Anna Mary Childs was in Wahpeton recently to visit her sister, Nancy Schmidt, and decided to donate her and Jack's book, Ambushed on the Jaguar Trail: Hidden Cameras on the Mexican Border, to the Leach Public Library.
"I hope that adults and even young people will enjoy the journey," Childs said. "We call it the jaguar journey."
|
Advertisement |
The book features more than just Macho B. Through years of study, and 60 cameras along the trail, the Childs captured several species of wildlife native to the southwest including four species of skunks, cougars and deer. Some cameras even showed hikers posing for a picture.
"The study was so non-invasive that even naked people could walk in front of the cameras and not notice them," Childs said, laughing. Cameras caught at least two naked hikers.
The trail also harbors more than wild animals and hikers. In the area, there is currently a major drug war between two cartels, Childs said. One picture in the book shows two men carrying large bundles of marijuana on their backs like backpacks.
The book is mainly educational, Childs said. Many schools have purchased copies and used as part of curriculums. Others have the book in their libraries and students use them for projects on animals from the Southwest United States.
The Childs have finished their project, mainly because Macho B died of renal failure. However, Jack Childs is still putting all their pictures and data into a database from the project. He will offer the information to the Arizona Game and Fish Department for their use. Jack is well-known for his expertise on large cats. He was even featured on a MonsterQuest episode.
"It is the end of a chapter, but the beginning too because we're looking for another jaguar to replace [Macho B]," Childs said. "We'll continue to look for Macho C or a female."
Comment posters are responsible for the opinions they express and the accuracy of the information they provide. We urge comment writers to treat this as a public forum where manners matter. We encourage a collegial, non-insulting tone. All readers comments must be approved by our staff before posting to the Web site. Be aware, in accordance with the Communications Decency Act and provisions upheld in judicial appeal, that you are responsible for comments posted on this Web site. The Daily News is not liable for messages from third parties.
DO NOT POST:
* Potentially libelous statements or damaging innuendo.
* Obscene, explicit, or racist language.
* Personal attacks, insults or threats.
* The use of another person's real name to disguise your identity.
* Comments unrelated to the story.
Opinions, advice and all other information expressed in wahpetondailynews.com's reader comments represent the individual's own views and not necessarily those of the The Daily News. The Daily News does not endorse and is not responsible for statements, advice or opinions offered by anyone other than authorized The Daily News spokespersons.
Thank you for your comments!