Animals

Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Ron Bergeron handles a snake as part of the Python Challenge in the Everglades.

Hunting Snakes In The Everglades To Protect Native Species

2:40pm January 17, 2016

by Greg Allen

Burmese pythons in the Everglades are taking a big toll on native wildlife. To combat their spread, the state is holding its second Python Challenge — a hunt expected to draw over 1,000 participants.

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Currently, only about 10 percent of egg-laying chickens in the U.S. live in cage-free houses like the one seen in this photo.

Science

Most U.S. Egg Producers Are Now Choosing Cage-Free Houses

7:21pm January 15, 2016

by Dan Charles

The majority of American egg producers, when they order new chicken houses, are choosing cage-free systems. That's a sea change driven by consumer demand for cage-free eggs.

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A scientist holds a northern long-eared bat suffering from the white-nose syndrome in LaSalle County, Ill.

Environmentalists Say 'Threatened' Status For Bats Not Enough

7:14am January 15, 2016

by Brian Mann

Northern long-eared bats were listed as a "threatened" species this week after being ravaged by a disease that has killed millions of bats. Some environmentalists say the protection is not enough.

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Maryann Frazier, a researcher at Penn State's Center for Pollinator Research, checks on one of her experimental honeybee hives. Frazier is testing the effects of pesticides on honeybee colonies.

Science

A Hardier Honeybee That Fights Back By Biting Back

4:28pm January 11, 2016

by Lou Blouin

The parasitic varroa mite has been wiping out honeybee colonies globally since the late '80s. Now scientists and beekeepers have teamed up to selectively breed bees with a unique, mite-fighting trait.

National

San Diego Stumped On How To Stop The Stink

8:03am January 10, 2016

by Claire Trageser

Sea lion poop is frustrating residents in the San Diego neighborhood of La Jolla who pay top dollar for their ocean views. But fixing the problem isn't as simple as just scraping off the waste.

Finally, Some Good News For Manatees And Green Sea Turtles

5:56pm January 08, 2016

by Merrit Kennedy

These two species have been in danger of extinction for decades, but have responded well to conservation efforts. Those measures are going to stay in effect.

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William Finley, seen here with a California condor, visited Malheur Lake in 1908 with his photography partner Herman Bohlman.

These Photos Inspired The Creation Of That Occupied Oregon Refuge

12:33pm January 08, 2016

by Adam Cole

A century before militants seized Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, two photographers visited Malheur Lake. Their hand-colored images persuaded Theodore Roosevelt to protect the area's wildlife.

Record Number Of Green Sea Turtles Return To Florida

5:21am January 08, 2016

The Florida green sea turtle, which has been on the endangered species list since 1978, had a record year of nests along the state's seacoast.

Science

Animal Rights Group Loses Copyright Suit Over Monkey Selfies

10:36pm January 07, 2016

by Nina Totenberg

A federal judge ruled Wednesday that a monkey cannot own the copyrights to selfies he took.

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A macaque took this self-portrait in 2011 with a camera owned by photographer David Slater. PETA says the monkey owns the copyright; Slater says he does. The U.S. Copyright Office says no one can, and a federal judge has now said it would be up to Congres

National

Monkey Can't Own Copyright To His Selfie, Federal Judge Says

11:49am January 07, 2016

by Camila Domonoske

A district judge in San Francisco said that Congress and the president can choose to "extend the protection of law to animals as well as humans" — but that for now, no, monkeys can't own copyrights.