Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chasa Fulkerson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Chasa, thanks for joining us today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

This is more of a hobby than it is a business. Later in life I realized that I loved the outdoors/nature. I wanted to learn more about animals. I decided I wanted to document it with pictures and videos for others to see. The thing about living in the South is that people have a certain perception when it comes to certain animals. I wanted to change the outlook of others. I wanted them to see if they learned they would realize things aren’t so scary.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My husband(John) and I didn’t start with a love for the outdoors but it grew. We started with birding then went to reptiles and amphibians, etc. I do post all of the videos when it comes to Nature Nerds AL., but it started with both of us. Now, I am pretty much invested in learning and showing all things even plants and bugs. The outdoors is a big part of our lives.

I love showing off nature in Alabama since that is where we are from. Alabama is not a hot spot or usually on people’s list to visit but I want people to know how biodiverse this state can be. I started with a traveling website and decided to quit and John and I moved over to Nature Nerds AL. Now, it’s just me that does all of the editing and posting. Nature Nerds AL is on YouTube and for other social media I post on my personal accounts.

I just want people to enjoy nature and not fear it. It can be fun to learn and your own state may surprise you.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

That animals are not bad or nasty. In the south a lot of people are taught that the only good snake is a dead snake. We have heard it all our lives growing up-kill snakes. When you learn about something it can help take the fear out of what makes it scary. Snakes aren’t scary. They are just trying to live their lives. They are also helpful to the environment in many different ways.

Gray Ratsnakes help take care of the rat population. Other non-venmous snakes eat venomous snakes. Our Timber Rattlesnakes eat other animals that carry ticks, helping control Lyme Disease. Venomous snakes have helped us in other ways as well.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

When you actually help people to enjoy rather than fear things. I have had people become interested in animals just from posting pictures. People have said that is a cute snake who normally would have never even looked at a picture of a snake before. Also, just showing a picture of waterfalls/areas makes people want to get out and explore as well.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasafulkerson/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@naturenerdsal
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chasaf

Image Credits
All pictures are mine, Chasa Fulkerson.