What bugs/diseases/critters have ya'll seen that weren't around 30-40 years ago?

[part-time-Farmer-NC]

One thing I used to see back then but don't now is bobwhite quail. Every now and again I will hear one calling. I have called em up many times. It was said that they disappeared because of the DDT poisoning, along with the raptors.

Another is rabbits this year being the exception. My dad told me of a time when there was a 6" snow he would go rabbit hunting with a stick and bop them on the head for supper. Growing up I could go months without seeing any. They have made a come back and now I got to do some thinning...

 

[WinterDeere]

Aside from Emerald Ash Borer, Spotted Lantern Fly, Stink Bugs, and Oak Wilt?

Seems to be something going around that's confusing a lot of people about their gender. What are the vectors for contagion of mental disease?

 

[RandyT]

Most of the above, but the most recent change I've seen is the invasion of black vultures. Until maybe 10 years ago, we always saw turkey buzzards devouring the road kill. The first black ones I saw, I thought were immature turkey buzzards. Now, I rarely see a turkey buzzard, but the black ones are everywhere.

Same here. I used to see turkey vultures on road kills and hovering for hours, but probably haven't seen a turkey vulture in close to 20 years now. Been replaced with the dreaded black buzzard. I had them go after a deer I harvested during bow season 3 years ago. They were on it 20 minutes after being shot.

 

[orezok]

Three or 4 years ago, the local population of Black Tailed Hares (Jackrabbits) developed hemorrhagic fever and it almost killed all of them off. Last year a saw a couple and this year I see them every day.

 

[ning]

Alpha Gal Syndrome

In case you think this was a joke:

I know people who would consider suicide if they got this

 

[Jstpssng]

What are the vectors for contagion of mental disease

Facebook et.al. There have always been people with a varied sexual orientation. They were once austracized for being different. Now it's the in thing to do so kids are jumping on the bandwagon.

 

[Mtsoxfan]

Covid...
Why invent more disease unless it is to be used as evil.

 

[MossRoad]

Two friends I've known since my youth have Alpha Gal Syndrome. Never heard of Autism back then, now it seems rampant.

Funny you mention Alpha Gal Syndrome, as I was going to mention Lone Star Ticks starting to show up around here.

 

[MossRoad]

There is an increasing need for people to be able to label their quirks so they can blame their behavior on a syndrome rather than just accept that is who they are.

Are you talking about the meat allergy? Because I don't think that's a behavioral thing.

 

[Torvy]

Are you talking about the meat allergy? Because I don't think that's a behavioral thing.

Autism. It's a real thing that has become an excuse for anyone. My bf from HS runs a support system for families dealing with it. One of his daughters actually has it.

Resources get diverted because people want to 'belong' to a group.