Trap Nature: Oakland edition
Oakland’s Scid “Trap Nature” Howard brings nature and wildlife education to the hood. He talks about exploring the wilderness, connecting with animals and making science accessible to Black communities. The post Trap Nature: Oakland edition appeared first on San Francisco Bay View.
Black News 
by JR Valrey, the People’s Minister of Information
Scid “Trap Nature” Howard is one of the jewels from Oakland when it comes to teaching Black people in the Bay and beyond about nature. As a child, he was an explorer who realized that he had the uncanny gift of being able to feel comfortable with and communicate with nature. After traveling the outbacks of the Bay Area and beyond, he now is on a trek to educate others “in the trap,” aka the hood, about what he has soaked up and learned from his stoop in Oakland, California.
JR Valrey: What is Trap Nature? Why did you name it that? And how did it start?
Scid “Trap Nature” Howard: Trap Nature is a nature-branded business surrounding nature and wildlife topics from a hood perspective. That includes education and experience.
JR Valrey: What interested you most about nature growing up?
Scid “Trap Nature” Howard: It was a passion that I always had. I just got distracted like so many others due to the lack of availability. That was really all I wanted to do as a child. Now that I’m older, I take full advantage.
JR Valrey: Where have you been in the wilderness of the Bay Area?
Scid “Trap Nature” Howard: Everywhere in almost every Bay Area city and county.
JR Valrey: Where have you hiked and camped outside of the Bay Area?
Scid “Trap Nature” Howard: Mount Shasta was my favorite, but I’ve been to different states as well. I’ve been to Arkansas documenting water moccasins. I’ve been to Texas catching speckled kingsnakes. I’ve been to a lot of places looking for wildlife, and that’s what I love about this. I can travel almost anywhere and do what I do.
JR Valrey: What kinds of animals have you encountered on your excursions? Which animals have you interacted with?
Scid “Trap Nature” Howard: I’ve damn near seen it all. Mountain lions, wolves, bobcats, badgers, tarantulas to countless reptiles and amphibians. I’ve encountered many, but my favorite is rattlesnakes. I’ve been interacting with and studying their behavior for over 15 years now. I also like to educate people about my findings because I feel they are very misunderstood animals.
JR Valrey: Can you explain why you feel comfortable interacting with wild wolves, snakes, etc.?
Scid “Trap Nature” Howard: Because everything is always about energy, understanding and, of course, knowing what you are doing. What I do is not for everyone, but there are some people out here who just have a certain gift with wildlife or even domesticated animals. I also have a gift with training strong-breed dogs. It takes a lot of energy and understanding to train certain breeds of dogs. When I had my wolf experience, that was when I realized how similar they behave to dogs.
JR Valrey: Who is your target audience with Trap Nature?
Scid “Trap Nature” Howard: Those who don’t have access to knowledge when it comes to the science of nature. I feel it’s important that everyone knows their roles in nature because ignorance can have negative impacts. I also highlight how we can be positive impacts just by becoming connected.
JR Valrey: How could people book you for speaking engagements or hiking tours?
Scid “Trap Nature” Howard: I have a website www.OfficialTrapNature.com and follow me on instagram @officialtrapnature
SF Bay View Editor-in-Chief JR Valrey is a veteran journalist who can be heard weekly on Wednesdays on 89.5FM KPOO or KPOO.com from noon to 3 p.m. His work can also be heard on www.blockreportradioworld.com. You can reach him at JR@sfbayview.com
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