When I was young I found a praying mantis and built a cage for it. I kept it as a pet, watching with awe as the mantis caught and consumed grasshoppers I put into the cage for it. They’re not native to Washington state, and they’re utterly fascinating to observe, so they make ideal temporary pets. I hadn’t seen one in years, and never once in Seattle. But last week at San Juan Island National Park, I encountered a few. It was so unexpected I first thought a kid had dropped a bright green praying mantis toy on the path. Imagine my surprise when it ran off the path and climbed up the plants. I was delighted to see one again. They are apparently quite common in the park there and I found a few more during my wanderings.
