Don't rake your leaves, scientists say

leavesSEATTLE, Wash. -- Here's an excuse to use the next time someone asks you to rake the leaves: science.

The National Wildlife Federation is encouraging people to leave the leaves.

On its website, the NWF says dry, dead leaves are important habitats for all kinds of critters.

Butterflies, salamanders, chipmunks, box turtles, toads, shrews, earthworms, and other creatures live, lay eggs in or eat from leaves, according to NWF's plea with the public to let the leaves stay where gravity left them.

Read more: http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/2014/11/18/do-not-rake-your-leaves/19248923/