“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
“ Snakes hate strong scents like garlic, cinnamon, clove, and citrus, which irritate their sensory system and make them avoid treated areas. “ Snakes don’t need to knock on your door to make themselves at home, and nothing makes that thought more unsettling than wondering how to keep them away.…“ Snakes hate strong scents like garlic, cinnamon, clove, and citrus, which irritate their sensory system and make them avoid treated areas. “ Snakes don’t need to knock on your door to make themselves at home, and nothing makes that thought more unsettling than wondering how to keep them away. Home remedies often pop up in conversations, with people swearing that certain smells are a snake’s kryptonite. Some of those claims are grounded in truth, while others are nothing more than myths passed around the neighborhood. The good news is that science does back up a few scents snakes find unbearable. The trick isn’t to turn your house into a spice cabinet, but to understand which smells actually irritate snakes and how to use them safely. That’s where AAAC Wildlife Removal steps in, to separate fact from fiction and show you how scent can be part of a smarter snake prevention plan. How Do Snakes Smell Anyway? Snakes don’t smell the way humans or pets do. Instead, they rely on a special organ called the Jacobson’s organ, located on the roof of their mouth, to process chemical particles from the air. When you see a snake flicking its tongue, it’s essentially “tasting” scent molecules and sending that information to this organ. This means strong odors can interfere with how snakes interpret their surroundings. Scents that irritate or overwhelm their chemical sensing can push them to avoid an area altogether. By understanding this unique system, it becomes clear why certain strong, pungent smells are more likely to keep snakes at bay. Snakes Avoid These Smells Ammonia and Naphthalene : These harsh chemicals overwhelm a snake’s sensory system, making the area uncomfortable. While effective at deterring snakes, they’re also dangerous to people, pets, and the environment, which makes them a poor long-term solution. Spices and Strong Oils : Garlic, onion, cinnamon, and clove give off intense odors that snakes dislike. These natural options irritate their chemical receptors and can be applied safely in controlled areas like gardens or near entry points. Citrus and Lemongrass : Bright, sharp fragrances such as lemon peels or lemongrass oil can make an area less attractive to snakes. These smells are offensive to them while being relatively pleasant for humans to use around the home. Snakes depend heavily on chemical cues for survival, so when those cues are disrupted by overpowering odors, they’re more likely to leave in search of a more comfortable habitat. Scent Strategies That Work (And Which to Skip) DIY Sprays : A simple mix of crushed garlic or boiled lemon peels in water can be sprayed near entry points and garden edges. This creates a lingering odor barrier without introducing toxic chemicals into your home. Spice Barriers : Sprinkling cinnamon, cayenne, or onion powder along baseboards, porch steps, or sheds can discourage snakes from crossing. Just remember to refresh the barrier after rain or heavy wind. Plant Power : Landscaping with natural deterrents like lemongrass, marigolds, or garlic adds a dual benefit. These plants not only brighten your yard but also give off scents snakes find irritating. Skip the Mothballs : While often recommended, mothballs contain chemicals harmful to people, pets, and soil. They’re not approved for outdoor snake control and can do more harm than good. Using scents the right way makes your property less comfortable for snakes, but they’re most effective when paired with other prevention tactics. Why Some Snakes Aren’t Bothered? Not every snake will react the same way to strong odors. Some species are less sensitive, while others may simply tolerate the smell if food or shelter is nearby. A hungry snake is more likely to ignore discomfort and stick around if it senses prey in the area. Over time, snakes can also become accustomed to mild scents if they linger without change. This is why rotating different natural deterrents can be more effective than relying on one smell alone. It keeps the environment unpredictable and less appealing for snakes to settle in. The takeaway is that while scents can help, they shouldn’t be the only strategy. Combining them with sealing entry points and removing attractants creates a much stronger defense against unwanted slithering guests. How AAAC Does It Smarter? At AAAC Wildlife Removal, we know scents can play a role in discouraging snakes, but we never rely on them alone. Our approach combines safe scent strategies with proven exclusion methods like sealing gaps, installing vent covers, and removing clutter that attracts both snakes and their prey. This creates a layered defense that actually works. We also focus on long-term results. A garlic spray or citrus barrier might buy time, but pairing that with rodent control, yard maintenance, and proper inspections ensures snakes don’t come back. Our trained technicians know how to identify high-risk areas and apply solutions that balance effectiveness with safety. By blending natural deterrents with professional-grade prevention, we help homeowners avoid the trial-and-error frustration of quick fixes. Instead, you get a clear, customized plan that keeps snakes out and your property secure. Smells Help, Smarts Win Snakes may hate sharp scents like garlic, citrus, and strong spices, but odors alone won’t keep them away for good. While these smells can make your property less appealing, the real key is pairing them with smart prevention steps such as sealing entry points, controlling rodents, and keeping the yard tidy. AAAC Wildlife Removal takes the guesswork out of the process by combining safe scent strategies with expert exclusion and long-term prevention. With the right balance of natural deterrents and professional solutions, you can keep snakes out without turning your home into a spice rack. Keep Snakes Away the Smart Way! Don’t rely on guesswork or risky home remedies to keep snakes at bay. AAAC Wildlife Removal offers safe, effective solutions that combine natural deterrents with professional prevention methods. From sealing entry points to applying smart scent strategies, our team knows how to protect your home and yard for the long term. Call AAAC Wildlife Removal today and take the stress out of snake control, because your home should smell like safety, not snake repellent.
AAAC Wildlife Removal Baytown AAAC Wildlife Removal of Texas Gulf Coast is a trusted and reliable wildlife removal service provider in Baytown, Texas. With years of experience in the industry, they have established themselves as the go-to solution for all wildlife-related issues, providing efficient and humane removal services to both…AAAC Wildlife Removal Baytown AAAC Wildlife Removal of Texas Gulf Coast is a trusted and reliable wildlife removal service provider in Baytown, Texas. With years of experience in the industry, they have established themselves as the go-to solution for all wildlife-related issues, providing efficient and humane removal services to both residential and commercial clients. What sets AAAC Wildlife Removal apart from the competition is their commitment to customer satisfaction and their expertise in handling wildlife. Their team of licensed and trained professionals has the knowledge and skills to safely and effectively remove a wide range of animals, including bats, raccoons, squirrels, opossums, and more. AAAC Wildlife Removal understands the importance of promptly addressing wildlife issues, as these animals can cause damage to property and pose health risks to humans and pets. That's why they offer 24/7 emergency services, ensuring that help is just a phone call away, no matter the time of day or night. Their wildlife removal process begins with a thorough inspection of the property to identify the source of the problem. This allows them to develop a customized plan of action, tailored to the specific needs of each customer. AAAC Wildlife Removal utilizes humane and ethical methods to remove the animals, ensuring their safety and well-being. What makes AAAC Wildlife Removal effective at wildlife removal is their use of advanced techniques and equipment. They stay up-to-date with the latest industry advancements, allowing them to efficiently and effectively handle any wildlife situation. Their team also takes precautions to prevent future infestations, sealing off entry points and offering tips on how to keep your property free from wildlife. AAAC Wildlife Removal takes pride in their commitment to environmental conservation. They adhere to strict guidelines and regulations set by local authorities and use eco-friendly methods to remove and relocate wildlife whenever possible. This not only benefits the environment but also ensures the safety and well-being of the animals. In conclusion, AAAC Wildlife Removal of Texas Gulf Coast is a reliable and effective wildlife removal service in Baytown, Texas. Their dedication to customer satisfaction, expertise in handling wildlife, and commitment to ethical and humane practices make them the go-to choice for all wildlife-related issues. Trust AAAC Wildlife Removal to provide prompt and efficient solutions that will keep your property safe and free from unwanted visitors. More on Sound Cloud: On YouTube: AAAC Wildlife Removal of Texas Gulf Coast provides professional and humane wildlife 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/
We compared breeding bird populations and community organization between a beaver pond habitat dominated by willows (Salix spp.) and an adjacent nonwillow riparian habitat on Summit Creek in east-central Idaho. For the previous 14 years both habitats had been protected from livestock grazing by a fenced excloser (122-ha). Bird populations…We compared breeding bird populations and community organization between a beaver pond habitat dominated by willows (Salix spp.) and an adjacent nonwillow riparian habitat on Summit Creek in east-central Idaho. For the previous 14 years both habitats had been protected from livestock grazing by a fenced excloser (122-ha). Bird populations were determined by spot-mapping on 9-ha plots in spring 1989. Structural (physiognomic) differences in vegetation between the two habitats and the availability of impounded water on the beaver pond site were reflected in associated breeding bird populations. Total bird density in the beaver pond habitat was three times that of the adjacent riparian habitat. Similarly, our estimates of total bird biomass, bird species richness, and bird species diversity were 3.49, 3.25, and 1.67 times higher, respectively, in the beaver pond habitat. Further, there were more foraging and nesting guilds represented on the beaver pond plot than esewhere. Our findings suggest that beaver pond ecosystems can provide important habitats for nongame breeding birds.
Author affiliation: Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico (E. Vázquez-Guerrero, G. Paniagua-Campos, P. Estrada-de los Santos, J.A. Ibarra); Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA (A.R. Kneubehl, J.E. Lopez) Ornithodoros turicata ticks were originally described in Mexico by Alfredo Dugès at the end of the 19th Century. In 1936, it…Author affiliation: Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico (E. Vázquez-Guerrero, G. Paniagua-Campos, P. Estrada-de los Santos, J.A. Ibarra); Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA (A.R. Kneubehl, J.E. Lopez) Ornithodoros turicata ticks were originally described in Mexico by Alfredo Dugès at the end of the 19th Century. In 1936, it was implicated as the vector of tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) when febrile patients were first described in the city of Aguascalientes, in central Mexico ( 1 ). Borrelia turicatae is the species of TBRF spirochete transmitted by O. turicata , an argasid tick has been found in multiple regions of the United States and Mexico ( 2 , 3 ). We isolated B. turicatae from O. turicata ticks captured in the northern state of Sinaloa and used the diagnostic recombinant glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase (rGlpQ) antigen to detect circulating antibodies in clinical patients ( 4 , 5 ). Those findings indicated that B. turicatae and its vector are endemic in regions of Mexico, with spillover into human populations. However, TBRF in Mexico and in many other regions worldwide is a neglected disease that is often misdiagnosed because its symptoms are frequently confused with those of other diseases, such as malaria and brucellosis ( 4 ). Figure 1 Figure 1 . Locations of collection sites in study of Borrelia turicatae in ticks from animals in a public park, Aguascalientes, Mexico. A) Location of the state of Aguascalientes (black shading) in... We obtained 5 isolates of B. turicatae from O. turicata ticks collected at La Pona Park in Aguascalientes, Mexico, in January and April 2023 ( Figure 1 ). We examined tick specimens morphologically and molecularly by taxonomically analyzing a fragment of the mitochondrial genome, as described ( 6 ). Using a mouse model (either C57BL/6 or DBA/2J) ( 5 ), we evaluated the ticks by feeding them on the animals and assessing murine infection. We performed bacterial isolation as previously described by culturing blood samples from mice with spirochetemia in liquid, modified, and supplemented Barbour-Stoenner-Kelly II media supplemented with 10 µg/mL rifampin, 4 µg/mL phosphomycin, and 0.5 µg/mL amphotericin B ( 5 ). We amplified the 16S rRNA genes from each isolate by PCR, then sequenced and taxonomically analyzed them to confirm that all 5 isolates were B. turicatae ; we named the isolates AGU1–AGU5. Of the 5 isolates, we sequenced genomic DNA from isolates AGU1–4 using NovaSeq X (Illumina, https://www.illumina.com ); we used MinION for AGU1–3 and PromethION P2 Solo for AGU4 (Oxford Nanopore Technologies, https://nanoporetech.com ). We base-called nanopore sequencing data using Dorado version 7.4.12 with the version 4.3.0 ( https://github.com/nanoporetech/dorado ) super-accurate base-calling model. We generated Illumina data using the Illumina DNA library prep kit 2 × 150 bp. We assembled chromosome-resolved and plasmid-resolved genome assemblies from Oxford Nanopore and Illumina data as previously described ( 7 ), with some modifications. We inferred a maximum-likelihood species tree as previously described; the tree demonstrated that AGU1–AGU4 clustered with B. turicatae 91E135, BTE5EL, and BTCAM1 strains ( Appendix Figure). Both 91E135 and BTE5EL originated in Texas, USA, whereas BTCAM1 originated in Sinaloa, Mexico. AGU1–AGU5 are the southernmost B. turicatae isolates identified as of April 2026. Figure 2 Figure 2 . Immunoblot results assessing antibody responses in study of Borrelia turicatae in ticks from animals in a public park, Aguascalientes, Mexico. Images show responses in opossums and a feral cat... As part of our investigation, we captured wild fauna in La Pona public park to determine whether local animals were exposed to Borrelia spp. We collected blood samples in accordance with animal welfare guidelines ( 8 ). We captured 5 opossums ( Didelphis virginiana ), 1 deer mouse ( Peromyscus sp.), and 1 feral cat ( Felis silvestris catus ) and tested serum samples by immunoblotting to detect antibodies against B. turicatae protein lysates, rGlpQ, and rBipA, as described previously ( 4 , 5 ). Results showed that the opossum and cat serum samples were reactive with B. turicatae protein lysates rGlpQ, and rBipA ( Figure 2 ). None of the opossum samples were negative for the immunoblotting test, which might be a limitation of our study; however, opossum and cat serum samples from other states tested negative. Our results suggest that B. turicatae circulates in a tick–opossum–feral cat infectious cycle. Our findings support efforts to understand the mechanisms maintaining B. turicatae in nature, the distribution of infected O. turicata ticks, and the public health impact. Although we identified endemic foci of infected ticks, we did not determine the prevalence of B. turicatae in these populations. Understanding prevalence is relevant to public health because B. turicatae can be vertically transmitted from female ticks to their offspring at rates as high as 40% ( 9 ). Public parks and human dwellings have been shown to be a source for infected soft ticks in the southern United States and likely in human infections ( 10 ), but that relationship has been scarcely studied in Mexico. Given that unhoused and underserved persons reside in La Pona public park, they are at risk for exposure to O. turicata ticks and infection with B. turicatae . Our future work will focus on defining the tick–vertebrate infectious cycle of B. turicatae and assessing its effect on human populations living in or around La Pona Park. Clinicians should be aware of this potential zoonotic risk to humans in the area. Dr. Vázquez-Guerrero is a physician, pediatrician, and infectious disease specialist in Mexico. His areas of interest include vectorborne infectious diseases and microbiology . Top We thank the authorities of the Aguascalientes city municipality for permission to collect ticks and capture animals in La Pona. We also thank our research groups at Laboratorio de Genética Microbiana and Baylor University. The animal protocol followed in this study was approved by our Research Ethics Committee at ENCB Instituto Politécnico Nacional (no. ZOO-001-2022e1). Capture of wild fauna was approved by Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, Government of Mexico (no. SGPA/DGVS/0564/21). Borrelia turicatae sequencing data and genome assemblies were submitted to GenBank associated with BioProject PRJNA1338334. Secretaría de Investigación y Posgrado IPN provided financial support for this study (project nos. 20250266, 20253924, and 20260917). Dugès A. Turicata of Guanajuato. Artículo en el periódico “El Repertorio” de Guanajuato. 1876 ;Sect. 11–12. Donaldson TG , Pèrez de León AA , Li AY , Castro-Arellano I , Wozniak E , Boyle WK , et al. Assessment of the geographic distribution of Ornithodoros turicata (Argasidae): climate variation and host diversity. PLoS Negl Trop Dis . 2016 ; 10 : e0004383 . DOI PubMed Google Scholar Guzmán-Cornejo C , Herrera-Mares A , Robbins RG , Rebollo-Hernández A . The soft ticks (Parasitiformes: Ixodida: Argasidae ) of Mexico: species, hosts, and geographical distribution. Zootaxa . 2019 ; 4623 : 3 . DOI PubMed Google Scholar Vázquez-Guerrero E , Gordillo-Pérez G , Ríos-Sarabia N , Lopez JE , Ibarra JA . Case report: exposure to relapsing fever group borreliae in patients with undifferentiated febrile illness in Mexico. Am J Trop Med Hyg . 2023 ; 108 : 510 – 2 . DOI PubMed Google Scholar Vázquez-Guerrero E , Kneubehl AR , Pellegrini-Hernández P , González-Quiroz JL , Domínguez-López ML , Krishnavajhala A , et al. Borrelia turicatae from ticks in peridomestic setting, Camayeca, Mexico. Emerg Infect Dis . 2024 ; 30 : 380 – 3 . DOI PubMed Google Scholar Vázquez-Guerrero E , González-Quiroz JL , Domínguez-López ML , Kneubehl AR , Krishnavajhala A , Curtis MW , et al. New records of Ornithodoros turicata (Ixodida: Argasidae) in rural and urban sites in the Mexican states of Aguascalientes and Zacatecas indicate the potential for tick-borne relapsing fever. Exp Appl Acarol . 2023 ; 91 : 99 – 110 . DOI PubMed Google Scholar Kneubehl AR , Krishnavajhala A , Leal SM , Replogle AJ , Kingry LC , Bermúdez SE , et al. Comparative genomics of the Western Hemisphere soft tick-borne relapsing fever borreliae highlights extensive plasmid diversity. BMC Genomics . 2022 ; 23 : 410 . DOI PubMed Google Scholar Sikes RS ; Animal Care and Use Committee of the American Society of Mammalogists . 2016 Guidelines of the American Society of Mammalogists for the use of wild mammals in research and education. J Mammal . 2016 ; 97 : 663 – 88 . DOI PubMed Google Scholar Filatov S , Krishnavajhala A , Lopez JE . Autogenous reproduction by Ornithodoros turicata (Ixodida: Argasidae) females and vertical transmission of the tick-borne pathogen Borrelia turicatae (Spirochaetales: Borreliaceae ). Appl Environ Microbiol . 2023 ; 89 : e0103223 . DOI PubMed Google Scholar Bissett JD , Ledet S , Krishnavajhala A , Armstrong BA , Klioueva A , Sexton C , et al. Detection of tickborne relapsing fever spirochete, Austin, Texas, USA. Emerg Infect Dis . 2018 ; 24 : 2003 – 9 . DOI PubMed Google Scholar 1 These authors contributed equally to this article. The conclusions, findings, and opinions expressed by authors contributing to this journal do not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Public Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the authors' affiliated institutions. Use of trade names is for identification only and does not imply endorsement by any of the groups named above.
Many grasslands and agricultural fields managed by MassWildlife have been undergoing dramatic changes. Abandoned pastures, hayfields, and cornfields are being restored to native warm-season grasslands.
Back to Resources Amazon lava lizards are a species of Neotropical ground lizard native to South America. Credit: pedrohenriquetunes In a new experiment, scientists showed that hotter temperatures cause deformities in a South American lizard. The researchers incubated eggs from the Amazon lava lizard ( Tropidurus torquatus ) under five…Back to Resources Amazon lava lizards are a species of Neotropical ground lizard native to South America. Credit: pedrohenriquetunes In a new experiment, scientists showed that hotter temperatures cause deformities in a South American lizard. The researchers incubated eggs from the Amazon lava lizard ( Tropidurus torquatus ) under five different temperatures ranging from 83 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperatures reflect current climactic conditions as well as predicted future warming scenarios. Of the 159 eggs in the experiment, only 84 hatched. Of those, more than one third had malformations, such as deformed tail vertebrae, abnormal coloring and even a condition where the brain develops outside the skull. For each degree Celsius increase in incubation temperature, an egg’s chances of dying increased by 80%. “Many severe malformations occurred in embryos that failed to hatch,” wrote the authors. The researchers said that their results show how climate change may ultimately jeopardize Neotropical lizard populations. Read more at Frontiers in Amphibian and Reptile Science .
Back to Resources A mountain lion photographed by a motion-activated cameras on Stanford���s Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve. Courtesy of Trevor H��bert/Stanford University. The reintroduction of a few mountain lions into a small nature preserve can make big changes to the ecological community. Researchers tracking wildlife using trail cameras at Stanford…Back to Resources A mountain lion photographed by a motion-activated cameras on Stanford���s Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve. Courtesy of Trevor H��bert/Stanford University. The reintroduction of a few mountain lions into a small nature preserve can make big changes to the ecological community. Researchers tracking wildlife using trail cameras at Stanford University’s Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve south of San Francisco from 2015 to 2020 found a big drop in deer activity when mountain lions ( Puma concolor ) began to regularly visit the area. The drop in ungulates meant that some plants deer often browse or trample began to thrive more, the researchers found. “In the past, small preserves like Jasper Ridge have often been dismissed for holding very little ecological value, but this study shows that when these small preserves are connected to large wilderness like the Santa Cruz Mountains, you can still see magnificent ecological phenomena like trophic cascades,” said Chinmay Sonawane, the first author of the study published recently in Ecology and Evolution and doctoral student in biology in Stanford’s School of Humanities and Sciences, in a press release. Read more at Stanford Report.
Debug Pest Control, a leading pest management provider serving Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, today announced the acquisition of Bee Smart Pest Control, a well-established pest control company based in East Hampton, Conn. This strategic acquisition strengthens Debug Pest Control’s footprint in Connecticut while enhancing service capacity and continuity for…Debug Pest Control, a leading pest management provider serving Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, today announced the acquisition of Bee Smart Pest Control, a well-established pest control company based in East Hampton, Conn. This strategic acquisition strengthens Debug Pest Control’s footprint in Connecticut while enhancing service capacity and continuity for Bee Smart’s loyal customer base. Bee […] The post Debug Pest Control expands with acquisition of Bee Smart Pest Control first appeared on Pest Management Professional.
Florida is an interesting place, existing at a crossroads of incredible development and population growth while still having profound and incredible biodiversity. Florida’s Nature Coast, Everglades National Park and Fakahatchee … Read more The post Listening to the Fakahatchee Jam: At Play in the Wildest Place East of the Mississippi…Florida is an interesting place, existing at a crossroads of incredible development and population growth while still having profound and incredible biodiversity. Florida’s Nature Coast, Everglades National Park and Fakahatchee … Read more The post Listening to the Fakahatchee Jam: At Play in the Wildest Place East of the Mississippi River appeared first on The National Wildlife Federation Blog.
The United Nations has designated Okefenokee Swamp as a World Heritage Site for its “outstanding universal value” to humanity. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) voted recently on the swamp’s listing in a meeting in Bussan, South Korea. The Okefenokee is home to many species of wildlife,…The United Nations has designated Okefenokee Swamp as a World Heritage Site for its “outstanding universal value” to humanity. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) voted recently on the swamp’s listing in a meeting in Bussan, South Korea. The Okefenokee is home to many species of wildlife, including federally threatened and endangered species like the red-cockaded woodpecker ( Leuconotopicus borealis ), indigo snake ( Drymarchon couperi ), gopher tortoise ( Gopherus polyphemus ) and wood stork ( Mycteria americana ). The vote comes one year after a $60 million land deal that protected the swamp from impending mining. “We accept this inscription not as a finish line, but as a commitment to keep the Okefenokee wild, resilient, and thriving for generations to come,” said Kim Bednarek, executive director of the nonprofit Okefenokee Swamp Park that’s worked with the U.S. government on the refuge’s nomination package, in a statement after the vote. Although the site is now recognized by UNESCO, authority to manage the swamp won’t change. The vast majority of the swamp is included in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Read more at the Associated Press.
Insect monitoring usually means late nights, bright lights and white sheets—and often, lots of dead specimens. But a new technology developed in the tropical forests of Panama offers a new way to study the often-forgotten wildlife that play a crucial role in ecosystems across the globe. In a new paper…Insect monitoring usually means late nights, bright lights and white sheets—and often, lots of dead specimens. But a new technology developed in the tropical forests of Panama offers a new way to study the often-forgotten wildlife that play a crucial role in ecosystems across the globe. In a new paper published in Methods in Ecology and Evolution , researchers demonstrated how the Mothbox—an open-source automated camera trap for insects—and the Mothbot—an artificial intelligence tool that can analyze data from the Mothbox—can help non-specialists learn more about the arthropods around them. The Mothbox is small, portable and made out of 3D-printed materials and relatively inexpensive parts. The instructions for building a Mothbox , as well as the code for running Mothbot, are both available online for free. “We need open-source tools to make sure our science really works,” said Andy Quitmeyer, co-director of the Panama-based Digital Naturalism Laboratories and affiliate professor at the University of Washington who has worked on the device since 2022. Through pilot studies, the team used the technology to monitor changes in insect activity and presence throughout the night at the same location, or how these factors vary among different habitats. “As the field of automated insect monitoring continues to develop, Mothbox provides an affordable entry point for a range of stakeholders,” the authors wrote. Read more at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.
ConidioTech was awarded Penn State’s 2025 Innovation of the Year Award for its fungal-based biopesticide Aprehend, which Rockwell Labs acquired in August 2025. The post Aprehend biopesticide earns Innovation of the Year award first appeared on Pest Management Professional.
Back to Resources The species formerly known as the Audubon’s warbler is now known as the yellow-rumped warbler ( Setophaga coronata ). Jerry Kirkhart Surveys conducted by the American Ornithological Society have revealed that three-quarters of birders were fine with its decision to change the honorific names of 152 species…Back to Resources The species formerly known as the Audubon’s warbler is now known as the yellow-rumped warbler ( Setophaga coronata ). Jerry Kirkhart Surveys conducted by the American Ornithological Society have revealed that three-quarters of birders were fine with its decision to change the honorific names of 152 species in the United States and Canada. Some of these species were named after historical birders and biologists involved in racist or genocidal activities. The organization conducted a national survey and in-depth interviews and determined that 47.6% of respondents saw the name changes as positive, while 28.5% were neutral about the renaming effort. They also found that nearly 70% of respondents planned to use the new names. The survey also revealed that more than 80% of respondents in Utah saw that state’s anti-renaming legislation unfavorably. Interviews revealed that these name changes are helping increase diversity in the birding world, evidenced by the increase in inclusive birding clubs. Read the study at People and Nature .
When reviewing research, you could be forgiven for thinking that seabirds jump directly into the breeding population after fledging. The vast majority of peer-reviewed publications in the field focus only on nest production and fledging success or on adult survival. But a huge proportion of seabird numbers—sometimes more than half,…When reviewing research, you could be forgiven for thinking that seabirds jump directly into the breeding population after fledging. The vast majority of peer-reviewed publications in the field focus only on nest production and fledging success or on adult survival. But a huge proportion of seabird numbers—sometimes more than half, depending on the species—aren’t chicks, fledglings or breeding adults. After leaving their nests, most seabirds spend years at sea, largely lost to researchers, before they ever settle down to find a mate. Birds in this prebreeding period account for about half of most species’ entire populations. “This is truly like the lost years mystery at sea,” said Liam Taylor, a postdoctoral researcher in evolutionary ecology at Bowdoin College in Maine. But conserving these prebreeding birds may be more important in many cases than researchers have given them credit for. “[Seabirds] are facing so many threats that we’re trying to think expansively about how to protect them,” Taylor said. From Leach’s storm-petrels to the wider world of seabirds Taylor, who uses the pronoun “they,” and their colleague Eleanor Gnam from Memorial University of Newfoundland mostly study Leach’s storm-petrels ( Hydrobates leucorhous ). These small gray seabirds nest in underground burrows on islands across the North Pacific and North Atlantic. Some 40 to 50% of the population of Leach’s storm petrels is of prebreeding age. These birds spend at least three years in this prebreeding period, though it’s often closer to five or six years. Colonies on small islets are vulnerable to predation from invasive species like feral cats ( Felis catus ), dogs, rats or foxes—it only takes a few, in some cases, to wipe out an entire colony of Leach’s storm-petrels. Taylor wants to learn how to attract younger adults to replenish these islets when adult populations are knocked down by invasives or other problems, but it’s difficult to know where to start due to a lack of knowledge. “This is a population on the ropes, and we know nothing about the prebreeding birds,” they said. In a study published recently in Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment , Taylor and Gnam set out to learn more about prebreeding birds and their importance for conservation overall. The team reviewed thousands of papers published on seabirds, looking mostly for two types of research. The researchers looked at long-term productivity studies that tracked how many eggs seabirds laid and how many chicks hatched and fledged. Taylor and Gnam also looked at mark-recapture studies that analyzed survival year over year. The prebreeding years The team collected data on 90 species of seabirds—everything from wandering albatrosses ( Diomedea exulans ) to sea ducks. The researchers analyzed this data in three different ways. The first analysis the researchers conducted was meant to help them understand population dynamics. Their findings revealed that a large proportion of seabird species are prebreeding adults—usually about 40 to 50%, depending on the species. The team then conducted an analysis to examine which class of seabird was most critical for maintaining populations. Many seabird species are long-lived, meaning that breeding adults can produce multiple broods of chicks throughout their lives. Conservationists have often homed in on conserving breeding adults, since a smaller proportion of chicks and prebreeding adults seem to make it to breeding age. It’s also easier to find the breeding adults, which tend to nest in the same colonies every year. The researchers found that, in general, focusing on breeding adults probably still provided the best bang for the conservation buck. But that’s not true in every case, and prebreeding birds are always important. Sometimes, factors like hurricanes or invasive species can lower breeding population numbers. In such cases, conserving prebreeding adults becomes more important because there are few breeding adults left, Taylor said. The third analysis looked at potential solutions to seabird conservation. Many seabirds spend years in this prebreeding period before they start to mate and build nests. But if these younger adults can somehow be recruited to breeding sites, they might be able to boost nest production overall in struggling populations. In their analysis, Taylor and Gnam found mixed results for different species in terms of how important it is to get birds to breed earlier. In earlier research, they found that prebreeding birds in species like northern gannets ( Morus bassanus ) will actually breed earlier than usual when populations experience crises. When disease, such as highly pathogenic avian influenza, lowers the population density of northern gannets, more younger birds come in to fill in the gap and refresh colonies. Another study revealed that culling herring gulls ( Larus argentatus ), which normally begin to breed at four or five years old, tended to reduce the breeding age, on average. Taylor is still only speculating about how knowledge of prebreeding Leach’s storm-petrels could help conservationists attract younger birds to breeding colonies, but learning more about where they spend time would be a good start. Part of the problem is that these young birds often fly long distances across the globe, so it’s difficult to track them. “A lot of seabird researchers are really interested in [this period], but the problem is there’s no way in,” Taylor said. Taylor and Gnam hope that the continued development of new tracking technology will help clear up some of this opacity in this important period of seabird lives. Article by Joshua Rapp Learn
Scientists in China have discovered a previously unknown tick-borne virus that can cause a flu-like illness involving fever, fatigue, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, and unusual laboratory results. Researchers led by the State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity in Beijing have named the newly identified orthonairovirus Asian longhorned tick nairovirus (ALTNV).…Scientists in China have discovered a previously unknown tick-borne virus that can cause a flu-like illness involving fever, fatigue, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, and unusual laboratory results. Researchers led by the State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity in Beijing have named the newly identified orthonairovirus Asian longhorned tick nairovirus (ALTNV). The discovery, reported in the New England Journal of Medicine , grew out of efforts to understand why about 30% of patients with symptoms suggestive of Dabie bandavirus (DBV) infection test negative for the tick-borne hemorrhagic fever. A Search for the Cause of Unexplained Tick Illness DBV causes severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), a potentially deadly disease found across Asia. The infection has a case-fatality rate of 10% to 30%. Thrombocytopenia refers to an abnormally low level of platelets, the blood cells involved in clotting. The World Health Organization has identified DBV as a priority pathogen for research. To investigate unexplained cases, researchers collected samples from people who had been bitten by ticks and were treated at sentinel hospitals in regions of China where tick-borne viruses are known to circulate. Using RNA sequencing and viral isolation, the team detected the previously unknown virus. "The cocirculation of ALTNV and DBV in the same areas, coupled with their shared tick vector, underscores the need for improved differential diagnosis between infections with these viruses in regions where SFTS is endemic." Genetic analyses placed ALTNV within the orthonairovirus genus in the family Nairoviridae. Its proteins shared less than 80% of their amino acids with those of other species in the genus, supporting its identification as a distinct virus. Researchers also exposed laboratory cells to human serum containing ALTNV RNA. The virus grew in the cells and was identified as ALTNV using immunofluorescence to detect viral antigens. Electron microscopy revealed features typical of orthonairoviruses, while additional experiments showed that the virus could replicate in several types of cells. ALTNV Found in More Than 10% of Patients Tested Among 3,163 patients included in the study, 10.4% tested positive for ALTNV based on the presence of viral RNA or immunoglobulin M antibodies, which can indicate a recent infection. The proportion was even higher among people who tested negative for DBV. In that group, 15.1% were positive for ALTNV. Among patients infected only with ALTNV, the most common symptom was fatigue, reported by 84%. Gastrointestinal (GI) problems occurred in 80%, while 38% developed thrombocytopenia. Elevated aminotransferase concentrations were found in 36% (indicating inflammation or injury of the liver or other tissues; 36%). These patients ultimately recovered completely. Coinfections Were Linked to More Severe Complications Researchers also identified 38 patients who were infected with both ALTNV and DBV. Compared with people infected only with DBV, those with both viruses experienced respiratory symptoms more often, affecting 61% compared with 38%. Kidney impairment was also more common in coinfected patients, occurring in 84% compared with 66%. Seven of the 38 coinfected patients died, representing 18.4% of that group. Virus Detected in Ticks Across 15 Provinces The researchers also tested 47,428 ticks collected from 15 provinces. ALTNV RNA was present in 1.3% of them. The highest prevalence was found in Haemaphysalis longicornis , commonly known as the Asian longhorned tick, with 1.8% testing positive. Laboratory experiments provided further evidence that this tick species can spread the virus. Researchers showed that H longicornis was capable of transmitting ALTNV to mice. Because ALTNV and DBV occur in the same regions and can be spread by the same tick vector, the researchers say distinguishing between the two infections could become increasingly important. "The cocirculation of ALTNV and DBV in the same areas, coupled with their shared tick vector, underscores the need for improved differential diagnosis between infections with these viruses in regions where SFTS is endemic," the authors concluded.
A CPW official cited “detailed information about public testimony” as one of the reasons for checking people for weapons at the commission meeting Wednesday
More than 3 million years ago, the famous early human ancestor Lucy and her relatives shared the landscape of East Africa with a formidable predator. Hidden in rivers and lakes, a massive crocodile with a distinctive hump on its snout likely posed one of the greatest dangers to these ancient…More than 3 million years ago, the famous early human ancestor Lucy and her relatives shared the landscape of East Africa with a formidable predator. Hidden in rivers and lakes, a massive crocodile with a distinctive hump on its snout likely posed one of the greatest dangers to these ancient hominins. Now, a University of Iowa-led team has identified that reptile as a previously unknown species. In a study published in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology , researchers formally describe the crocodile and name it Crocodylus lucivenator , meaning "Lucy's hunter." A Crocodile From Lucy's Time The name reflects the animal's place in history. The crocodile lived between 3.4 million and 3 million years ago in what is now Ethiopia, during the same period and in the same region inhabited by Lucy and her species, Australopithecus afarensis . Discovered in 1974, Lucy became one of the most important fossil finds in human evolution. At the time, her skeleton was the oldest and most complete early human ancestor or relative ever discovered. The find also helped demonstrate that walking upright on two legs, known as bipedalism, evolved before larger brain size. The newly identified crocodile was an impressive animal, measuring roughly 12 to 15 feet long and weighing between 600 and 1,300 pounds. It was the only crocodile known from the Hadar landscape, an environment that included shrublands, wetlands, rivers, and tree-lined waterways. Researchers believe it was an ambush predator that spent much of its time concealed in the water, waiting for animals to approach for a drink. "It was the largest predator in that ecosystem, more so than lions and hyenas, and the biggest threat to our ancestors who lived there during that time," says Christopher Brochu, professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Iowa and the study's corresponding author. "It's a near certainty this crocodile would have hunted Lucy's species. Whether a particular crocodile tried to grab Lucy, we'll never know, but it would have seen Lucy's kind and thought, 'Dinner.'" A Strange and Distinctive Crocodile Brochu has spent 35 years studying ancient crocodilians. He first examined Crocodylus lucivenator specimens during a visit to a museum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2016. "I was just blown away because it had this really weird combination of character states," Brochu recalls. One of the crocodile's most unusual features was a prominent hump located in the middle of its snout. Similar structures are found in American crocodiles but not in Africa's Nile crocodiles. Researchers believe the hump may have played a role in courtship displays. "You see this in some modern crocodiles," Brochu says. "The male will lower his head down a little bit to a female to show it off." The species also had a snout that extended farther beyond its nostrils than those of other crocodiles living at the time. According to the researchers, this feature more closely resembles the elongated snouts seen in modern crocodiles. Fossils Reveal Ancient Behavior To identify the new species, researchers analyzed 121 cataloged fossil remains, including skulls, teeth, and jaw fragments from dozens of individuals. The fossils were recovered from the Hadar Formation in Ethiopia's Afar region. For decades, Hadar has been one of the most important sites for understanding human origins. In addition to Lucy and other early hominin fossils, the area contains a rich record of ancient wildlife and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980. Most of the crocodile fossils were incomplete, requiring scientists to reconstruct aspects of the animal's anatomy. One specimen, however, preserved evidence of a violent encounter. Several partially healed injuries on its jaw suggest it had fought with another crocodile. "The fossil record preserves similar injuries in extinct groups as well, so this kind of face-biting behavior can be found throughout the crocodile family tree," says Stephanie Drumheller, teaching associate professor at the University of Tennessee who earned a doctorate at Iowa. "We can't know which combatant came out on top of that fight, but the healing tells us that, winner or loser, this animal survived the encounter." Top Predator of the Hadar Ecosystem Although at least three other crocodile species lived farther south in the Eastern Rift Valley, Crocodylus lucivenator appears to have had the Hadar region largely to itself. "During the Pliocene, Hadar was composed of a variety of habitats alongside its lake and river systems over space and time, including open and closed woodlands, gallery forests, wet grasslands, and shrublands," says Christopher Campisano, associate professor in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change at Arizona State University and a study co-author. "Interestingly, this crocodile was one of only a few species that was able to persist throughout." The study is titled "Lucy's Peril: A Pliocene Crocodile from the Hadar Formation, Northeastern Ethiopia." Nathan Platt and Daniel Leaphart from the School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability at Iowa contributed to the research. Additional co-authors include Getahun Tekle and Tomas Getachew of the National Museum of Ethiopia and Jason Head of the University of Cambridge. Funding for the research was provided by the U.S. National Science Foundation, the Leakey Foundation, the University of Iowa Office of International Programs, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa.
Yale researchers found that a naturally occuring compound found in garlic could prevent mosquito mating and egg laying. The post Why garlic could be the answer to prevent mosquito pressure first appeared on Pest Management Professional.
An elephant made of scrap metal. A mural on the side of a science center. Old clothes made new again in a recycled fashion show. Rebecca Goldstone has brought the power of sculpture, paintings, fashion and even dance into her conservation work at New Nature Foundation (NNF), a nonprofit she…An elephant made of scrap metal. A mural on the side of a science center. Old clothes made new again in a recycled fashion show. Rebecca Goldstone has brought the power of sculpture, paintings, fashion and even dance into her conservation work at New Nature Foundation (NNF), a nonprofit she and her husband, Michael Stern, founded in 2009. NNF supports conservation in Uganda through community-based arts and cultural programming. Goldstone’s work at NNF and support of the conservation art of others won her The Wildlife Society’s 2026 Jay N. “Ding” Darling Memorial Award for Wildlife Stewardship Through Art . The award is a tribute to Jay N. “Ding” Darling, an artist, a conservationist and the first recipient of TWS’ Aldo Leopold Memorial Award. The Darling Memorial Award honors dedicated artists who promote wildlife and habitat conservation through their art. An outdoor mural on one of NNF’s six natural history museums was created by Samuel Murungi and Amos Tukahumura. Credit: Rebecca Goldstone “Grounded in a strong awareness of traditional culture and contemporary life, Rebecca’s work stands as a powerful example of innovation, authenticity and enduring purpose,” Stern said in his nomination letter. Recycled art Besides being an accomplished artist herself, Goldstone elevates the work of local artists. In 2019, she approached artist Reagan Kandole, the executive director of ECOaction , an organization based in Uganda that helps marginalized people create income through alternative waste management programs, with an idea for a new piece. Kandole created a 13-foot-tall, life-sized elephant made of materials salvaged from local trash dumps and scrap yards. The art piece sits on a major thoroughfare where thousands of people see it daily, delivering a message on the importance of conservation in their community. Regan Kandole created this recycled lion, depicting one of Africa’s most iconic species. Credit: Rebecca Goldstone The experience for Kandole was transformative for his business and mission. He was commissioned to create five more elephants across the country as well as life-sized gorillas, giraffes and a whale. “Rebecca catalyzed my future as a successful international conservation artist,” Kandole said. Even NNF’s buildings are works of art. NNF operates six natural history museums free to the public and located in some of Uganda’s trading centers. They are covered in murals made of recycled materials by Ugandan artists. “By turning waste into colorful wildlife art, the murals combine environmental cleanup with conservation education,” Goldstone said. Conservation through friendly competition Some of NNF’s signature events are its annual conservation competitions, which are day-long events that gather thousands together to “celebrate nature” through a variety of artistic and cultural expressions, including traditional song and dance, drawing and poetry and recycled fashion and sculptures. One of the recycled fashion show participants wears a dress that reads “I love science center.” Credit: Rebecca Goldstone “For me, they represent exactly the kind of conservation we want to build: creative, community-driven, joyful and deeply connected to place,” Goldstone said. Many recycled outfits include plastic bags, scrap metal and foraged flowers. “The fashion show turns waste into wearable art while engaging communities in a fun and memorable conversation about conservation,” Goldstone said. The celebrations also include traditional songs and dances rewritten with new words and themes that share the importance of the forests the communities rely on and the importance of protecting them. Perhaps the most revolutionary part of Goldstone’s work is that it uses joy and cultural celebration to confront and engage with serious and urgent topics like the climate crisis. “In a field that so often leans on urgency and loss, Rebecca offers something even more powerful: hope and connection through science and art,” Stern said. Rebecca Goldstone first came to Uganda in 2000 to study primates but has worked in art and community building over the last quarter century. Credit: Rebecca Goldstone NNF has six conservation competitions planned for Kibale and Queen Elizabeth National Parks in Uganda at the end of 2026. “This award is an affirmation of the hard work we are doing through the New Nature Foundation , supporting humanity’s connections with wildlife and the natural world,” Goldstone said. “It renews my confidence and enthusiasm to keep exploring what is possible when art, community and conservation come together.” The award will be presented at TWS’ Annual Conference in Des Moines, Iowa, starting Nov. 1. Article by Olivia Milloway
Back to Resources Sky pilot wildflowers on alpine tundra. Credit: Patrick Myers These comments were submitted by The Wildlife Society (TWS) in response to a proposed rule by the U.S. Forest Service to rescind the 2001 Roadless Areas Conservation Rule (“Roadless Rule”). The Roadless Rule identifies and protects Inventoried Roadless…Back to Resources Sky pilot wildflowers on alpine tundra. Credit: Patrick Myers These comments were submitted by The Wildlife Society (TWS) in response to a proposed rule by the U.S. Forest Service to rescind the 2001 Roadless Areas Conservation Rule (“Roadless Rule”). The Roadless Rule identifies and protects Inventoried Roadless Areas in the National Forest System from road construction and logging. TWS opposes the proposed rescission of the Roadless Rule, stating that the proposal: Fails to demonstrate that rescission is necessary to achieve stated management objectives, Creates significant implementation concerns for an already resource-constrained agency, and Could lead to irreversible impacts on wildlife populations and their habitats.
