Cast of critters adds to mystique of PFW campus

Many drivers on the Purdue University Fort Wayne campus may be familiar with the shared annoyance of needing to wait for a flock of Canada geese as they jauntily and seemingly haughtily cross the road with disregard for anyone else. And just imagine how irritated the wildlife must be with all the humans encroaching on their territory.

“The wildlife that is around campus can be a nuisance when we are in a hurry and focused on getting to class or going to work,” said Mark Jordan, professor and chair of the Department of Biological Sciences. “However, they can also surprise and inspire if we slow down to observe them and consider how they are as connected as our neighbors.”

There’s tremendous depth and variety of flora and fauna around PFW, largely thanks to its proximity to the St. Joseph River and the wetland area along California Road near the Heffner Soccer Fields. Sometimes that diversity spills over onto the Main Campus.

While taking a break from his office, Jordan recently spotted a Blanding’s turtle basking on a log, an endangered species in Indiana. Just a few months ago, trail users showed him a female snapping turtle nesting along the river behind the Environmental Resources Center.

Jordan said the wetland near California Road is full of turtles, frogs, toads, and migratory birds in the spring. Citizen scientists report nearby bird sightings on ebird.org, compiling a list of 121 species on the west side the river. Another website tracking local observations is iNaturalist.org.

The main species seen on campus include Canada goose, eastern fox squirrels, mallards, American robins, painted turtles, and groundhogs, Jordan said. Bald eagles have also been seen recently flying around campus.

“We are fortunate to see them along the river near campus and in other areas around Fort Wayne,” Jordan said. “Until 2020, they were a species of special concern in Indiana, and their removal from the list is a positive sign that they have recovered from declines in prior decades. They favor large bodies of water near forests, a habitat that is available along the St. Joseph River.”

Jordan said the prime time to spot bald eagles is in the spring when they are establishing their nests.