Wildlife

Ghost Fishing Nets Being Vanquished In Puget Sound

Ashley Ahearn — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:00:54 +0000

Fishing nets are designed to ensnare fish. But when those nets are lost or abandoned at sea, they don’t stop catching fish. Instead, they become ghost nets – floating death traps for the marine life that continue to get trapped in their mesh.

Reaction Is Mixed To Federal Government Blanket Delisting Of Gray Wolf

Aaron Kunz — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:48:36 +0000

A plan by the federal government to end protection for gray wolves received mixed reactions from environmental groups to ranchers. EarthFix reporter Aaron Kunz obtained a copy of that draft report and explains what it means for the Northwest.

Federal Government May Seek Blanket Delisting Of Gray Wolf

Aaron Kunz — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:11:18 +0000

The federal government is preparing to stop protecting gray wolves in the lower 48 states, according to a draft document. The plan is drawing criticism from environmental groups. EarthFix reporter Aaron Kunz has more.

New Protections Proposed For Giant Pacific Octopus in Puget Sound

Ashley Ahearn — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 13:51:41 +0000

Host Intro: The harvesting of a giant Pacific octopus near Alki Beach in Seattle last October prompted a public outcry. Now the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is considering new protections for octopuses. Ashley Ahearn reports for EarthFix.

WA Wildlife Managers To Euthanize Bighorn Sheep

Courtney Flatt — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 23:26:20 +0000

Wildlife managers are euthanizing bighorn sheep in central Washington. A herd has been infected with a disease that causes pneumonia.

The Politics Of Raccoons At The Oregon Capitol

Chris Lehman — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:25:54 +0000

SALEM, Ore. - Depending on who you ask, raccoons are either cute little woodland critters or a menace to pets and humans alike. There’s certainly no consensus on that question in the Oregon legislature. One measure in Salem would ban the feeding of raccoons. It’s an idea that’s proven to be surprisingly controversial.

Kristy Neubo has a small dog. She calls it "Baby.

Testimony On Wolf Bill Includes Story Of Attack

Steve Jackson — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 13:23:08 +0000

A public hearing Wednesday on a bill to allow people the right to protect livestock and pets from wolf attacks included the story of a very close wolf encounter near the town of Twisp.

Wandering Wolf Returns to Oregon After Year In California

Amelia Templeton — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:09:47 +0000

A wandering male wolf known as OR-7 has crossed back into Oregon after spending more than a year in the mountains of northern California. It was originally born in Northeastern Oregon. Amelia Templeton of EarthFix reports.

Killing Wolves Sparks Heated Debate In Washington Senate

Alexandra Kocik — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 13:33:51 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – It would be easier to kill gray wolves that attack livestock or pets under a bill that passed the Washington Senate Friday. Currently, ranchers and property owners can’t kill protected animals, like wolves, without the permission of the Department of Fish and Wildlife. The bill sparked heated debate in the Senate.

Republican state Sen.

Idaho Adopts New State Water Plan

Aaron Kunz — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 14:44:38 +0000

Idaho has a new water plan -- the first update since 1996 to the state’s principles for how water in streams, lakes and aquifers should be divided among users and how it should be conserved for fish and wildlife. The new plan goes into effect Friday. But not everyone is happy about it. EarthFix reporter Aaron Kunz explains.