wildlife

Four environmental organizations filed a petition Thursday asking the Federal Communications Commission to reverse its approval of a startup's plan to beam on-demand sunlight from space to Earth. The groups argue the agency ignored the project's potential impacts on wildlife and astronomy, reopening debate over how the FCC assesses environmental harm from commercial space ventures.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has published its calendar of events and seasons for October 2026. The announcement covers upcoming hunting, fishing and wildlife-related dates across the state, giving outdoors enthusiasts, hunters and anglers advance notice of what is permitted and when. People are checking the calendar to plan fall activities and confirm season openings and deadlines.

Giant pandas are returning to the United States, with coverage framing their arrival at a zoo as more than a wildlife story. Panda loans have long been used as a tool of diplomacy between China and other countries, so the animals' presence is being read alongside the current state of US-China relations. Observers see the arrangement as both a popular attraction and a symbolic gesture.

Schools across Arkansas can now apply for conservation education grants, with nearly $690,000 in funding available. The program aims to support classroom and outdoor projects that teach students about natural resources, wildlife and land stewardship. Educators are expected to use the money for hands-on conservation learning, though details on eligibility deadlines and how awards will be distributed remain limited in initial reports.

A gardening column out of North Dakota, published under the Dakota Gardener name in the Devils Lake Daily Journal, takes on the problem of unwanted animals and pests showing up in home gardens. The piece offers a look at which visitors cause the most trouble for local growers and how gardeners might respond.

Authorities are working to combat an outbreak of New World screwworm, a parasitic fly whose larvae infest the wounds of warm-blooded animals, posing a serious threat to livestock and wildlife. Details on the affected regions and control measures remain limited, but the outbreak is drawing attention due to the parasite's potential to spread rapidly and cause significant economic damage to agriculture.

The Colorado Springs Gazette's Live Well column is out with a piece titled 'Desperately seeking wildlife.' Beyond the headline, no details are available on what the article covers, whether it describes a local search for animals in the Colorado Springs area, or the broader interest in wildlife watching. Readers appear to be noticing the feature, but specific facts about its content have not surfaced.

A new film called 'Field Notes' profiles Sophie Allen, a wildlife biologist whose scientific work shapes the way she approaches riding. The piece explores how her background in studying animals and ecosystems informs her time outdoors and her style on the bike, blending her two passions in one short documentary.

The Sierra Club has released its September 2026 team update covering its forests and wildlife work. The notice outlines the campaign team's current activities and priorities for the month. Beyond the announcement itself, no further details about specific actions, campaigns or outcomes have been reported so far.

A bear broke into a home in Asheville, North Carolina, in an incident wildlife officials say illustrates why residents must secure food sources. Officials are reminding people to lock trash cans, remove bird feeders and avoid leaving food outside, as bears seeking easy meals increasingly venture into residential neighborhoods.

Big Bend National Park has announced temporary closures of certain areas for wildlife management. The closures, reported by the Big Bend Sentinel, are part of the park's routine efforts to protect wildlife, though which areas are affected and how long they will last remain unspecified. Visitors planning trips to the West Texas park may want to check for updates before traveling.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency says 60 bears have been killed 'humanely' in Sevier County in 2026 following what it calls significant human-bear conflicts. The statement has drawn attention in the region, as residents and wildlife watchers weigh the agency's approach to managing bears near populated areas against concerns over the scale of the cull.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will host a virtual public meeting on its red wolf recovery programme. The session gives residents and conservationists a chance to hear updates and raise questions about efforts to rebuild the wild red wolf population in eastern North Carolina, where the species' only wild population has struggled in recent years.

Researchers are applying deep learning to swine deadstock sites to identify wildlife-related disease risks, according to Pork Business. The approach aims to spot patterns that could signal disease spread between wildlife and livestock, helping farmers and veterinarians respond earlier. The technique reflects a broader push in agriculture toward AI-based surveillance tools.

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced expanded free access to state parks, cited record conservation progress, and signed legislation protecting the state's coastline and wildlife. The move is framed as a direct counter to the Trump administration's push to open or reduce federal public lands. It positions California as a leading defender of conservation policy amid federal-state clashes over land use.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed SB 1250, a bill by Senator Dave Cortese aimed at improving road safety while protecting wildlife. The measure is expected to support measures that reduce vehicle collisions with animals and make roads safer for drivers. Further details of the bill's provisions and implementation have not yet been widely reported.

Pennsylvania legislators are calling for the release of two videos from Pennsylvania Game Commission meetings, citing transparency concerns. The demand, reported by the Beaver County Times and Erie Times-News, puts pressure on the state's wildlife agency to open its proceedings to public scrutiny. Details of what the recordings show have not been made clear in the reports.

Orcas have been spotted off Newport Beach, Southern California, as El Nino conditions and Hurricane Polo continue to push unusual wildlife into the region's coastal waters. The sightings have drawn attention from locals and marine watchers, who are noting an increase in rare animal appearances along the Southern California coastline linked to the shifting ocean conditions.