Latest news with #GreatLakesEcho
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Trail cameras capture images of surprising newcomer near city swamp: 'We would never have known that otherwise'
Trail cameras capture images of surprising newcomer near city swamp: 'We would never have known that otherwise' People in Michigan's southern peninsula have a new neighbor this year: the black bear. According to Great Lakes Echo, trail cameras installed by Michigan State University's Corey Marsh Ecological Research Center have documented sightings of the creatures in the Lansing swamp area. Traditionally, black bears tended to stick to the Upper Peninsula. However, they've been spotted farther south over the last 15 years, believed to be caused by the Department of Natural Resources' limit on bear hunting licenses, according to Michigan Public. The photographs, captured in the summer of 2024, were first made public in April 2025. As reported by Great Lakes Echo, this is a sign of the bears' southern movement, with a DNR analysis showing a 37% increase in bears in the Lower Peninsula since 2012. Research center director Jen Owen said the photos reaffirmed her belief in tracking the bears' migration. "We should be monitoring all wildlife through these trail cameras because we never would have known that otherwise," Owen said, per Great Lakes Echo. Other organizations have had similar luck sighting animals with trail cameras, like a lynx in Colorado or an Allegheny woodrat in Appalachia. By tracking these animals' movements, researchers can ensure these species survive, creating a more diverse ecosystem we can rely on for food and materials. Wildlife officials consider the growing bear population on the southern peninsula positive. As reported by Michigan Public, DNR official Cody Norton said black bears are native to the state and play a vital role in the ecosystem. Michigan's DNR further explained that black bears help control insect and small animal populations, which can keep pests away. It added that their diet helps disperse seeds and return nutrients to the environment, improving the soil and natural beauty. While it's a plus that more black bears are around, residents should take some precautions to ensure peaceful coexistence. The state DNR released guidance suggesting that people remove bird feeders, secure trash, and keep other food sources away. However, black bears are not known for hurting humans. Catching a glimpse of one can be a unique experience — as long as you are a safe distance away and do not provoke it. For example, one resident was driving home from getting ice cream when she stopped to take pictures of a black bear near the road. Should the government be paying people to hunt invasive species? Definitely Depends on the animal No way Just let people do it for free Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "We were just kinda speechless and couldn't get over the fact we just saw a bear," she said, as reported by WLNS Lansing. Remember, during any wildlife sighting, keep your distance, and the animal will likely keep theirs. You can also do your part to protect wildlife by taking action at the local level. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists make alarming discovery about consuming fish: 'They're not doing anything good'
A new study showed that fish in Lake Huron are hosting even more harmful chemicals than previously thought, according to Great Lakes Echo. The study from Clarkson University found new kinds of harmful chemicals in a wide range of fish in Lake Huron. These chemicals were found in mussels and zooplankton, in medium-sized fish such as rainbow smelt and round goby that ate them, and in larger fish such as lake trout that in turn ate them. Some of the chemicals in question are outside the 15,000 documented perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, better known as PFAS or forever chemicals. PFAS have a wide range of uses, including in anti-stick coatings, water-resistant fabrics, cosmetics, and food packaging. Fish that live in waters contaminated with these chemicals accumulate them in their fatty tissue. "If they're accumulating up the food web, that means that they're enriching in the body," said study co-author Bernard Crimmins. "They're not doing anything good to those species." The problem is pronounced enough that one fisherman, Steve Hubert, throws back larger fish since they will have gathered more toxins than smaller ones. PFAS can find their way into humans who eat fish that have accumulated them. Links have been made between forever chemicals and infertility and cancer, though the breadth of chemicals makes conclusive results difficult to determine. To protect yourself and your family from forever chemicals and other harmful toxins, take a look at our guide. Sadly, legislation is moving toward protecting forever chemical producers rather than everyday people. Georgia is banning the ability to sue chemical manufacturers, and the Trump administration is stopping a new law that would force companies to monitor wastewater for PFAS. Grassroots groups such as Clean Cape Fear are continuing advocacy on the subject, and research is yielding promising results in removing PFAS from drinking water. If the Clarkson University study reveals anything, it's that the breadth of chemicals in our freshwater supplies is only increasing in complexity. "The one-by-one regulation approach is ineffective," said Gillian Miller, a senior scientist with the Ecology Center, per Great Lakes Echo. "It's a start, but it will take forever to regulate this class of compounds in a way that's protective of human health and, certainly, of ecosystem health and wildlife as well." How often do you worry about the quality of your drinking water? Never Sometimes Often Always Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
