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Recently Asked

Learn what the community is asking about this season, with answers by Museum experts.

“I found this skeleton in our backyard woods.  We frequently see skunks, racoons and opossums on our trail cam, but this looks smaller than a racoon or opossum and larger than a skunk. ...”
Jeff Lawton, Santa Barbara, Mesa area - August 8, 2020

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“Is it known what the Chumash called the different species of whales active in the Santa Barbara Channel? I am particularily interested in what they called the blue whales.”
Douglas Hall, 709 Toro Canyon Rd., SB 93108 - August 6, 2020

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“Hola, ¿dónde puedo encontrar los archivos arqueológicos, geológicos y antropológicos del estudio de este yacimiento? ¿Los archivos están a dispos...”
Paula Núñez, Chile - August 6, 2020

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“Hi! Would anyone there know what makes the tracks in this (attached) photo?  They are all over Hollywood Beach in Oxnard, usually around vegetation but not always. They appear to be so...”
Gene, Oxnard, CA - August 6, 2020

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“Hi, upon doing some research, we discovered tachnid flies are killing our backyard Monarch Butterflies. We took a few Monarch caterpillars inside, in huge glass jars to watch them create chrysal...”
Erin Kelley, Santa Barbara - August 5, 2020

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“Earlier this spring a Cliff Swallow built a nest under our eaves. Knowing that they are protected, I let them be and tried to just clean up the mess regularly. I have two questions if som...”
Patrick, Santa Barbara - July 20, 2020

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“We have been noticing a Hummingbird at our feeder that has markings that are different from the usual Hummingbirds ( Mostly Anna's and a Rufus).    We think it is a Ruby Throated Hummi...”
John Boyd, Santa Barbara - July 10, 2020

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“I recently found this pictograph and was curious about the snake or s like symbol or the right hand side lining up the with yellow paint on the left? I'm thinking this is a calendar or sun sched...”
Cooper H, Goleta - June 21, 2020

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“Hi there, I'm wondering if someone may be able to help me with an insect ID. Three days ago we noticed these guys all over our second story balcony, our front porch, sidewalk, and cars pa...”
Kelly Adams, Oxnard - June 1, 2020

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“I live in Mumbai, India. I found this insect sitting on my house window. Is it a Mantis? If yes, then which species? There's currently lockdown in the country due to coronavirus. Are Mantes norm...”
Preet Zatakia, Mumbai, India - May 30, 2020

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