Endangered Species & Wildlife / Public News Service

Construction of the Little Goose Dam in eastern Washington began in 1963 and was completed in 1970. (Brigida I. Sanchez/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

Monday, November 28, 2022

With Leak Report, Snake River Dams Could Be Showing Their Age

Four dams on the lower Snake River have been the sites of contention in the Northwest, and a recent report of an oil spill at one of the dams could …

Approximately 60% of land in Colorado is privately owned. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 28, 2022

New Tools Available to Navigate Conservation Easements

Some three million acres of Colorado lands have been protected through land trusts and their partners, and new online resources launched by the group …

Biologists say there is ample natural winter range for Wyoming's elk populations without continued use of controversial winter feedgrounds. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 28, 2022

Getting Priorities on Track to Foster Healthy Elk Populations

After receiving input from stakeholders earlier this year, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department has released a list of priorities guiding its initial …

According to the Center for Biological Diversity, only about 500 adult American Burying Beetles remain in South Dakota. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 28, 2022

Wild Turkeys: A Blueprint for SD's Threatened Species

Wildlife advocates want more species to have the same shot at the type of recovery wild turkeys experienced. The game birds were once hunted to near-…

It is said founding father Alexander Hamilton once remarked,

Wild Turkeys in MA: A Model for Conservation Efforts Nationwide

Wild turkeys are not only the official game bird of the Commonwealth but the latest champion of conservation efforts in Congress, where …

There are only 350 black-footed ferrets remaining in the wild, according to a conservation group working with governments, nonprofits and private landowners to maintain and expand recovery sites for the animal. (Adobe Stock)

North Dakota's Wild Turkeys: Success Model for Threatened Species

Wildlife advocates want more species to have the same shot at the type of recovery wild turkeys experienced. The game birds were once hunted to near-…

Current funding for the State Wildlife Grants Program is $65 million per year. (Adobe Stock)

Wild Turkey Restoration in MD a Blueprint for Future Conservation Efforts

As Americans celebrate Thanksgiving, many may not realize a century ago, wild turkeys were on the brink of extinction. Conservation groups are …

Wild turkeys are among the many Nebraska species that would benefit from Recovering America's Wildlife Act funds. (Adobe Stock)

Wildlife Groups Await Senate Action on Conservation Bill

Nebraska naturalists and hunters are accustomed to seeing an abundance of wild turkeys, but it has not always been the case. Conservation programs …

New Hampshire Fish and Game officials says wild turkeys travel across four to five square miles during the year, although during the winter and nesting season, they often restrict their movements to within their restored habitats of 100-200 acres. (Adobe Stock)

Once Threatened, Wild Turkeys Now Thrive in New Hampshire

Turkey may be the star of Thanksgiving meals throughout the Granite State, but the wild turkey has become a focal point of new conservation efforts …

Indiana has maintained an average of four wild turkeys per square mile in recent years. (Adobe Stock)

Indiana Wild Turkeys: A Model for New Conservation Efforts

As Americans celebrate Thanksgiving, many may not realize a century ago, wild turkeys were near extinction. Conservation groups point to their …

Wild turkeys in Missouri are the eastern subspecies, one of five subspecies in North America. (Alison Toon/Adobe Stock)

Turkey Population Restoration a Model for New Conservation Efforts

As Americans celebrate Thanksgiving, many may not realize a century ago, wild turkeys were near extinction. Conservation groups point to their …

According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, a wild turkey can see about seven times better than humans and hear about 10 times better. (Roger Hill/Iowa DNR)

Iowa's Wild Turkeys: A Success Story for Endangered Species

CORRECTION: Wild turkeys were not on the Endangered Species List, as it had not been created at the time they were hunted to near-extinction…

The Silver Creek Preserve is located about 30 miles south of Ketchum, Ida. (Neil Crescenti/The Nature Conservancy)

First Ever 'Trout-Safe' Certification Awarded to ID Farm

A farm in Idaho has received the first-ever "trout-safe" certification from an organization that protects habitat for the fish. The Nature …

A photo from the top of the berm near the Smurfit-Stone site shows how close the Clark Fork River is. (Lisa Ronald/American Rivers)

Tour of Former Mill Site Underscores Dangers for MT River

Community members and conservation groups recently toured a former paper mill because of urgent concerns that the site poses a threat to a nearby Mont…

According to the Bureau of Land Management, the new policy is expected to increase financial costs for state BLM offices as habitat connectivity is assessed. (Adobe Stock)

BLM Prioritizes AZ Habitat Connectivity for Wildlife

The Bureau of Land Management says it will prioritize habitat connectivity of public lands in Arizona and other states, to improve migration routes …

Conservation efforts by the National Wildlife Federation and other conservation groups restored the U.S. wild turkey population from near extinction to thriving in almost every state in the country. (Brett/Adobe Stock)

Conservationists Urge Congress to Pass Recovering America's Wildlife Act

Environmental groups are calling efforts over the past half-century to restore the wild turkey population from the brink of extinction one of America'…

Conservationists: Recovering America's Wildlife Act Critical to Save Species

Environmental groups are calling efforts over the past half-century to restore the wild turkey population from the brink of extinction one of America'…

Experts say populations of the sage grouse have plummeted in part because of fragmentation of their habitat. (Dale/Adobe Stock)

Bureau of Land Management Prioritizes Wildlife Connectivity

The Bureau of Land Management, which controls 67% of public lands in Nevada, said it is now going to make it a priority to protect wildlife corridors…

Sampling stations are open from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., test results will be available within four weeks. (Adobe Stock)

Some MO Deer Hunters Face Mandatory CWD Sampling This Weekend

As the November portion of firearms deer season opens in Missouri, the Department of Conservation is reminding hunters about mandatory sampling for …

The opossums of North America have a short lifespan - only about a year and a half. (cherwoman730/Adobe Stock)

Opossums: Popular Meme, Misunderstood Marsupial

The opossum has become a popular part of the internet, with memes dedicated to the funny-looking animal across the web. In the wild, an Idaho …

As buffalo herds graze, they inspire new vegetative growth across vast tracts of lands in a natural process that mimics the onset of spring. (Adobe Stock)

Buffalo Restoration Key to Wildlife Economy, Tribal Health

Some 50 million bison roaming across the Great Plains once served as the backbone for thriving western economies, before European settlers …

According to the latest data from the Bureau of Land Management, the majority of wild horses in the U.S. are found in Nevada, followed by California and Wyoming. (Adobe Stock)

Utah Group Pushes to Protect Wild Horses from Intentional Shootings

At least 16 wild horses have been shot dead in Utah's rural San Juan County since the beginning of the year, and one group working to protect them …

In 2021, volunteers drove or flew 42 injured raptors 9,583 miles and donated more than 165 hours of their personal time to help wild birds rehabilitate. (Adobe Stock)

Teton Raptor Center Nears Historic Restoration Goal

The Teton Raptor Center was recently awarded a $10,000 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation to help the site become a year-round de…

Warmer, dryer weather conditions have helped create larger wildfires that have killed millions of Joshua trees. (Caleigh Wells)

Advocates Push CA to List Joshua Trees as Endangered Species

By Caleigh Wells for KCRW.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the KCRW-Public News Service Collaboration Th…

One million acres of grasslands, considered to be some of the most threatened ecosystems on Earth, are lost each year to agricultural and residential development in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Wyoming, USDA Agree on Partnership to Conserve Wildlife Habitat

Gov. Mark Gordon has signed onto law a new pilot program in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which aims to support Wyoming …

Wildlife populations across the world declined an average of 69% between 1970 and 2018, according to the 2020 World Wildlife Fund. (Geschenkpanda/Pixabay)

Report: Declining Wildlife Suggests Planet's Deteriorating Health

The world's wildlife populations are dwindling, according to a new survey, which encourages urgent action to reverse the loss. Dr. Rebecca Shaw…

Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge, located in northeastern Montana, was established in 1935. (Danita Delimont/Adobe Stock)

National Refuges Hailed as 'Sanctuary to Wildlife'

National Wildlife Refuge Week may be over, but public lands are important to animals and plants year-round. There are about 600 wildlife refuges …

Climate change is altering the growth patterns and abundance of forage at key locations along wildlife migration corridors and times of year. (Jessi Johnson)

Report: Open Migration Routes Critical for Big Game Health

A new Pew Charitable Trusts report tapping mountains of GPS collar tracking data and other science offers a roadmap for protecting big game in Wyoming…

Land-use trends in the West, particularly in rural areas, almost invariably result in habitat loss and fragment historic migration routes. (PewTrusts)

Report Cites Wildlife-Migration Challenges, Solutions

Like humans, animals are creatures of habit and often do not adjust when their migration routes are disrupted. A new report said there is adequate …

Pronghorn make their way across the desert toward the mountains of Northern Nevada. (Cynthia/Adobestock)

New Report Underscores Importance of Wildlife Migration Corridors

A report out today calls on western states to do more to protect wildlife migration corridors. The migration routes are critical to animals such as …

A 1990s meeting on elk management in Montana helped create an incentive program for landowners that still exists today. (DJ_38/Adobe Stock)

Report Offers Recommendations for MT Elk Management at 'Crossroads'

After a gathering of hunters, landowners and wildlife managers, a new report draws some conclusions on how Montana can better manage its elk …

Bear Wise Wyoming offers a one-stop shop for everything a person can do in bear country to reduce conflict potential and also what to do in different types of bear encounters. (Adobe Stock)

Tips for Staying Safe in Wyoming Bear Country

Whether you are hunting, fishing, hiking or enjoying Wyoming's open spaces this fall, game officials have tips for staying safe while visiting the …

UCLA scientists tracking SoCal mountain lions found that 93% have abnormal sperm rates and others have deformed tails and testicular defects, signs of inbreeding. (Christian/Adobe Stock)

Governor Signs Bill to Integrate Wildlife Corridors into Highway Plans

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law on Friday to require Caltrans to integrate wildlife corridors into its plans as roads are built around the …

About 75% of the nation's flowering plants and more than 30% of the nation's food crops rely upon animal pollinators to reproduce, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Lamar Gore/John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge)<br /><br />

Urban PA Community Gardens Grow Food, Solace, Opportunity

Pennsylvania has a strong commitment to urban agriculture and community gardening, and some groups in the state are working to get more colorful …

Wyoming to Receive $25 Million for Orphan Wells Under Infrastructure Bill

President Joe Biden's bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is expected to bring more than 300 jobs to Wyoming to clean up and plug so-cal…

A recent designation of Southwest Colorado streams marks the largest community proposal for Outstanding Waters protections to be adopted in Colorado's history. (Adobe Stock)

Southwestern Colorado Waters Win New Protections

As climate change brings longer and more severe drought to the American Southwest, a community-led coalition is celebrating new protections for more …

Pollinator protectors are working to reclaim unused urban spaces, hellstrips, small yards, balconies and alleyways for native flowering plants. (Adobe Stock)

Grassroots Program Puts Hands-in-Ground for Colorado Pollinators

Some 18 recent graduates of an urban pollinator habitat-restoration program in Boulder got grants from the Endangered Species Coalition to put more na…

The Nez Perce Tribe finds spring chinook salmon on the Snake River are unlikely to recover without substantial intervention. (Hanjo/Adobe Stock)

WA Leaders: Breaching Snake River Dams Necessary, Not Yet Possible

An announcement from Washington state leaders on the future of the lower Snake River dams contained both good and bad news for groups defending native…

A new audio tour covers the Jackson area's main roads that area wildlife must cross, as well as Highways 191, 390, 22, Antelope Flats, and the routes to popular trailheads such as Old Pass Road, Cache Creek and Game Creek. (Adobe Stock)

Audio Tour Aims to Reduce Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions

More than 300 elk, deer, moose and other large animals are hit and killed on Teton County Roads each year. Wildlife Highways in Teton County is a …

Conglomerate Mesa is designated as California Desert National Conservation Land and protected by the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan. (Friends of the Inyo)

Campaign Expands to Protect Conglomerate Mesa

Conservation groups are working to raise awareness of the fight to protect a pristine California desert landscape from development, near Death Valley …

Planting native flowering plants in your yard instead of grass can help restore critical habitat for struggling pollinator species. (Adobe Stock)

Wanted: Next-Generation Beekeepers for Nebraska Farms

With the age of Nebraska's farmers and beekeepers on the rise, bee enthusiasts are encouraging more young people to check out the Great Plains Master …

The Quino Checkerspot Butterfly is one of dozens of species listed under the Endangered Species Act that lives in the area to be protected as a wildlife refuge in Western Riverside County. (Andrew Fisher/USFWS Volunteer Biologist/Flickr)

Local Officials Promote Proposed Wildlife Refuge in Riverside County

Local leaders are pressing Congress to create a new wildlife refuge in Riverside County. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and Sen. Alex Padilla…

Kelp-restoration efforts to remove purple urchins are under way or are planned for locations near Fort Bragg, Monterey and Big Sur, as well as in Oregon. (Kevin Joe)

Kelp Restoration Makes Progress in Northern California

Small sections of the kelp forests off the Mendocino coast are starting to recover with improved environmental conditions, thanks to a conservation …

NOAA seeks to make it easier for groups and agencies to work towards restoring habitats. (Adobe Stock)

NOAA Brings Focus to Middle Peninsula

Virginia has some of the fastest-eroding coastline in the U.S, so an effort at one federal agency is bringing new focus to the region. Inside the …

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks' update to the elk-management plan is expected to conclude in 2023. (Kyle T. Perry/Adobe Stock)

Elk Management Symposium to Address Conflicts in MT

Hunters, landowners and wildlife managers are gathering in Montana to discuss the need for novel approaches to elk management. The 2022 Elk …

The Recovering America's Wildlife Act passed the House of Representatives in June and is awaiting a vote in the Senate. (mramsdell1967/Adobestock)

Conservation Union Places Western Monarch Butterflies on Threatened List

The iconic orange and black migratory monarch butterfly has just made the Red List of Threatened Species, designated by the International Union of …

The Recovering America's Wildlife Act passed the House of Representatives in June and is awaiting a vote in the Senate.(Jasongeorge/Adobestock)

Advocates Call for Action: Monarch Butterflies on “Red List”

The iconic orange and black migratory monarch butterfly has just made the Red List of Threatened Species, designated by the International Union of …

The migratory monarch butterfly is known for its annual journey of up to 3,000 miles across the Americas. (Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy)

Habitat Loss, Climate Change Threaten Iconic Monarch Butterfly

An insect species which can evoke childhood memories is in trouble, and has just been added to the Red List of Threatened Species compiled by the …

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PNS Daily Newscast - November 30, 2022

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