Covering Annandale, Bailey's Crossroads, Lincolnia, and Seven Corners in Fairfax County, Virginia

Vote for a critter

The candidates: Black Rat Snake, Eastern Box Turtle, and American Toad. In what might be the most cold-blooded election ever, the Fairfax County Park Authority invites the public to vote for their favorite herptile.  The candidates are a snake, a toad, and a turtle. Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale is campaign headquarters for the … Continued

Annandale’s got a new bear

Happy July 4th  [SJ] There’s a new bear at the corner of Ravensworth Road and Davian Drive in Annandale. His name is Felix, and he replaces the old bear who had been standing watch over that corner for the past 10 years or so. Bartholomew, the Annandale Bear, was a local landmark, delighting passersby as … Continued

Therapy dog helps children connect

Katie Miller, who uses a therapy dog, Ryder, to connect with children at the Phillips Special Education Day School in Annandale, was named “Related Services Provider of the Year” by the National Association of Private Special Education Centers. Ryder, an affectionate golden retriever mix, was trained as a service dog. Miller uses Ryder as a  … Continued

An upsurge in coyote sightings

A coyote pup seen last summer in Falls Church. [FCPD] There’s been an increase in coyote sightings in Fairfax County in recent months. The animals are now considered “established and widespread” in the county, states a post in the Fairfax County Police Department blog. Coyotes could prey on free-range cats and small dogs, so residents … Continued

Scene around A-Town: a big snapper

Snapping turtles bite. [Photo by Kristel Wilson] This large snapping turtle was sighted by Kristel Wilson by the footbridge on the Holmes Run trail near Valleycrest Drive in Annandale. She estimates it was about a foot and a-half long and at one point started chasing her with its mouth wide open. If you see it, … Continued

Rabid raccoon attacks man

Fairfax County Animal Control officers distributed rabies information to residents of the Kings Park area today after a man was attacked by a rabid raccoon in the 5300 block of Kings Park Drive on Sunday, June 7. The man was working in his garden around 12:30 p.m. when a raccoon quietly approached him from behind … Continued