Bird flu is decimating seal colonies. Scientists don’t know how to stop it

PORTLAND: Avian influenza is killing tens of thousands of seals and sea lions in different corners of the world, disrupting ecosystems and flummoxing scientists who don’t see a clear way to slow the devastating virus.The worldwide bird flu outbreak that began in 2020 has led to the deaths of millions of domesticated birds and spread … Read more

Why is this veterinary assistant dressed like a fox at work?

As It Happens5:49This wildlife centre is taking unusual steps to try and rehab a fox kit Why did veterinary assistant Melissa Stanley wear a large, furry fox mask to work? Because that’s what was best for her patient, of course.  Stanley is the executive director at Richmond Wildlife Center in Virginia, which posted a viral video … Read more

Bottom-contact fishing banned near rare Central Coast coral reef

Federal authorities have closed Canada’s only known live coral reef in the Pacific Ocean to all commercial and recreational bottom-contact fishing. Fisheries and Oceans Canada says the indefinite closure came into effect on Feb. 14 for the Lophelia Reef, located in the Finlayson Channel of British Columbia’s Central Coast, about 500 kilometres northwest of Vancouver and 200 kilometres directly east of … Read more

This rare loon brought the Bellagio hotel’s famous Vegas fountain show to a halt

As It Happens6:08This rare loon brought the Bellagio Hotel’s famous Vegas fountain show to a halt While it’s common to see crowds of people gathered outside the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, they’re not usually there for birdwatching.  But recently, a rare juvenile yellow-billed loon took up residence in the hotel’s artificial lake, … Read more

North Pacific humpback whale numbers fall by 20%, but some scientists aren’t worried yet

A sprawling international study of humpback whales in the northern Pacific has found their population has shrunk significantly since 2012 — despite the once-endangered species’ remarkable comeback from the brink of extinction.  The new research, published in Royal Society Open Science journal on Wednesday, estimated a roughly 20 per cent drop in the cetacean species’ numbers … Read more

Are Colorado ski-slope moose encounters rising?

It can be hard enough for skiers and snowboarders in Colorado to avoid trees, other downhillers, poles, mystery bumps and mashed-potato snow — without also having to worry about running into a moose. But that’s not always possible, as several recent social media videos have shown. Since the 2023-24 ski season began, there have been … Read more

It’s mating season for coyotes. Here’s how to limit encounters and stay safe

It’s mating season for coyotes, which means they’re more likely to be out and about during the day. With that in mind, the City of Burlington, Ont., is reminding residents what to do if they encounter one, and how to coyote-proof their properties.  Last week, the city also updated its bylaws to let wildlife management … Read more

Alaskapox death brings attention to small animal virus

For nine years, Alaska health officials have been aware of an unusual virus causing rare, relatively mild illnesses in the Fairbanks area. But a recent case in another part of the state — this one resulting in a man’s death — has brought new attention to the  Alaskapox virus. Here’s some background on the virus. What … Read more

US Won’t Restore Protections for Wolves in Rockies

Federal wildlife officials on Friday rejected requests from conservation groups to restore protections for gray wolves across the northern U.S Rocky Mountains, saying the predators are in no danger of extinction as some states seek to reduce their numbers through hunting. The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service also said it would work on a first-ever … Read more

Uranium drilling plans in Cañon City-area community surprise residents

When Marijane Sisson looks out the kitchen window of her home outside Cañon City, she is greeted with views of rolling hills and a grassy meadow. Some days, when she’s lucky, a herd of elk appears in the meadow. Sisson and her husband purchased the property in June and moved from Louisiana to live in … Read more