Park Ranger stresses water safety, introduces children to many varieties of park wildlife

Toni Walker

Editor

news@steelcountrybee.com

As the summer rolls on, so do the events sponsored by the Daingerfield Public Library. This past week, children met Ranger Onlie McGee, from the Daingerfield State Park, and learned about many animals that can be found at the state park.

McGee began the presentation by inviting the children to enter the “Get to Know” contest which is being sponsored by the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife. She then explainedto the children the importance of staying safe while at the state park by demonstrating the proper use of flotation devices. McGee showed them how a flotation device works, and explained that if they did not have the proper size, or if it wasn’t used properly, it would not protect them as it should.

Following the safety lesson, McGee brought out some residents of the park that the children loved. McGee brought out four turtles for the children to hold and pass around.. Commonly known as box turtles, McGee explained how all four were found in the park, and would soon have a new habitat at the park, near the boathouse. McGee explained that, although the turtles have hard shells, their shells are similar to a human’s fingernails, in that it would still hurt them, where they to get dropped or hit with something.

Following the turtles, McGee talked about other animals that can be found in the park, and even had some pelts of different animals to pass around. McGee brought pelts from a beaver, raccoon, fox, squirrel, and even a bobcat to share with the children. McGee also quizzed the children on footprints of different animals, showing them castings and inviting them to guess which footprints belonged to which animal.

The Daingerfield Public Library will continue having events through July. Remember to check the Happenings section for a list of coming events.