Explore

North Dakota Game and Fish Announces Early Canada Goose Hunting Dates to Manage Population

North Dakota Game and Fish Announces Early Canada Goose Hunting Dates to Manage Population

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has announced the dates for the early Canada goose hunting season. The season will open on August 15 across all three zones, with closing dates varying by zone: September 7 for the Missouri River zone, September 15 for the western zone, and September 22 for the eastern zone. The early season aims to reduce the local Canada goose population, with hunters allowed a daily limit of 15 geese and a possession limit of 45. Hunters are required to have appropriate licenses and stamps, which can be purchased online. The early season provides additional hunting opportunities and aims to increase pressure on locally breeding geese.

North Dakota Opens Applications for Tundra Swan Hunting Season, Limited Licenses Available

North Dakota Opens Applications for Tundra Swan Hunting Season, Limited Licenses Available

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has opened applications for the 2026 tundra swan hunting season. A total of 2,200 licenses are available through a lottery system, with the application deadline set for August 19. The hunting season will commence on October 3. Both residents and nonresidents can apply, with license fees set at $10 for residents and $50 for nonresidents. Successful applicants will receive a tag to hunt one swan during the season. All hunters must possess a general game and habitat license, a waterfowl habitat restoration stamp, and additional licenses depending on residency and age.

Low Water Levels on Lake Sakakawea Challenge Access for Resorts and Boaters

Low Water Levels on Lake Sakakawea Challenge Access for Resorts and Boaters

Lake Sakakawea is experiencing significantly low water levels, standing at 1,827.3 feet, about 12 feet below average. This situation is attributed to reduced snowfall in the Rocky Mountains, leading to decreased runoff into the Missouri River basin. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, responsible for managing the Garrison Dam and the lake, reports that while the lake is not expected to reach its historic low of 1,807.1 feet set in 2007, the current levels are causing access issues. Many boat ramps and marinas are closed, increasing traffic and wait times at the few that remain open. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is preparing to utilize low-water ramps, which have been submerged since the lake's recovery from its previous low.

Why Australia's Wildlife Is Unlike Anywhere Else

Why Australia's Wildlife Is Unlike Anywhere Else

Australia is renowned for its rich biodiversity, a testament to its status as one of the world's 17 megadiverse countries. The continent's long geo...

Australia's Wildlife Faces High Risk from H5N1 Bird Flu, Government Assessment Reveals

Australia's Wildlife Faces High Risk from H5N1 Bird Flu, Government Assessment Reveals

The Australian federal government has released an assessment indicating that nearly 400 native bird and mammal species are at high risk from the H5N1 bird flu virus. This assessment, conducted in collaboration with Charles Darwin University and BirdLife Australia, highlights that one in five of the evaluated species faces extreme, very high, or high risk. Among the species at risk are beloved animals such as penguins, fur seals, quolls, dolphins, and the Tasmanian devil. The virus has already been detected in more than 100 individual birds, with the first mass mortality event recorded in South Australia. The government has committed $113 million to prepare for bird flu, including $47 million for protective actions for threatened species.

California Considers Reintroduction of Grizzly Bears Amid Conservation Debate

California Considers Reintroduction of Grizzly Bears Amid Conservation Debate

California is contemplating the reintroduction of grizzly bears, a species that was eradicated from the state in the 1800s. A bill proposed by Sen. Laura Richardson aims to bring back these iconic predators, which were once widespread across the state. The last verified sighting of a California grizzly was in 1924. The proposal has sparked discussions about the ecological and social implications of reintroducing a large predator to the state's wilderness areas.

Fish Die-Off at Boyd Lake Traced to Horseshoe Lake in Colorado

Fish Die-Off at Boyd Lake Traced to Horseshoe Lake in Colorado

Thousands of dead fish were discovered at Boyd Lake in Northern Colorado, with the die-off traced to the connected Horseshoe Lake. Colorado Parks and Wildlife reported that the fish died in Horseshoe Lake and were carried to Boyd Lake through a connecting channel. The sight of dead fish, including large carp and catfish, was distressing for visitors. Some residents attempted to save surviving fish by moving them to deeper water. The die-off has raised concerns about the health of local aquatic ecosystems and the impact on recreational activities.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Appoints New Wolf Conservation Manager Amid Program Challenges

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Appoints New Wolf Conservation Manager Amid Program Challenges

Matthew Hyde has been appointed as the new wolf conservation manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, succeeding Eric Odell. Hyde's appointment comes at a critical time for Colorado's wolf reintroduction program, which has faced numerous challenges since its inception. The program, approved by voters in 2020, has been hindered by conflicts with ranchers and restrictions on importing wolves. Hyde, who has a background in studying the relationship between wolves and humans, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the program. His predecessor, Odell, was known for his focus on field science and data collection, avoiding policy debates. Hyde's experience includes working with the California Wolf Project and studying carnivore-livestock conflicts. The program has recently seen some success with the reproduction of existing wolf packs and the formation of a new pack, bringing the total number of wolves closer to a self-sustaining population.

Oldest-Known Sunda Clouded Leopard Documented in Borneo

Oldest-Known Sunda Clouded Leopard Documented in Borneo

New camera trap footage has captured the oldest-known Sunda clouded leopard, an 8.5-year-old female, in the rainforests of Borneo. This elusive wild cat, known for its ghost-like presence, is rarely seen and carries the largest canine teeth relative to body size among wild cats. The study, conducted by Panthera in partnership with indigenous communities and local wildlife departments, provides new insights into the leopard's mobility and behavior. The research highlights the importance of community involvement in wildlife conservation and the challenges of protecting such elusive species.

Campbell’s Keeled Glass Snail Reintroduced to Norfolk Island After Extinction Fears

Campbell’s Keeled Glass Snail Reintroduced to Norfolk Island After Extinction Fears

More than 1,000 Campbell’s keeled glass snails, once thought extinct, have been reintroduced to Norfolk Island. This marks a significant milestone in a conservation program led by Taronga Conservation Society Australia and other partners. The species, presumed extinct for over 30 years, was rediscovered in 2020, prompting a breeding program at Taronga Zoo Sydney. The program began with 46 snails and has successfully increased the population to over 1,300. The snails have been released into Norfolk Island National Park, their only known habitat, where they are now breeding in the wild.

Nepal's Endemic Spiny Babbler Faces Conservation Challenges Amid Habitat Loss

Nepal's Endemic Spiny Babbler Faces Conservation Challenges Amid Habitat Loss

The spiny babbler, a bird species found only in Nepal, is drawing attention from ornithologists and conservationists due to its limited habitat and the challenges it faces. Despite being first described in 1836, the bird remains poorly understood, with sightings primarily in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Recent observations have recorded the bird in all seven provinces of Nepal, but its population and behavior remain largely undocumented. Researchers are calling for increased attention to study and protect the species, as urban expansion and climate change threaten its habitat.

LaBagh Woods Offers Urban Retreat with Scenic Trails and Birdwatching

LaBagh Woods Offers Urban Retreat with Scenic Trails and Birdwatching

LaBagh Woods Offers Urban Retreat with Scenic Trails and Birdwatching