Tinder dates for wildlife: Learn about animal mating during MDC virtual program April 22

St. LOUIS, Mo.—Spring is in the air, and the air of love is alive in nature right now.  This is a special time of year, when animals seek to find and attract mates, and reproduce a new generation.  The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is taking a deeper dive into the dynamics of wildlife reproduction.

Join MDC naturalists for a virtual lunch and learn experience, From Birds to Bees: Nature's Rules of Attraction on Wednesday, April 22 from noon – 1:30 p.m.  This online program is free and open to ages 10 years and up. 

Spring has sprung and it’s the time of year again when wildlife across the state is looking for mates—either for the season, or for life.  The presentation will discuss which animals in Missouri mate for life, and which ones seek shorter-term partners.  Participants will learn the basics of how to tell a male from a female using some general trends. 

Just how do animals attract mates?  The program will provide answers and explore various mating rituals, many of which are very complex and elaborate.  Some involve gift giving, singing, and even dancing.  Nature and wildlife spend much of their time, energy, and resources with the whole process, making it fascinating to study and learn about.

The presentation will run approximately one hour, followed by a live Q&A portion led by MDC naturalists. 

Birds to Bees: Nature's Rules of Attraction is a free virtual program; however, each participant must register online in advance at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/oSh and provide a valid e-mail address to receive an online meeting link.   Log in instructions will be emailed beforehand.  This online program will be held via Webex.

Sign up for email or text alerts to stay informed of MDC’s latest programs and events by going to  https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZoP.