“Graceon" Buteo jamaicensis

Graceon is an adult male Red-tailed Hawk. Probably Indiana’s most common hawk, Red-tails typically soar over open fields in search of prey, preferring small rodents to larger mammals. Adult Red-tails are most easily identified by their rust colored tails and broad, rounded wings in flight. Graceon came to Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve in 2000. His wing was damaged beyond repair, so he’ll never be able to regain his freedom to fly. Since he would not survive in the wild, we have given him a permanent home at the Nature Center. He started his life at Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve very fearful of people, hence was given a name which is short for Grounded Menace. However, his disposition and cooperation have since improved greatly. He is now a willing participant in our educational programs, and fills his days teaching others about raptors and all wildlife, and their importance in the balance of nature.

“Banshee” Tyto alba

Named for the shriek he emitted when first handled here at Wesselman Woods, Banshee is an adult Barn Owl. Barn Owls are easily identified by their white, heart shaped facial disk and dark eyes. They rely on a keen sense of hearing to locate their prey, namely rodents. Barn Owls reside in a variety of habitats throughout North America, to include forest edges and open country. In Indiana, and many other Midwestern states, this once-common, rural inhabitant is now rare, and the species is considered endangered by many state wildlife agencies. About 10-15 nests are found annually in Indiana. Banshee suffered a dislocated wing that his veterinarian was unable to reattach successfully. He came to Wesselman Woods in the fall of 2003.

Bull Snake Pituophis catenifer sayi

Now considered a subspecies of the Gopher Snake, these large yellowish snakes can grow from three to over eight feet in length. Their bodies are marked with black, brown, or reddish-brown blotches along the top and sides of the body. These blotches usually darken near the head and tail. The belly is yellow with black spots and they have a relatively small head, with a somewhat pointed snout.

Though not typically found here in the southern tip of our state, a small portion of their natural range touches the western part of northern Indiana. They may also be found in Wisconsin, on into Canada, or east of the Rockies in the southwestern states of New Mexico and Texas. Bull snakes are native to prairies, plains, grasslands, and brushlands, so they prey mainly upon rats, mice, and other rodents. They often call mammal burrows home.

These snakes probably get their namesake of being a “bull” from their large size and bold disposition. When harassed, a Bull snake hisses loudly, flattens its head, and shakes its tail. It may also lunge and strike at the would-be predator or interfering human. With this aggressive behavior, these snakes are often confused with rattlesnakes, but their bite is NOT venomous.

The Nature Center Bull snake has been a resident since July of 1999 and has been shown to and touched by thousands of program attendees and visitors to the Preserve. It has never shown any aggression towards people (unless you’re a veterinarian about to do an exam) and has a voracious appetite. He even does quite well as a handler’s necklace, belt, or hat, to the delight of visitors.