Video: Why are coyote populations on the rise?
Video: Why are coyote populations on the rise? (k-state.edu)
NCBA and PLC Disappointed in Court Decision to Relist Gray Wolves Under ESA
NCBA and PLC Disappointed in Court Decision to Relist Gray Wolves Under ESA
Coyote populations continue to grow throughout U.S.
K-State expert says trapping is best way to resolve interactions with livestock MANHATTAN, Kan. – If it seems like there are a lot more coyotes mingling in human spaces these days, it’s because…well, there are. “When we look at abundance trends, the population of coyotes has increased three-fold since the fur market crashed in the late 1980s,” said Drew Ricketts, a wildlife management specialist with K-State Research and Extension. Depending on time of…
Oh, deer: changing seasons require driving caution
By Brian Brus STILLWATER, Okla. – Drivers need to pay more attention to deer crossing Oklahoma roads while the animals are listening to other instincts this time of year, said Dwayne Elmore, Oklahoma State University Extension wildlife management specialist. Elmore provided some insight and tips for dealing with deer on the move: Oklahoma deer are not migratory, but they do move more within their territories during seasonal changes.When food supplies decrease, deer may explore closer…
No 17-year cicadas for Oklahoma this summer
By Gail Ellis STILLWATER, Okla. – Like a total eclipse of the sun or rare blood moon, the mass emergence of periodical cicadas is a natural phenomenon that piques interest worldwide. While the 17-year cicada is crawling aboveground now on the East Coast and in the upper Midwest, state Extension specialists say Oklahoma is in the clear. Eric Rebek, Oklahoma State University entomology professor and Extension specialist, said the Brood X species of periodical cicada making headlines this summer is…
Oklahoma welcomes backyard beekeeping trend
By Gail Ellis STILLWATER, Okla. – Backyard adventures and DIY projects are all the rage right now, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic prompted people to rediscover some of the joys of being at home and pass the time with new hobbies. First, it was gardening, then chickens, and now the latest backyard buzz is bees. Courtney Bir, Oklahoma State University Extension farm management specialist, has studied how small-scale agricultural projects appeal to residents with extra space and time on…
Agriculture and Forestry Coalition Moves to Defend Gray Wolf Delisting
WASHINGTON (May 21, 2021) – This week, a coalition of agriculture and forestry groups — including the American Farm Bureau Federation, the American Forest Resources Council, the American Sheep Industry Association, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and the Public Lands Council — filed motions in court in defense of delisting the gray wolf under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Three cases filed by environmental and animal welfare groups in the U.S. District Court for…
Study: Prescribed burns have little effect on snake populations
Researchers look at effect of Konza Prairie fires on snakes MANHATTAN, Kan. – A study on the impact of prescribed burns on the Konza Prairie showed that fire has minimal effect on the state’s snake populations, especially when there are adjacent unburned areas. Charlie Lee, a retired wildlife specialist with K-State Research and Extension, said the researchers trapped snakes before and after prescribed burns in the spring (May through June) and fall (August…
NEXRAD radar used to predict bird collisions
By Gail Ellis STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahomans are familiar with tornado warnings, but what about bird warnings? New research conducted by Oklahoma State University scientists and published in the “Journal of Applied Ecology” indicates weather radars are effective tools for not only predicting weather but also bird collisions. As many as 1 billion birds die each year from colliding with windows or buildings, but the casualties are not those of pigeons or other invasive species most commonly found…
Study: White-tailed deer favor crops high in crude protein
White-tailed deer prefer plants high in crude protein and digestibility, according to a recent study. Outdoor enthusiasts get new clues on designing successful food plots MANHATTAN, Kan. – A study of plants preferred by white-tailed deer is providing important information to outdoor enthusiasts who design food plots to encourage hunting or viewing opportunities. Charlie Lee, who recently retired as the wildlife specialist for K-State Research and Extension, said the study from Mississippi State University indicates…