Animals

Peregrine falcons at Mayo Clinic: How the world-renowned hospital came to raise birds of prey
For almost four decades, Mayo Clinic has raised peregrine falcons as part of a national recovery effort to save what had been an endangered species. Now, the peregrine falcon program is a beloved part of the world-renowned hospital's offerings.
Black bears move farther south and west in Minnesota; expert says don't fear
Andrew Tri, bear project leader at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, told MPR News their range has been stretching south and west since the ‘60s and ‘70s, but “markedly so over the last 20 years.”
Pup-date from Ridglan beagle foster mom ahead of dog's adoption day
Tristan Keene has been caring for a beagle she calls Theo and says she’s surprised with how well he’s adjusting to his own firsts: touching grass, being on a bed and playing with a toy.
Leave it to beavers! How these rodents damn wildfires
Man-made firebreaks, like dozer lines created by heavy machinery and hand lines dug by firefighters, help stop flames from spreading — but so do natural barriers like beaver ponds.
Beagles rescued from Wisconsin breeder set to find new homes in Minnesota
These are dogs that have never been outside, seen grass or had extensive human contact, Liv Hagen, welfare director for Animal Humane Society, told the MPR News Morning Edition show Thursday.
Bison Festival celebrates release of herd that helps prairie habitat thrive
Every spring, a herd of bison stampede onto prairieland in the St. Croix River Valley. This Saturday, the Bison Festival at the Belwin Conservancy in Afton will draw hundreds of people to watch the release of the 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.