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Outdoors

Reflections in Nature: The squirrel leads a remarkably long life in the wild

Here we are in the dead of winter with nighttime temperatures falling into single digits, and despite this I am seeing signs that the breeding season for wildlife has begun. On Jan. 15, Mary Alice and I watched three squirrels chasing each other. These wild chases are a sure sign that winter mating activity has begun for gray squirrels. The males chase females that are coming into estrus. The gymnastics of these chases are spectacular as the squirrels run up and around the tree trunks, running out on limbs and jumping from one tree to another at top speed, with a lot of chattering ...

River trip helped bring awareness to West Branch of Susquehanna

You may never see the West Branch of the Susquehanna River the same way after viewing the spectacular photography of Michael Kinney from his journey down this great waterway. Kinney captured breathtaking shots of various fish species idling underwater, birds roosting in woodlands and ...

Going outdoors this season? A quick guide to winter hiking

For many of us, winter can make the outdoors feel a little less inviting — but it doesn’t have to. With the right mindset (and the right gear), winter is a great time to step outside, breathe in the crisp air, and experience familiar landscapes in a whole new way. From a short neighborhood walk to exploring scenic stretches of the Susquehanna Greenway, getting outside in winter can be both refreshing and rewarding. Staying comfortable is the key to enjoying any cold-weather outing. Dressing properly makes all the difference, and using a simple layering system is a great place to ...

2026-27 hunting seasons and more at next PGC meeting

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners will hold its first meeting of the new year on Friday and Saturday. Among other agenda items, the Board will consider preliminary hunting seasons and bag limits for the 2026-27 license year. The meeting will include two proposals for the Board to consider regarding the start of the firearms deer season. The first proposal would open the firearms season on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The second proposal would maintain the current season structure, with the season opening on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. Regarding ...