Author: Rachel Maddow

A New Approach to Supporting Wildlife Birdlife has wasted no time returning to Mooragh Lake in Ramsey after the lake was partially drained as part of an environmental trial. The project, led by Ramsey Town Commissioners in partnership with the Manx Wildlife Trust, is exploring whether allowing water levels to rise and fall naturally with the seasons can create better conditions for wildlife. Shallow Waters Create Feeding Havens According to the Manx Wildlife Trust, the lower water levels have transformed parts of the lake into shallow pools and muddy margins. These conditions are ideal for many bird species, providing easy…

Frigid Rescue in Lincoln A beaver was rescued in Lincoln, Nebraska, after being discovered nearly frozen outside Mum’s Liquor store. Temperatures had dropped to two degrees below zero, and ice crystals were visible in the animal’s fur, leaving it immobile and disoriented. Lincoln Animal Control quickly transported the beaver to Nebraska Wildlife Rehab in Omaha, where it is being warmed and monitored before being released back into a suitable waterway. Winter Challenges for Semi-Aquatic Mammals Beavers are well-adapted to cold weather, but extreme conditions, like a polar vortex, can push them into urban areas. Frozen waterways prevent them from accessing…

LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — Raven Ridge Wildlife Center is urging residents to keep an eye out for bats that may be struggling as winter temperatures remain harsh. Surge in Bats Needing Help The center said it has seen a noticeable increase in bats being brought in during recent cold weather. Bats normally hibernate through the winter, but extreme conditions or disruptions can force them out of shelter, leaving them weak and vulnerable. Wildlife officials stress that if someone comes across a bat during the winter months, it should not be put back outside. Exposure to freezing temperatures can quickly become…

Utah has received federal approval for its updated Wildlife Action Plan, setting the course for how the state will protect native species and ecosystems over the next 10 years. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service signed off on the plan, clearing the way for Utah to continue managing wildlife locally while working to prevent more species from needing protection under the Endangered Species Act. Keeping Wildlife Management in State Hands The plan is designed to proactively protect vulnerable species and habitats, reducing the risk of future federal listings. According to Utah Division of Wildlife Resources officials, this approach allows conservation…

Freshwater and Land Under Pressure A major review by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has highlighted a worrying state of the environment, warning of polluted rivers, failing soils, and collapsing wildlife. Around 40% of Welsh water bodies are in good condition, and salmon are expected to disappear from some rivers by 2030. Semi-natural grasslands, vital for plants, insects, birds, and small mammals, continue to decline, while half of marine species and habitats in protected areas are in unfavourable condition. The report blames pollution, unsustainable land use, and climate change for worsening pressures. Rising sea levels, more frequent storms, and droughts threaten…

A Window into Prehistoric Aotearoa Scientists from Australia and New Zealand have discovered a treasure trove of fossils in a cave near Waitomo on the North Island, shedding light on New Zealand’s wildlife from around 1 million years ago. Among the finds is an ancestor of the large, flightless Kākāpō parrot, along with fossils from 12 ancient bird species and four frog species. The research, published in Alcheringa: An Australasian Journal of Palaeontology, offers an unprecedented glimpse into ecosystems that existed long before humans arrived. “This newly recognized avifauna shows that our ancient forests were once home to a diverse…

Lawmakers Call for Clear Rules and Investment MEPs from the European People’s Party are urging the EU to treat nuclear fusion not just as a research topic, but as a real opportunity to secure Europe’s energy future. On Tuesday, they released a declaration calling for a “clear, predictable regulatory framework” to attract private investment, noting the enormous costs involved in developing fusion technology. “Fusion has reached a turning point. European industrial capability and private investments are converging toward deployment,” the declaration states. Lawmakers including Tsvetelina Penkova (Bulgaria), Hildegard Bentele (Germany), and Pascal Arimont (Belgium) emphasized that fusion could strengthen Europe’s…

Nature’s Winter Gear When Arctic air pushes into Tennessee, temperatures can drop to single digits, far colder than the region is used to. While humans rush indoors for warmth, local wildlife relies on natural adaptations. Mammals like deer, foxes, raccoons, and rabbits grow thicker coats in the fall. Whitetail deer, for example, develop hollow guard hairs that trap air, acting like a built-in down jacket to retain body heat. Seasonal color changes—from reddish summer coats to gray-brown winter fur—also help with insulation. Even small animals like squirrels and rabbits rely on their thicker fur, combined with shelter, to survive. Fat…

Exploring national parks offers incredible encounters with nature, but getting too close to wildlife can be extremely dangerous. In 2022, an Ohio tourist visiting Yellowstone National Park learned this the hard way when she approached a bison and suffered serious injuries. The Dangers of Getting Too Close Yellowstone guidelines recommend maintaining at least 25 yards from any wildlife, yet the visitor had approached to within about 10 feet of the bison. Startled or provoked, the bison gored her and tossed her roughly 10 feet into the air, according to ABC News. The National Park Service (NPS) stresses that “wildlife in…

Snow may slow commutes and shut schools, but it also plays a surprisingly important role in keeping the planet healthy. Beyond the fun and frustration it brings, snow helps regulate temperatures, refill water supplies and support wildlife, according to weather and environmental experts. Nature’s Winter Insulation A layer of snow acts like a thick blanket over the ground. Even a foot of snow can shield soil and living organisms from sharp swings in air temperature, helping the ground retain heat and moisture. This natural insulation is especially valuable for plants, insects and animals that hibernate or struggle to survive harsh…