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Wildlife

Record steelhead numbers return to Deschutes River, most since dams built in 1960s, Warm Springs Tribes, PGE say

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Biologists from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and Portland General Electric have collected more than 250 returning adult steelhead at the Pelton-Round Butte hydroelectric project – the largest steelhead return since dams were completed on the Deschutes River in the 1960s. Scientists say these notable early returns bode well for

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Grand Teton grizzly bear No. 399 that delighted visitors for decades is killed by vehicle in Wyoming

Associated Press CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A famous grizzly bear beloved for decades by countless tourists, biologists and professional wildlife photographers in Grand Teton National Park is dead after being struck by a vehicle in western Wyoming. Grizzly No. 399 died Tuesday night on a highway in Snake River Canyon south of Jackson, park officials

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OSU study: Tiny, elusive tube sock-like skunk in the Cascades covers more ground than deer, sensitive to severe winters

CORVALLIS, Ore. (KTVZ) – A study in Oregon’s Cascade Range of a tiny, elusive skunk found the animal can cover more ground than deer and is sensitive to climate change, particularly severe winter weather. The research is important because small mammals such as the western spotted skunk face major threats from human-induced land use change,

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Squishin’ accomplished! Oregon Zoo’s stompin’, chompin’ Asian elephants first destroy, then enjoy giant pumpkin feast

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Some of the world’s largest land animals demolished some of the area’s largest pumpkins Wednesday morning during the Oregon Zoo’s 26th annual Squishing of the Squash. “We gave our elephant family some extra-large pumpkins to stomp on and chomp on,” said Steve Lefave, who oversees the zoo’s Asian elephant area. “First they

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Watch for wildlife: Vehicle collisions with deer, elk peak in fall; ODFW offers tips to avoid them

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Vehicle collisions with deer and elk tend to peak in October and November, when migration and breeding puts them on the move, making them more likely to cross roads. Fewer daylight hours and rainy weather also reduce drivers’ visibility. Each year, Oregon Department of Transportation crews remove about 6,000 carcasses of

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Mysterious white fox found in Portland turns out to be female Arctic fox, now getting care and recuperating

A mysterious white fox spotted recently in southeast Portland turns out to be a female Arctic fox that’s being cared for at the Bird Alliance of Oregon’s wildlife care center. Here’s their news release on the animal: Arctic Fox Found at Willamette Park Brought to Wildlife Care Center PORTLAND, Ore. — On Saturday, October 12, 2024 the

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National Wild Turkey Federation, Ochoco National Forest partner on western juniper removal project

EDGEFIELD, S.C. (KTVZ) — Oregon wildfires have scorched a record-breaking 1.9 million acres this year — the most acres ever damaged in modern state history, according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center. These ongoing wildfires have posed significant challenges for land and wildlife managers this season, severely impacting landscapes, wildlife and surrounding communities. Despite these

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Turn In Poachers alert: OSP investigators seek public’s tips in illegal take, waste of yearling buck deer in Crook County

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife is investigating and seeking the public’s help in finding those responsible for the unlawful take and waste of a yearling buck deer late last week in the Grizzly Wildlife Management Unit north of Prineville.   OSP Fish and Wildlife troopers from Prineville responded last Friday

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Volunteers sought for annual fish rescue at Lava Island on Deschutes River – but it may not be needed in a few years

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The annual Lava Island Fish Rescue will kick off next Friday, October 18, and volunteers are urgently needed to assist in this important effort to save stranded fish, but organizers say ongoing Deschutes River restoration efforts may eliminate the need to do so within the next few years.  As Central Oregon’s

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OSP Fish & Wildlife seeks tips from public in illegal waste of cow elk on Ochoco Wildlife Management Unit

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division said Friday it is investigating the unlawful take and waste of a cow elk in the Ochoco Wildlife Management Unit and is asking for the public’s assistance to identify whoever is responsible.  On Wednesday, OSP troopers from Prineville responded to a report of

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