Bullfrogs are hard to spot, even though they're loud and large. Using environmental DNA can be helpful in locating and understanding elusive creatures like bullfrogs.
The post Commentary: Bullfrogs are my favorite band first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/05/05/commentary-bullfrogs-are-my-favorite-band/
On the cool morning of April 25, doctoral student Eric Ste Marie from the University of Windsor’s department of integrative biology went out for a walk with his partner along the Detroit River prior to an anticipated long day in his lab. Much to his surprise, he saw an animal pop its head out of the water.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/04/river-otters-detroit-river/
By Matthew Brown, Associated Press
BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — U.S. wildlife officials have agreed to craft a new habitat plan for the snow-loving Canada lynx that could include more land in Colorado and other western states where the rare animals would be protected, according to a legal agreement made public Tuesday.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/04/ap-canada-lynx-protections-deal/
![The Catch: Interlochen Public Radio podcast finds ‘[Un]Natural Selection’ in nature](https://www.greatlakesnow.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Unnatural-Selection-Logo-240x135.jpg){kind=logo}
Broadcasting in our monthly PBS television program, The Catch is a Great Lakes Now series that brings you more news about the lakes you love. Go beyond the headlines with reporters from around the region who cover the lakes and drinking water issues. Find all the work HERE.
Turns out what used to be natural selection is becoming a bit unnatural.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/04/the-catch-unnatural-selection/
Animal migrations are among nature’s most stirring spectacles. So why do so few of us know about spectacular migrations that happen every spring, right in our own back yards? Because these are migrations of fish, out of sight beneath the surfaces of our rivers and streams.
The post April: Hidden Migrations first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/01/april-hidden-migrations/
After a four-year hiatus, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has revived its popular Facebook series “IdentiFriday.” IdentiFriday asks participants to guess the species of a plant or animal based on a small portion of a picture each Friday. The correct answer is then posted with the full photo later in the day.
The post DNR keeps people guessing on social media first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/03/31/dnr-keeps-people-guessing-on-social-media/
This article was republished here with permission from Great Lakes Echo.
By Shelby Frink, Great Lakes Echo
A scientist may have found a native aquatic plant in Ohio that was once thought to be wiped out in the state.
The watermilfoil species has not been seen in Ohio in at least 20 years, said Mark Warman, the scientist who found the plant on private property last September after his friend posted photos on the social network iNaturalist.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/native-aquatic-plant-ohio/
This article was republished here with permission from Great Lakes Echo.
By Shelby Frink, Great Lakes Echo
A scientist may have found a native aquatic plant in Ohio that was once thought to be wiped out in the state.
The watermilfoil species has not been seen in Ohio in at least 20 years, said Mark Warman, the scientist who found the plant on private property last September after his friend posted photos on the social network iNaturalist.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/native-aquatic-plant-ohio/
Great Lakes invasive species cling to shipments and navigate canals to migrate, but one aquatic invader - sea lamprey - benefitted from border closures instead. During 2020, 93 Great Lakes tributaries and 11 standing bodies of water were scheduled for chemical treatments for lamprey, but only 26 tributaries and six standing bodies of water were completed.
The post The pandemic that closed the U.S./Canadian border to people may have opened it to the invasive sea lamprey first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/03/21/the-pandemic-that-closed-the-u-s-canadian-border-to-people-may-have-opened-it-to-the-invasive-sea-lamprey/
A new project hopes to find the best design for an incubator to produce the fish that hasn’t been in Michigan waters since 1936. It is part of a multi-step effort by the Michigan Arctic Grayling Initiative, a collaboration of more than 40 partners to make the fish self-sustaining in the Great Lakes.
The post Streamside incubator could help restore grayling to Michigan first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/03/16/streamside-incubator-could-help-restore-grayling-to-michigan/
Ultrasonic acoustic detectors are being used to detect and identify the northern flying squirrel that is endangered in Pennsylvania.
The post High tech surveillance tracks endangered flying squirrels first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/03/15/high-tech-surveillance-tracks-endangered-flying-squirrels/
A scientist may have found a native aquatic plant in Ohio that was once thought to be wiped out in the state. The watermilfoil species has not been seen in Ohio in at least 20 years.
The post Lost and found: native aquatic plant in Ohio first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/03/10/lost-and-found-native-aquatic-plant-in-ohio/
Great Lakes Moment is a monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor John Hartig. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit Public Television.
It was a mid-winter day, and I was driving to my Downriver home from a meeting in Detroit.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/great-lakes-moment-bald-eagles-detroit/
The bothersome gypsy moth will now be known as the spongy moth. The Entomological Society of America made the change because the word “gypsy” is considered a derogatory slur against the Romani people. The word was dropped from its list of common names last July and the new name was just announced.
The post Invasive species now called spongy moth first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/03/07/2147874/
By Matthew Brown and John Flesher, Associated Press
BILLINGS, Mont (AP) — A judge restored federal protections for gray wolves across much of the U.S. on Thursday, after their removal in the waning days of the Trump administration exposed the predators to hunting that critics said would undermine their rebound from widespread extermination early last century.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/02/ap-judge-protections-gray-wolves/
In a small back room of an aquarium in a Michigan suburban mall lies a tank of endangered corals native to places more than a thousand miles away.
The post Suburban Michigan aquarium an ark for Florida corals first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/02/09/suburban-michigan-aquarium-an-ark-for-florida-corals/
The lower Detroit River is a unique urban refugium where the tapestry of life has been woven with elegance, where the music of life has been rehearsed to perfection for thousands of years, where nature’s colors are most vibrant and engaging, where time is measured in seasons, and where the canvasback race across the water takes center stage.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/02/great-lakes-moment-ducks-detroit-river/
Walking my 90-pound shepherd a few days after Christmas in our suburban neighborhood, the jangling bell on his collar seemed a festive touch, one of the neighbors told us.
But it was more of a reminder of our August trip to Drummond Island than some holiday décor.
My 11-day summer vacation this year involved throwing my dog, some swimsuits and a lot of sunscreen in my car and heading up to visit generous friends with houses along Grand Lake (north of Alpena) and Lake Huron.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/year-in-review-2021-canine-adventures/
John Vucetich has studied wolves and moose for over 20 years on the pristine, isolated island in Lake Superior. He leads the island National Park’s wolf-moose project.
The post Ecologist ponders fairness to wildlife and the thoughts of moose first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/12/21/ecologist-ponders-fairness-to-wildlife-and-the-thoughts-of-moose/
Efforts by politicians to create a hunting season for eastern sandhill cranes in both Wisconsin and Michigan are stirring debates among hunters, farmers and birders.
The post Proposed eastern sandhill cranes hunt in breeding states stirs controversy first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/12/15/proposed-eastern-sandhill-cranes-hunt-in-breeding-states-stirs-controversy/
Grants are available to buy removal supplies, like sponges and towels, or host events teaching boaters how to properly clean off invasive species, according to a Department of Natural Resources press release.
The post Grant program repels Great Lakes invaders first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/12/07/grant-program-repels-great-lakes-invaders/
An Amherst, N.Y., man has received an 18-month prison sentence for trafficking exotic African cats, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Buffalo.
The post New York man imprisoned for trafficking African wild cats first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/12/01/new-york-man-imprisoned-for-trafficking-african-wild-cats/
Central Michigan University researchers have discovered unexpected populations of native mussels in the Detroit River, an area that hasn’t been searched for the mollusks since 1998.
The post Researchers investigate native mussels in Detroit River for first time since 1990s first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/25/researchers-investigate-native-mussels-in-detroit-river-for-first-time-since-1990s/
Scientists have discovered a Lake Superior refuge for a declining weasel-like carnivore.
The post Lake Superior’s Apostle Islands shelters a declining species first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/24/lake-superiors-apostle-islands-shelters-a-declining-species/
Behavior-altering chemicals produced by sea lamprey may decrease the invaders’ populations in the Great Lakes.
The post Chemical sex attraction may curb invasive sea lamprey, new study says first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/17/chemical-sex-attraction-may-curb-invasive-sea-lamprey-new-study-says/
Ring-billed gulls travel between populated beaches and human waste sites like landfills and water treatment plants, carrying human pathogens with them.
The post Beach-dwelling gulls are vehicles for bacteria first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/12/beach-dwelling-gulls-are-vehicles-for-bacteria/
Why do Isle Royale's red foxes feel comfortable close to humans?
The post Scientists tackle mystery of Isle Royale’s red foxes first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/15/scientists-tackle-mystery-of-isle-royales-red-foxes/
A species unique to the Great Lakes region once had a bounty on its head, but now experts are trying to save it.
The post Endangered Great Lakes rattler once had a bounty first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/11/endangered-great-lakes-rattler-once-had-a-bounty/
Fewer Michigan residents with sloppy backyard birds could be ticketed for potentially spreading disease among deer and elk under a bill the state Senate recently sent to the governor’s desk.
The post Backyard birders get a win in the Michigan legislature first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/06/backyard-birders-get-a-win-in-the-michigan-legislature/
The fate of Traverse City, Michigan’s FishPass project will be decided in court.
The post FishPass stays off November ballot, will be decided in appeals court first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/09/07/fishpass-stays-off-november-ballot-will-be-decided-in-appeals-court/
After birds lay their eggs and their fledglings take off in the spring, you might have an empty bird box at this point. Should you clean out the nest they leave behind?
The post Clean your birdhouses regularly? first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/09/01/clean-your-birdhouses-regularly/
Michigan State University Extension is conducting a program to help monitor an invasive moth species.
The post Homeowners to track invasive moths first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/08/30/homeowners-to-track-invasive-moths/
Freshwater turtles have become less abundant in coastal areas of Greater Toronto that have significantly decreased wetlands.
The post Depleted wetlands impact freshwater turtles in Toronto first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/08/09/depleted-wetlands-impact-freshwater-turtles-in-toronto/
Cougar habitat in North America has been shrinking due to development, land fragmentation and “human-induced mortality,” wildlife researchers warn.
The post Mapping pathways for roaming cougars first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/08/02/mapping-pathways-for-roaming-cougars/
Piping plovers, a small white-and-gray shorebird with striking orange legs, are making a comeback this summer – on the beach and at the bar.
The post Birds and Brews: Pour one out for the piping plover first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/07/30/birds-and-brews-pour-one-out-for-the-piping-plover/
Michigan is number eight in a national ranking by the State Farm insurance company of where drivers are most likely to collide with an animal.
The post Commentary: Mourning roadkill first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/05/07/commentary-mourning-roadkill/
Reinstatement of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Habitat Grant Program could provide significant funding for many habitat projects this year, the department said.
The post Michigan offers $1 million to improve wildlife habitat first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/05/06/michigan-offers-1-million-to-improve-wildlife-habitat/
Recovering America’s Wildlife Act would provide states, territories and tribes with $1.4 billion annually to protect important species and their associated habitats.
The post Congress considers once-in-a-generation bill for conservation first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/05/06/congress-considers-once-in-a-generation-bill-for-conservation/
Recovering America’s Wildlife Act would provide states, territories and tribes with $1.4 billion annually to protect important species and their associated habitats.
The post Congress considers once-in-a-generation bill for conservation first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/05/06/congress-considers-once-in-a-generation-bill-for-conservation/
Wildlife experts are pushing stronger conservation and protection efforts for Michigan's threatened and endangered species.
The post Going wild, experts continue preservation of endangered species first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/04/27/going-wild-experts-continue-preservation-of-endangered-species/
Migratory bird patterns are shifting as temperatures increase in North America, leaving birds to find new sources of food and adjust to the warmer climate, according to a new study
The post Changes in migratory bird patterns likely caused by climate change, study finds first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/04/16/changes-in-migratory-bird-patterns-likely-caused-by-climate-change-study-finds/
Growing public concern about shrinking sunfish sizes led to lower daily harvest limits across Minnesota this year.
The post New sunfish regulations let Minnesota’s fish grow first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/04/15/new-sunfish-regulations-let-minnesotas-fish-grow/
Birds that rely on aquatic insects for food have declined for decades.
The post Saving streams can save bugs and birds first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/04/14/saving-streams-can-save-bugs-and-birds/
Two new projects will use over $500,000 to help the declining pheasant population in Illinois by improving habitat, experts say.
The post Over $500,000 dedicated to pheasant habitat conservation in Illinois first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/04/13/over-500000-dedicated-to-pheasant-habitat-conservation-in-illinois/
A tribal aviary located north of Harbor Springs will be the first of its kind east of the Mississippi River.
The post New eagle aviary and rehabilitation center will be built out of a collaboration between Wings of Wonder and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of the Odawa Indians first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/04/12/new-eagle-aviary-and-rehabilitation-center-will-be-built-out-of-a-collaboration-between-wings-of-wonder-and-the-little-traverse-bay-bands-of-the-odawa-indians/
A greater understanding of muskrats' impact could help guide understanding of their dependence on Great Lakes water levels and their related ecosystem roles.
The post Muskrats love fluctuating water levels. Property owners, not so much. first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/04/12/muskrats-love-fluctuating-water-levels-property-owners-not-so-much/
Michigan researchers are asking for volunteers to transcribe paper fish observation records that date back more than a century.
The post Researchers need help transcribing 100-year-old fish records first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/04/07/researchers-need-help-transcribing-100-year-old-fish-records/
Scientists are looking at the diet of bank swallows to understand what is causing their population decline.
The post Diet may solve mysterious decline of Great Lakes shorebirds first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/04/01/diet-may-solve-mysterious-decline-of-great-lakes-shorebirds/
Accurate information about murder hornets must be provided to the public to limit their spread and protect native bee populations, an entomology researcher told the Michigan Beekeepers Association.
The post Entomology researcher explains the dangers of murder hornets first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/03/31/entomology-researcher-explains-the-dangers-of-murder-hornets/
Some at-risk turtles in Ontario won’t have to look both ways before crossing the road to avoid getting hit in traffic.
The post New project conserves Ontario’s eight at-risk turtle species first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/03/29/new-project-conserves-ontarios-eight-at-risk-turtle-species/
