River+Interactions

Welcome to the River Interactions Page! By Emily W. and Olivia T.

Think of your neighborhood. What’s it like? Believe it or not, you aren’t the only person with crazy neighbors. Imagine living on a river… with a twist; you’re an animal. Every neighborhood has friends, bullies and a story behind it.

“Did you hear about Fred?” said Bebe the bumble bee. “Of course not! I have no idea what you’re talking about. I never get news until somebody brings it to me! What’s wrong?” asked Sally the swamp rose. “Fred, the frog, is ill with chytridio mycosis, a disease that can make frogs sick. It’s terrible,” Bebe replied. “I couldn’t imagine what life would be like if you were sick. I wouldn’t be able to bear living without you!” cried Sally. Bebe said, “Same here. You are my best friend, my food source, and I help pollinate you.” Before Bebe flew away Sally managed to say, “I do hope Fred gets better.”

Anna the anaconda, the neighborhood bully, was listening to the two from a distance. In her mind, she thought, “Shoot! I can’t eat the frog anymore. If I do, he will get me sick. Instead, I’ll have to find some other food to eat.” In the corner of her eye, Anna saw Ronald, the red-winged blackbird and Mark, the muskrat. They were talking to each other and Mark would be easy to catch and would make a tasty snack. Anna started stealthily slithering towards the muskrat. She slowly, slowly opened her jaw and snapped it shut around his body. Mark was never seen again.

While Anna attacked, Ronald flew into his shelter in the cattails. The cattails didn’t mind the bird using its stalks for protection. It was clear that Ronald needed them, so they let Ronald stay there whenever he wanted. “Guess what!” Ronald said, speaking to the cattails. “Hmmm?” they said, not sounding very interested. “Oh yeah, you guys don’t care about anything,” said Ronald grimly. Bebe flew over to where Ronald was perched. “What’s wrong?” the bee asked. “Mark was just eaten by Anna. It was terrible!” Ronald answered. “That big bully Anna! She is always eating animals. Anyway, I was going to tell you that Fred is sick. He’s ill with a disease called chytridio mycosis. I think we should go visit him,” said Bebe. "Well isn't it a day full good news," mumbled Ronald sarcastically. "That's a good idea." And with that the two animals flew off to visit their ill neighbor.

Fred sat alone on a lillypad while an aweful parasite was feasting on his insides. He looked beat up and worn down by the constant pains in his stomach and his whole body seemed to be slumped down as if he were melting right there on the spot. "Hi Fred," Bebe said trying to be cheerful. This was difficult, for even the sight of Fred in this state made the bubbly bee sad. "Oh. Hello there," he croaked back, his voice having even more of a croak than usual. "Ronald and I wanted to come visit you and see how you were doing," said Bebe. "And we hope you feel better," Ronald finished. They continued to talk about what was going on in the neighborhood and the loss of Mark until it was late and time for the two animals to leave Fred to rest.

Two months later Fred made a miraculous recovery! Life continued to go on as normally as any river neighborhood. The usual interactions, commensalism, mutualism, parasitism, and predator-prey, between neighbors continued as well.

Biomes Home River Home River Organisms River Food Web River Conservation River Bibliography