For many people, dealing with animals such as squirrels who feast on garbage is a typical part of owning or renting a home. However, it is far less common to have bears getting into the garbage or invading the garage for food. In the Lake Tahoe area, this is a real and persistent issue. As humans have occupied more and more space in bear habitats, bears have started relying on humans for food. Listen to hear about hungry bears breaking into homes and what the state of California plans to do about it.
Story Length: 3:11
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January 11, 2022
3:26
The bison herd in Yellowstone National Park has grown too large. To reduce its size, park officials plan to kill some of the animals and relocate others to Native American tribal land. Moving some of the bison to the care of Native Americans is being welcomed by the tribes, which have strong spiritual and cultural connections to the animals. Listen to the director of the InterTribal Buffalo Council explain why Yellowstone bison are especially valued by Native Americans and why he feels mixed emotions about the fate of the Yellowstone bison.
Read MoreDecember 4, 2019
3:38
Residents of Asheville, North Carolina find bears eating out of dog bowls, rummaging through garbage, and shaking seeds out of bird feeders. Instead of controlling the large population of black bears living in the area, the city lets them roam free. Asheville citizens have found ways to coexist with the large and sometimes dangerous woodland creatures that wander into their neighborhoods. Listen to hear a bear-friendly resident share strategies for living safely with local black bears.
Read MoreOctober 23, 2019
3:37
The boardwalk in Ocean City, New Jersey, was plagued by food-stealing seagulls. They would dive down and snatch French fries, pizza, and even ice-cream right out of people’s hands. The city devised a creative solution to remedy this situation–more birds! Listen to learn how bringing in bigger birds made the boardwalk a friendlier place.
Read MoreAugust 21, 2015
5:58
Peregrine falcons are making skyscrapers in many large cities their new homes. By living in urban areas and nesting on tall bridges and skyscrapers instead of cliffs, they have plentiful food and safe nesting areas. In Massachusetts, there are now about 35 pair of these previously endangered birds, more than there have ever been. The population rebounded after the birds shifted their habitat. Some are nesting in skyscrapers in downtown Boston. Listen to this story about three fledgling peregrine falcons who are learning to fly from their nest on the 19th floor of Boston University housing tower.
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