Wildlife

Spring is a time of rebirth, warmer days, and bears rummaging for food. And, according to state wildlife officials, bears have a keen sense of smell that can sniff out trash and even barbecue grills that haven't been cleaned since the last use.

Less than 10 miles from downtown Eugene, the Willamette Confluence Preserve offers a sanctuary for Oregon wildlife.

The wolverine was the first confirmed in western Oregon in more than 30 years.

The sunflower sea star is a keystone species that lives along the Pacific Coast, but it is critically endangered. That's because of Sea Star Wasting Syndrome, which causes the animals to dissolve.

A wildlife conservation group has warned two federal agencies that they intend to sue over what they call a “flawed” and “incomplete” habitat plan that endangers a regional amphibian.

Bear sightings in populated areas are up across Oregon, as poor berry crops have led the animals to search further for food.

Federal officials are again looking at bringing grizzly bears into the North Cascades. Now, officials want to hear from the public about what to consider this time around.

A federal study ordered by Congress concluded it would be feasible to reintroduce sea otters to the Oregon and northern California coasts. However, that finding doesn't mean the super-cute predators will be relocated into their former ocean habitat anytime soon.

The Southern Oregon Wildlife Crossing Coalition is attempting to create new structures and enhance existing ones so that animals can safely cross I-5 in the Siskiyou Summit region. The interstate bisects the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, which was designated for its diversity of wildlife, insects, and plant communities, representing a profound barrier to the many animals attempting to get from one part of their habitat to another.

Checking every inch of a streambed for freshwater mussels requires a snorkel and a wetsuit. It’s a messy job, but it’s vitally important as these keystone species are declining throughout the West.