A brown-headed nuthatch clings to a burnt Caribbean pine while feeding in early morning. Some of the coolest creatures in Southern Louisiana are its smallest.

Although Louisiana is host to amazing dragonflies, butterflies, warblers, beetles and lizards, one small animal seems to get all the attention: the fire ant. I've noticed that in Louisiana, people use the ambiguous threat of fire ant bites as an excuse for just about anything. Go outside? Too many fire ants. Or, come back inside, the fire ants will get you.

I have an open bet with my family in Louisiana that I'll face no serious threat when I place my foot in a fire ant mound. We'll see.