Kyle C would love to see white tailed deer!

'm hoping to see a Costa Rican white-tail deer, which are smaller than the white-tail deer we have in the United States. Their colors range from gray to red with a white belly that is easier seen when they run. They can be found in the open dry forest land, especially near the Santa Rosa National Park. They like to eat grass, leaves, flowers, and fruits. The deer average 60 pounds and can live to 10 years. They protect themselves by jumping, swimming, and running up to 40 mph.

The white-tail deer were heavily hunted for leather goods and dog food in the 1940's; however, thanks to conservation efforts, they are again able to prosper as the National Symbol of Costa Rican wildlife. Man is still their primary enemy, but the jaguar and puma also hunt them in the wild. It would be neat to see them in their setting in Costa Rica, and how it is different from seeing their similar species in Texas.

Kyle - I'm glad you are already starting to think about the conservation theme of the trip.

Reflection Journal

It's time for you to crack open the brand new journal and make your first entry. Here is what you need to do:
1. Find a quiet place outdoors
2. Sit without talking for five minutes and observe your surroundings.
3. Stay seated and close your eyes for the next five minutes. Listen, smell, even touch your surroundings but do not talk or open your eyes.
4. Open your journal and write!
5. Comment on your experience in the comment section of this blog. Do not rewrite what you put in your journal, just comment on the overall experience.

Addie W. Is Most Excited To See An Ocelot!!

The animal I’m hoping, and most excited to see is the Ocelot. I have admired and studied these beautiful cats for a few years and greatly desire to see one in real life. Their gorgeous coats and beautiful eyes stun me as well as their athleticism and camouflage.

The Ocelot is a medium sized cat and is found from Texas to North Argentina. They weigh between 20-40 pounds depending on gender, males being heavier. Ocelots have 30 teeth and have an incredible bite strength for their size. Mostly a nocturnal creature and most are solitary hunters, though some hunt in pairs and take down larger prey than their average 2 pound meal. I am extremely excited to see if we can find one of these amazing and beautiful cats!

Jordan S. is Looking Forward to Seeing a Squirrel Monkey!

I am looking forward to seeing a squirrel monkey. They aren't very big at all, but have the highest brain to size ratio of any primate at 1:17 (humans have a 1:35 ratio).

They live in the canopy layer of the rain forest, high off the ground and away from predators. They live together in groups that can get as big as 500 members, though they sometimes split into smaller troops.
Personally, I think seeing a swarm of 500 tiny monkeys would be pretty cool.

Camryn D. Is Most Excited to See This Incredible Bird!

I'm most excited to see the Scarlet Macaw. It is considered one of the most beautiful birds in Costa Rica. Scarlet Macaws can live up to 50 years. It is an endangered species becuase of pet trade. You can only seen them in a few areas because most are in wildlife reserves though they prefer living in the rainforests. They can fly up to 35 miles an hour. Also the males and females look the same. They eat clay from rivers, fruits and seeds.

Cam, I hope you don't mind that I added my own picture. The Belize Zoo provided me with an up close and personal interaction with the Scarlet Macaw last summer.

Costa Rica Jungle Wildlife