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The LEO Network is a worldwide network of observers and experts that share their observations of environmental change.
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Observations

Orca pod returns to the Broughton Archipelago after more than 20 years
The A5 pod has returned to the Broughton Archipelago, their traditional winter hunting ground, with a brand new baby in tow.
Fife Sound, Broughton Archipelago, British Columbia, Canada
Victoria News
Zoe Ducklow, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

First record in Canada: Rare bird common in Japan seen in Yukon
A rare bird was spotted last week in Yukon. Birders flocked to Haines Junction last week to spot a hawfinch, which was thousands of kilometers out of its usual range.
Haines Junction, Yukon, Canada
CBC

Killer whale rescued after getting stranded on remote Scottish beach
The BDMLR scrambled to help the orca with the help of locals in Orkney.
Orkney, Scotland, United Kingdom
Metro

8 homes on Hood Canal evacuated due to landslide on Kitsap County cliff
Residents in Seclusion Cove were evacuated Monday night due to a landslide. As residents were warned of the threat, Poulsbo Fire said trees were heard cracking.
Poulsbo, Washington, United States

3rd body found after landslide in Norway; 7 still missing
Rescue teams searching for survivors four days after a landslide carried away homes in a Norwegian village found no signs of life Saturday amid the ruined buildings and debris. Three bodies have been recovered but searchers are still looking for seven more people believed to be missing. The landslide in the village […]
Ask, Akershus, Norway
NBC4 WCMH-TV

Lake Washington sockeye hit record low, another signature Seattle fish at brink of extinction
Some 22,950 sockeye were counted at Ballard’s Hiram Chittenden Locks in 2020, but only about 3,000 made it to the mouth of the Cedar. Another 40 to 50% of those fish typically die on the spawning grounds before they can reproduce.A vortex of climate change, urbanization and predators endangers a beloved species.
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seattle Times

Strange electric rays wash up on Provincetown beach
Researchers document unusual find: 31 torpedo rays wash up on Provincetown beach just after Christmas.
Provincetown, Massachusetts, United States
Cape Cod Times

An Increase of Hail in Victoria, British Columbia
Over the last few years, there has been an increase in the occurrence of hail during the winter and early spring months. This type of weather is very unusual for this area. While our current experiences with hail have been mild, an increase in frequency and severity is cause for concern.
Oak Bay, British Columbia, Canada

Lentinar Clouds Observed for First Time
Lentinar clouds are a rare event in Western Alaska. These amazing photos were taken in Chuathbaluk a Yupik community on the Kuskokwim River.
Chuathbaluk, Alaska, United States
Richard L Thoman Jr, Anna Michael, Chyna Williams

Sperm whale washes up in Ponte Vedra Beach
A dead 14-foot pygmy sperm whale washed ashore on Ponte Vedra Beach on Friday morning behind the Sawgrass Beach Club.
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, United States
WJXT

A New Clam in Town
Razor clams are the newest addition to Iceland’s resident fauna, RÚV reports. Researchers believe that the bivalves, which got their name in English from their long skinny shape, sharp edges, and resemblance to old fashioned straight razors, were brought to Iceland in the bilge water of cargo ships.
Hafnarfjörður, Capital Region, Iceland
Iceland Review

Two foxes test positive for rabies in Tuktoyaktuk
After two foxes tested positive for rabies in Tuktoyaktuk, N.W.T., health officials are advising anyone who has come in contact with a fox to contact the local health centre and report the incident immediately.
Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, Canada
CBC

Ten injured and 21 missing after landslide destroys houses near Oslo
The tide of mud and clay destroyed as many as 14 houses in Ask in the municipality of Gjerdrum, some 30km north of Oslo. Hundreds were evacuated and police said 21 people living in the affected area were still unaccounted for. The landslide area is known for its "quick clay", a form of clay that can behave more like a liquid than a solid when disturbed. It is thought heavy rain in recent days may have caused the soil to shift.
Gjerdrum, Viken, Norway
The Independent

Duck die-off likely caused by fungal infection
The cause of death is almost certainly acute Aspergillosis, a respiratory tract infection caused by a fungus commonly found in soil, dead leaves, moldy grain, compost piles, or in other decaying vegetation. Wildlife managers say the die-off seems to have stopped, likely due to the fungus source no longer being available.
Salmon, Idaho, United States
ktvb.com

Preserved carcass of Ice Age woolly rhino found in Siberian permafrost
The frozen carcass is 80 per cent intact and may be around 34,000 years old. Two extinct cave lion cubs were also found here in the Abyisky district of Yakutia last year close to a tributary of the remote Tirekhtyakh River.
Badyarikha River
Metro

Tundroviks of Yamal district will be helped with fuel and feeding for reindeer
In the very north of the Yamal Peninsula, deer pastures were covered with an ice crust due to heavy frosts after the rains. Monitoring and communication of specialists with reindeer breeders confirmed the fears - ice may provoke deaths of the reindeer herd. Assistance will be provided with feed, but emaciated animals must be slaughtered.
Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Russia
ИА «Север-Пресс»

After record heat comes extreme cold to Russian Arctic coast
The year is coming to a close with temperatures down to minus 50 °C in parts of northern Siberia.
Норильск, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia
The Independent Barents Observer

The result is clear: 2020 is the hottest year ever in the country
Experts fear the future could be like the record year 2020: Shorter and warmer winters, wetter summers.
Oslo, Oslo, Norway
NRK
Louise Scharff Thommessen, Tiril Mettesdatter Solvang, Hallvard Nordum

Reeking whale carcasses plaguing Withernsea with sickening smell
Given the rarity of similar incidents, the whales have attracted a large crowd since Christmas Eve. On Boxing Day, the Coastguard confirmed that patrols have been taking place to ensure the safety of the public in the days since the animals were stranded.
Withernsea, England, United Kingdom
HullLive

Kennebec River floods banks following Christmas storm
Augusta, Hallowell, Gardiner, see waters rise due to rain, melting snow following storm.
Hallowell, Maine, United States
Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel

Stranded whale pod beaches in East Yorkshire
Up to 10 sperm whales have been stranded between Withernsea and Tunstall on the coast. Members of the coastguard and British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) are on the beach, between Tunstall and Withernsea, near Hull.
Withernsea, England, United Kingdom
BBC News

Massive mountain rockslide near Juneau shakes the earth on Christmas Eve
Around Christmas, there were reports of an earthquake and major mountain rockslide in the wilderness near Juneau. But what came first? The earthquake or the slide?
Juneau, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

Storm blasts Southcentral Alaska with wind gusts over 100 mph
A storm bringing strong wind, rain and snow to Southcentral Alaska on Tuesday caused power outages from Anchorage to Whittier and damaged some homes on the Anchorage Hillside. The weather service reported a peak gust of 133 mph on Sunburst mountain on the western Kenai Peninsula.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Dolphin and seal deaths in Waterford Harbour spur call for inquiry
Verified reports of deaths and circumstantial evidence animals trapped in ‘bycatch’
Waterford City, Ireland
The Irish Times

Polar bears leave the Chukchi village of Rrykaipi
As of December 18, only 3 polar bears remained. The polar bears had gathered near the village when a strong southern wind moved ice away from the shore, leaving the animals to move by shore to Kozhevnkov Cape, where the predators eat walrus remains.

Yet Another Mudslide in Seyðisfjörður, Whole Town To Be Evacuated
After a week of extreme rainfall, devastating landslides have hit the town of Seyðisfjörður in east Iceland. Another large mudslide hit several buildings in town around three pm, sweeping at least one building away.
Seyðisfjörður, East, Iceland
Iceland Review

Amid frigid temperatures, Fort Simpson warming shelter to open ahead of schedule
In the midst of an extreme cold spell across the N.W.T., community members in Fort Simpson are opening a warming shelter. Despite limited resources, the community has rallied to ensure people have a safe space to go. Whether they're experiencing housing insecurity or in a tough spot and need somewhere to warm up, people know a place is available to them.
Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories, Canada
CBC

Container ship "Sparta-3" stuck in ice in the Yenisei Bay
A container ship froze into the waters of Yenisei Bay in Russia’s Arctic. Traveling from Dudinka to Arkhangelsk, the ship got stuck in ice on December 13. The crew battled icing, but was not in danger. Three weeks later, the ship was able to break free. According to Atomflot, the ship did not have necessary permissions to sail along this section of the Northern Sea Route.
ТАСС

Leading the charge: City welcomes fleet's 1st electric bus
Bus is expected to be rider-ready in February.
Juneau, Alaska, United States
Juneau Empire

Bleeding tar makes road travel hazardous
Vegagerðin (the Road and Coastal Administration) is encouraging people to postpone journeys on Route 1 in the west and northwest of the country due to significant amounts of tar bleeding from the road surface and causing considerable danger and damage to vehicles. Clumps of tar collect and harden on the tyres of passing vehicles, making driving treacherous. Chunks fly off and have been causing some serious damage.
RÚV

Flying Debris Severs Power Line in Unalakleet Due to High, Gusting Winds
Yesterday, damaging high wind in Unalakleet sent debris flying into high voltage power lines, knocking out electricity for half of the village. After roughly nine hours, electricity was restored to…
Unalakleet, Alaska, United States
KNOM Radio Mission

Lightning gouged channels into Scottish mountain
The suspected lightning strike in the Highlands also dislodged boulders the size of washing machines.
Corrour, Scotland, United Kingdom
BBC News

Generation of B.C. salmon likely wiped out by landslide
Homalco First Nation to push for special hatchery permits
Southgate River, British Columbia
Campbell River Mirror
Quinn Bender, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Coeur d'Alene eagle numbers low, mirroring lake's kokanee population
Larger-than-normal kokanee in Lake Coeur d’Alene are sending migratory eagles wheeling on to better hunting grounds this winter.
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, United States
Spokesman.com

Watch: Skaters glide on mirror-like ice
Scientists measured 16 centimeters of snow in Kilpisjärvi on Thursday, which is far less than the average depth of 39 centimeters for this time of year, according to Siiskonen. Less of the white stuff than usual, creating unusual opportunities for long-distance skating enthusiasts.
Kilpisjärvi, Lapland, Finland
Yle Uutiset

Young whale with broken jaw washed up on Belgian beach
A dead minke whale with a broken jaw washed up on a Belgian beach on Friday.
Bredene, Flanders, Belgium
The Brussels Times

Researchers think they spotted new whale species off Mexico
Scientists are waiting for water samples analysis that could hold skin cells for possible DNA testing. . Read more at straitstimes.com.
San Benito Islands
The Straits Times

COVID-19: Outbreak declared at Fraser Valley mink farm
Minks have been discovered to be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. A coronavirus outbreak has been declared at a Fraser Valley mink farm after eight people at the site tested positive for COVID-19.
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver Sun

Ketchikan evacuees can return home with potential for dam failure subsiding, officials say
Ketchikan officials say there’s “currently no danger of dam failure” but noted that a flood advisory is in place through Sunday.
Ketchikan, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Disruption after thundersnow hits Scotland
Hundreds of residents reported hearing explosions in the early hours of Friday caused by the weather phenomenon. After receiving a number of calls, Police Scotland took to Twitter to reassure residents that there was no need to be alarmed.
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
BBC News

Vermilion flycatcher - A big red surprise
Late on the afternoon of Nov. 18, Kathy Marche, birding in Stephenville, came across a very colorful bird unfamiliar to her. She took photos but had to wait until she got home to look up the identification.
Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
The Telegram

Landslides and flooding after a record-breaking storm
In December of 2020 an atmospheric river brought heavy rains on top of a deep snowpack.
Haines, Alaska, United States

Record-breaking rainfall leaves muddy mess across Southeast Alaska
High winds, flooding and landslides caused moderate to severe damage in communities across Southeast Alaska Wednesday, as an atmospheric river stalled over the region and brought record-breaking rain.
Juneau, Alaska, United States
KTOO

6 reported missing in Haines after record rainfall causes flooding, landslides across Southeast Alaska
Nearly 12 inches of rain fell on the town of Pelican in 48 hours, and all-time records were set in Juneau, Skagway, Haines, Petersburg and Ketchikan. The City of Haines is sending alerts about the immediate danger of landslides.
Haines, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Moscow Sees Warmest Fall on Record
The average temperature for September, October and November was 3.2 degrees C, which is 4.4 C above normal.
Moscow, Moscow, Russia
The Moscow Times

Powerful storm with howling winds knocks out power to more than 100,000 in Maine
A potent storm system hit Maine on Monday with heavy rain and wind gusts close to 60 mph that caused more than 100,000 power outages. Tens of thousands of homes and businesses across the state lost power Monday night as the wind brought branches down on power lines. There were multiple reports of trees falling into roads in Lisbon, Durham, Bath, Woolwich and Bar Harbor, among other places.
Lewiston, Maine, United States
Press Herald

Fire in the North: The 2020 Siberian Fire Season
Burned area data show that there was an unusual amount of fire activity in the 2020 fire season in northern Siberia (north of 65 degrees). This fire activity was associated with severe summer drought that led to extreme fire behavior and long-duration fires.
International Association of Wildland Fire

The permafrost in Jotunheimen is thawing – We do not know the consequences
Underground, a mighty giant is disintegrating: the permafrost is about to drop its roof. Constantly creeping upwards, the permafrost zone is now 100 meters further up the mountainside than 20 years ago.
Mt. Juvvasshøe, Lom, Innlandet, Norway
NRK
Ragnhild Moen Holø, Even Lusæter, Roar Berntsen

Seal hunters come across frozen beached bowhead whale
A family out seal hunting in Nunavut came across a very rare sight when they happened upon a full-size, beached, frozen bowhead whale, along with plenty of polar bear tracks nearby. "That was a very, very amazing sight. Its my first time to see a bowhead," said Panigayak.
Taloyoak, Nunavut, Canada

H5N8 avian influenza detected in wild goose
Bird flu has been detected in a goose found in Rogaland. The Veterinary Institute has analyzed samples from the bird, which show highly pathogenic bird flu A (H5N8). This virus has caused outbreaks among birds in several European countries this autumn.
Rogaland, Norway
Outbreak News Today

Fewer choosing studded tires
Roughly eight percent fewer drivers now choose to use studded winter tires on their cars than two years ago, according to FÍB, the Icelandic Automobile Association. It is worth noting that early winter this year has been mild and that some drivers may be holding off.
Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
RÚV

Call for extra hands to clear Russian bridge, still shut after last week’s disastrous ice rain
Video shows hero climbers manually breaking ice off its cable stays at height of 324m (1,063ft) in Vladivostok.
Vladivostok, Primorskiy, Russia
Siberian Times

Autumn rains eight times more then last year
A year ago Bergensarane was bathed in autumn sun. This autumn it was bathed in rain. In fact, it has come in eight times more rainfall in November this year than last year.
Bergen, Hordaland, Norway
NRK

Winter Storm Buffets Western Alaska While Lack of Sea Ice Continues to be the Norm
Similar to the last storm that hit the region earlier this month, there is hardly any sea ice in the Bering Sea to minimize the damage to coastal areas.
Nome, Alaska, United States
KNOM Radio Mission

Nearly 100 whales die in mass stranding in New Zealand
Nearly 100 pilot whales have died in a mass stranding on the Chatham Islands, New Zealand's Department of Conservation said Wednesday.
Waitangi, Chatham Islands, New Zealand
CNN

Coyotes are being spotted in Yellowknife
The N.W.T.'s environment department is warning Yellowknifers to be careful while out for walks after a number of coyote sightings were reported over the weekend.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada

Beauty of frozen methane bubbles on the world’s deepest lake shown in stunning video
Baikal is located in a rift zone, a deep crack in the Earth's crust which narrows at depths of several dozen kilometers. A tranquil video of white and silver bubbles of methane caught in newly-formed ice was filmed at Maloye More, a strait that separates the lake's largest island from the western shore of Lake Baikal.
Khuzhir, Irkutsk, Russia
Siberian Times

Body of Rare North Atlantic Right Whale Calf Washes Up Ashore in North Carolina
North Atlantic right whales are critically endangered. The park service says only about 360 of the animals are still alive and about five or six calves are born each year.
Inside Edition

Homeless man freezes to death steps away from cathedral in Vladivostok’s ice rain aftermath
A 60-year-old man was found early on Friday in the yard of Pokrovsky Cathedral in the centre of Vladivostok. Elsewhere in Primorsky region 94,000 people are still without electricity, 18,000 are without heating.
Vladivostok, Primorskiy, Russia

Shocking temperatures across the Arctic
A belt of warm air is currently stretching from northern Greenland across the North Pole to the Laptev and East Siberian Seas north of the Russian mainland. Northeast of Svalbard from Franz Josef Land to Severnaya Zemlya see similar heat. On a recent November weekend the average temperature was 6.7°C above normal across the Arctic.
The Independent Barents Observer

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