You’re Gonna Die Out There

Hey there Nature Nerds, enjoy this week's ramblings, including a fun story about Warsaw Clams helping monitor water quality in Poland! Be sure to watch "Fat Kathy" here Clam Image credits Julia Pełka / GRUBA KAŚKA via Reddit.

Hey there Nature Nerds! Jen and Megan are back with a new episode on Pigmy Hippos and the internet sensation, Moo Deng :) 

Megan and Jen have returned from sabbatical-ling with some plans for 2025! Missed our ramblings? Enjoy 30 minutes of digressions, banter, and side stories! More to come! 

Hey there Nature Nerds! We’re going to take a little sabbatical while Jen gets her PhD but don’t fret, we’ll be back! You can still reach us on Instagram and email (youregonnadieoutthere@gmail.com)! Share your adventures and until next time…. Don’t Die Out There!

Welcome to 2024 Nature Nerds! In this Nature Nugget, Megan talks surfing, the mountaineering of the ocean! References: https://www.hbo.com/100-foot-wave https://www.explainthatstuff.com/surfingscience.html https://www.sfgate.com/hawaii/article/hawaii-surfing-star-mikala-jones-dies-18198643.php https://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/the-most-notable-deaths-in-surfing#:~:text=But%20shark%20attacks%20still%20are,drowning%20is%20your%20next%20opponent. https://www.theinertia.com/surf/5-of-the-goriest-wipeouts-in-surfings-history/ https://surfspots.org/worst-wipeouts-ever/

Happy Holidays Nature Nerds! In this, our last episode of 2023, Jen talks about the dangers of K2 and the recent tragedy of Muhammad Hassan. Organization to Support: The Intrepid Foundation https://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ We empower our travelers to make real impact in the communities they visit. Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organizations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection. With our local knowledge and Intrepid teams on the ground, we support our carefully chosen partners to make a positive impact and create solutions on important issues. This ensures that your donations aren’t just about giving back but giving responsibly – impactfully – where it's really needed. In 2019, the Intrepid Foundation is launched the Step Up for Porters Challenge: A fundraising initiative to engage trekkers and raise money for porter welfare. It’s for anyone with an interest in doing good and getting fit, with a goal of at least 10,000 steps per day, per participant, over the month of June. Links: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K2 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1986_K2_disaster https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_K2_disaster https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_K2_disaster https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_deaths_on_eight-thousanders https://basecampmagazine.com/2018/02/12/the-2008-k2-tragedy/ https://www.alanarnette.com/blog/2023/09/06/k2-2023-coverage-harila-and-tenjen-cleared-on-muhammad-hassans-death/ https://www.insider.com/death-k2-real-story-climbers-stepped-dying-man-kristin-harila-2023-8 https://explorersweb.com/muhammad-hassans-death-k2-expeditions/

A big thanks to Patron Annette for this suggestion! In this month's bonus episode, Jen talks about Lapland and the amazing story of Aimo Koivunen and the down side of mittens! Enjoy! Organization to Support: Snowchange Cooperative Snowchange.org Snowchange was started in late 2000 to document climate and environmental change in the North and work with local and Indigenous communities of the Northern regions. Re-wilding Finland™ is a trademark owned by Snowchange with the purposes of advancing community-based and -controlled national efforts to fight impacts of climate change, enhance biodiversity and protect waterways. Links: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aimo_Koivunen https://allthatsinteresting.com/aimo-koivunen https://medium.com/exploring-history/the-crazy-crystal-meth-adventure-of-a-finnish-soldier-1cae54a1238f https://www.tourstolapland.com/travel-guide/10-interesting-facts-finnish-lapland https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/where-santa-claus-live-hometown-north-pole-180953723/#:~:text=Lapland%20had%20served%20as%20a,the%20ears%20of%20a%20rabbit. https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/interactive/2022/climate-change-reindeer-habitats-deforestation/

Hey there Nature Nerds- this week Jen shares the creepy and mysterious story of Lake Nyos! Links: https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/gas-cloud-kills-cameroon-villagers https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Nyos_disaster https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/defusing-africas-killer-lakes-88765263/ https://theconversation.com/cameroons-exploding-lakes-disaster-expert-warns-deadly-gas-release-could-cause-another-tragedy-190154

Hey there Nature Nerds! This week Megan talks Snow Leopards! Bundle up and enjoy! Organization to Support: Snow Leopard Trust https://snowleopard.org/ The Snow Leopard Trust aims to protect this endangered cat through community-based conservation projects that are based on an improved scientific understanding of snow leopard behavior, needs, habitats and threats. References: https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/living-with-snow-leopards-tashis-story-a-nature-short-film-sneak-peek/16903/ https://www.wwf.org.uk/learn/fascinating-facts/snow-leopards https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/snow-leopard https://snowleopard.org/snow-leopard-facts/ WIld Films India: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRQXebUBZtI BBC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKWVvMaml_8 Real Wild: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GorzEZtv_Z0 https://snowleopardblog.com/stories-of-shape-shifting-snow-leopards/#:~:text=The%20story%2C%20based%20on%20ancient,one%20to%20take%20her%20place. https://snowleopardblog.com/about/snow-leopards-in-the-movies/ https://wildfor.life/guarding-the-ghosts-of-the-mountain#:~:text=It%20is%20the%20belief%20held,the%20guardians%20of%20the%20mountains. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-41270646

This week Megan talks quicksand! Enjoy! References: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quicksand https://www.britannica.com/story/how-deadly-is-quicksand https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geology/do-people-die-in-quicksand.htm https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20160323-can-quicksand-really-suck-you-to-your-death https://interestingengineering.com/science/quicksand-is-not-very-deadly https://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2010/08/terra_infirma.html https://www.dellamente.com/quicksand/

This week's episode, Jen tackles the infamous Bermuda Triangle! Organization to Support: Conservation International: The Coral Triangle Initiative https://www.conservation.org/projects/coral-triangle-initiative As a founding partner of the CTI since its inception in 2007, Conservation International works with governments, communities and other stakeholders to help them achieve sustainable change. Following the first guiding principle of the CTI — "Support people-centered biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, poverty reduction and equitable benefit sharing" — our focus is on working with people to sustainably manage marine ecosystems so they can support their well-being, now and into the future. Our guidance has been requested by partners, communities and governments, allowing us to work across sectors and at all levels. By connecting the efforts in-country to the wider region, we are ensuring that successes are amplified, creating momentum from the ground-up for changes that last. Links: https://www.history.co.uk/articles/five-of-the-most-mysterious-bermuda-triangle-disappearances https://www.nationalgeographic.com/premium/article/bermuda-triangle-mystery-disappearance https://www.history.com/news/what-is-the-bermuda-triangle https://geographicalanalysis.com/sargasso-sea-bermuda-triangle/ https://www.readingeagle.com/2015/09/09/history-book-fate-of-ex-hotel-owner-remains-unexplained/ https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-22806362 https://www.britannica.com/story/what-is-known-and-not-known-about-the-bermuda-triangle https://www.boaterexam.com/blog/bermuda-triangle-theories/ https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/bermudatri.html

This week Jen shares some news about the sargassum blob! Links: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/heres-the-real-story-behind-the-massive-blob-of-seaweed-heading-toward-florida/ https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/07/us/seaweed-blob-florida-sargassum-shrinking.html https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230622-what-is-causing-the-atlantics-seaweed-blobs

For this, the 100th episode, Megan talks creepy cruise ship disapperances. Get your personal flotation device and hop aboard this episode! Organization to Support: International Cruise Victims Association https://internationalcruisevictims.org/ Since 2006, International Cruise Victims, Inc. (ICV) has grown to include members around the world. Our all-volunteer staff is made up almost entirely of victims or survivors of tragic events which occurred in the course of a cruise voyage. Our goal is to contribute to growing a cruise industry where passengers and crew are safe from victimization by working with Congress and other agencies and organizations to improve/increase standards, regulations, laws, and justice. ICV also offers victims a community of belonging and a voice with which they might share their stories while providing assistance to other victims as they each in turn seek to recover from the injustices they have experienced. References: https://internationalcruisevictims.org/blog/missing-persons/ https://allthatsinteresting.com/cruise-ship-disappearances https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disappearance_of_Amy_Lynn_Bradley https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/kidnap/amy-lynn-bradley https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_who_disappeared_mysteriously_at_sea https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disappearance_of_Rebecca_Coriam https://internation776.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/brochureTrifold_E_FNL.pdf https://www.maritimeinjuryguide.org/blog/when-people-go-missing-on-cruise-ships/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skAKL-zM3-Y https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/how-survive-fall-cruise-ship/ https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/passenger-falls-10th-deck-royal-caribbean-cruise-ship-rcna91658 https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/2023/07/26/cruise-ship-person-overboard-how-easy-is-it-to-fall-off-a-ship/70468528007/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man_overboard https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruise_ship https://www.mapquest.com/travel/the-15-bestworst-cruise-lines-in-the-world/

Hey there Nature Nerds! This week Megan talks about the Great Molasses Flood of 1919. References: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Molasses_Flood https://www.history.com/news/great-molasses-flood-science https://www.history.com/news/the-great-molasses-flood-of-1919 https://time.com/5500592/boston-great-molasses-flood-100/

Hey There Nature Nerds! This week Jen talks all things owls, starting with the infamous staircase and owl theory! Keep an eye on the skies and enjoy! Organization to Support: Owl Research Institute htps://www.owlresearchinstitute.org/ The owl research institute is a small non-profit based out of Montana. They conduct long-term research on owls, their prey species, and their relationship to the habitat in which they live. They use these data to help maintain viable populations. Additionally, they collaborate on strategic projects; educate the public about owls; and provide research data to land management agencies and conservation partners. Also check out the American Bird Conservancy page. Links: htps://www.vulture.com/2018/06/the-staircase-neflix-owl-theory explained.html htps://www.crimemuseum.org/crime-library/famous-murders/michael peterson/ htps://www.audubon.org/news/was-owl-real-culprit-peterson-murder mystery htps://www.audubon.org/news/no-barred-owls-are-not-trying-kill-you htps://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/2015/12/22/return owlcapone-two-atacks-reported/77760094/ htps://www.npr.org/2022/11/02/1133260919/an-owl-twice-atacked-a washington-woman-a-biologist-says-its-becoming-more-comm htps://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/owl-atack-killarney-provincial park-1.6786893 htps://www.worldatlas.com/articles/10-fascinating-facts-about-owls-not many-people-know.html htps://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/what-are-owl-pellets/ htps://abcbirds.org/birds/ htps://facts.net/owl-facts/

Hey there Nature Nerds! Here's this week's nature nuggie all about the captive Orca Tokitae. <3 References: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lolita_(orca) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captive_orcas https://www.cascadiadaily.com/news/2023/aug/21/supporters-push-for-tokitaes-return-to-salish-sea-after-necropsy/ https://www.mmc.gov/priority-topics/species-of-concern/southern-resident-killer-whale/

Hey There Nature Nerds! We’re back in the saddle again! This week Megan shares the mystery of the Kali River Monster! Organization to Support: https://eastkaliriverwaterkeeper.org/ and NEER Foundation Objective of creating awareness on various issues related to water involving the community in finding various solutions for sustainable future As the Founder Director of NEER Foundation, it is the belief of Raman Kant that environment problems can only be addressed adequately if local people are involved in decision-making at all levels and have control over resources. Lead by him, NEER Foundation acts as an independent, not-for-profit making voluntary organization working towards environment protection and management by means of water conservation and rural development. NEER Foundation is involved in research, campaigns, grassroots level practical work and advocacy on issues related to environment and human rights. References: https://kalamtimes.com/news/lifestyle/kali-river-history-do-you-know-the-story-of-the-origin-and-history-of-the-kali-river-237434 https://eastkaliriver.org/research/kali-river-east-history/3/ https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/black-curse-of-the-kali-river-39382 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kali_River_(Karnataka) https://www.earthday.org/this-is-how-antwada-an-earth-day-network-star-village-is-reviving-kali-river/ https://www.corbettnationalpark.in/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Corbett_National_Park https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bagarius_yarrelli https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kali_River_goonch_attacks#:~:text=The%20Kali%20River%20goonch%20attacks,Nepal%2C%20between%201998%20and%202007. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/3163501/Mutant-fish-develops-a-taste-for-human-flesh-in-India.html https://darktales.blog/2019/04/22/kali-river-goonch-attacks/ https://river-monsters.fandom.com/wiki/Goonch_Attacks https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1075530/Mutant-fish-taste-human-flesh-attacks-swimmers-Indian-river.html https://www.reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/gnmhx/til_about_the_kali_river_goonch_attacks_which/?rdt=52370 https://wildfact.com/forum/topic-goonch-bagarius-yarrelli https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2Zh3JzfyJU https://kidadl.com/facts/animals/devil-catfish-facts http://www.wild-facts.com/2010/wild-fact-651-watch-where-you-swim-goonch-catfish/ https://kids.kiddle.co/Catfish https://improveangling.com/most-dangerous-catfish-species-in-the-world/ https://www.google.com/search?q=river+monsters+goonch+full+episode&oq=river+monsters+goonch+full+&aqs=chrome.0.0i512j69i57.16516j1j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:47f81b25,vid:RFj4BqQjjU4

Hey Nature Nerds! We're still working on getting up to speed post typhoon, so in the meantime enjoy this Bonus Patreon episode! This month's episode starts with Jen's science news about a town in Australia being overrun by Kangaroos. Then Megan keeps the fun going with the not-so-great and occasionally creepy history of Lake Lanier, GA. Thanks to Laura L, you awesome friend and Patron, for this suggestion! Get your life vest and enjoy! Organization to Support: Chattahoochee River Keeper Chattahoochee.org Our mission is to educate, advocate and secure the protection and stewardship of the Chattahoochee River, including its lakes, tributaries and watershed, in order to restore and conserve their ecological health for the people and wildlife that depend on the river system and in recognition of the important ecosystem functions provided throughout the region and planet. Established in 1994, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper employs a variety of strategies to protect and preserve the Chattahoochee River, its lakes and watershed. They include: · Water monitoring · Education · Research · Advocacy · Communication · Collaboration · Legal action · Over time, we have steadily grown in size, scope and influence: · 10,000 members throughout the watershed · 4-star (highest) rating by Charity Navigator for 11 consecutive years · 11th licensed program of more than 350 in the international Waterkeeper Alliance References: https://edition.cnn.com/2020/10/31/us/lake-lanier-urban-legends-trnd/index.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Lanier https://lakelanier.com/ https://lakelanier.org/ https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/582095413 https://chattahoochee.org/ https://www.antiracistusa.org/namedfor/202 https://www.lakelanierguide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/galleries/23499/Big_catfish.html https://www.narcity.com/atlanta/deadly-curse-georgias-lake-lanier-shocking-fate-underwater-town https://oxfordamerican.org/magazine/issue-113-summer-2021/the-haunting-of-lake-lanier https://fishing-about.com/noodling-for-catfish-in-georgia/ https://www.gainesvilletimes.com/life/art-culture/horror-film-uncovering-truth-oscarville-lake-lanier/ https://www.11alive.com/article/news/community/voices-for-equality/oscarville-lanier-lake-black-town-riot-mae-crow-chattahoochee-beulah-rucker/85-8647e2be-a07b-4e80-91cc-61613d0ff472

Hey there Nature Nerds! We're baaaaack! This week Jen talks all things Hot Air Balloons, so strap on your parachute and enjoy! ;) Organization to Support: bfa.net (90% approval rating on charity navigator) Balloon Federation of America The BFA is a 501c3 non-profit association dedicated to the advancement of the sport and science of lighter-than-air aviation, both hot air and gas balloons. Founded in 1961, membership in the BFA is open to anyone who shares a fascination with Lighter Than Air flight. They seem to be the one stop shop for all balloon events and activities in the US for those who are interested. There are also charities that take disabled folks for free like the Cream Catcher Balloon non-profit out of Carlsborg, WA at dreamcatcherballoon.org Links: https://www.virginballoonflights.co.uk/blog/how-do-hot-air-balloons-work https://www.nationalballoonmuseum.com/about/history-of-ballooning/ https://seattleballooning.com/how-dangerous-are-hot-air-balloon-rides-low-risk/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Aviation%20Accident,air%20ballooning%20is%20even%20safer. https://www.space.com/16595-montgolfiers-first-balloon-flight.html https://napavalleyballoons.com/hot-air-balloon-facts.php https://balloonsgalore.co.uk/blog/ten-strange-facts-about-hot-air-balloons https://blog.gitnux.com/hot-air-balloon-crash-statistics/ https://www.austinmonthly.com/the-deadliest-hot-air-balloon-disaster-in-american-history/ https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-deadliest-hot-air-balloon-accidents-ever-recorded.html https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3113771/What-REALLY-happened-doomed-hot-air-balloon-flight-killed-19-passengers-dream-day-turned-carnage.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_Carterton_hot_air_balloon_crash https://listverse.com/2017/06/16/top-10-horrific-hot-air-balloon-accidents/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1989_Alice_Springs_hot_air_balloon_crash

Hey there Nature Nerds! Somehow we are getting back on track and able to upload this little nugget for you. Our pod recording room is still without power :( but we recorded this one before Typhoon Mawar wrecked it's way through Guam. Enjoy this week's Nugget where Megan talks about the mysterious Flannan Island storm! References: https://www.iflscience.com/the-flannan-isle-mystery-what-happened-to-three-lighthouse-keepers-123-years-ago-68462 https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/our-islands/lewis/flannan-islands https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/animals/birds/puffin-facts/ https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_vanishing_2019