The hottest Wildlife Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

How Bad Will Things Get Now?

OK Doomer • 171 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Disasters Environmental Policy Wildlife Public awareness
  1. Climate disasters like wildfires, storms, and heatwaves are expected to get much worse in the future. We need to prepare for more extreme events.
  2. There's concern about how leadership is addressing climate change, with some leaders denying its seriousness. This adds to fears about future environmental policies.
  3. The next decade is crucial, and people need to understand the potential threats to humanity so they can advocate for better solutions.

No, Kerosene did NOT save the Sperm Whale

Material World • 1323 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Ecology Wildlife Sustainability Natural resources
  1. Sperm whales have unique features, like the biggest heads and brains among large animals. They are incredible divers and eat mysterious creatures from the ocean's depths.
  2. Whale oil was popular because it made great lantern fuel and was used in various industries. Even after kerosene was discovered, the hunting of sperm whales actually increased due to new uses for their oil.
  3. Whale populations only recovered significantly after international bans on whaling and the development of synthetic substitutes for whale oil. It shows that technology and regulations are important for conservation.

The Possibility of Pikas

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 419 implied HN points • 02 May 24
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Conservation Wildlife Climate
  1. Pikas are small mammals that usually live in rocky areas at high elevations, but some have been found at lower elevations, like the Columbia River Gorge. These unique habitats help them survive despite the warmer climate.
  2. Researchers found that moss plays an important role for pikas at lower elevations by keeping them cooler and happier. Moss helps create a nice environment for these little creatures as temperatures can often be too hot for them.
  3. Pikas are adapting to their new lower habitats by spending less energy storing food for winter and more time in the shade of trees. This shows they might have the ability to adjust to climate change better than some other animals.

Tracing a Tragedy

The Forgotten Files • 334 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
💾 History Conservation Wildlife Extinction
  1. William T. Hornaday highlighted the tragic extinction of American Bison and its causes in his report.
  2. The extinction of bison was driven by factors like man's greed, lack of protective measures, and advanced firearms.
  3. Hornaday's efforts led to his influential role in wildlife preservation and saving species from extinction.

Rattler Killing Roadrunners

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 359 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Wildlife Natural History Birding Folklore Environmentalism
  1. Roadrunners are not just cartoon characters; they're real birds that are beautiful and have unique colors. They can be seen running around in their natural habitat, which is pretty thrilling.
  2. These birds are skilled hunters and eat various creatures, including rattlesnakes. They even have clever methods to catch their prey, like using cholla pads.
  3. Roadrunners have a fascinating relationship with humans and many legends surrounding them. They are known to bring good luck and can even help lost travelers find their way.
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Nature to the North

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 359 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Wildlife Conservation Environmental
  1. Seeing hundreds of bald eagles feeding at once is a spectacular sight. They gather to feast on fish when conditions are just right.
  2. Some tree stumps can stay alive and continue to grow even after being cut down. This shows how interconnected nature can be through shared resources.
  3. Sea stars, which faced a severe disease, are now showing signs of recovery. Those that survived may pass on stronger genes to help their species adapt.

Kill or No

Into the Hedge • 99 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Farming Wildlife
  1. Hunting is not just about killing, it involves a whole process with time spent in the woods.
  2. The act of killing a deer marked a shift to being a hunter, impacting the author's perspective.
  3. Despite not succeeding in hunting deer for a season, the focus has shifted to self-awareness and being present in the woods.

Life Abounds

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 219 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Nature Wildlife Adventure Family Environment
  1. Baby animals, like marmots and geoducks, can be very cute and inspire joy in nature. People often feel a nurturing instinct towards baby animals, similar to how they feel about human babies.
  2. The recovery of wildlife can surprise researchers, as seen with western toads at Mt. St. Helens after the eruption, which thrived in new conditions.
  3. Many baby marmots survive their first winter, which is good news for their populations. Cute baby animals help us connect with nature and remind us of the importance of wildlife conservation.

My visit to a dying local park

Technology, Environment, and Art • 99 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Nature Technology Sustainability Wildlife
  1. Wildlife photography can reveal beauty that is hard to see in real life, but it may not capture the feeling of peace of just observing wildlife.
  2. Our consumerist and hyper-capitalistic system hides its destructive nature by providing entertainment and analgesics for its killing. It destructs relationships with nature.
  3. The need for a global philosophy and moral resolve to live harmoniously is essential for a sustainable future. Being around nonhuman life can inspire us to fight for solutions.

Operation Mother Goose

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 179 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Wildlife History Conservation Ecology Urban Nature
  1. Operation Mother Goose began in the 1960s when wildlife officials collected Canada goose eggs to save them from flooding due to dam construction. They hatched the eggs in a game farm to boost goose populations.
  2. The goal was to help the goslings learn from wild geese and join their flocks. Eventually, around 900 geese were released in various locations to increase local populations affected by overhunting and habitat loss.
  3. The release of these geese led to a rapid population growth in the area, but not everyone was happy about it due to the mess the geese made. Still, many appreciate their presence and find joy in watching them.

If We Lose the Amazon, Plant Medicine Goes With it 🌳💀

Tripsitter • 99 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Indigenous rights Wildlife Deforestation Activism
  1. The Amazon rainforest is in danger due to activities like oil extraction, logging, and mining, threatening unique plant medicines and indigenous cultures.
  2. Multiple organizations are working tirelessly to protect the Amazon, indigenous territories, and fight against illegal activities disrupting the rainforest.
  3. Conservation efforts are complex, require long-term stability and consistency, and face challenges such as profit-driven destruction, political instability, and risks to activists.

Street Smart Naturalist: 2022 in Review

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 219 implied HN points • 05 Jan 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Natural History Urban Ecology Wildlife Community Engagement
  1. The newsletter author focuses on diverse topics related to nature, urban life, and history to engage readers and spark curiosity. They enjoy sharing new discoveries and fun facts.
  2. The most popular newsletters of the year include stories about coyotes in Seattle, urban geography, and local wildlife, showing a blend of personal experiences and broader observations.
  3. The author appreciates feedback from readers and plans to continue creating engaging content in 2023. They invite suggestions for future topics and express gratitude for the support received.

The Italian Problem, Part I: Bird-Killing Foreigners

Bird History • 59 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
💾 History Immigration Conservation Wildlife
  1. Italian immigrants in the early 20th century hunted and ate songbirds, conflicting with American conservationists.
  2. Americans blamed Italian immigrants for the decline in bird populations, regarding them as a threat to agriculture and the food supply.
  3. There was a strong xenophobic sentiment towards Italians, with harsh punishments called for those caught killing songbirds.

No Story Today

backstory • 339 implied HN points • 20 May 23
📚 Literature Nature Wildlife Writing Diary Memoir
  1. The author struggles with writing in the presence of wild animals in their writing space.
  2. Wildlife interruptions have affected the author's writing projects in various locations.
  3. A recent encounter with a pygmy shrew disrupts the author's writing plans, leading to no story for today.

Ode to a Desert Yard

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 179 implied HN points • 09 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Nature Wildlife Family Observations
  1. Visiting a desert yard brings joy through its unique plants and wildlife. The variety of cacti and the warmth are comforting and interesting.
  2. Wildlife like javelinas, doves, and coyotes create a lively atmosphere. Watching these animals and their interactions adds excitement to the experience.
  3. The desert environment teaches about adaptation and observation skills. Each visit inspires curiosity about nature and its different forms.

Not So Silent Spring

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity Conservation Ecology Sustainability Wildlife
  1. The sounds of spring are important, with creatures like Pacific chorus frogs and Steller's Jays making their presence known through their calls. These sounds are not just pleasant but also play crucial roles in their behaviors and interactions.
  2. Sound has a long history on Earth, with many natural noises existing for billions of years. Most modern sounds from animals, however, are relatively recent developments in Earth’s timeline.
  3. There's a growing concern about a 'sonic crisis,' where humans are losing touch with the sounds of nature. It's important for us to listen to these sounds to appreciate and protect our environment.

Baitballs

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 99 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Marine Biology Wildlife Conservation
  1. Baitballs are when schools of fish, like herring and sand lance, gather together as a defense against predators. This helps reduce the chance of any single fish being eaten.
  2. When birds like gulls dive into the water, it often signals the presence of baitballs. Their activity gives hints about the underwater life that we usually can't see.
  3. Baitballs are important for the ecosystem because they provide food for many animals, including seals and birds. Observing these events can give insights into the health of marine life.

Yes Happy Earth Day!

the rohn report • 59 implied HN points • 22 Apr 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Diversity Carbon Footprint Ecosystems Wildlife
  1. Celebrate Earth Day by committing to protect the planet's diversity and ecosystems, conserving energy and water, and treating all entities as valuable members of the whole.
  2. Acknowledging the beauty of the planet and the importance of reducing our carbon footprint to maintain its beauty for future generations.
  3. Encouraging the preservation of wildlife, forests, oceans, and the connection between all living beings on Earth.

Fifty Coyotes in Seattle

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 13 Oct 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildlife Urban Nature Ecology Conservation Biodiversity
  1. Coyotes have adapted well to urban environments like Seattle, showing that they can thrive despite human efforts to control their population. They are survivors and often even increase their numbers when faced with threats.
  2. Many myths exist about coyotes, including the idea that they are dangerous to pets and people. In reality, coyotes are not aggressive and usually avoid confrontation with humans and their pets.
  3. Coyotes play an important role in urban ecosystems, helping to remind us that nature is all around us, even in the city. Their presence can bring joy and a connection to the natural world.

An Ode to Our Backyard

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 23 Jun 22
🔬 Science Wildlife Ecology Nature Conservation Environment
  1. A beautiful backyard can transform a house into a home. The presence of large trees and wildlife makes the space special and enjoyable.
  2. Seeing local wildlife, like bald eagles and Cooper's hawks, enriches daily life and connects people to nature. It's exciting to observe their behaviors and know they're nearby.
  3. Urban areas can still hold wildness and beauty, making life more interesting. Appreciating the nature around us can create a sense of wonder and gratitude.

Birding at 60

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 99 implied HN points • 10 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Nature Birding Conservation Environment Wildlife
  1. Watching for red-tailed hawks and bald eagles while driving can make trips more enjoyable. These birds are often spotted perched near the road or soaring above.
  2. Red-tailed hawks are important for controlling vole populations, but driving can pose dangers for them. It's crucial to be aware of wildlife when driving to help keep them safe.
  3. If you notice a dead bird on the road, you can report it to help with conservation efforts. Also, avoiding harmful rodent poisons can protect birds of prey from getting sick.

Has Blackberry Met its Match?

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 59 implied HN points • 07 Jul 22
🍲 Food & Drink Plants Culinary Gardening Nutrition Wildlife
  1. Fennel is growing quickly and taking over areas where Himalayan blackberries used to thrive. This shows fennel's strength as a plant.
  2. While fennel can push out other plants and is considered a noxious weed in some places, it also has many potential uses and benefits.
  3. More Mediterranean plants, like artichokes, are appearing in Seattle, possibly due to changing climate conditions.

Of Acorns and Oaks and Ants

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 59 implied HN points • 14 Oct 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Botany Wildlife Conservation Naturalism
  1. Acorns are a great food source for many animals and even humans. They're high in carbs, protein, and fat, making them a nutritious option.
  2. Some ants live inside acorns, using them as homes after other creatures have left. They clean out the empty acorns and set up their colonies there.
  3. Oaks are important trees that have been part of human culture for a long time. They provide beauty with their fall colors and have fascinating connections to history and nature.

Of Eagles and Terra Cotta

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 79 implied HN points • 29 Jan 21
🎭️ Culture Urban Nature Architecture Wildlife Art history
  1. There are many eagle sculptures in Seattle, especially made from terra cotta. They're designed to show off strength and grace, reflecting the traits people admire in bald eagles.
  2. The bald eagle population in Seattle is growing, thanks to efforts like banning harmful chemicals. People can enjoy watching these beautiful birds in urban areas.
  3. The Camlin Hotel is home to a famous terra cotta eagle, and it's just one of many artistic ways that Seattle honors this powerful symbol.

Little Red Fish of Lake Sammamish

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 39 implied HN points • 16 Dec 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildlife Conservation Ecosystems Sustainability Biodiversity
  1. Kokanee salmon, also known as little red fish, have returned to Lake Sammamish after facing serious population declines. It's exciting to see them swimming up streams where they have been going for thousands of years.
  2. Their comeback is thanks to local efforts to restore their habitat and educate the community. People have worked hard on projects like removing barriers for fish passage and building small hatcheries.
  3. A recent discovery shows that there may still be native kokanee salmon in Lake Washington, which scientists thought were gone. This opens up new possibilities for their conservation and health.

Potentially Attractive Amenity

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 39 implied HN points • 07 Oct 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Urban Nature Biodiversity Sustainability Wildlife
  1. Nature quickly takes back space when humans leave, as seen in a Seattle block filled with trees and shrubs after a building was demolished. It shows how resilient nature can be.
  2. Instead of building more structures, letting nature thrive in urban areas could create beneficial environments for both plants and animals. Less management of these spaces could lead to more biodiversity.
  3. Urban green spaces should allow nature to grow and decompose naturally. Places that embrace the natural cycle can improve the quality of life for all city residents.

Beasts Among Us

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 19 implied HN points • 17 Jun 21
🎭️ Culture Nature Urban Observation Wildlife Community
  1. Nature is everywhere in urban settings. We just need to take a moment to look around and notice it.
  2. Animals like robins and raccoons interact with our gardens in amusing ways, reminding us we're sharing our space with them.
  3. Even in city areas, we can have exciting wildlife encounters, like watching owls hunt, which encourages us to explore and appreciate our local nature.

Surf scoter

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 19 implied HN points • 22 Apr 21
🔬 Science Biology Wildlife Ornithology Ecology Environmental Science
  1. The surf scoter is a bird known by many different names, highlighting the variety of ways people refer to it. This shows how unique and interesting this bird is.
  2. Surf scoters are very active, especially in the morning and evening, diving for food like insects and crustaceans. They spend more time underwater than on the surface while feeding.
  3. During mating season, male surf scoters compete for the attention of a female in a dramatic display of courtship. The female chooses among them while they show off their skills in the water.

The First Cat War

Bird History • 1 HN point • 25 Jan 24
🔬 Science Environment Animals Conservation Wildlife History
  1. Conservationists in the early 1900s identified cats as a serious threat to bird populations, sparking a heated debate with cat-lovers accusing bird-lovers of hysteria.
  2. Outdoor cats were seen as harmful to bird populations, particularly during nesting seasons, with young birds being easy prey, leading to significant declines in bird populations.
  3. Efforts were made to find humane solutions to protect birds from cats, including restraining cats at night, using bells on cat collars, and advocating for laws requiring cat licenses to reduce the feral cat population.

Birds die, Birds perish: how humans could perish for making birds to perish

Adetokunbo Sees • 3 HN points • 14 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildlife Renewable Energy Ecosystems Green Technology Conservation
  1. Human activities such as building collisions threaten bird populations.
  2. Global bird population decline can lead to ecosystem imbalances and excess human mortality.
  3. Adopting bird-friendly buildings, reducing habitat destruction, and curbing greenhouse gas emissions can help protect birds and prevent negative impacts on humans.

Lake Manyara and Serengeti National Parks

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 17 Jun 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Nature Wildlife Cultural experience Fundraising
  1. Elephants are amazing creatures and play a huge role in their environment by helping to shape the land. They can communicate over long distances and even help create watering holes.
  2. The relationship between whistling acacia trees and cocktail ants is really interesting. The ants protect the tree from being eaten while getting a home in return.
  3. Zebras have a unique way of conserving energy by resting on each other's backs. This also helps them keep an eye out for predators.

Beluga whale thought to be a Russian spy has been potentially assassinated, police report released

Really Stupid • 0 implied HN points • 15 Sep 24
📰 News Animal Rights Military Espionage Wildlife Human Interaction
  1. A beluga whale named Hvaldimir was found dead in Norway, with a stick causing his death.
  2. There are suspicions that the whale might have been intentionally harmed due to allegations of being a Russian spy.
  3. Hvaldimir was known for being friendly with humans and was possibly trained for therapy with children, but his origins remain unclear.

There's a difference between looking and seeing...

lifeboat • 0 implied HN points • 31 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography Wildlife Conservation Education Career
  1. Photography can transform everyday sights by freezing a moment, revealing details we might not notice otherwise.
  2. Filmmaking requires understanding how to slow down action to show what's happening, balancing practicality with creativity.
  3. Observing wildlife with patience and respect is key, knowing when to film and when to simply observe to avoid disturbing the animals.