Animals

Wildlife and wildfire smoke: When to step in and when to leave nature alone
Tami Vogel, the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota’s executive director, joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition to clear up the confusion.
Native-led nonprofit receives grant for youth horse program
Dakota Wicohan, located in Morton near the Lower Sioux Indian Community, was recently named a recipient of the Minnesota Community IDEAS Grant. Funding will help to expand programming opportunities for their program that empowers youth to work with horses while learning traditional teachings. 
Make a game plan for your summer garden
It’s getting warmer and your garden needs a game plan. MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about fruits, vegetables, flowers — and tips to help your garden thrive all summer long.
Helping turtles cross the road? There’s an app for that, thanks to these Minnesota sisters
Turtle populations as a whole are declining, and roadway mortality is a significant factor, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Their natal homing instinct takes them across roadways and into the path of cars.
Penguins in Antarctica could actually be helping cool the climate… with their poop
In places like Antarctica, small things can make a difference. Scientists are finding that penguin waste is helping form clouds, which could be offsetting the effects of climate change.
After 529 days alone in the Australian bush, Valerie the mini dachshund is home
Valerie ran off while she was on a camping trip with her owners back in 2023 on a remote island in Australia. They had lost hope until locals spotted her more than a year later, surviving in the wild.