Animal Welfare / Public News Service

The Bridger-Teton National Forest occupies the traditional lands of the Shoshone-Bannock, Eastern Shoshone and Cheyenne people. (Adobe Stock)

Federal Court Rules Against Elk Feedgrounds

CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- A federal court agreed with conservationists this week, ordering winter feeding of elk on the Bridger-Teton National Forest …

In 2018 an unknown hunter killed and skinned one of the few remaining jaguars in Arizona, a male named Yo'oko. (Center for Biological Diversity)

Groups Look to Expand Jaguar Habitat After Victory Against Proposed Mine

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The battle against copper mining the Santa Rita Mountains outside of Tucson continues - even though the feds just handed a …

During late summer and fall, bears eat and drink nearly nonstop in preparation for winter hibernation, a process known as hyperphagia. (Adobe Stock)

Safety Tips Offered for Pre-Hibernation Bear Sightings

JACKSON, Wyo. - Bears throughout Wyoming, including celebrated Grizzly 399 and her four adolescent cubs, are becoming increasingly active in search …

Because of river-flow reductions and habitat alteration and loss, the southwestern willow flycatcher teeters on the brink of extinction. (eBIrd.org)

Saving America's Wildlife Earns Bipartisan Support

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Wildlife experts say about one third of all wildlife species in the U.S. are in decline or vulnerable - which makes revived …

To create a route for the southern border wall between the U.S. and Mexico, the Trump administration used blasting techniques typically reserved for mining operations. (John Darwin Kurc)

Border Wall Map Reveals Damage to Landscape, Migration Routes

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- A newly-released map identifies portions of the U.S.-Mexico border wall built by the Trump administration, and for conservation …

To fulfill President Donald Trump's promised U.S.-Mexico border wall, the administration waived requirements for environmental reviews and mediation. (wikipedia)

Biden Promises Environmental Damage Review of Trump's Border Wall

EL PASO, Texas -- The Biden administration has promised to conduct a damage assessment after announcing that billions diverted for construction of …

Castner Range, outside of El Paso, contains petroglyphs, remnants of failed tin-mining operations and small stone structures and pottery, according to the El Paso Community Foundation and Franklin Mountain Wilderness Coalition. (riograndesierraclub.org)

Conservationists Promote TX Castner Range for National Monument Status

AUSTIN, Texas -- West Texans who support the Biden administration's commitment to conserve 30% of the nation's lands, waters and ocean by 2030 want …

Black bears in Missouri typically are seen south of Interstate 44, although the population is growing. (Jillian/Adobe Stock)

Conservation Department Urges Missourians to Be 'Bear Aware' This Summer

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Late spring and early summer are when Missourians are most likely to come across one of the state's estimated 800 black bears - …

Bumblebees can die or be rendered sterile by systemic pesticides present in flower pollen. (PANNA)

Working in the Garden? Don't Forget About Bee Safety

PIERRE, S.D. - Pollinator gardens are gaining popularity this spring, but some well-meaning gardeners may not realize they could be harming the …

Wyoming is home to many wildlife-killing contests, including the Wyoming Best of the Best and other privately-run events. (Project Coyote)

Billboard Campaign Aims to End Wildlife-Killing Contests in Wyoming

CODY, Wyo. -- Drivers traveling from Cody to Yellowstone National Park will see a large billboard featuring a wolf and a call to action to end a …

A family of endangered Mexican gray wolves will be released on property owned by communications magnate Ted Turner, where work to breed endangered Bolson tortoises, aplomado falcons and threatened Chiricahua leopard frogs has been successful. (rewilding.org)

Mexican Gray Wolf Family Relocates to Friendlier NM Hunting Grounds

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- The Mexican gray wolf is so threatened with extinction it was not included in the Trump administration's order to remove other …

Scientists and naturalists expect to use information from the recent City Nature Challenge to better understand and protect the natural world. (briankushner/traveisaudubon.org)

Houston, Dallas Prove to Be Global Biodiversity Hotspots

HOUSTON - Nature lovers know thousands of native animal and plant species occur only in Texas, and participants in the City Nature Challenge set out …

The number of animal-vehicle collisions has doubled in the past 15 years. (Heather Paul/Flickr)

Wildlife and Roadways Summit to Address Big Game-Auto Collisions

CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- State agencies, wildlife biologists and conservation groups are convening a virtual summit to continue work aimed at reducing the …

According to Environment America, 90% of wild flowering plants need the help of animal pollinators to survive, and declining bee populations are extremely dangerous for the ecosystem. (Adobe Stock)

"Bee-ing" an Advocate to Save Pollinators Beyond Earth Day

HARTFORD, Conn. - Even though Earth Day has passed, groups advocating for bees hope people will continue to take steps to save these pollinators…

Connecticut, Maryland and Vermont all have banned the sale of neonicotinoids, bee-killing pesticide, according to Environment America. Florida has yet to do so, but the group hopes it also will take action in order to save the insect. (Adobe Stock)

On Earth Day, Environmentalists Push to Save Bees

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Today is Earth Day, and environmental advocates are calling on citizens to do their part to save the bees. National …

Wildlife-protection groups say despite promising numbers in certain regions, America's gray wolf population has not recovered enough to allow hunting of the animal. (Adobe Stock)

WI Group: Multiple Ways to Weigh In On Wolf Hunt

MADISON, Wis. - This week, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources began gathering public input on a new gray wolf management plan following …

Sea otters can weigh 45 to 65 pounds, and can be injured or killed by a boat strike. (Wikimedia Commons)

Otters at Risk for Boat Strikes as CA Salmon Season Opens

MONTEREY BAY, Calif. -- Salmon season starts this coming weekend, and it's expected to draw hundreds of fishing boats to the central coast. …

Once near extinction, in 2020 there were an estimated 316,700 bald eagles in the lower 48 states, including 71,400 nesting pairs. (Frank Fichtm�ller/Adobe Stock)

Bald Eagle Populations Soaring

NEW YORK -- A new report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service showed there are now more than 316,000 individual American bald eagles in the lower 4…

Bald eagles from Canada and the northwest Rockies migrate to Arizona in the winter months to build nests and mate. A 1999 survey found 74 nesting pairs in Arizona, up from only 11 in 1978. (Tagayuki Ogawa/flickr)

Bald Eagles Make Stunning Comeback from Brink of Extinction

MORMON LAKE, Ariz. -- Bald eagle populations in Arizona and across the nation have quadrupled in the last decade, after once being on the brink of …

From raccoons to bald eagles to domestic pets, at least four million animals die in traps each year, according to the Humane Society of the United States. (apvnm.org)

NM Governor to Decide Fate of "Roxy's" Trapping Law

SANTA FE, N.M. -- A dog that died through no fault of its own on a hike with its owner near Santa Cruz Lake in 2019 could leave a lasting legacy if a …

Jaguars are considered an Endangered Species across their range along the border of Mexico and state-level protections exist in Arizona and New Mexico. (defenders.org)

Scientists Identify More Jaguar Recovery Habitat in NM, AZ

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Jaguars once roamed much of the Southwest, and wildlife scientists say they've identified plenty of land where they could thrive …

Bills that would change wolf hunting in Montana have hearings before the state Senate Fish and Game Committee this week. (bkilzer/Adobe Stock)

Hunters: Wolf-Snaring Bill Could Harm Other Species

HELENA, Mont. - Some hunters are raising objections to a bill in the Montana Legislature that would allow the snaring of wolves in the state…

Animals can contract Chronic Wasting Disease through prions, which persist long after an infected animal dies by eating plants in contaminated areas. (PXhere)

Critics Say Feedlot Law Unnecessary, Shortsighted

CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- Wyoming lawmakers are considering a proposal which would require a governor's order before any of the state's winter elk feedlots …

Gray whales are one of more than 70 species that get trapped in gillnets, which have a large percentage of incidental bycatch. (NOAA)

President Vetoes Bill to Ban Fishing Gear Harmful to Dolphins, Other Sealife

MONTEREY, Calif. -- Groups that fight for healthier oceans are vowing to fight on after President Donald Trump vetoed a bill to ban an outdated type …

In Wyoming, 54 wolves were killed this year in trophy hunting season, with from 10 to 20 killed in livestock conflicts, out of a total population of 300. (Pixabay)

Advocates: Wolves Could Help Stave Off Disease in Elk, Deer

JACKSON, Wyo. -- The first case of chronic wasting disease in elk reported by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department has reopened debate on current …

The carcass of the rufous hummingbird is stuffed and sold as an amulet or love charm. It's one species on a new list of illegally trafficked wildlife. (Avia 5/Pixabay)

Report: Wildlife Trafficking Jeopardizes Vulnerable Species

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- A new report calls for a crackdown on the booming illegal wildlife trade - activity that's been linked most recently to the …

Wildlife advocates are concerned that drawing large numbers of elk to winter feedlots, where they are in close proximity for months at a time, could lead to outbreaks of chronic wasting disease. (NPS)

Game & Fish Seeks Public Input in Elk Feedlot Revisions

JACKSON, Wyo. -- The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is reconsidering how it manages the state's winter elk-feeding grounds, in part to mitigate the …

A 2019 poll by the National Wildlife Federation found nearly 85% of respondents in New Mexico said they'd like to see increased efforts to safeguard wildlife corridors. (dog.gov)

Western Big Game Benefits from New Tracking Tool

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - A new report published by the U.S. Geological Survey includes detailed maps of Global Positioning System tracked migration routes …

A new U.S. Geological Survey report uses GPS technology to track animal movements through 26 corridors, 16 migration routes, 25 stopovers and nine winter ranges. (Wikimedia Commons)

GPS Mapping of Migration Patterns Can Help Protect Wildlife

CARSON CITY, Nev. -- Wildlife managers in Nevada and across the West have a new tool to protect big-game animals and other migrating wildlife…

Cargill says it works with 600 "independent family farms" to produce turkeys in the United States, but groups are challenging that claim as potentially misleading. (Adobe Stock)

MN-based Cargill Faces Federal Complaint Over Turkey Labels

MINNEAPOLIS -- Many Americans are scaling back their Thanksgiving plans because of the pandemic. But turkey is still on the menu, and one Minnesota-…

Resilient landscapes in Michigan appear as bright green on a new mapping tool. (The Nature Conservancy)

Mapping Michigan's Most Climate-Resilient Landscapes

LANSING, Mich. -- Because animals in Michigan need safe places to go when temperatures surge or flood waters rise, experts have mapped out these …

The Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge is the largest blackwater swamp in North America, and one of the "Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia." (Stacy Shelton/US Fish and Wildlife Service)

Conservationists: Proposed Mining Project Threatens Wildlife Refuge

LAKE CITY, Fla. -- Conservationists say a proposed mining project near the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge poses a real risk for the more than 400…

According to the National Wildlife Federation, 33 million tons of leaves and other lawn debris are sent to landfills every year. (Needpix/Creative Commons)

Leaving Leaves on Property Can Help Environment, Wildlife

BOSTON -- If you're feeling lazy about leaves piling up on your property, experts say you shouldn't. Leaving those leaves can help the environment as …

Grizzly bears were first protected by the Endangered Species Act in 1975. (Wikimedia Commons)

Governor's Grizzly Bear Advisory Council Makes Recommendations

HELENA, Mont. -- The Montana Governor's Grizzly Bear Advisory Council has released its recommendations to manage and protect the species, which the …

Culling mountain goats in Grand Teton National Park is scheduled for mid-September through mid-November, when grizzly bears are in hyperphagia, a period of increased calorie intake in preparation for hibernation. (Gregory Smith/Flickr)

Teton Grizzly Protection Urged as State Culls Mountain Goats

JACKSON, Wyo. -- As Grand Teton National Park prepares to cull mountain goats to protect bighorn sheep populations from disease, conservationists are …

People looking for purebred puppies, including Pomeranians, are being targeted by scam online ads. (Youngthousands/Flickr)

Pet Scams on Rise in New Hampshire

CONCORD, N.H. -- People trying to buy purebred puppies and kittens online should beware of a scam that's already hit half a dozen New Hampshirites in …

Project CAT is conserving nearly six million acres of tiger habitat in three countries. (Discovery, Inc. 2018)

International Tiger Day Puts Focus on Conservation

NEW YORK -- Today is International Tiger Day, and conservation groups are highlighting efforts to preserve tiger habitat and increase the numbers of …

As of February 2020, chronic wasting disease has been identified in 31 of 37 (84%) Wyoming mule deer herds, and 9 of 36 (25%) elk herds in Wyoming. (Skeeze/Pixabay)

Wildlife Managers Have New Tools to Contain Chronic Wasting Disease

SHERIDAN, Wyo. -- Wildlife managers in Wyoming are moving forward to combat chronic wasting disease in deer, elk and moose herds, after the Wyoming …

In a survey, nearly 20% of Minnesota pet owners indicate having difficulty affording a pet. (Adobe Stock)

Stray-Pet Population Becomes Big Concern During Pandemic

MINNEAPOLIS -- Animal welfare groups say the pandemic is exacerbating the overpopulation crisis for cats and dogs in Minnesota and across the country…

In a survey, more than 15% of Wisconsin pet owners indicates having difficulty affording a pet. (Adobe Stock)

COVID-19: Fears Grow Over Animal Shelters Becoming Overwhelmed

MILWAUKEE, Wis. -- Animal welfare groups say the pandemic is exacerbating the overpopulation crisis for cats and dogs in Wisconsin and across the …

An analysis of data from the 2017 USDA Census of Agriculture estimates that 99% of U.S. farm animals are located on factory farms. (Adobe Stock)

Groups Call on Consumers to Boycott Large-Scale Meat Producers

DES MOINES, Iowa -- The corporate meat industry is the target of a new campaign that asks consumers to boycott products from large operations…

Nevada's Desert National Wildlife Refuge is home to the Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep, and the endangered desert tortoise. (refugeassociaiton.org)

Nevadans Urge Congress to Reverse Desert Refuge Giveaway

LAS VEGAS -- Backed by a letter from the governor, Nevada conservationists want congressional leaders to strike a surprise provision that was slipped …

In a survey, nearly one-in-four Ohio pet owners indicates having difficulty affording a pet. (Stocksnap/Pixabay)

COVID Renews Calls to Bring Down Pet Population

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Animal welfare groups say the coronavirus pandemic is exacerbating the overpopulation crisis for cats and dogs. According to Lisa …

It's estimated that one female dog and her puppies can result in the births of 67,000 dogs in just six years. (Adobe Stock)

Pandemic Renews Concerns About Pet Population

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Animal welfare groups say the pandemic is exacerbating the overpopulation crisis for cats and dogs. According to Lisa Lange…

The Great Island marsh at the mouth of the Connecticut River is part of the proposed Connecticut National Estuarine Research Reserve. (Kevin O'Brien)

New Reserve Moves Forward to Showcase CT Estuaries

GROTON, Conn. -- Connecticut soon may get a special reserve to spotlight its estuaries -- where the Connecticut and Thames rivers meet Long Island …

People who catch lobster for a living have opposed tighter regulations on fishing gear, even though some of the gear jeopardizes critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. (NOAA)

Three Gulf of Maine Offshore Closures Recommended to Save Right Whales

BAR HARBOR, Maine - Emergency action is being requested to protect critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. The Pew Charitable Trusts …

Some types of fishing gear ensnare critically endangered North Atlantic right whales, which number fewer than 400. (Fla. Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, NOAA Research Permit #594-1759)

Offshore Closures Requested to Save Endangered Right Whales

ROCHESTER, N.H. - Emergency action is being requested to protect critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. The Pew Charitable Trusts …

A $250 million wildlife crossing pilot program is included in the Senate version of a major transportation bill. (Oregon Department of Transportation/Flickr)

Wildlife Advocates Push for Highway Crossing Funding

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Highway crossings play an integral role in keeping drivers and wildlife safe. Wildlife advocates want the U.S. House of …

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