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Wyoming Prairie Rattlesnakes Observed Aggregating for Skin Shedding, a Newly Documented Behavior

Wyoming Prairie Rattlesnakes Observed Aggregating for Skin Shedding, a Newly Documented Behavior

A new study published in the journal Ecology and Evolution has documented prairie rattlesnakes in Wyoming aggregating to shed their skin, a behavior previously unrecorded for this species. Emily Martin, a PhD candidate at the University of Idaho and lead author of the study, first observed this phenomenon in 2024 while tracking translocated prairie rattlesnakes in Sinks Canyon State Park. She noted instances where multiple rattlesnakes were found in piles, with one or two actively shedding. The study, co-authored with Courtney Conway of the U.S. Geological Survey’s Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, analyzed 24 such aggregations, finding that most involved two rattlesnakes, though some included three or four. Shedding snakes were more frequently found in these groups than alone. This discovery provides new insights into the social behaviors of prairie rattlesnakes, a venomous pit viper native to the western United States.

Hummingbird Feeders Recommended Through Fall to Aid Migrating Birds

Hummingbird Feeders Recommended Through Fall to Aid Migrating Birds

Experts advise keeping hummingbird feeders active well into the fall season to provide a crucial food source for migrating hummingbirds. While adult male hummingbirds typically begin their southward migration as early as July, females and younger birds follow later in the summer and early fall. Migration timing varies by species and geographic location, with some late migrants appearing as late as November or even early winter in certain areas. Not all hummingbirds leave the United States for the winter; several species or populations reside in parts of the Gulf Coast, Southwest, and Pacific Coast during colder months. It is recommended to wait at least two to three weeks after observing the last hummingbird before removing feeders to ensure late migrators have access to food. Maintaining feeders with a simple sugar water solution and regular cleaning is essential, as feeders do not prevent birds from migrating, which is primarily triggered by natural cues like daylight hours.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Shares Images of Day-Old Goslings Leaping from Nests

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Shares Images of Day-Old Goslings Leaping from Nests

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has released a series of photographs capturing day-old Canada goose goslings leaping from their nests. These nests are typically situated on platforms 25 feet in the air. Photographer Jake Bonello, who is also the refuge manager at the Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-tailed Deer, took these images. The USFWS and the U.S. Department of the Interior have clarified that this behavior is normal for goslings. They are lightweight, and their fluffy down provides a cushion for the fall. After this initial leap, the goslings remain close to their parents throughout the summer until they are capable of flight. Canada geese typically lay clutches of around six eggs, and after approximately 25 days of incubation, the goslings are ready to walk and swim within a day of hatching.

How Guardian Dogs Bond With Livestock and Keep Predators Away

How Guardian Dogs Bond With Livestock and Keep Predators Away

Livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) represent an ancient and enduring partnership between humans and canines, specifically bred to protect livestock fro...

Bald Eagle Shadow Forms New Bond with Female KD1 in Big Bear Valley Following Jackie's Death

Bald Eagle Shadow Forms New Bond with Female KD1 in Big Bear Valley Following Jackie's Death

In Big Bear Valley, internet-famous bald eagle Shadow has been observed forming a new bond with a female bald eagle named KD1, following the recent death of his former partner, Jackie. The pair greeted the sunrise with a 'morning song,' with Shadow calling and KD1 listening, a moment captured and shared with millions of followers of the live stream run by the nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV). KD1 is a banded female bald eagle, born in 2022 approximately 70 miles from Big Bear Lake. She was banded as part of the Orange County Water District's efforts to track eagles in the area. KD1, who is nearly five years old and approaching mating age, has been seen inspecting Shadow's nest and spending time near him. While it is still early to confirm if they will mate, FOBBV emphasizes the current teamwork and the hope for a new story.

Bald Eagle Shadow Attracts New Female KD1 After Mate Jackie's Death in Big Bear

Bald Eagle Shadow Attracts New Female KD1 After Mate Jackie's Death in Big Bear

A young female bald eagle, known as KD1 or Katie, has been observed spending time around Shadow, a male bald eagle in Big Bear, California, following the recent death of his longtime mate, Jackie. Katie, approximately four-and-a-half years old, has been seen exploring the area and showing interest in Shadow's nest. Jenny Voisard, media manager for Friends of Big Bear Valley, cautions against prematurely labeling Katie as Shadow's new mate, emphasizing that it is not yet nesting season. Bald eagles can exhibit social behaviors outside of nesting periods, and Big Bear Lake is a known attractive stopover for eagles in transit. While Katie's presence and curiosity around the nest are noted, there is no guarantee that a pairing will form. Voisard stresses the importance of avoiding human interpretations of animal behavior, particularly regarding concepts like 'moving on too quickly' after a loss, as eagles operate on a different biological timeline driven by factors such as daylight exposure and seasonal change...

Alaska's Brooks Falls Bearcam Becomes Summer Hit with Millions of Views

Alaska's Brooks Falls Bearcam Becomes Summer Hit with Millions of Views

A live bearcam at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park, Alaska, has become a significant online hit this summer, attracting 7.3 million views between June 22 and August 4. This represents a 70% increase from the same period last year and more than double the views recorded in 2024. The livestream showcases brown bears congregating around Brooks Falls to catch sockeye salmon as they travel upstream, a crucial food source for the bears. The increased viewership is attributed to the unusually large number of bears gathering at the falls this year, providing viewers with clear and consistent activity. Last year, salmon were more dispersed, leading to fewer bear congregations at the falls. Candice Rusch from Explore, the wildlife network operating the cameras, noted that the livestream has become a popular background activity for many viewers.

Hummingbird Feeder Placement Critical in August Heat for Bird Safety and Nectar Preservation

Hummingbird Feeder Placement Critical in August Heat for Bird Safety and Nectar Preservation

Hummingbird Feeder Placement Critical in August Heat for Bird Safety and Nectar Preservation

Japanese Researchers Uncover Oxytocin's Role in Human-Dog Bonding Through Eye Contact

Japanese Researchers Uncover Oxytocin's Role in Human-Dog Bonding Through Eye Contact

Japanese researchers, led by Miho Nagasawa and Takefumi Kikusui at Azabu University, have identified a chemical basis for the unique bond between humans and dogs. Their 2015 study, published in the journal Science, revealed that when humans and dogs gaze into each other's eyes, both release oxytocin, a hormone known for its role in maternal-infant bonding. The study involved 30 dog-owner pairs, observing their interactions for 30 minutes and measuring oxytocin levels in urine samples before and after. Results showed that longer eye contact correlated with a significant increase in oxytocin for both the dog and its owner. A subsequent experiment demonstrated that administering oxytocin via nasal spray to female dogs led to longer gazing at their owners, which in turn increased the owners' oxytocin levels. This suggests a positive feedback loop where eye contact boosts oxytocin, strengthening the bond. The researchers also compared this phenomenon with wolves raised by humans, finding that wolves rarely held...

Memorial Grows for Jackie the Bald Eagle in Big Bear Valley

Memorial Grows for Jackie the Bald Eagle in Big Bear Valley

A memorial dedicated to Jackie the bald eagle is expanding at Fawn Park in Fawnskin, located in Big Bear Valley. This growing tribute reflects the community's efforts to honor Jackie's life. The memorial serves as a focal point for individuals to express their respect and remembrance for the bald eagle, which has evidently held significant importance to the residents and visitors of the Big Bear Valley area. The gathering of tributes at Fawn Park indicates a collective mourning and appreciation for Jackie.

Jackie the Bald Eagle's Death Sparks Public Outcry and Criticism Against Wildlife Care Team

Jackie the Bald Eagle's Death Sparks Public Outcry and Criticism Against Wildlife Care Team

Jackie, a renowned 14-year-old bald eagle from Southern California, passed away on August 10 after weeks of treatment, leading to widespread grief among her millions of online followers and significant criticism directed at the caregivers. Jackie, who gained international attention through a viral livestream in the Big Bear Valley, was rescued on July 18 after being found grounded following an altercation with two younger eagles. Veterinarians at the Ojai Raptor Center diagnosed her with severe anemia, emaciation, and dehydration. Despite receiving blood transfusions and oxygen therapy, her health deteriorated. State wildlife officials later indicated she suffered a large blood clot in her wing and kidney, though necropsy results are pending. Following her death, staff members at the Ojai Raptor Center and the nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley faced severe backlash, including repeated phone calls, unexpected visits, and harassing messages on personal social media accounts. This prompted staff to restric...

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Implements Superglued Backpacks to Track Endangered Crayfish

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Implements Superglued Backpacks to Track Endangered Crayfish

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is trialing a new method to track the Big Sandy crayfish (Cambarus callainus), a federally threatened species found in Appalachian rivers and streams. Biologists are attaching tiny 'backpacks' containing Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags to the crayfish using superglue. This initiative is part of broader efforts to boost the population of these four-inch freshwater crustaceans, which have seen their numbers decline since 2016 due to water pollution and habitat loss. The White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery in West Virginia raises crayfish for one to two months before releasing them into their natural habitat. Current tracking methods, such as visible implant elastomer (VIE) tagging, only indicate a specimen is from the hatchery but do not provide individual identification. The new superglued PIT tag system aims to provide individual tracking data, which is crucial for assessing the survival rates of released crayfish during their critical first month...