Wildlife

The federal government just acknowledged the harm its dams have caused tribes. Here’s what it left out.

The Biden administration said officials historically gave “little, if any, consideration” to impacts on tribal fishing. But some sought deliberately to upend the harvest, according to documents obtained by ProPublica and Oregon Public Broadcasting.

Herding elk: Drone use takes off in wildlife management

Wardens and biologists are finding ever-expanding uses for unmanned aircraft, which are being deployed across Wyoming and other states, saving on time and resources.

No more prizes for killing ‘nuisance’ animals under these hunting contest bans

Such contests kill tens of thousands of coyotes, foxes, squirrels and other animals each year.

States revisit wildlife management with an eye on resilience

Some states are wondering if climate mitigation could have a furry, four-legged solution.

Animal movement powers new GPS wildlife tracker

COMMENTARY | Instead of batteries, the device is powered by an animal's movements and can provide long-term location and health data for researchers.

An Initiative to Fawn Over: Funding for Wildlife Crossings Now Available

The grants will help state and local governments prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve connections between habitats.

New Orleans’ Christmas Trees Get a Second Life

An annual "Christmas Tree Drop" deposits thousands of repurposed trees throughout a Louisiana wildlife refuge to help restore wetlands.

A City Lost About 670,000 Trees. Now It Has a Plan to Replant Them

After a destructive storm, the Iowa locality will spend $37 million to plant more than 42,000 trees over 10 years. “So much of the plan is intended to be replicable to other cities,” says a city official.

Beaver Dams Lessen Damage From Droughts

COMMENTARY | American beavers' prolific dam building benefits river water quality so much, it outweighs the damaging influence of climate-driven droughts.

What It’s Like for a State Wildlife Agency to Star in a Reality TV Show

Nuisance bears, rabid skunks, search and rescue. Duties are seldom dull for New Hampshire Fish and Game. But for nine seasons the department added a twist to its operations, participating in the show “North Woods Law.”

Fewer Car-Deer Crashes with Permanent Daylight Savings

COMMENTARY | Adopting permanent daylight saving time in the United States would reduce deer-vehicle collisions, report researchers.

What to Know About the $350M in New Funding for Wildlife Crossings

The money to cut down on highway collisions between vehicles and animals was included in the infrastructure law. The application process for it should open early next year.

A State Wildlife Agency That's Winning at Twitter

Oklahoma's Department of Wildlife Conservation has grown its follower count from around 8,000 to over 80,000, dishing out posts that are fun but also informative. The agency's social media team chatted with Route Fifty about the secrets to their success.

Deer Are Threatening American Forests. Is More Hunting the Solution?

To protect habitats and carbon-capturing forests, scientists say the deer population needs to be drastically reduced in many areas.

Coyotes Are Here to Stay in Cities. Here’s How to Appreciate Them From a Distance

COMMENTARY | Though they can get a bad rap, coyotes often aren't as aggressive as many believe them to be. And in fact, they may bring some benefits to cities.

One State Lawmaker's Plan to Ramp Up the Battle Against Wild Hogs

California, like other states, is trying to manage the invasive animals, which cause billions in damage each year nationwide. A state senator wants to make it easier for people to hunt them.

Vultures Descend on Small Town—and Won't Leave

For nearly a year, officials in Bunn, in northeastern North Carolina, have tried to deter dozens of buzzards from roosting on local buildings. Even propane cannon aren't working.

State Officials to Drone Operators: Please Stop Harassing the Animals

Wildlife officials in Colorado this week urged recreational drone pilots to avoid disrupting animals during flights, the latest example of a growing issue for state agencies.

Hunting Destructive Feral Hogs Saves Livestock and Property—and Provides ‘Excellent Table Fare’

Hunters in Alabama can now legally hunt wild pigs at night, an additional method of controlling the destructive invasive species.

In One State, Fish Populations Take Flight

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources drops thousands of fish from airplanes into lakes to maintain populations in high-altitude, hard-to-reach areas. Almost all of them survive.