Ticks could get big head start this spring
Dry weather reportedly tends to suppress the number of ticks. But a shot of moisture — along with warmer weather such as in February — can re-energize the tick world.
Associated Press
Poaching of birch trees on rise in Minnesota, Wisconsin
The logs, limbs and twigs are sold to city residents who want a touch of the Northwoods in their homes.
Ice fishing season extended in Maine
Instead of ending April 1, season runs to April 16 due to “unusually cold weather conditions.”
Appeals court restores federal protections for prairie dog
Ten states stepped in to support the decision: Michigan, South Dakota, Utah, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana and Wyoming.
Judge overturns denial of protected status for pygmy owl
There reportedly are fewer than 50 of the small birds in Arizona.
Idaho governor appeals dismissal of sage grouse lawsuit
The legal action was among a number of lawsuits filed in September 2015 after federal officials opted not to list sage grouse under the Endangered Species Act but announced federal land-use restrictions. Environmental groups later filed lawsuits contending the restrictions designed to protect sage grouse habitat didn’t go far enough.
In Maine, it could be years before brook trout recover from drought
Biologists say some streams and brooks dried up and low water prevented fish from moving to colder habitat. The low water also made the fish more liable to be eaten by predators such as mink and otter.
Erratic winter temperatures endanger Ohio honeybee colonies
In addition to weather, honeybees are also threatened by Varroa mites, pesticides, herbicides, loss of habitat and non-native flowers.
Bill would continue effort to keep trash out of Great Lakes
Would target solid waste ranging from plastic bits to fishing nets and even abandoned vessels that wash up on U.S. shores.
Expanded hunting proposed for Jackson Hole elk herd
Biologists say the idea is to increase the harvest in portion of the herd to help control its numbers.
Oklahoma may legalize hog hunting from helicopters
The agriculture department says its agents killed more than 11,200 feral hogs, mostly by air, last year.
A rite of spring: annual bear count in Pennsylvania
Every March, in three study areas of the state, crews visit dens that the Pennsylvania Game Commission has identified. They give each new cub numbered ear tags and assess the health of the cubs and the mother.
Another lawsuit seeks to block PolyMet mine land exchange in northeastern Minnesota
The deal calls for trading 6,650 acres of federal land for a similar amount of private land. But attorney says it’s a bad deal for taxpayers.
Maine foragers see mushroom doom: Wild picker law would bring rules
Proposal would prohibit the harvest of forager foods without written permission or a bill of sale from the owner of the property.
Connecticut officials bracing for bad year for ticks
Experts blame a warm winter and a large population of white-footed mice, which can carry the Lyme disease bacterium and spread it to ticks.
In Montana, boating rules in place to fend off invasive mussels
The “local boater” program will allow watercraft owners to complete educational training on aquatic invasive species and sign an agreement pledging only to use the boat at either Tiber or Canyon Ferry reservoir.
New York proposes adding 4 free sport fishing days
The idea behind these free fishing days is to give people who might not fish a chance to try it.
South Dakota youth shooting club promotes ethics
Pierre Junior Shooters combines the education of 4-H with the competitiveness of a club sport.
Earlier start to North Dakota pheasant season could boost local economies
Change could mostly affect out-of-state hunters, who plan in advance and might be leery of scheduling later in the year due to wintry weather.
As Georgia turkey season opens, hunters can record kills with app
Hunters will be able to use their cellphones to record their kills at the scene by using an app put in place by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Agency increases walleye, yellow perch catch for Lake Erie
The Lake Erie Committee of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission agreed to a 20 percent increase in the total allowable catch for walleye and 13 percent for yellow perch.
Electrical problem kills 600,000 salmon in Idaho hatchery
The salmon were a few weeks old and scheduled to be released next spring and return as adults in 2020.
In Tennessee, Knox County coyote sighting uptick is seasonal, experts say
Coyotes have been in East Tennessee for years. Experts say people need to get used to it and adjust.
Rusty patched bumblebee joins endangered species list
Becomes the first officially endangered bee species in the continental U.S.
Wildlife photographers fight over owl baiting in Minnesota
Baiting has become an issue over the past decade as the popularity of wildlife photography has exploded due to the advent of high speed, digital technology.
Star eagle shines, educates in Lake Shelbyville program
It was part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ fifth annual “Eagle Day’.”
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