Latest news with #azcentral
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Yahoo
The Grand Canyon Lodge burned in a wildfire. What to know about its history
The historic Grand Canyon Lodge and dozens of other structures on the North Rim have been destroyed by the Dragon Bravo Fire, Grand Canyon National Park officials announced July 13. The lodge opened in 1937 and was the only hotel located inside the national park's boundaries on the North Rim. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in the 1980s. An earlier lodge that had a different design burned down in the 1930s. Here's what we know about the Grand Canyon Lodge and its history on the North Rim, which is visited by far fewer people each year than the more developed South Rim. How many people visit the North Rim of the Grand Canyon each year? The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is visited by only a small fraction of all park visitors, according to the National Park Service. Across the whole park, over 4.9 million people visited the Grand Canyon in 2024, the National Park Service reported. In 2024, the North Rim saw 81,473 vehicle entrances, including employee entrances, according to National Park Service data. That was a 6.4% drop from the year before, according to the data. The South Rim, in contrast, saw over 1.2 million vehicle entrances in 2024, according to National Park Service data. The North Rim has not seen annual vehicle entrances over 100,000 since 2022. The North Rim's busiest year on record was 1993, with over 148,000 vehicle entrances, according to the data. Do you have photos or video of the Grand Canyon Lodge to share on We'd love to see them and share with readers. Send it to us at our video-photo upload site. The North Rim's first lodge was built in the 1920s The original North Rim lodge was built in part for the Union Pacific Railroad and opened in 1928, according to the National Park Service. Architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood followed National Park Service guidelines that required buildings to represent their environment. Its design included a second story and observation tower that were not part of the second lodge, according to the National Park Service. It was known for having college student workers who acted as part-time entertainers for the lodge, regularly performing musical welcomes for new visitors, according to the National Park Service. First lodge burned down in September 1932 In September 1932, a fire destroyed the lodge quickly, sending the lodge's staff fleeing in the early morning hours, according to the National Park Service. According to "Grand Canyon Rim to Rim History," a book by Davy Crockett, the blaze started as a kitchen fire when a chef was preparing breakfast for employees. Guests in adjoining cabins volunteered to help stop the spread of the flames, according to Crockett. The Union Pacific Railroad quickly reestablished a cafeteria and recreation hall after the 1932 fire, according to the National Park Service. North Rim lodge was rebuilt despite earlier fire The rebuilt lodge opened in June 1937. It had a limestone façade that was sourced nearby, and massive ponderosa pine trees were turned into support beams to hold up a sloped roof capable of supporting heavy loads of snow, according to the National Park Service. The new lodge sat on the foundation of the former and used many of the original's materials. The lodge complex consisted of a main lodge building with 23 deluxe cabins and over 90 regular cabins. It also included a saloon, a deli, a coffee shop, a post office, a gift shop, and a visitors center. The lodge was known for its "sun room," which greeted visitors with a view of the Canyon, according to the National Park Service. Where is the Grand Canyon Lodge? The Grand Canyon Lodge was considered the hidden gem of the North Rim, which is the more remote portion of Grand Canyon National Park. The more developed South Rim has several historic structures, including El Tovar, a hotel that opened in 1905. How did the fire that burned down the Grand Canyon Lodge start? The lightning-caused Dragon Bravo Fire started on July 4. It grew, and evacuation orders were issued for the North Rim on July 11. Hot, dry, and windy conditions fueled the fire's growth, with flames spreading through mixed conifer, aspen, and ponderosa pine forests, according to InciWeb, a federal government wildfire tracker. The fire had spread to 5,000 acres and was 0% contained as of July 13, according to InciWeb. What will happen at the North Rim after the fire is extinguished? Firefighters were working to extinguish the Dragon Bravo Fire. Park officials have not said when the North Rim would reopen or whether the area would be rebuilt. Gov. Katie Hobbs questioned the handling of the fire and called for an investigation. Officials opted to manage the wildfire, which started July 4, as a controlled burn rather than immediately extinguish it. Contact reporter Rey Covarrubias Jr. at rcovarrubias@ Follow him on Instagram, X, Threads and Bluesky: @ReyCJrAZ. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Grand Canyon Lodge at the North Rim destroyed by fire: What to know
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
How venomous is the Mojave rattlesnake? You really don't want to find out
Welcome to Snake Week 2025 at Every day from June 23 through June 29, Ultimate Arizona reporter Tiffany Acosta will bring you a new story about Arizona's favorite slithering reptiles. Follow along to learn about coral snakes, whether it's legal to kill snakes in Arizona, the pros and cons of snakes as pets and the absolutely wildest facts about snakes. The Mojave rattlesnake might look like its cousin, the Western diamondback, but don't be fooled. The Mojave rattlesnake packs one of the most potent venoms with a nasty neurotoxic twist that can affect your nervous system. Found mostly in Arizona's northwestern deserts and open grasslands, Mojave rattlesnakes love dry, sunny real estate and often blend into the sand. They're not typically aggressive but will strike if threatened. If you're hiking, watch your step and don't ignore that rattling soundtrack. Here's what to know about the Mojave rattlesnake, one of the most fearsome species in Arizona. Yes, Mojave rattlesnakes are found in Arizona, especially in desert regions across the southern and western parts of the state. They're one of the most common snakes in Arizona, right up there with the Western diamondback rattlesnake and the gopher snake. The Mojave rattlesnake looks a lot like its cousin, the Western diamondback. Here are some differences and similarities: Color: Mojave rattlesnakes are usually greenish-gray to brownish, which has earned them the nickname "Mojave green." Tail bands: One of the best giveaways is that Mojave rattlesnakes have narrow white bands and thicker black bands near the rattle. In contrast, the Western diamondback's tail bands are more evenly spaced. Head shape: Like other rattlesnakes, Mojaves have a triangular head with heat-sensing pits between the eyes and nostrils. Mojave rattlesnakes aren't out to get you. They're generally not aggressive unless provoked, but they can be more defensive than other rattlesnakes, especially during mating season or when cornered. 'Aggression is an individual trait, and it varies. I have encountered Mojave rattlesnakes that didn't rattle or move. Others have been quite defensive and aggressive," said Thomas Jones, amphibians and reptiles program manager at Arizona Game & Fish Department. "They are relatively large snakes and can put up a fight, if necessary. Also, even though I use the term 'aggressive,' I recognize that what we perceive as aggression is just vigorous defense on their part.' The Mojave rattlesnake is extremely venomous and what makes it especially dangerous is its neurotoxic venom, which can affect the nervous system, leading to difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis and even death if untreated. Some Mojave rattlesnakes also have hemotoxic components in their venom, which damage tissues and blood. Not every Mojave has the same venom mix, though. If you get bitten by a Mojave rattlesnake, it's a medical emergency. Mojaves have one of the most potent venoms in North America. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, vision problems and severe pain and swelling at the bite site. 'Treat it with your cellphone and 911,' said Jones. 'Nothing else. Loosen clothing and remove jewelry on the affected limb, but don't do anything else, no electric shock, no cut-and-suck, no ice, nothing. "Get professional help as quickly as possible.' They are different species, so there are many differences. Here's how Jones explains it: 'Both species have obvious black and white rings just above the rattle. On Mojave rattlesnakes, the black rings are generally narrower than the white rings; on diamondbacks, it's just the opposite, black rings are wider. "Of course, that requires a close look, and that's not a good idea, for obvious reasons.' Jones says you can find Mojave rattlesnakes in all of Arizona below the Mogollon Rim. They roam through grassy plains, scrublands and rocky desert foothills. They prefer dry, open terrain with sparse vegetation, often at elevations between 500 and 5,000 feet. Mojave rattlesnakes blend in with sandy or rocky environments and can be tough to spot until you hear that telltale rattle. Keep your eyes peeled when exploring open desert areas, especially during the warmer months when they're most active. Got a story you want to share? Reach out at Follow @tiffsario on Instagram. Looking for the best things to do in Arizona? Sign up for our newsletter. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What happens if you get bit by a Mojave rattlesnake? It's bad
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Did you follow Arizona news this week? Take the azcentral.com news quiz
Did you pay attention to the top headlines in Arizona this week? Now is the time to test your skills with this week's news quiz, covering stories from June 20-26, 2025. Best of luck! If you're interested in more local news, sign up for our East Valley or West Valley newsletters. Sign up for AZ Climate, The Republic's weekly climate and environment newsletter. Sign up for American Border newsletter for the latest immigration news. Quiz isn't loading? Take it here Did you get a perfect score? If so, great job! You're in the know with Arizona news. Didn't get the score you wanted? Sign up for the AZ Briefing to get all the top Arizona headlines in your mailbox every morning. You can also get azcentral's breaking news alerts right on your desktop. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: News quiz for June 27, 2025 | The Arizona Republic
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Yes, snakes can fly. But not in Arizona. 10 facts to know about them, like how they smell
Welcome to Snake Week 2025 at Every day from June 23 through June 29, Ultimate Arizona reporter Tiffany Acosta will bring you a new story about Arizona's favorite slithering reptiles. Follow along to learn about Mojave rattlesnakes, coral snakes, whether snakes make good pets, whether it's legal to kill snakes in Arizona and more. The world of snakes is equal parts fascinating and fear-inducing. Some folks keep them as scaly companions, while others would sprint in the opposite direction at the mere hint of a slither. Love them or nope-out at first hiss, snakes are absolutely intriguing creatures. From tongue-flicking to heat-sensing, snakes have evolved some seriously cool skills. Whether you've seen one in your backyard, on a hiking trail or at a reptile show, chances are you've wondered: How do they even work without legs? Well, grab your metaphorical snake-charming flute and get ready to be charmed. Here are 10 fun facts about snakes. A snake's tongue is split, or forked, to help it "smell" its surroundings more effectively. Snakes use their tongue to collect tiny scent particles from the air or ground. When they flick their tongue, each fork picks up particles from slightly different directions. They then pull the tongue back into the mouth and insert it into their Jacobson's organ, or vomeronasal organ, in the roof of their mouth, according to A-Z This organ analyzes scent information and helps the snake figure out where smells, like prey or predators, are coming from. Snakes flick their tongues to detect scent particles in the air. The forked shape of the tongue allows them to detect which direction a scent is coming from, like a built-in GPS for smells. No, snakes cannot smell fear. They can detect chemical cues: changes in sweat, pheromones and even body heat. If a person is sweating more because they're scared, a snake might be able to pick up on that moisture or scent, but it doesn't understand it as fear. To the snake, it's just another environmental cue. Snakes can behave in ways that humans might interpret as shy. Snakes don't experience emotions like humans do, but many species are naturally reclusive and prefer to avoid confrontation or exposure. That's why they hide under rocks or in burrows and slither away when disturbed. This behavior is driven by instinct for self-preservation. If you encounter a snake and it freezes, hides or retreats, it's just trying to stay safe. Best to back away. Rattlesnakes don't lay eggs because they give birth to live young, a reproductive method called ovoviviparity. Instead of laying eggs in a nest like many other reptiles, rattlesnakes keep the eggs inside their bodies. Baby snakes develop in thin, leathery shells and are fully formed and ready to slither. The mother gives birth to them alive, and the egg casings are left behind during birth. Snakes don't have external ears like humans or many animals do, but that doesn't mean they're deaf. Instead, snakes sense sound through vibrations. They have inner ear bones connected to their jawbone, which rests on the ground. When sound waves or vibrations travel through the earth, like footsteps or rustling, the snake can feel it through its jaw and inner ear. Snakes smell with their tongues. They flick their forked tongues in and out to collect tiny chemical particles from the air or ground. It's an incredibly sensitive system, and snakes can follow scent trails with it. Looking for the ? Sign up for our newsletter. Yes, a dead snake can still bite, especially shortly after it dies. This happens because snakes have strong reflexes and their nervous system can still fire even after death. If you touch or disturb a recently killed snake, its muscles, including those in the head and jaw, may still react. In venomous snakes like rattlesnakes, this means a bite can still occur and venom can still be injected. Some snakes can glide through the air, and they're often called 'flying snakes,' though they don't technically fly like birds or bats. The most well-known are Chrysopelea species, found in Southeast Asia. These snakes can launch themselves from trees, flatten their bodies into a ribbon-like shape and glide up to 100 feet or more. Don't worry: You won't find these aerial acrobats in Arizona. Here's how flying snakes do it: They climb high into trees. Launch themselves off a branch. Flatten their bodies by spreading their ribs wide. Undulate in the air like a ribbon, adjusting direction mid-glide. Some snakes do have a kind of "heat vision." Pit vipers — such as rattlesnakes, boa constrictors and pythons — have special heat-sensing organs called pit organs. These are located between their eyes and nostrils. The pit organs detect infrared radiation, or heat, allowing the snake to 'see' warm-blooded animals like mice, even in total darkness. It's not vision in the traditional sense, but it creates a thermal image in the snake's brain, kind of like night vision goggles. This gives them a huge advantage when hunting at night. Got a story you want to share? Reach out at Follow @tiffsario on Instagram. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Fascinating snake facts: Did you know some snakes can fly?
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
I'll never forget what Walter Cronkite told me
One time, I was interviewing this old guy and he went on and on about how important good journalism is to democracy. You could tell he really believed it. That old guy's name was Walter Cronkite. I interviewed him in his office several years ago, and his words and passion for good journalism have never been more important or rung so true. And The Arizona Republic provides plenty of it. Whether it's local news and sports, expert looks at the dining scene, tough coverage of politics or informed opinions about what's going on in the Valley and the world, The Republic and offer all this in addition to, if I might twist your arm a bit, my media criticism and commentary and movie and TV reviews. And if there is one thing that's true about providing such thorough coverage of the place where we live and beyond, it's this — it ain't free. That's where you come in. A subscription to The Republic helps support our work, which I frequently argue is important. Our coverage of major stories, such as the Gilbert Goons and local favorites like high school sports, is unparalleled. I read it, and you should, too. Not to oversimplify things, but reading our coverage is how I know what's going on in the community I live in. And that's important. For my part, I write about how the media covers (or doesn't) the kind of attacks on democracy Cronkite warned against, alongside reviews of films (horror movies are a particular favorite) and TV shows (I love TV), and the occasional food essay. Recently, I wrote about criticism of the book 'Original Sin,' and how some people think it's something that shouldn't exist. I disagree. You can write about almost anything, and we do. If you don't like one story, move on — you'll likely enjoy the next one. Not only can we cover more than one thing, but we have to. It's what we do. And we do it well. We'd love for you to be a part of it. After all, you don't want to disappoint Walter Cronkite. Special offer: If you like our work, please consider becoming a subscriber. Save on a new subscription today. Reach Goodykoontz at Facebook: Media commentary with a side of snark? Sign up for The Watchlist newsletter with Bill Goodykoontz. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Republic columnist: My mission is to uncover the truth
