Animals

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. 
Punxsutawney Phil is said to have seen his shadow, forecasting 6 more weeks of wintry weather
When Phil is said to have seen his shadow upon emergence from a tree stump in rural Pennsylvania, that’s considered a forecast for six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t see his shadow, an early spring is said to be on the way.
Americans drank more milk in 2024, reversing a decade-long decline
Industry experts say interest in protein consumption among consumers is likely driving growth in whole milk sales. But the trend may be a blip in the ongoing decline in U.S. milk consumption.
U.S. House passes bill to remove wolves from endangered species protection list
The U.S. House passed a bill Thursday to remove wolves from the federal endangered species list. If it passes, it would return wolf management to states, including Minnesota—which could decide to authorize wolf hunting seasons. It now moves to the Senate.
Mountain lion spotted in Duluth has been wandering across Minnesota for 3 months
DNR officials say they’ve been tracking the mountain lion’s journey across the state. It is originally from Nebraska, but was first spotted in Fergus Falls, Minn. in September.
Big cat on the prowl: Mountain lion spotted in Duluth
Duluth police have confirmed that a mountain lion was spotted in the city on Tuesday afternoon. Students were brought inside two nearby schools for a short time.