Wildlife https://www.wcmu.org/tags/wildlife Wildlife en-US Copyright Tue, 17 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT How seeds from the past are saving a unique flower of the Great Lakes https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2026-02-17/how-seeds-from-the-past-are-saving-a-unique-flower-of-the-great-lakes In 1994, U.S. Geological Service researchers planted 4,200 seeds of the Pitcher’s thistle, a rare wildflower that grows only on the sandy dunes of Lakes Michigan, Superior and Huron. Now the restored populations are thriving and spreading, an unexpected success story. Tue, 17 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2026-02-17/how-seeds-from-the-past-are-saving-a-unique-flower-of-the-great-lakes Kyrmyzy Turebayeva, Capital News Service Winter birdwatching in Michigan helps scientists fill gaps in avian research https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2026-01-13/winter-birdwatching-in-michigan-helps-scientists-fill-gaps-in-avian-research Despite winter seeming bleak, the season offers birdwatchers the chance to see visitors like purple finch — and opportunities to help researchers learn more about birds. Mon, 29 Dec 2025 17:38:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2026-01-13/winter-birdwatching-in-michigan-helps-scientists-fill-gaps-in-avian-research Victoria Witke Public attitudes toward wolves split in the Upper Peninsula https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-12-23/public-attitudes-toward-wolves-split-in-the-upper-peninsula The attitudes of UP residents toward wolves are split, says a new study, with more than 60% of those surveyed favoring reducing the wolf population, motivated mostly by worries over risks to livestock, deer and human safety. Tue, 23 Dec 2025 10:00:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-12-23/public-attitudes-toward-wolves-split-in-the-upper-peninsula Samantha Ku, Capital News Service DNR says UP cougar cubs have survived into adolescence https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-12-19/dnr-says-up-cougar-cubs-have-survived-into-adolescence The cubs had not been spotted in the western Upper Peninsula since March. State officials say these cubs were the first ones verified east of the Mississippi River in a century. Fri, 19 Dec 2025 23:57:06 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-12-19/dnr-says-up-cougar-cubs-have-survived-into-adolescence Brianna Edgar Wolves hunt beavers in Isle Royale National Park, changing the ecosystem https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-12-05/wolves-hunt-beavers-in-isle-royale-national-park-changing-the-ecosystem New research published in Nature Scientific Reports reveals how gray wolves in Isle Royale National Park seasonally alter their habitat preferences to align with beavers’ habitat preferences, a shift that might have implications for the island’s ecosystem. Fri, 05 Dec 2025 10:00:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-12-05/wolves-hunt-beavers-in-isle-royale-national-park-changing-the-ecosystem Akia Thrower, Capital News Service Michigan has nation's 4th-highest rate of drivers hitting animals, auto insurer says https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-11-24/michigan-has-nations-4th-highest-rate-of-drivers-hitting-animals-auto-insurer-says The likelihood of hitting an animal with your car in Michigan is more than twice as high as the national average, based on State Farm data from the past year. Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:54:53 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-11-24/michigan-has-nations-4th-highest-rate-of-drivers-hitting-animals-auto-insurer-says Anna Busse Wild berry foraging gains popularity in Michigan https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-10-04/wild-berry-foraging-gains-popularity-in-michigan You-pick farms have been seeing customers picking their own fruits and vegetables across the state this summer. From blueberries and strawberries to tomatoes and asparagus, many people have opted for gathering their produce themselves. Sat, 04 Oct 2025 09:00:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-10-04/wild-berry-foraging-gains-popularity-in-michigan Rachel Lewis Muskrats may be key to solving invasive aquatic plant problems, study finds https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-10-01/muskrats-may-be-key-to-solving-invasive-aquatic-plant-problems-study-finds A new study in the journal Freshwater Science sheds light on these oft-overlooked rodents and their ecosystem-altering behaviors – and how humans might replicate their actions to combat invasive aquatic plants. Wed, 01 Oct 2025 09:00:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-10-01/muskrats-may-be-key-to-solving-invasive-aquatic-plant-problems-study-finds Julia Belden How Michigan is trying to stop the box tree moth https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-08-14/how-michigan-is-trying-to-stop-the-box-tree-moth The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is trying to control the invasive box tree moth that damages boxwoods. The quarantine zone now covers Clinton, Lapeer, St. Clair, Eaton, Ingham, Livingston, Oakland, Macomb, Jackson, Washtenaw, Wayne, Lenawee and Monroe counties. Thu, 14 Aug 2025 09:00:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-08-14/how-michigan-is-trying-to-stop-the-box-tree-moth Rachel Lewis Help scientists track bird species in the Midwest during a global bird count this weekend https://www.wcmu.org/2025-02-10/global-bird-count-midwest The annual “Great Backyard Bird Count” asks people to track the birds they see and hear over a few days. The information can help researchers better understand bird populations and whether species are declining. Mon, 10 Feb 2025 19:18:15 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2025-02-10/global-bird-count-midwest Héctor Alejandro Arzate