July 26, 2025

Information collected & summarized by:

Invasive Zebra Mussels Detected Across Western Colorado

Western Colorado — Since September 2022, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has confirmed the westward march of invasive zebra mussels, with adult specimens first found at Highline Lake and microscopic veligers now detected in the Colorado River, Mack Mesa Lake and a private Eagle County pond.

Threats & Response:

Extremely prolific: One mussel can yield up to 1 million offspring per year.

Ecological and infrastructure risks: They clog irrigation pipes, hydro facilities and disrupt food webs.

Prevention focus: Watercraft inspections, gear decontamination stations and a “Be a Pain in the ANS” education campaign aim to curb further spread.

Idaho Targets 60% Wolf Reduction Amid Population Count Debate

BOISE, Idaho — Idaho Fish and Game has adopted a plan to slash the state’s wolf population by more than 60% over six years, aiming to reduce the current average of 1,270 wolves to roughly 500. The strategy requires hunting, trapping and lethal removals accounting for about 37% of the population annually.

Counting controversies:

Traditional trail-camera estimates and the new ABC (Approximate Bayesian Computation) genetic model agreed from 2019–22 but diverged in 2023 (840 vs. 1,150 wolves).

Advocates warn that flawed numbers could lead to overkill, treaty violations and renewed threats to a species once eradicated in Idaho.

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Oregon Sees 47% Drop in Spring Bird Migration Amid Drought

Oregon’s spring skies were unusually empty this year, with only 43 million migratory birds passing through between April and May—a 47% decline from 2023, according to BirdCast data analyzed by the Bird Alliance of Oregon. Local birders, led by Brodie Cass Talbott, reported silent treetops where warblers once sang. National Weather Service meteorologist Colby Neuman points to the driest winter on record in Phoenix and San Diego, and likely drought in Mexico, as starving birds of the plants and insects they need to fuel their journey. Conservationists urge simple actions—turn off lights, keep cats indoors, plant natives—to help struggling migrants.

Pennsylvania House Bans Sale of Ivory and Endangered Animal Parts

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania State House has approved House Bill 994, which would prohibit the sale of ivory and parts from endangered or at-risk species within state borders. Under current law, federal protections ban interstate trade, but no state-level ban exists.

Key points:

The bill covers species from baleen whales to bonobos, cheetahs, chimpanzees, dolphins, elephants, gorillas, hippos, jaguars, leopards, lions and even mammoths.

Sponsor Rep. Leanne Krueger argues that ending in-state sales will “shut down the demand” and help curb poaching.

HB 994 now moves to the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee before heading to the governor’s desk.

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Idaho’s Plan to Cut Wolf Numbers by 60% Sparks Conservation Outcry