Explore

Sea otters unable to return to the wild form a mother-daughter bond in Aquarium’s surrogacy program

Sea otters unable to return to the wild form a mother-daughter bond in Aquarium’s surrogacy program

A young southern sea otter named Rey has become a surrogate mother to an orphaned pup, Sunny, at the Aquarium of the Pacific in California

Huntington Beach Closes Ocean Area Due to Aggressive Shark Sighting

Huntington Beach Closes Ocean Area Due to Aggressive Shark Sighting

Sunset Beach in Huntington Beach, California, was closed after a 9 to 10-foot-long great white shark was observed exhibiting aggressive behavior near the shore. The shark was seen actively feeding on a sea lion carcass, prompting the Huntington Beach Fire Department to close the water for 48 hours within a one-mile radius of Sunset Beach Tower 12. This marks the second closure in a week, following a similar incident that led to the postponement of the Vans Jack’s Surfboards Pro surfing competition. The beach was reopened after the initial closure, allowing the competition to resume.

High Mosquito Activity Expected in Midwest, West, and South-Central U.S. This Spring

High Mosquito Activity Expected in Midwest, West, and South-Central U.S. This Spring

According to Dan Markowski, Technical Advisor for the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA), the Midwest, West, and South-Central United States are anticipated to experience a significant increase in mosquito activity during the spring and early summer of 2026. This surge is attributed to warmer-than-normal temperatures and heavy rainfall, which create ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. The South-Central U.S. is particularly vulnerable due to wet spring conditions following a mild winter, leading to high mosquito numbers through late May and early June. Similarly, California and other western states are facing early mosquito emergence due to warm, wet conditions. The Midwest's unusually wet spring is also expected to drive large populations of spring-breeding mosquitoes, with significant activity predicted in May and June.

Great White Shark Sighting Prompts Beach Closure in Huntington Beach

Great White Shark Sighting Prompts Beach Closure in Huntington Beach

A great white shark, measuring between 9 to 10 feet, was observed exhibiting aggressive behavior near Sunset Beach in Huntington Beach, California. The shark was seen actively feeding on a sea lion carcass, which led to a 48-hour closure of the water within one mile in each direction from Sunset Beach Tower 12. The Huntington Beach Fire Department's Marine Safety Division reported the sighting around 10 a.m. and emphasized the increased risk posed by the shark's feeding activity. No injuries to beachgoers or lifeguards were reported, and the public has been advised to adhere to safety measures and check in with lifeguards during the closure.

California's Ocean Breaks Heat Records Amid Climate Concerns

California's Ocean Breaks Heat Records Amid Climate Concerns

California's ocean temperatures have reached unprecedented levels, breaking heat records and raising concerns about the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems. According to the Los Angeles Times, the rising temperatures are attributed to a combination of factors, including global warming and local weather patterns. The heatwave has led to increased evaporation rates, affecting water levels and marine life. Scientists are closely monitoring the situation, as prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to coral bleaching and disrupt the food chain. The phenomenon is part of a broader trend of extreme weather events linked to climate change, highlighting the urgent need for environmental policies to mitigate these effects.

Great White Shark Forces Temporary Closure of Huntington Beach

Great White Shark Forces Temporary Closure of Huntington Beach

A great white shark sighting off the coast of Huntington Beach, California, led to a temporary closure of a section of the Pacific Ocean. The shark, estimated to be 9 to 10 feet long, was seen feeding on a sea lion carcass near Sunset Beach, prompting city officials to close the water for 48 hours. This incident follows a similar closure during a surf competition due to another shark sighting. While shark sightings are common in California, attacks are rare, with only 11 documented incidents in Orange County since 1950.

Stockton Church Reports Property Damage from Nearby Homeless Encampment

Stockton Church Reports Property Damage from Nearby Homeless Encampment

A church in Stockton, California, has reported damage to its property, which it attributes to a nearby homeless encampment. The church is urging city leaders to intervene and address the situation. The presence of the encampment has raised concerns about property damage and safety for the church and its surrounding community. The church's call for action highlights ongoing challenges faced by communities dealing with homelessness and the impact on local properties and residents.

Rising Home Insurance Costs Highlight Climate Risks Across U.S.

Rising Home Insurance Costs Highlight Climate Risks Across U.S.

A new report from Insurify reveals that the average American homeowner's insurance bill rose 12% last year, reaching $2,948 annually, with a projected 4% increase this year. This rise is attributed to the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related disasters, such as hurricanes and wildfires, which have led insurers to raise rates to manage financial risks. States like California, Georgia, and Illinois have seen significant insurance cost increases due to these disasters. In California, insurance prices have risen by 16% over the past two years, driven by wildfire risks. Georgia faces a 10% increase in premiums due to hurricane damage, while Illinois has experienced a 48% rise since 2023, largely due to extreme weather events.

Citizen Scientists Invited to Help Track Redband Trout in Boise's Dry Creek

Citizen Scientists Invited to Help Track Redband Trout in Boise's Dry Creek

Researchers in the Boise Foothills are calling on citizen scientists to assist in tracking the habitat of the native Redband Trout along Dry Creek. The initiative involves installing chronolog stations, which are wooden posts that hikers and mountain bikers can use to take consistent photos of the creek. These photos will help researchers understand how the stream dries up during the summer and where the trout are located. The Redband Trout, related to the rainbow trout, is adapted to survive in warmer temperatures and low oxygen levels, making it a unique species in the Inland Northwest.

Unhealthy Air Quality Advisory Issued for California

Unhealthy Air Quality Advisory Issued for California

Residents across California are being advised to stay indoors due to unhealthy air quality levels affecting multiple regions. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported elevated levels of PM2.5, a fine particulate matter, contributing to poor air quality. This situation is exacerbated by a high-pressure weather system that is trapping pollution near the ground, particularly in inland valleys. The air quality index (AQI) readings indicate conditions ranging from 'moderate' to 'unhealthy for sensitive groups', prompting health advisories for affected areas.

San Gabriel Mission Playhouse Highlighted in CBS News Feature

San Gabriel Mission Playhouse Highlighted in CBS News Feature

San Gabriel Mission Playhouse Highlighted in CBS News Feature

Aggressive Shark Sighting Shuts Popular California Beach

Aggressive Shark Sighting Shuts Popular California Beach

A 9–10-foot Great white shark prompted a 48-hour closure at Huntington Beach after lifeguards spotted it feeding on a sea lion near shore. Officials shut down a one-mile stretch of ocean due to the shark’s aggressive behavior, raising safety concerns for swimmers and surfers. While shark sightings are common along the California coast, such close, active feeding nearshore increases risk, though attacks remain extremely rare.