Clare County Cleaver

Outdoors

The system of scientific naming began in the 1700s.

A bottlenose dolphin? Or Tursiops truncatus? Why biologists give organisms those strange, unpronounceable names

Some say Latin names are elitist and incomprehensible, but they started out as a way to be inclusive.

White-tailed deer in North America are back to their precolonial population levels.

The rise and fall – and rise again – of white-tailed deer

A new archaeological study finds early evidence of white-tailed deer declines in the 17th century, likely driven by the commodification of deerskins under colonial capitalism.

Windows are the No. 1 human threat to birds – an ecologist shares simple steps to reduce collisions

When wood thrushes arrive in northern Mississippi on their spring migration and begin to serenade my neighborhood with their ethereal, harmonized song, it’s one of the great joys of the season. It’s also a minor miracle. These small creatures have just flown more than 1,850 miles (3,000 kilometers), all the way from Central America. Other […]

8 charming small towns in Atlantic Canada you will love

(BPT) - Love traveling, but find your best adventures somewhere between big cities and crowded attractions? If your favorite travel memories involve exploring hidden gems on roads less traveled, …

Mountain chickadees are unusual in having more complex calls than songs. Vladimir Pravosudov

Mountain chickadee chatter: Scientists are decoding the songbird’s complex calls

Mountain chickadees follow systematic grammarlike rules to share important information, stringing together syllables like words in a sentence.

Looking to keep wildlife out of the ‘emergency room,’ states expand managers’ role

State wildlife agencies have a big job. While the federal government protects animals listed under the Endangered Species Act, states are tasked with keeping the vast majority of other species out of the “emergency room.” […]

Doctors told a dad his daughter would never walk on her own. He built a way to get her on the trails.

The Salt Lake Tribune shares a story about a cart, built by a Utah father whose daughter could no longer walk, that is redefining outdoor accessibility for families around the world.

Professional deer hunter sues DNR officer, alleging malicious prosecution

A professional hunter is suing a state Department of Natural Resources officer whose alleged false claims damaged his business and reputation. Mark Allen Luster of Burlington is suing Iowa DNR Officer Dan Henderson, in his personal capacity, in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, alleging malicious prosecution and “blatant violations of the […]

Safe Summer Fun in the Sun

(Family Features) Summer is the season of sun-kissed memories – backyard barbecues, sandy beaches, bike rides and late-night stargazing.

Green sea turtles, like this hatchling in Florida, are endangered due in part to habitat destruction and fishing nets.

How redefining just one word could strip the Endangered Species Act’s ability to protect vital habitat

The public has until May 19 to weigh in on a Trump administration plan that would leave many endangered species at much greater risk.

Make the most of summer: 5 tips for boating confidently and safely

(BPT) - Looking for ways to make the most of your time outdoors this summer? Grab your crew and go boating! Being on the water is one of the best ways to disconnect from distractions on land, …

Stone tools are deliberately made by the hands of hominins, like these worked on by the author. John K. Murray

Was it a stone tool or just a rock? An archaeologist explains how scientists can tell the difference

With a little guidance and a lot of practice, even you can make stone tools the way our oldest ancestors did – and learn to recognize the signs of a deliberately made tool.

A frog-eating bat approaches a túngara frog, one of its preferred foods. Grant Maslowski

Young bats learn to be discriminating when listening for their next meal

By listening to a frog call, adult bats can tell which prey are palatable and which are poisonous. Young bats must acquire this ability over time.

Outdoor adventures and information

Podcast

A bottlenose dolphin? Or Tursiops truncatus? Why biologists give organisms those strange, unpronounceable names

Some say Latin names are elitist and incomprehensible, but they started out as a way to be inclusive.

Doctors told a dad his daughter would never walk on her own. He built a way to get her on the trails.

How redefining just one word could strip the Endangered Species Act’s ability to protect vital habitat

Make the most of summer: 5 tips for boating confidently and safely

Was it a stone tool or just a rock? An archaeologist explains how scientists can tell the difference

Young bats learn to be discriminating when listening for their next meal

All about thru-hiking

Exploring rural America

Outside storytelling