Author: Lester Holt

New research shows steep declines in the vitality of animal life across the continent. A major scientific analysis has revealed that the flow of energy through Africa’s birds and mammals — a key indicator of how effectively animals keep ecosystems running — has dropped to roughly two-thirds of what it once was. The study estimates that only about 64 percent of the natural energy that circulated through the continent’s wildlife around 1700 remains today, representing a loss of nearly one-third of Africa’s ecological strength. Human Pressures and Vanishing Large Animals Researchers found that the steepest reductions were tied to the…

Celebrating the Season and the EnvironmentResidents of Rancho Cordova turned out for the city’s annual Fall Festival, an event that combined autumn festivities with a message about protecting the American River Parkway. The gathering, held close to River Bend Park, encouraged families, local organizations, and environmental advocates to come together in support of preserving the region’s signature greenway. Activities Inspire Environmental EngagementFestivalgoers enjoyed an afternoon of live performances, local food, and outdoor exhibits centered on the river’s natural habitat. Children and adults participated in craft stations, educational games, and guided walks highlighting native plants and wildlife. Conservation groups provided hands-on…

Thousands of Mink Freed in Overnight Farm Intrusion Early Tuesday morning, a mink farm located near Woodbine, Iowa, suffered a serious security breach when unidentified individuals cut through fencing and damaged enclosures, allowing roughly 2,000 mink to escape. The Fur Commission USA, representing the U.S. fur industry, condemned the act, describing it as a “terrorist attack” under the federal Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA), which penalizes actions aimed at disrupting animal-related businesses. Efforts to Capture Escaped Animals Intensify Farm operators reported that more than half of the animals have been recovered so far, but a significant number remain at large.…

State Confirms Removal of Wolves Following Repeated Incidents California wildlife officials have euthanized four gray wolves from the Beyem Seyo pack after a string of livestock killings in Sierra Valley, north of Lake Tahoe. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife said the decision came after months of escalating conflict between ranchers and the pack, which had been linked to dozens of cattle deaths since spring. Officials stated that multiple non-lethal methods—including patrols, drones, and deterrent rounds—were attempted but failed to prevent further losses. Tension Between Conservation and Ranching Interests The gray wolf remains a protected species in California, with…

Cornell Lab Receives $1.8 Million for Biodiversity Monitoring The Bezos Earth Fund has granted $1.8 million to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to advance artificial intelligence technologies aimed at protecting wildlife in key ecosystems across Guatemala and Brazil. The initiative focuses on using data-driven tools to enhance biodiversity tracking and environmental management as part of a wider AI for Climate and Nature program. AI Tools to Detect Environmental Threats The project will use networks of acoustic sensors combined with AI software to monitor wildlife populations and detect activities such as illegal logging and poaching. These systems will analyze vast amounts…

Visitor Center Closed, Staff Placed on Leave The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in Commerce City, Colorado, has temporarily closed its visitor center and suspended most operations due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. Staff members and volunteers have been directed to stop work until funding is restored, leaving the refuge without essential maintenance, education, or public programs. Community Programs and Revenue Impacted The closure has forced the suspension of popular activities such as guided hikes, school tours, and wildlife education events. The refuge’s Nature’s Nest gift shop, a key source of funding for local conservation projects, has also…

Deer and Moose on the Move During Mating Season Wildlife experts are warning motorists to use extra caution on the roads this fall as animal movement increases across the country. Deer and moose are more active during their mating season, which peaks between October and December, leading to a spike in collisions. Officials say drivers are most likely to encounter animals at dawn and dusk, when visibility is lower and wildlife tends to cross highways and rural roads. Agencies Recommend Slower Speeds and Greater Awareness Transportation and wildlife departments in several states are reminding drivers to slow down, especially in…

Cubs Confirmed After a Century For the first time in more than 100 years, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has verified cougar cubs in the state. Photographs taken on private land in Ontonagon County, released in March 2025, show two healthy cubs trailing an adult cougar. Wildlife officials confirmed the images as authentic, marking a milestone in Michigan’s long absence of confirmed reproduction by the species. The DNR has documented 132 verified cougar reports since 2008, with at least 21 confirmed sightings so far this year—its highest number on record. Wanderers From the West Despite the growing number…

Urban biodiversity project transforms neglected waterwayA new floating garden installed on the Bradford Canal is providing a much-needed refuge for local wildlife while helping to improve water quality in the heart of the city. The project, developed by Bradford Council in partnership with environmental group Canal Connections, features floating planters filled with native reeds, sedges, and wildflowers designed to attract birds, insects, and fish. Restoring nature in the city centreOnce a heavily industrial stretch of water, the Bradford Canal has seen declining biodiversity in recent decades. The introduction of the floating garden marks a key step in ongoing efforts to…

Hunting Activities Continue Amid FurloughsDespite a partial government shutdown in October 2025 that led to the furlough of thousands of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) employees, the Trump administration has directed that hunting remain permitted in roughly 600 National Wildlife Refuges nationwide. Internal communications confirm that all scheduled hunts are to proceed as planned, even as other refuge operations were suspended. The decision has drawn criticism from conservation groups and some lawmakers, who question the prioritization of hunting over other public services during the shutdown. Limited Staff Maintain OperationsWhile the majority of FWS staff were furloughed, a small skeleton…