Check out the BourboCam on http://www.nola.com.  Mardi Gras is rocking the French Quarter.  It’s not quite as wild as last year, but at least it is happening.  Thank goodness.  http://www.ericwilder.com

Even after writing about bobcats, wolves and black panthers in east Texas, I wasn't prepared for what I saw in my own front yard at 8 this very night. I was writing at my computer when the din of barking dogs (my own) caused me to go to the front door to see what they why they were causing so much commotion.

I had fed the dogs, and my cats, just after darkness had fallen. Only one of the cats, Duke, had shown up for dinner and he hadn't eaten much. What I saw when I went to the front door, scarfing up the left-overs, was a red fox - a full grown red fox. Needless to say, I was quite surprised.

What must have caused this shy animal to venture forth at an hour so early that he might possibly be seen? I think it is the drought that presently has Oklahoma by the throat. The State has seen no appreciable rain since last Halloween night, some 118 days ago. We are presently suffering from the worst drought in Oklahoma history - yes, and that includes the Dustbowl Era.

Mr. Fox was probably hungry, moreover thirsty, and didn't want to wait until the opossums, skunks and raccoons had eaten the food left for the cats later on when It would be safer to venture forth.

We had an ice storm last week - a small amount of precipitation we are all very thankful for. When I walked outside my house the morning after the storm, I saw what I thought were deer tracks. I'm not a hunter, so I can't say for sure, but that's what they looked like to me. Hey, I live in the city limits of a fairly large town.

Anyway, what next? Maybe we have bobcats among us and I just haven’t seen them yet.

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