Endangered Gray Wolf May Have Made a Trip to Grand Canyon

Medicine & Technology Oct 31, 2014

It’s a photo worth a thousand words, and one of a near impossible candidate. Captured in the national forest near Grand Canyon National Park, authorities revealed Thursday Oct. 30 that a collared endangered gray wolf from the northern Rocky Mountains may be roaming the lands. A species that environmentalists and national park officials haven’t seen since the 1940’s when the gray wolf was driven to extinction in the area.

Crytptic New Species of Leopard Frog Found in New York City

Oct 30, 2014

For a field-based ecologist, the continental United States is pretty much a textbook of well-known organisms. The thrilling new species often making front-page news are more likely to found in the tropics or open-oceans, than in the plains of the Midwest or the large metropolis cities of the East and West coasts. With such well-defined niche habitats, the species in the United States aren’t too surprising to the experienced biologist, however, sometimes new life can be found where you’d least expect it. No, we’re not talking about the mutant turtles in the sewers of New York City, but it does appear the jam-packed hub may be home to another unique amphibian, colloquially known as the “Atlantic Coast Leopard Frog”.

How Ancient Kangaroos Walked Off the Face of the Earth and Hopped into Future Generations

Oct 29, 2014

An island nation, entirely secluded from the spread of traditional species found worldwide, Australia is home to a unique form of mammals known for their maternal instincts, classified as “marsupials”. The term may encompass many species, however, when the notable pouches of marsupials are often thought of, the species most easily recognized is the jumping species of kangaroos. But new research published this week in the journal PLOS ONE reveals that kangaroo species may not have always had that famous skip in their step.

US Fish & Wildlife Service Say African Lions May be Extinct by 2050

Oct 28, 2014

US Fish and Wildlife Service reports that African lions may soon cease to exist by 2050

Megalodon Sharks became extinct 2.6 million years ago

Oct 27, 2014

The blue whale currently holds the distinction of being the largest marine animal on earth. Its gargantuan size also makes it the biggest animal in the world. But did you know that whales pale in comparison to this marine predator that saw its existence more than 3 million years ago? In fact, whales are said to have been this predator's main dish--a logical conclusion given its hefty size, 7-inch teeth, and deadly, massive bite.

Another ‘Big’ Species Added to Endangered Species List? The Sasquatch Debate

Oct 26, 2014

While we ecologists like to often err on the side of caution when it comes to the preservation of species dwindling in the wild, this one has got to be one for the record books. We’ve heard of protecting mammals, marine species, and even those who choose to cross over state lines to inhabit new ecological niches. But what about protecting a “cryptide”? While most people are chalking it up to urban legends, one man from Chautauqua Lake, New York is making a plea to “Save Sasquatch”.