Wildlife News
Outbreaks, law changes and seasonal activity that affect your home, checked with state agencies before we publish.
Bear Management Zone 1 in New Mexico closes after hunters reach limit
New Mexico closed Bear Management Zone 1 on October 16, 2026, after the hunting limit was reached, according to state wildlife officials.
Public Hearing Scheduled for Proposed State Temporary Rule On Negligent Bear Feeding in Buncombe County
North Carolina proposes a temporary rule prohibiting negligent bear feeding in Buncombe County. A public hearing is scheduled for November 2026.
Coyote chases New York students on walk to school as Westchester weighs trapping
A coyote chased students walking to school in Dobbs Ferry, New York, prompting Westchester County officials to consider a trapping program, local news confirmed.
Minnesota DNR makes CWD sampling mandatory for southwest deer hunters
Minnesota DNR requires chronic wasting disease sampling for deer harvested in southwest zones during firearms opener Nov. 7-8, with carcass transport rules in place.
New Mexico closes Bear Management Zone 10 as harvest limit reached
New Mexico Game and Fish closed Bear Management Zone 10 on October 9, 2026, after hunters reached the harvest cap. Five zones are now shut to bear hunting.
Texas elementary staffer is bitten by snake, with its species a mystery
A staffer at Lundy Elementary in El Paso was bitten by a snake. The species remains unknown after the
WDFW proposes listing burrowing owl as endangered in Washington
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife recommends listing the burrowing owl as state endangered, citing near-eradication outside of eastern regions. Public comments accepted through Dec. 31, 2026.
More than 100 pet rats found living in parked cars, police say
Police in Eugene, Oregon found over 100 pet rats living in two parked cars last month. The owner was cited for animal neglect.
Wildlife Agency Approves Emergency Bear Feeding Rule for Buncombe County
NC Wildlife Resources Commission approved an emergency rule banning bear feeding in Buncombe County to reduce human-bear incidents.
Endangered Western ribbon snakes put a Wisconsin highway project on hold
State law requires wildlife specialists to draft a capture-and-relocation plan for endangered Western ribbon snakes before bulldozers can enter a Wisconsin highway site.
New York man charged after shooting black bear that was eating his chickens
A Jefferson County man faces charges for shooting a black bear that was eating a chicken in his yard. The bear was later found dead with a bullet wound.
Man faces charges for killing black bear that attacked livestock
A Georgia man faces charges after shooting a black bear he said was attacking his chickens, according to WRDW Augusta.