Jess at GMU

Jess at GMU GMU page for Conservation Studies

Finding cannonball jellyfish washed up on the shore at Myrtle Beach seems to be the norm every time we visit there.... s...
06/09/2025

Finding cannonball jellyfish washed up on the shore at Myrtle Beach seems to be the norm every time we visit there.... so why does this seem to be such a common occurance? Well, they experience a tidal upwelling at high tide. This typically occurs 8-10 days after a full moon. These ocean drifters are at the mercy of the currents and with some regularity, they make their way to the shore and get stuck, sadly, to their demise.

According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, cannonball jellies are the most common jellyfish in the area and fortunately, for locals and vacationers alike, they are one of the least venemous. Fun fact: They have no tenticles!

Fishermen consider them a nuisance because they clog up their fishing nets. Kids walking on the beach are fascinated by them and you'll occasionally see a really brave one touch them on top of their head. Its all part of the Myrtle Beach experience.

Smith Mountain Lake has some giant catfish! Our catfish population is strong and thriving here. I hear they make for som...
06/09/2025

Smith Mountain Lake has some giant catfish! Our catfish population is strong and thriving here. I hear they make for some pretty good eatin' too. Did you know catfish fishing season is yearround and the daily limit is 20 per day with no size restrictions. So grab your fishing pole, some stink bait, and cast away.

According to the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, "channel catfish are the most popular catfish species but flathead catfish have gained in popularity because their large size. Flathead catfish are doing very well in size and abundance"

If you're looking for the best spot to catch one, try the upper part of the lake or the blckwater part. Coves are always a safe bet. Chicken livers have always been a popular choice for bait.

Photo credit Matthew de Tournilion

Did you know? Vultures are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of 1918, which means that killing, captu...
06/09/2025

Did you know?
Vultures are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of 1918, which means that killing, capturing, selling, trading, or transporting them without a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is illegal. This protection extends to their nests and eggs as well. The MBTA implements international treaties between the U.S. and other countries to ensure the conservation of migratory bird populations.

We have a HUGE problem at SML with migrating vultures. They do a ton of damage to property, and unfortunately, there is no way to deal with them other than making loud noise to scare them off as they are a protected class. They destroy hundred thousand dollar wake boats, scratch up vehicles, pick apart hot tub covers, patio cushions, and p**p everywhere. The only approved way to handle them as nusiance pests is with noise makers or motion alarms.

Holy cow! I've lived at Smith Mountian Lake nearly all my life and I've only seen a fishing spider this big one other ti...
06/09/2025

Holy cow! I've lived at Smith Mountian Lake nearly all my life and I've only seen a fishing spider this big one other time, and it was on the water in a creek. This guy was a monster! He was as big as the door k**b.

Of course, I had to go on the "Inaturalist Seek" app and check out what exactly he was. According to the app, this guy is a "Dark Fishing Spider" who can reach up to 1 inch in abdomin diameter. They prey on insects and even small fish, tadpoles and frogs. They are identified by their size and their characteristic "white W shaped markings."

Here at Smith Mountain Lake, deer are plentiful. While they are beautiful, they can also be a nuisance and pose a danger...
06/02/2025

Here at Smith Mountain Lake, deer are plentiful. While they are beautiful, they can also be a nuisance and pose a danger, causing many vehicle accidents... I've had my fair share of car damage from deer. In rural areas, hunting can help cull the local deer population. In urban areas, however, with homes much closer to one another and less space available for hunting, and deer have fewer natural predators, the solutions can be a little more complicated. In one of our neighboring cities, Roanoke has developed a plan for managing the area's deer population, including hired sharpshooters.

As always, be cautious while driving, be attentive for deer and other roadway hazards, at night look for their reflective eyes by the sides of the road, and be prepared to react if they decide to kamikaze your car.


https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2025/01/16/oh-deer-managing-deer-overpopulation-in-roanoke/

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