“Chocolate, avocados, onions, and moldy foods are some of the most poisonous items you can leave out for squirrels. Even small amounts of these everyday ingredients can cause serious health issues—or be fatal—for these sensitive rodents.” Squirrels may look harmless scampering across your fence or chasing each other up a…“Chocolate, avocados, onions, and moldy foods are some of the most poisonous items you can leave out for squirrels. Even small amounts of these everyday ingredients can cause serious health issues—or be fatal—for these sensitive rodents.” Squirrels may look harmless scampering across your fence or chasing each other up a tree, but when they show up in your attic or tear through your garden, that charm disappears fast. In leafy neighborhoods where parks are close by and backyard bird feeders are everywhere, it’s no surprise that squirrels are regular visitors—and sometimes uninvited tenants. While many people enjoy watching them or even tossing out food, what you leave behind can actually be dangerous to squirrels—and a bigger headache for you without proper squirrel control . This article isn’t about harming wildlife. It’s about knowing what food is poisonous to squirrels so you don’t accidentally invite them in or make them sick. If you’ve been leaving out scraps, filling feeders, or composting without thinking twice, there’s a good chance you’re creating a squirrel buffet without even realizing it. Let’s break down what to avoid, what to secure, and how to protect both your home and the squirrels from a bad encounter. What Is The Most Dangerous Foods for Squirrels? Chocolate and Caffeinated Products Chocolate is one of the most toxic substances you can accidentally leave out for squirrels or any rodent. It contains theobromine—a stimulant that these small animals can’t metabolize effectively. Just a small amount from a brownie, chocolate almond bar, or sugar-filled candy can trigger tremors, elevated heart rate, or seizures in squirrels. Since they have such fast metabolisms and tiny bodies, the toxic effects hit hard and fast, often with serious consequences. Caffeinated foods and drinks are equally dangerous. Coffee grounds , soda spills, or chocolate-covered espresso beans tossed into a compost pile can be life-threatening if a squirrel gets into them. Where outdoor parties and backyard BBQs are common, it’s easy for sugary or caffeine-rich snacks to end up where rodents roam. To keep squirrels safe and your property clear of unwelcome visitors, make it a habit to clean up thoroughly and store all sweet or stimulant-laced foods securely. Avocados Avocados contain persin, a fungicidal toxin found in the fruit’s skin, pit, and even its leaves. While persin might not harm humans, it can be toxic to many animals, including squirrels. The risk isn’t just in eating an avocado—squirrels that nibble on a discarded peel, chewed seed, or exposed pit can experience digestive issues or worse. What makes this even more concerning is how easily avocado waste can be overlooked, especially in compost bins. If you’re growing avocado trees or preparing guacamole from scratch, this is something to stay mindful of. As urban farming and composting become more popular, the risk of accidentally exposing squirrels to this toxic fruit increases. Make sure avocado scraps are properly sealed or discarded, and if you have a tree, regularly clear fallen fruit from the yard. It’s better to be safe than to unknowingly poison a local animal. Onions, Garlic, and Spicy Foods While these aromatic kitchen staples may keep your chili full of flavor, they spell serious trouble for squirrels. Onions and garlic contain compounds that can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia and other health complications. The danger extends to cooked dishes, too. If a squirrel gets into leftover food seasoned with garlic or onions, even in small amounts, it can suffer lasting effects. In worst cases, repeated exposure can be fatal over time. Spicy foods also pack a punch that squirrels can’t handle. Hot sauce remnants, chili powder, or discarded tacos can cause severe digestive distress. Where spicy dishes are a staple, food waste often ends up in outdoor bins or compost piles. Make sure spicy scraps are stored in critter-proof containers, and avoid tossing seasoned leftovers near your patio or yard. The goal isn’t just to avoid harming squirrels—it’s to stop inviting them altogether. Alcohol and Fermented Fruit Alcohol might seem like an unlikely threat to wildlife, but squirrels are highly sensitive to it. Whether it’s beer spills from a tailgate, wine left out on the porch, or sugary cocktails left on patio tables, these drinks can lead to disorientation, slowed reaction time, and eventually liver failure in squirrels. Their small bodies can’t handle even trace amounts, and it doesn’t take much to put them in serious danger. Another sneaky culprit? Overripe or fermenting fruit, especially in backyards with peach, fig, or persimmon trees. As the fruit falls and begins to break down, it can release natural alcohols that attract squirrels and get them intoxicated. They may stagger, fall from trees, or become easy prey for predators. Regularly clean up fruit from the ground and keep alcoholic beverages secure during outdoor events. Salty Snacks and Chips Salt is another ingredient that can easily disrupt a squirrel’s internal balance. While humans can handle a salty snack during a football game or backyard hangout, squirrels don’t process salt well. Even a few bites of junk food like chips, pretzels, or salted walnut snacks can dehydrate them and overwork their kidneys. These types of treats also contain added sugar and artificial ingredients that offer zero nutritional value for squirrels—making them both harmful and useless from a dietary perspective. Many of these items—especially sugary breakfast cereals or processed snack mixes—are casually dropped or tossed outside without much thought. But to a hungry squirrel, that forgotten bowl of cereal or spilled trail mix is a full meal. Where outdoor events, food trucks, and weekend cookouts are part of the culture, squirrels quickly learn where the good stuff is. Cleaning up sugary crumbs and sealing snack waste tightly are easy steps that help discourage squirrels from turning your yard into their favorite buffet line. Surprising “Healthy” Foods That Still Poisonous To Squirrels Not all squirrel-dangerous foods are obviously harmful. Some look totally natural or even nutritious—but for squirrels, they can cause more harm than good. These foods often show up in gardens, bird feeders, compost piles, or well-meaning attempts to “feed the wildlife.” Here’s what to watch for. Raw Corn (Especially Moldy Corn) Corn might seem harmless—it’s a common ingredient in bird seed, livestock feed, and even human snacks. But when corn starts to mold, it can develop aflatoxins, which are highly toxic to squirrels and many other animals. Aflatoxins are produced by certain types of fungi and can affect liver function, immune systems, and even lead to cancer in wildlife. A squirrel doesn’t have to eat much moldy corn for it to cause serious internal damage. The risk goes up during warm, humid stretches—especially in summer—when moisture speeds up mold growth. Corn that’s left outside for too long, stored improperly in feeders, or tossed into compost piles can quickly become a hidden hazard. If you’re putting out corn in a feeder, store it in a dry place, change it frequently, and never offer anything that smells off or looks discolored. It’s not just about nutrition—it’s about safety. Bread and Processed Carbs Bread might feel like a safe, throwaway snack for critters—but it’s actually a poor and potentially harmful food choice for squirrels. Bread, crackers, and other refined carbs offer little to no nutrition, and they can expand in a squirrel’s stomach, leading to bloating or discomfort. In some cases, processed bread products contain preservatives and additives that are hard for squirrels to digest, weakening their system over time. Squirrels that eat too much bread often end up malnourished despite feeling full. This is especially common in neighborhoods where residents leave out food “just to be nice.” Unfortunately, the kindness backfires. Instead of helping, you may be attracting squirrels that grow dependent on an unhealthy food source—and more likely to take up permanent residence in your attic. If you want to be squirrel-friendly, stick to natural deterrents and avoid the bread basket. Peanuts (Especially Salted or Moldy) Peanuts are a bit of a wildcard. While they’re often seen in squirrel food blends or used to lure wildlife for photos, they aren’t actually nuts—they’re legumes. And when they’re salted, roasted, or worse, moldy, they become a serious risk. Moldy peanuts, like corn, can carry aflatoxins that attack a squirrel’s liver and immune system. Salted peanuts, on the other hand, can cause dehydration and kidney stress. This matters because many people use peanuts to feed birds or squirrels without realizing the risks. In fact, some birdseed mixes from big-box stores still include them. If you’re trying to keep squirrels away from your yard—or avoid poisoning them by accident—skip the peanuts. And if you must use them, go for raw, unsalted, and fresh, and use a squirrel-proof bird feeder so your effort to help one species doesn’t endanger another. Foods That Attract Squirrels (But Shouldn’t) Some foods might not be poisonous, but they’re basically neon signs saying “Free Snacks Here!” for squirrels. These attractants can lead to more frequent visits, nesting, and eventual infestations. If you’re trying to squirrel-proof your yard or keep them from invading your home, these are the items to manage carefully. Bird Seed and Pet Food Bird feeders are one of the top culprits for squirrel problems. Many blends contain sunflower seeds, millet, corn, and peanuts—aka squirrel candy. Once they find a reliable food source, squirrels will return again and again, sometimes destroying the feeder in the process. The same goes for pet food left outside. Dry kibble and wet food alike are high-protein, calorie-dense meals that squirrels will happily devour. Where backyard birdwatching is popular and outdoor pet bowls are commo
United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications Cole A. Bleke , Utah State University Follow Eric M. Gese , United States Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Utah Field Station, Logan, Utah Follow Juan…United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications Cole A. Bleke , Utah State University Follow Eric M. Gese , United States Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Utah Field Station, Logan, Utah Follow Juan J. Villalba , Utah State University Shane B. Roberts , Idaho Department of Fish and Game Susannah S. French , Utah State University Follow ORCID IDs Bleke https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1919-1559 Gese https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8910-7397 French https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8923-9728 Document Type Article Date of this Version 2024 Citation MDPI Animals (2024) 14: 1468 Abstract Monitoring vital rates allowsmanagers to estimate trends in growth rates of ungulate populations. However, connecting the influence of nutrition on ungulate demography is challenging. Noninvasive sampling offers a low-cost, low-effort alternative for measuring nutritional indices, allowing for an increased understanding of the mechanistic relationships between environmental factors, nutrition, and specific population vital rates. We examined the temporal influence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on pronghorn ( Antilocapra americana ) fawn recruitment. We collected fresh fecal samples from adult female pronghorn in five subpopulations spanning three sampling periods associated with critical maternal life-history stages (late gestation, early lactation, breeding season) for 2 years to investigate both intra- and interannual influences. Intrinsic factors were fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGMs), nutritional indices (fecal nitrogen (FN) and 2,6-diaminopimelic acid (DAPA)), and dietary composition (protein intake of forbs, graminoids, legumes, other, shrubs), while the extrinsic factor was vegetative greenness (normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)). We found variations in DAPA, protein intake of forbs, variation in forb protein intake, and protein intake of legumes during late gestation positively influenced fawn recruitment. Fecal nitrogen during early lactation showed the strongest positive influence on the recruitment of any measured parameter. Finally, breeding season NDVI and the variation in DAPA values positively influenced the subsequent year’s fawn recruitment. Our longitudinal study enabled us to investigate which parameter was most important to specific periods of fawn development and recruitment. We combined the results across five subpopulations, but interpretation and subsequent management decisions should be made at the subpopulation level such that pronghorn subpopulations with low recruitment can be positively influenced by increasing nitrogen on the landscape available to adult females during the early lactation period. As the use of noninvasive monitoring methods continues to expand, we believe our methodologies and results can be broadly applied to other ungulate monitoring programs. DOWNLOADS Since November 23, 2024 Included in Natural Resources and Conservation Commons , Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons , Other Environmental Sciences Commons , Other Veterinary Medicine Commons , Population Biology Commons , Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons , Veterinary Infectious Diseases Commons , Veterinary Microbiology and Immunobiology Commons , Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Epidemiology, and Public Health Commons , Zoology Commons COinS
Raccoon Removal Baytown AAAC Wildlife Removal of Texas Gulf Coast is a reputable and reliable company offering top-notch Raccoon Removal services to customers in Baytown, Texas. With years of experience in the industry, they have established themselves as the go-to solution for all raccoon-related issues, providing swift and effective removal…Raccoon Removal Baytown AAAC Wildlife Removal of Texas Gulf Coast is a reputable and reliable company offering top-notch Raccoon Removal services to customers in Baytown, Texas. With years of experience in the industry, they have established themselves as the go-to solution for all raccoon-related issues, providing swift and effective removal services when it matters most. Raccoons can be a nuisance and a threat to both residential and commercial properties. They can cause damage to structures, contaminate food, and spread diseases. When faced with a raccoon infestation, time is of the essence, and AAAC Wildlife Removal of Texas Gulf Coast understands this better than anyone else. Their team of licensed and experienced technicians is available 24/7, ensuring that help is just a phone call away. What sets AAAC Wildlife Removal of Texas Gulf Coast apart from the competition is their humane and eco-friendly approach to raccoon removal. They understand the importance of protecting both the customer's property and the well-being of the raccoons. Their technicians are trained to safely and humanely remove raccoons using non-lethal methods, such as live trapping and relocation. AAAC Wildlife Removal of Texas Gulf Coast also offers comprehensive and long-term solutions to prevent future raccoon infestations. They conduct a thorough inspection of the property to identify potential entry points and provide recommendations on how to seal them off effectively. This proactive approach ensures that customers do not have to deal with recurring raccoon problems. The technicians at AAAC Wildlife Removal of Texas Gulf Coast are not only skilled in raccoon removal but also in handling other wildlife issues. They have the knowledge and expertise to handle a wide range of wildlife removal services, including bat removal, squirrel removal, bird control, and more. Moreover, AAAC Wildlife Removal of Texas Gulf Coast values transparency and customer satisfaction. They provide upfront and honest estimates, ensuring that customers are aware of the costs involved before any work begins. Their competitive pricing and commitment to quality service make them a trusted and preferred choice for raccoon removal in Baytown, Texas. In conclusion, AAAC Wildlife Removal of Texas Gulf Coast is a reliable and efficient solution for raccoon removal services in Baytown, Texas. Their humane approach, expertise in wildlife removal, and dedication to customer satisfaction make them the go-to choice for all raccoon-related issues. Customers can trust AAAC Wildlife Removal of Texas Gulf Coast to provide swift and effective solutions, ensuring a safe and raccoon-free environment. More on Sound Cloud: On YouTube: AAAC Wildlife Removal of Texas Gulf Coast provides professional and humane raccoon removal services in Baytown, Texas. Contact Us: AAAC Wildlife Removal 726 Gou Hole Rd Baytown, TX 77523 832-662-7677 Website: https://txgulfcoast.aaacwildliferemoval.com Email: txgulfcoast@aaacwildliferemoval.com Find us around the web: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbOS5l-xSWQIho_arDIY52Q Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aaacwildliferemovaltxgulfcoast/ Twitter: https://x.com/ric79352 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/aaactxgulfcoast Blogger: https://aaactxgulfcoast.blogspot.com/ WordPress: https://aaactxgulfcoast.wordpress.com/ Tumblr: https://aaacwildliferemovaltexas.tumblr.com/
United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications Document Type Article Date of this Version 2024 Citation Proceedings, 31st Vertebrate Pest Conference, paper 12 Published August 30, 2024 Editors: Rober M. Timm and D. M. Woods Abstract The…United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications Document Type Article Date of this Version 2024 Citation Proceedings, 31st Vertebrate Pest Conference, paper 12 Published August 30, 2024 Editors: Rober M. Timm and D. M. Woods Abstract The United States Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (the 2018 Farm Bill) established the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program. The program funded US$75M for 5 years, split evenly between the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), both programs within the United States Department of Agriculture. The agencies solicited joint programs from states with high densities of feral swine in two phases. In Texas, NRCS and APHIS submitted three multi-county project areas along watersheds for Phase I funding and one eradication effort along with two crop protection projects in Phase II. The eradication project was adjacent to a Phase I project area and after extensive surveillance, it was determined to be successful, the first such project in Texas. All the remaining projects were designed with a direct management effort, a self-help effort through trap loans and a damage assessment process. Landowner in-kind contributions were identified and captured to detail the effects of the program. DOWNLOADS Since November 23, 2024 Included in Natural Resources and Conservation Commons , Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons , Other Environmental Sciences Commons , Other Veterinary Medicine Commons , Population Biology Commons , Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons , Veterinary Infectious Diseases Commons , Veterinary Microbiology and Immunobiology Commons , Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Epidemiology, and Public Health Commons , Zoology Commons COinS
Check for these tell-tale signs to stay safe! Hey there, adventurer! Ever been out on a hike, soaking in the beauty of nature, when you suddenly spot something slithering across your path? Your heart skips a beat, and you wonder, “Is that snake dangerous?” We’ve all been there. It’s a…Check for these tell-tale signs to stay safe! Hey there, adventurer! Ever been out on a hike, soaking in the beauty of nature, when you suddenly spot something slithering across your path? Your heart skips a beat, and you wonder, “Is that snake dangerous?” We’ve all been there. It’s a mix of excitement and a bit of panic. But fear not! I’m here to help you unravel the mystery of how to tell if a snake is venomous. In this guide, we’re diving deep into the world of snakes, busting myths, and giving you the lowdown on spotting the dangerous ones. Spoiler alert: It’s not just about the color! Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a curious learner, or someone who just loves nature, by the end of this article, you’ll have the know-how to confidently identify whether a snake is a friend or foe. Stick with me, and I promise you’ll not only become the go-to snake expert among your friends but also feel a whole lot safer on your next outdoor adventure. Ready to become a snake-savvy superstar? Let’s slither right in! Key Takeaways Learn the main physical traits of venomous snakes. Understand behavioral signs that indicate danger. Discover safety tips for when you encounter a snake. Identifying Physical Traits Alright, let’s get down to business. How exactly can you tell if a snake is venomous? Here are the main physical traits to look out for: Head Shape One of the easiest ways to identify a venomous snake is by its head shape. Most venomous snakes have a distinct triangular or diamond-shaped head. This is due to the venom glands located on either side of their heads. So, if you see a snake with a broad, angular head, it’s time to stay cautious. Pupil Shape Ever heard that the eyes are the windows to the soul? Well, in the case of snakes, they can also be windows to danger. Venomous snakes often have elliptical, slit-like pupils, much like a cat’s eyes. In contrast, non-venomous snakes typically have round pupils. Next time you’re face-to-face with a snake, check out its peepers! Body Patterns This one’s a bit trickier because it’s not a hard-and-fast rule, but many venomous snakes have distinct, bright patterns on their bodies. However, don’t rely solely on this. Some harmless snakes can be just as colorful, while some venomous ones are more subdued in color. Presence of Fangs venomous snakes have prominent fangs that they use to inject venom into their prey. If you can safely observe, look for those tell-tale fangs. But remember, getting too close is never a good idea unless you’re a trained professional. Behavioral Signs Alright, now that we’ve covered the physical traits, let’s talk about behavior. Snakes have their own way of communicating danger, and if you know what to look for, their behavior can be a dead giveaway. Aggressiveness Venomous snakes are often more aggressive when they feel threatened. If a snake is coiling up, hissing, or making sudden movements towards you, it’s likely not a happy camper. This defensive behavior is a clear sign that the snake could be dangerous. Always give it plenty of space to avoid any unpleasant encounters. Warning Signals Some venomous snakes have built-in alarm systems. Take the rattlesnake, for instance. That iconic rattle isn’t just for show—it’s a warning to back off. Similarly, some snakes might flatten their bodies, puff up, or make loud hissing sounds. These warning signals are their way of saying, “Hey, stay away, I mean business!” Movement Watch the way the snake moves. Some venomous snakes, like the cottonmouth, have a unique way of swimming on the water’s surface with their bodies fully exposed. This distinctive movement can be a clue to their venomous nature. On land, a snake’s movement can also tell you a lot. If it seems overly confident and undeterred by your presence, it might be because it knows it has venomous backup. Safety Tips When Encountering Snakes Now that you’re well-versed in the physical and behavioral signs of venomous snakes, let’s talk about what to do if you actually encounter one. Here are some practical tips to keep you safe: Keep Your Distance This is the golden rule. The best way to stay safe is to maintain a respectful distance from any snake. Most snake bites occur when people try to handle or get too close to the snake. Stay Calm If you see a snake, don’t panic. Sudden movements can provoke a snake to strike. Take a deep breath, stay calm, and slowly back away from the snake. Educate Yourself Knowledge is power! Familiarize yourself with the types of snakes that are common in your area. Knowing what to expect can help you stay prepared and confident. Emergency Preparedness Know what to do in case of a snake bite. Quick and calm actions can make a huge difference. Keep a first aid kit handy and learn the basic steps of snake bite treatment. Remember, seeking professional medical help as soon as possible is crucial. Myth-Busting: Common Misconceptions Alright, let’s debunk some myths! There’s a lot of misinformation out there about snakes, and it’s time to set the record straight. Color Confusion Not all brightly colored snakes are venomous, and not all dull-colored snakes are safe. While some venomous snakes do have bright warning colors, many harmless snakes mimic these patterns to ward off predators. Don’t rely solely on color to make your judgment. Size Matters Think big snakes are more dangerous? Think again! Venomous snakes come in all sizes. Some of the most dangerous snakes can be quite small, so never judge a snake’s danger level by its size alone. Snake Charms Forget about those old wives’ tales and folklore. Stick to facts and evidence-based knowledge. For example, the idea that all venomous snakes have triangular heads is generally true but not foolproof. Always use a combination of traits to make your identification. Conclusion Next time you’re out exploring, you’ll be armed with the knowledge to stay safe and maybe even impress your friends with your snake smarts. Remember, when it comes to snakes, respect and caution are your best friends. Happy adventuring, and may your paths be snake-free—or at least, snake-savvy!
United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series Date of this Version 2-2020 Document Type Article Citation Peebles, L.W. and J.O Spencer Jr. 2020. Common Ravens. Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series. USDA, APHIS, WS National Wildlife Research Center. Fort Collins, Colorado. 17p.…United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series Date of this Version 2-2020 Document Type Article Citation Peebles, L.W. and J.O Spencer Jr. 2020. Common Ravens. Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series. USDA, APHIS, WS National Wildlife Research Center. Fort Collins, Colorado. 17p. Abstract Damage Management Methods for Common Ravens Type of Control -- Available Management Options Exclusion -- Often ineffective or impractical Fertility Control -- None available Frightening Devices -- Effigies • Pyrotechnics and propane cannons • Lasers and flashing lights Habitat Modification -- Bale and bury garbage • Install dumpsters with secure lids • Remove or bury dead livestock • Remove abandoned houses, sheds, and barns to eliminate nesting structures Nest Treatment -- Allowed with proper Federal and State permits; Egg oiling or addling and nest destruction Repellents -- Methiocarb (EPA Reg. No. 56228-33) • Methyl anthranilate (food-grade grape flavoring agent) Shooting -- Allowed with proper Federal and State permits; Requires use of non-toxic/non-lead ammunition Toxicants -- Compound DRC-1339 Concentrate (EPA Reg. No. 56228-29, 56228-63); May only be used by USDA Wildlife Services employees or people working under their supervision. Trapping -- Allowed with proper Federal and State permits; Live-trapping with modified soft-catch #1½, #2 or #3 coil-spring traps DOWNLOADS Since February 10, 2020 COinS
CERTUS has partnered with Walsh's Pest Control to expand its Southern California presence. The post CERTUS partners with Walsh’s Pest Control first appeared on Pest Management Professional.
Back to Resources Staff with the Natural Resource Conservation Service assess native grass species in a field enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program. Credit: USDA NRCS Texas TWS joined other organizations via America’s Wildlife Conservation Partners in voicing support for funding allocated within the Conservation Title of the Senate’s draft…Back to Resources Staff with the Natural Resource Conservation Service assess native grass species in a field enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program. Credit: USDA NRCS Texas TWS joined other organizations via America’s Wildlife Conservation Partners in voicing support for funding allocated within the Conservation Title of the Senate’s draft 2026 Farm Bill. As states in the letter, “The Farm Bill remains one of the most consequential conservation measures considered by Congress. Voluntary, incentive-based programs authorized in the Conservation Title support the private lands that provide most of the nation’s fish and wildlife habitat and public access opportunities.” TWS continues to urge Congress to pass a bipartisan 2026 Farm Bill.
Researchers have found three distinct populations of a toad that was already listed as a species of special concern in Canada. Western toads ( Anaxyrus boreas ) are widely distributed in North America. In a study published recently in the journal Diversity and Distributions , researchers analyzed tissue samples from…Researchers have found three distinct populations of a toad that was already listed as a species of special concern in Canada. Western toads ( Anaxyrus boreas ) are widely distributed in North America. In a study published recently in the journal Diversity and Distributions , researchers analyzed tissue samples from western toads from more than 30 sites in Alberta and British Columbia. DNA analysis on these samples revealed that previously identified calling toads east of the Rockies and non-calling populations west of the Rockies that lack vocal sacs were also genetically distinct. “Our findings of a genetically distinct group entirely contained to a Canadian province is very unusual,” lead author and University of Ottawa PhD student Jayna Bergman said in a press release . “These genetic results suggest we should be doing more to protect this species, especially the Alberta population of the Western toad, because of its unique complement of the species’ total genetic diversity.” In Canada, western toads are already listed as a species of concern under the Species at Risk Act. But this newfound diversity complicates this picture. Further, the authors of the study found a third population distinct from the other two in the Southern Canadian Rockies, likely extending into Montana. More work is needed to determine whether these genetically distinct populations are actually different species and whether they can interbreed, the authors said. Read more at CP24.
Spruce bark contains high levels of phenolic compounds that help protect trees from harmful fungi. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Jena wanted to understand how these chemical defenses move through the forest food web. Their work focused on the spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus), which…Spruce bark contains high levels of phenolic compounds that help protect trees from harmful fungi. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Jena wanted to understand how these chemical defenses move through the forest food web. Their work focused on the spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus), which consumes these compounds while feeding on tree tissue. The scientists asked whether the beetles could reuse the tree's defensive chemicals to protect themselves from fungal infections. To investigate this process, the team used advanced tools including mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to identify the defensive chemicals produced by spruce trees and track how bark beetles process them. The researchers found that beetles feeding on spruce trees absorb defensive compounds from the phloem, especially phenolic glycosides such as stilbenes and flavonoids. Inside the beetles, these compounds are chemically altered. The insects convert them into aglycones, which no longer contain sugar molecules and have much stronger antimicrobial effects. These transformed chemicals provide the beetles with effective protection against fungal pathogens. "We did not expect the beetles to be able to convert the spruce's defenses into more toxic derivatives in such a targeted way," said lead author Ruo Sun from the Department of Biochemistry. A Fungus That Can Disable Beetle Chemical Defenses The scientists next examined how these beetle defenses affect the fungus Beauveria bassiana . "Although this fungus has not been effective in controlling bark beetles in the past, we found strains that had naturally infected and killed them. We therefore wanted to investigate more closely how they were able to successfully infect the beetles," Ruo Sun explains. Laboratory analyses and enzyme tests showed that the fungus uses a two-step detoxification strategy. The first step is glycosylation, which adds a sugar back onto the toxic aglycones. The second step is methylation, which attaches a methyl group to the sugar. The final compounds, known as methylglycosides, are not harmful to Beauveria bassiana . This chemical modification unexpectedly helps the fungus infect beetles, especially those that previously fed on spruce tissue rich in phenolic compounds. The methylglycosides are also resistant to beetle enzymes that would normally break them down and restore their toxicity through hydrolysis. Gene Studies Confirm the Detoxification Mechanism To confirm the importance of this pathway, the researchers disabled the genes responsible for methylglycosylation in Beauveria bassiana . Fungi without these genes were much less successful at infecting bark beetles, showing that the detoxification process is critical for overcoming the beetles' chemical defenses. The study shows that tree defense chemicals can be repeatedly altered as they move from plants to insects and then to pathogens. These changes have major implications for the ongoing evolutionary struggle among trees, pests, and fungi. "We have demonstrated that a bark beetle can co-opt a tree's defensive compounds to make defenses against its own enemies. However, since one of the enemies, the fungus Beauveria bassiana , has developed the ability to detoxify these antimicrobial defenses, it can successfully infect the bark beetles and thus actually help the tree in its battle against bark beetles," summarizes study leader Jonathan Gershenzon. Improving Biological Control of Bark Beetles The findings may help scientists develop more effective biological control methods. "Now that we know which strains of the fungus tolerate the bark beetle's antimicrobial phenolic compounds, we can use these strains to combat bark beetles more efficiently," says Ruo Sun. The study also highlights the need to examine whether pests have developed resistance or detoxification strategies when biological pesticides are used. In future research, the team plans to investigate how common the methylglycosylation detoxification pathway is in different strains of Beauveria bassiana and in other fungi that infect bark beetles. They also aim to understand how this pathway interacts with other pathogen traits that influence infection success.
The removal of rules could cause problems for federally endangered Rice’s whales The post Trump-appointed committee scuttles ESA protections in Gulf appeared first on The Wildlife Society.
It seems simple: carnivorous plants are the predators and insects are their prey. But a new study published in Ecology shows that carnivorous plants might not be the only ones benefiting from this seemingly one-sided relationship. Researchers from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) in Japan studied the…It seems simple: carnivorous plants are the predators and insects are their prey. But a new study published in Ecology shows that carnivorous plants might not be the only ones benefiting from this seemingly one-sided relationship. Researchers from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) in Japan studied the California pitcher plant ( Darlingtonia californica ) native to Northern California and Oregon. They found that the sweet nectar that lures insects to their sometimes-death is also a critical source of energy for their most abundant prey: vespid wasps. This surprised the researchers but also made sense—previous studies have determined that less than 2% of wasps that visited plants for nectar were trapped. Most can dip into the nectar and escape. “Generally, we ecologists like to categorize relationships as just being one fixed, discrete type of interaction,” said David Armitage, the study’s senior author and a professor at OIST’s Integrative Community Ecology Unit, in a press release. “But what we’re becoming more aware of is that these ecological interactions are much more context-dependent and fluid.” While the wasps get a steady source of nectar, the pitcher plants still get a hit of nitrogen and other critical nutrients each time when the occasional wasp gets trapped. In their study, the researchers called this relationship mutualism in disguise—if the pitcher plants’ capture rate were more efficient, the wasps might wise up over evolutionary time. Read more at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology.
