Amera Wild
One of the best parts of living in southwest Missouri is the proximity of natural habitats that often border our neighborhoods and run through our towns. The Spring River Basin is fed by many streams and creeks, providing wooded riparian corridors. These corridors are where our native wildlife is sustained and never feels far away.
Like many of us, our yards are crossroads connecting these wildlife pathways. We may see opossums shuffle past the porch light. Raccoons visit the bird feeders. Snakes slip through the garden beds. And armadillos root through the grass at night.
One morning, I looked up and locked eyes with a coyote standing quietly in the backyard. Moments like these used to feel alarming to a city girl. Now they mostly feel humbling. The truth is, we didn’t move into empty spaces. We built our homes in the middle of theirs.
Most of the wildlife I see isn’t causing trouble. They’re just living their lives. Opossums eat ticks. Foxes and coyotes help keep rodent populations down. Armadillos aren’t just turning up the lawn, they are digging for insects while aerating the soil as they go.
We are blessed here to experience this interconnectedness with all living beings. When I see a wild animal or bird, I try to take a moment and give a little more room for what I once thought was an intruder. Now, I’m grateful for the reminder to love and appreciate all creatures that inhabit our beautiful communities.
They are signs that our creeks, woods, prairies, and our community are still alive.
Amera took all of the accompanying photos in her back yard.
