Susan Hambley Nature Center hosts two-day program on extirpated animals in Ohio

BRUNSWICK — The Susan Hambley Nature Center hosted a two-day program over the weekend to inform people on extirpation in Ohio's wildlife. Extirpation in regard to wildlife refers to species that were once found in an area or region but no longer exist there. Extirpation is not an equivalent to extinction in the context of wildlife. The Susan Hambley Nature Center had a variety of activities, crafts, games and displays, and a projection presentation to educate guests on animals that once lived in Ohio. Children attending the program could color and cut out masks of extirpated animals to wear. "Extirpated wildlife is wildlife that used to be here that's no longer here," said Medina County Park District Naturalist Mark Ludwig. "The gray wolf would be an example. It doesn't mean extinction. It means they're just gone from a particular place." Some of the animals featured in the program were extirpated from Ohio previously, but later returned decades later. "Of course, there are some that were gone for a little while but returned," Ludwig said. "A beaver is a good example of that." Ludwig had a slideshow, pelts, skulls, an eagle's egg and an exhibit board for guests at the nature center to look at or touch in order to learn more about the various species of animals that once were or currently are extirpated in Ohio. Ludwig said that the program was designed to educate people on what animals used to live in Medina County, as well as Ohio in general. He said that he wanted to show people and their children to care about animals and to respect them. "With any of these animals, they do have a natural fear of people," Ludwig said. "They're not like domesticated dogs and cats that we're used to. You obviously want to respect wildlife." Understanding wildlife is a large reason Ludwig wanted to put on the program at the nature center, as he wanted to reinforce the concepts of the extirpated animals to children. "What we try to do with our programs is to allow people to enjoy nature because it's such a positive outlet and escape and to see these beautiful animals whether it's birds or coyotes or whatever it is and to know that it's something positive to help you through life," Ludwig said. Next month, the Susan Hambley Nature Center plans to run a program on woodpeckers. Contact reporter Mason Savoia at (330) 721-4050 or at msavoia@medina-gazette.com.