Animals

Animal Humane Society policy changes raise concerns of an increase in feral cat populations
The nonprofit organization Animal Humane Society will no longer be providing free Trap-Neuter-Return spay and neuter services. The new change could create hardship for individuals and organizations that aid in maintaining the feral, or “community” cat populations.  
Can ‘wolf haters’ and ‘wolf lovers’ talk without howling?
As controversy once again swirls around wolf management in Minnesota, two educational groups continue their work to insert science into the debate around wolves without dismissing people’s fears.
Cats on leashes ... yes, it’s a thing
For some cats, leashed walks “can certainly create environmental enrichment, get them some more exercise,” says veterinarian Grace Cater. Other cats? Not so much.
To save spotted owls, officials plan to kill a half-million of another owl species
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service strategy is meant to prop up declining spotted owl populations in Oregon, Washington and California by killing barred owls that have encroached into their territory.
Sanctuary rescues cat thrown from 12th floor of Minneapolis apartment
A cat thrown from a 12th-story apartment balcony in Minneapolis last month is recovering after a Twin Cities animal sanctuary arranged intensive veterinary care. The year-old tabby named Rue suffered a broken leg, foot and jaw, but no internal injuries.
These best boys and girls just graduated from the ATF’s National Canine Academy
Meet the dogs who just finished the ATF’s canine training program. ATF dogs have supported major events like the Super Bowl and are also used in the bread-and-butter of ATF’s work: solving gun crimes.
Cows infected by bird flu in Minnesota, but human threat very low
The bird flu outbreak has impacted 17 million poultry across 26 states to date so far this year, 1.7 million of those affected poultry are in Minnesota. Threat to human health is very low, with only four known cases of human infection so far this year.
Illinois is hit with cicada chaos. This is what it's like to see, hear and feel billions of bugs
Cicada chaos is flourishing and flying in the American Midwest. Trillions of once hidden baby bugs are in the air, on the trees and perching upon people’s shirts, hats and even faces.