News Archives | Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

Keeping Pets Calm Through Fireworks: What Science Tells Us About Helping Our Animal Companions Feel Safe

For many people, fireworks are a celebration. For our pets, they can be one of the most frightening nights of the year. While we often admire the brilliant colors and booming sounds, our dogs and cats experience the world very differently. Their hearing is significantly more sensitive than ours, allowing them to detect sounds at […]

July 1, 2026 View Article

When Is the Best Time to Visit Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge?

One of the questions we hear most often is simple: When is the best time to visit Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge? The answer depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for—but every season offers something unique. Whether you’re visiting during the vibrant colors of autumn, the fresh blooms of spring, the quiet beauty of […]

June 24, 2026 View Article

The Importance of the Maintenance Team at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

Every day at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, more than 100 rescued animals rely on a dedicated team of professionals to provide the care they need. Visitors often see the lions, tigers, bears, bobcats, servals, and other wild animals who call the Refuge home, along with the Animal Care Team members who care for them each […]

June 17, 2026 View Article

Building Trust After Trauma: The Importance of Behavioral Management at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

When an animal arrives at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, they bring more than their physical needs with them. Many of the animals who call TCWR home today have survived neglect, exploitation, inadequate housing, improper nutrition, and years of instability. Some were used in cub-petting operations. Others were bred for profit, kept in backyard cages, or […]

June 10, 2026 View Article

World Environment Day: Hope for the Future of Big Cats

Every year on June 5, people around the world come together to recognize World Environment Day — a global reminder that the health of our planet and the survival of wildlife are deeply connected. World Environment Day was established by the United Nations in 1972 during the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, marking the […]

June 3, 2026 View Article

A Foodie’s Guide to Eureka Springs: Our Favorite Local Eateries

One of the best parts of visiting Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is discovering everything else Eureka Springs has to offer — especially the incredible local food scene. From rooftop dining and smoky barbecue to cozy cafés and upscale dining experiences, our historic mountain town is packed with locally owned restaurants that make every visit unforgettable. […]

May 27, 2026 View Article

The Myth of the “Alpha”: Why the Scientist Who Popularized It Took It Back

For years, nature documentaries, dog trainers, and even leadership books have talked about “alpha wolves” dominating their packs through force. That idea felt dramatic and satisfying… but it’s largely wrong. And the scientist who helped spread it, Dr. L. David Mech, has spent decades trying to correct the record. At Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, where […]

May 20, 2026 View Article

What Is Pyometra? Mama Shakira’s Emergency Surgery and Why This Disease Is So Dangerous

As many of you know, recently, Mama Shakira underwent emergency surgery for a life-threatening case of pyometra. Thankfully, thanks to the quick action of our animal care and veterinary teams, she is recovering under close observation here at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. We wanted to take a moment to share more about what pyometra is, […]

May 13, 2026 View Article

Reptiles and Amphibians You Might See Around Eureka Springs in the Spring

Spring in the Ozarks is a time when the forests come alive. As warmer temperatures return and seasonal rains arrive, many reptiles and amphibians begin to emerge after the colder winter months. Around Eureka Springs, Arkansas, the region’s forests, limestone caves, springs, and clear streams provide ideal habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. While […]

May 6, 2026 View Article

A Summer Campfire Comes With Responsibility

There’s something special about a campfire—the glow, the warmth, the stories shared under open skies. But every summer, fires like these spark something else: wildfires that destroy habitat, displace wildlife, and put already vulnerable animals at risk. At Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, we’ve seen how human actions ripple far beyond a single moment. Campfire safety […]

April 21, 2026 View Article