The ecology of litterbugs: part III

Spring is right around the corner. In fact, the daffodils are already beginning to bloom. This seems early to me, but I say that every year. However, my crocus have not bloomed yet, and they are always first, so something is amiss.




But today was a lovely day for doing another ecology study. If you remember, I have done two previous studies of the Bessemer litterbug. These studies are conducted by gathering the litter distributed by the creatures along the curbs bordering my corner lot and analyzing it to determine their lifestyle.

Here are the results of today's study. (It is highly recommended that you also review the two previous studies. Study 1 Study 2 [there are also links to these studies in the body of this report])

The population of Bessemer litterbugs seems to be in decline, based on the amount of litter.

On the previous two studies we learned that Bessemer litterbugs do not have a particularly healthy lifestyle, and that has not changed.

Whereas last time I found no evidence of tobacco use, this time there was evidence of Kool and Newport consumption. No cigars, though.

No evidence of breeding was found this time, just like last report. Again, this does not necessarily mean breeding is not taking place, as the last report was in March of 2009, in late winter. The most evidence of breeding was seen in a fall report, so this is just further evidence that fall is the mating season for these creatures.

Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips was once again found, for the third time. But along side this perennial favorite was Lay's Salt and Vinegar Chips, Lay's Classic, Doritos Nacho Cheese, Frito's Honey Barbecue, and Bacon Cheddar Cheetos. Along the same line, a pack of Chester's Flamin' Hot Fries was consumed.

Sweets seemed to be favored over chips, and the variety ranged from Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts, Blueberry muffin, Zingers, Nekot Peanut butter Cookies, Russell Stover Chocolates*, and various individual candies (Sour Power, Blow Pop, Skittles [3x -especially popular], Laffy Taffy, Air Heads, Just Born, Now and Later, Jolly Rancher, Andes Peppermint Crunch).

There is an indication that some substantial food was taken in. A receipt from McDonald's included a cheeseburger happy meal and a 10 piece nugget meal, with creamy ranch dip, and a strawberry shake and a Dr. Pepper. Most often a Happy Meal indicates an immature litterbug, and this was confirmed by a listing for a doll toy on the receipt.

McDonald's is apparently a favorite, as another litterbug had consumed a Premium Grilled Sandwich, and fries.

Also consumed were one Burger King whopper, one Captain D's fish meal, one Krispy Krunchy Chicken meal, and one Taco Bell meal. The Taco Bell eater preferred Hot Sauce with his meal.

Several Ketchup Packets were found, with Hunt's outnumbering Heinz 3 to 1. One French's mustard, and one Church's Chicken Barbecue Sauce were found.

There was an indication that a meal had been consumed at a Chik-Fil-A. I especially hate to see this, as Chik-Fil-A is known to be virulently homophobic, as indicated by this sign seen earlier this year in West Virginia.



As for liquid intake, light beer was by far the preferred drink, as an (empty) case of Bud Light, and a Natural Light can were found. Two brown bags from the liquor store were found, but there was no indication of the former contents. A couple of water bottles indicated that some litterbugs are averse to alcohol consumption. Other drinks included an Ocean Spray Pineapple Peach Mango, a Grape Guzzler, and a KFC drink cup. Two styrofoam cups and one plastic cup indicated that some litterbugs bring drinks from home. One possibility is that the unmarked cups could be used to mix the liquor store purchases in.

Someone ate an orange and threw the peel out. Vitamin C!

As for the non food items found, no condoms, no sex aids, no diapers. But a lug nut and a universal battery terminal package were found. We have no clue.

We plan to do another fall study, so confirm our suspicions about the Bessemer litterbug mating habits.

*The Russell Stover Chocolates are a strong indication that mating could be right around the corner, as the mating ritual of Bessemer litterbugs has been shown to sometimes include a preliminary meal of chocolates, especially if they come from a hear shaped box. Unfortunately we do not know what type of box this chocolate came from.