Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing Project in Los Angeles

The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing project in Los Angeles is nearing the end of Stage 1 with the addition of specially manufactured soil to cover the crossing. Stage 2 will connect the structure to the hills to allow wildlife to use it, with completion scheduled for the end of 2026. The project includes innovative techniques to mimic native soils and features to support the growth of native plants.

Douglas Fir Trees and Their Importance

Animals at the Chicago Zoological Society’s Brookfield Zoo received leftover Christmas trees as treats in their enclosures. The trees were Douglas firs, which can grow to be over 1,000 years old and are the state tree of Oregon. The Douglas fir is a valuable timber resource used for construction and furniture making, and is commonly used as a Christmas tree.

Whale Sightings off New England

Scientists report a large number of whales off New England, including an orca eating a tuna and a high concentration of rare sei whales. The area is important core habitat for endangered North Atlantic right whales, with concerns about vessel strikes and entanglements.

Sea Lions at Pier 39 in San Francisco

An unusually large herd of sea lions has hauled out of the bay waters to hang out on the docks at Pier 39 in San Francisco, with over 1,000 sea lions counted. This surge is a good sign of the animal's strong population and the health of its habitat, fueled by a bounty of anchovies and herring in the bay waters ahead of mating season.

Butterfly Population

Some butterflies are disappearing due to factors like pesticide use and loss of habitat, but a native butterfly is making a surprising comeback in Florida.