Biologists vaccinate Washington’s endangered pygmy rabbits to protect them from ‘bunny ebola’ A highly contagious, often fatal virus is threatening Washington’s endangered pygmy rabbits. Biologists want to vaccinate the palm-sized rabbits before the virus crosses the state’s borders. Courtney Flatt
Environment Koalas are now officially an endangered species in parts of eastern Australia Australia's government declared koalas endangered in certain regions, citing the impacts of drought, bush fires and deforestation. The koala population dropped a reported 30% between 2018 and 2021. Rachel Treisman
Environment Scientists vacuum zoo animals' DNA out of the air Researchers who detected environmental DNA, or eDNA, in two zoos say the technique could one day be used to look for endangered species in remote locations in the wild. Geoff Brumfiel
Environment Jumping slugs: the tiny, slimy acrobats of Northwest forests Washington and Oregon are home to a group of rare species you’ve probably never heard of. Their name alone might horrify or delight you: the jumping slugs. John Ryan
Environment Heat-loving bacteria kill thousands of Washington salmon An estimated 2,500 Chinook salmon died before they could reach their spawning grounds in Whatcom County in September. John Ryan
Environment Beluga whale sighted off Seattle, Tacoma waterfronts A white whale has been spotted swimming along the Seattle and Tacoma waterfronts. Call it Moby Duwamish. John Ryan
Environment Navy steams ahead with sonar tests despite state opposition, orca impacts Over the objections of Washington state officials and orca advocates, the U.S. Navy is steaming ahead with a plan for seven more years of testing sonar and explosives off the Northwest coast. John Ryan
Environment 3 pregnant orcas could boost endangered whales’ numbers More babies are on the way for the endangered southern resident killer whales. John Ryan
Environment Ferruginous hawks in Washington deemed endangered The number of ferruginous hawks in Washington continues to decline. The birds face multiple threats, including wildfires, urban sprawl and loss of prey. Courtney Flatt
Environment Hopping into the wild: endangered frog release could help boost only known population in Washington Northern leopard frogs are rapidly disappearing in the Northwest. Biologists hope this effort will help the population in Washington. Courtney Flatt
