The U. S. government is considering significant changes to how it protects endangered and threatened species. These changes could make it harder to protect certain animals and plants. The current rules automatically protect species when they are listed as threatened. The new rules would require specific protections for each species, which could take a long time. Som...
A heated debate is unfolding between government agencies and lawmakers over a plan to cull 450, 000 barred owls. The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) proposed this strategy to protect the endangered Northern and California spotted owls. Critics question the plan's effectiveness and ethics, arguing that killing one species to save another is flawed. Barred owl...
Ever thought you'd find a safari in South Carolina? Eudora Wildlife Safari Park is a unique spot where locals can get up close with animals from all over the globe. What started as a small farm has grown into a massive 250-acre drive-thru safari, offering a safe and exciting way to meet wildlife. The park isn't just about fun; it's also about learning. Guides on wag...
In the vast, remote expanse of the Big Bend region, a significant shift in border security is underway. The federal government is rolling out its "Smart Wall" initiative, a high-tech approach to border control that blends physical barriers with advanced technology. This plan includes steel barriers, waterborne obstacles, patrol roads, lighting, cameras, and cutting-e...
Falmouth is at a crossroads. The town council has taken a bold step to limit pesticides and fertilizers, but not everyone is on board. This fall, voters will decide whether to keep these restrictions or repeal them. It's a big deal, not just for the town, but for the health of people, pets, and the environment. Back in the 1960s, Rachel Carson warned us about the da...
Florida is facing a serious issue with Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a deadly condition affecting deer. This disease, which has a 100% fatality rate in deer, was recently found in Holmes County, near the Georgia border. This is the second case detected in Florida this year, with the first one reported by neighboring Georgia. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservati...
In the early 1900s, national parks were more about looks than actual conservation. Park managers would clear underbrush, cut trees for views, and kill thousands of predators like mountain lions and wolves. They didn't realize how much damage they were doing to the ecosystems. Enter George Meléndez Wright, a scientist who changed everything. Wright grew up exploring ...
Predators like bears and wolves have always stirred strong feelings in people. We love them in stories and as cuddly toys, but we often fear them in reality. This fear can lead to harmful actions, like hunting them to near extinction. Yet, these animals play a vital role in nature. They help keep ecosystems balanced and healthy. Recently, in California, tensions bet...
Doc Antle, a key figure from the popular Netflix series Tiger King, is facing serious legal consequences. He might go to prison for up to 10 years. This is because he admitted to illegal animal trafficking and money laundering back in November 2023. The court hearing to decide his sentence happened in Charleston, South Carolina. Before this, three other people invol...
The Eurasian lynx is a species that needs protection. It is listed in CITES Appendix II and is covered by the Bern Convention and the EU Habitats Directive. Yet, it is still often targeted by wildlife criminals. This makes it crucial to have reliable methods for identifying these animals. One approach is using molecular tools, specifically quantitative real-time PCR ...