Animals

'A birdhouse for loons': DNR studying human-made platforms loons can nest in
It comes after volunteers with the DNR say they’re seeing fewer chicks on Minnesota lakes in recent years. That has the agency looking for ways to make the state’s lakes a more desirable place for loons to nest and raise their young.
Trail cameras capture footage of cougar kittens in northern Minnesota
Cougars were native to Minnesota before becoming extinct within the state, according to the DNR. Over the past two decades, there have been dozens of sightings of lone cougars across Minnesota.
Researchers say remote Lake Superior island's wolves are thriving as packs prey on moose
Researchers say more wolves are roaming a remote Lake Superior island, using moose as one of their primary food sources. Isle Royale is a 134,000-acre island in far western Lake Superior between Grand Marais, Minnesota, and Thunder Bay, Canada.
Turkeys, coyotes and other city critters
Wild animals are thriving in the city. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two researchers about the coyotes, foxes, turkeys and other city critters that have adapted to urban life.
Veterinary toxicologist shares advice for pet parents who use cannabis
Renee Schmid, director of veterinary medicine and a senior veterinary toxicologist at the Pet Poison Helpline, told Morning Edition there’s consistently high call volume around animals and the drug.
Triplets! 3 baby eagles confirmed on Minnesota DNR EagleCam
Three baby eagles have hatched in the nest featured on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ EagleCam. They estimate that the young are about four days old.
New studies of old dogs help scientists understand where they came from
Scientists are tracing back the history of dogs using the oldest genes from the species ever studied. Scientists think dogs descended from an ancient population of gray wolves somewhere in Europe or Asia.
DNR FalconCam returns with improved camera, sound
The broadcast of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ FalconCam has started for the season, and a pair of falcons have already started preparing a nest.
Birds are back in Minnesota early. Can they weather spring storms, climate change?
Climate change is pushing some birds to migrate earlier. Sharon Stiteler, blogger and birder known as “Birdchick,” joined Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition to explain why and which species can safely weather inclement spring storms.
‘Someone loved them’: As the ICE surge continues in Minnesota, pets suffer
As Minnesotans are detained and deported by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, volunteers and pet shelters are led to provide housing and care for the animals that are often the family members involuntarily left behind.