl is one of the most common types of Owls in Ohio, and can be found in all 88 counties. They eat many types of small animals including mice, chipmunks, squirrels, birds, reptiles and amphibians.
The Barred Owl pictured above is our resident, education Owl. We have her here at Wahkeena because she was struck by a car, lost sight in one eye, and might have difficulties surviving in the wild.
Marbled Orbweaver
Araneus marmoreus
Marbled Orbweavers are among our showiest spiders. Early in the summer, as juveniles, the spider is a pale yellow that darkens to a bright yellow with a black marbled pattern throughout the season. Around Halloween, the yellow on their abdomen becomes bright orange, often resembling a jack-o-lantern.
Marbled Orbweavers feed at night, and are often hidden away during the day in a folded leaf retreat.
Black Rat Snake
Pantherophis alleghaniensis
Also known as an Eastern Ratsnake, this is Ohio's largest snakes, often exceeding 6 feet in length. The above snake is a juvenile Black Rat Snake, as the snake grows its bold patterns fade, and its color becomes darker. The bottom picture is of our educational Black Rat Snake, who turned 25 years old earlier this month.
