Author: Rachel Maddow

Rising temperatures and inconsistent snowfall are forcing ski resorts across Europe to rethink how they operate. With the Winter Olympics set to begin in Milan-Cortina on 6 February, the Dolomites are currently blanketed in snow, but such conditions are becoming less reliable. Many resorts now rely on artificial snow to keep slopes open, a process that is expensive and environmentally taxing, often pushing up the price of ski passes. For many Europeans, skiing is becoming both less predictable and less affordable. Climate Change Threatens Winter Sports Even Italy’s famed Belluno region is experiencing warmer winters and shrinking natural snowfall, a…

Kenyans are mourning the loss of Craig, a famed “super tusker” elephant whose life in the wild symbolized the country’s growing success in protecting its elephants from poaching. Craig, who lived in Amboseli National Park, passed away on Saturday at the age of 54, the Kenya Wildlife Service confirmed. A Giant of Amboseli Craig was renowned for his enormous, ground-sweeping tusks and calm, dignified presence. The Amboseli Trust for Elephants said he died of natural causes and expressed gratitude to everyone who helped him live out his life naturally. Local media described him as one of the last remaining super…

For the first time in over five centuries, a wild beaver has been spotted living freely in Norfolk, England. The animal was captured on a wildlife camera on the River Wensum at Pensthorpe, a nature reserve near Fakenham, as it moved logs to build a lodge—its above-ground burrow. Nearby evidence, including gnawed tree stumps and wood chips, confirmed the beaver’s activity and presence in the area. A Landmark Moment for Wildlife “This discovery is an exciting moment for Pensthorpe,” said Richard Spowage, the reserve manager. “The fact that it has chosen our land to establish a territory reflects the work…

Record Octopus Bloom in the South West Warm waters off the south west of England produced the largest octopus bloom in 75 years, according to conservationists. Divers and snorkellers reported multiple sightings of the creatures walking, mating, and even interacting with underwater cameras. Fishers found them in crab and lobster pots and during trawling. Matt Slater, marine conservation officer at Cornwall Wildlife Trust, described the surge as “an exceptional octopus population explosion, the like of which hasn’t been seen in our waters for 75 years.” Despite causing some concern for fishers, local ports quickly developed markets to sell the octopuses…

Neighborhood Sightings Signal a Shift In late 2025, police in Eagle Pass alerted residents after wild hog sightings increased inside neighborhoods near the Rio Grande. Officers warned people to keep their distance, avoid confronting the animals, and stop attempts to scare them away. Police also reminded residents that firing weapons inside city limits breaks local law. Officials tied the activity to seasonal movement patterns and asked residents to report sightings instead of intervening. That approach allowed trained teams to coordinate trapping and removal, reducing risks to both people and animals. Around the same time, a homeowner in Altadena discovered a…

Modern Tools Reshape Wildlife Protection Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has praised Kenya’s move toward bold, modern and science-led conservation, saying the government is transforming wildlife protection through advanced technology. He said authorities now rely on AI-enabled surveillance, drones and satellite-linked patrol systems as part of wide-ranging reforms at the Kenya Wildlife Service. Kindiki spoke on Friday, December 19, 2025, while presiding over the graduation of 147 cadet officers at the KWS Law Enforcement Academy in Manyani after nine months of paramilitary training. “Today is a historic day as we gather here to witness the passing-out of 147 young men and…

Migrating birds are moving through Colorado during late fall and winter.Colorado Parks and Wildlife expects more wild birds infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza.The agency issued a warning on December 10 urging residents to avoid sick wildlife. Waterfowl and shorebirds face higher risk because they gather densely near water sources.These large gatherings allow the virus to spread more easily. Highly pathogenic avian influenza has affected domestic and wild birds nationwide since 2022.Officials first detected the virus in a U.S. commercial flock that year.By late 2022, every lower 48 state reported detections in wild or domestic birds. The virus has affected…

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announced $3.6 million in new conservation grants.The foundation awarded the funding through Acres for America, a partnership with Walmart.The grants will permanently protect more than 145,000 acres of wildlife habitat.The projects span five states and target ecologically important landscapes. The grants will leverage $56 million in public and private matching funds.That support brings the total conservation investment to $59.6 million.The initiative strengthens long-term habitat protection and public land access. For more than two decades, Acres for America has driven large-scale conservation efforts.The program highlights the impact of public and private collaboration.The newly announced projects…

The New England Wildlife Center in Massachusetts cares for animals through two non-profit veterinary hospitals. One resident opossum recently underwent surgery and recovered in her cage. Last week, she escaped overnight, but staff quickly found her. The center explained that her loud snoring revealed her hiding spot under a shift cage. Staff celebrated her recovery from jaw fractures and eye injuries, enjoying seeing her rest comfortably and improve each day. Fans react to the snoring escapee Social media users shared humorous reactions to the snoozing opossum. @Marissa said she “just wanted a darker spot,” while @Vertigo_Max agreed that “her room…

A Corridor Under Threat Borderlands wildlife advocates already worried about renewed wall construction now face a second barrier plan.Federal planners intend to add another row of 30-foot steel bollards along the border. Workers space the bollards four inches apart, blocking large mammals while allowing some smaller species through.Crews began erecting the first wall in September across the San Rafael Valley south of Sonoita. Protesters gathered to defend cultural and ecological connections across a critical migration corridor.Jaguars and ocelots rely on this route between the Huachuca and Patagonia mountain ranges. Officials then announced plans for a second parallel wall.The new wall…