In honor of Mother’s Day, a few stories from the Almanack archive:

The Ruffed Grouse: Defender of young

In late spring many infants are emerging from the safety of their den or nest and most mothers try to provide some form of protection from potential danger to their babies. Perhaps the most remarkable display of parental courage for a creature of its size is seen in the hen ruffed grouse. This bird will aggressively confront and challenge any human that happens to come too close to its recently hatched chicks.

From Tom Kalinowski: https://www.adirondackalmanack.com/2018/05/adirondack-wildlife-ruffed-grouse.html

The Women of WWI laid the foundation for Rosie the Riverter:

Among those strongly urging women to fill men’s jobs during the First World War were suffragettes, who at the same time were battling for the right to vote. Their work for America’s defense, and the outstanding job performed by those unfairly characterized as the weaker sex, helped win ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, granting women the right to vote in national elections — the very definition of service to one’s country.

By Lawrence Gooley. Read more: https://www.adirondackalmanack.com/2016/03/women-wwi-laid-groundwork-rosie-riveter.html

Read about why porcupine mothers crave salt more than dads: https://www.adirondackalmanack.com/2018/04/a-porcupines-salt-cravings.html