Animals

Cougar struck, killed by vehicle near previous sightings in Minneapolis
While officials have not confirmed it’s the same animal seen earlier in the week in the Lowry Hill neighborhood, the crash happened less than a mile from the previous sightings.
Cougar caught on camera in Minneapolis; latest in string of sightings in Midwest
A home surveillance camera picked up an unexpected passerby in the Lowry Hill neighborhood of Minneapolis early Monday: a cougar striding calmly down the alley. It’s the latest in a series of sightings in the region in recent months.
U.S. moves to protect wolverines as climate change melts their mountain refuges
The North American wolverine would receive threatened species protections under a Biden administration proposal. Warming temperatures are expected to shrink the mountain snowpack wolverines rely on.
Stache the Sealyham terrier wins the National Dog Show
Stache lives in Honey Brook, Pa., not far from where he picked up today's prestigious Best in Show award. The Kennel Club of Philadelphia hosts the annual contest that's televised on Thanksgiving Day.
Could a 'funky' pathogen be sickening dogs? Scientists search for clues
Dogs around the country are becoming sick with an unknown respiratory illness. Some veterinarians are warning dog owners to take precautions. A strange bacterium could be involved.
The journey of Minnesota's Rutt the moose is tracked by a herd of fans
A moose on the loose in southern Minnesota has gained a herd of thousands of followers hoping to see the animal's journey end safely. The young male moose was spotted Tuesday northwest of Minneapolis.
Traffic-spotter hawk caught on MnDOT highway camera
A wide-eyed red-tailed hawk was caught by a Minnesota Department of Transportation traffic camera — and it looked almost as shocked to see the camera as we are to see it.
How the changing climate will affect polar bears
MPR News meteorologist Sven Sundgaard just got back from leading a learning vacation with 12 other Minnesotans to Churchill, Manitoba — the “polar bear capital of the world.” Sundgaard, along with Doug Clark from the University of Saskatchewan, conducted lectures on the changing climate of the region and its impact on polar bears.