LEO Network

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

A warming island's mice are breeding out of control and eating seabirds. An extermination is planned
The past few decades have been the most significant for the damage the mice have caused, said Dr. Anton Wolfaardt, the Mouse-Free Marion project manager. He said their numbers have increased hugely, mainly due to rising temperatures from climate change, which has turned a cold, windswept island into a warmer, drier, more hospitable home.
Marian, Prince Edward Islands
AP News

Heavy rain heading towards Finland on Thursday
Early March's relatively mild start will get wetter in southern areas on Thursday, when a significant amount of rainfall is expected — with up to a full centimetre expected in western areas.
Finland
News

Houston man injured in moose trampling outside his home
A Houston man was injured by a moose near his home, an unusual event linked to increased moose aggression due to harsh winter conditions.
Houston, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

One of the rarest fish on the planet is dying in the Keys. Scientists are struggling to find out why
Sawfish, and about 30 other species of fish, are turning up sick and dying in the Lower Keys as questions mount over what's causing it.
Key West, Florida, United States
WLRN

Incredibly rare: Gray whale, extinct in Atlantic for 200 years, spotted south of Nantucket
A gray whale, presumed extinct in the Atlantic for over 200 years, was spotted by the New England Aquarium team south of Nantucket, suggesting climate change effects.
Nantucket, Massachusetts, United States
Inquirer and Mirror

An angry moose and bare ground mark a brutal first quarter for Iditarod teams
Iditarod teams faced a challenging first quarter with bare ground damaging sleds and a dangerous encounter with an aggressive moose that injured a dog.
McGrath, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media
Casey Grove, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage

Blizzard leads to four-day power outage in Akulivik
KRG’s civil security director Craig Lingard said that in the last decade or so, “we have seen increased snowfall, even more so on the Hudson coast communities.”
Akulivik, Quebec
Nunatsiaq News

A massive blizzard howls in the Sierra Nevada. High winds and heavy snow close roads and ski resorts
A powerful blizzard raged in the Sierra Nevada as the biggest storm of the season shut down a long stretch of I-80 in California.
Truckee, California, United States
AP News

Shortening ice season on Chistochina River
"The river was iced over for less then 6 weeks! As opposed to 5 months of ice 2 to 3 feet thick before climate change."
Chistochina, Alaska, United States
Wilson Justin, Robert Busey, Crane Johnson

Blizzard shuts down Iqaluit's streets, schools
Environment Canada issues severe weather warning, winds up to 90km per hour. Residents are advised to stay off the roads and take shelter because of reduced visibility and unsafe road conditions.
Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada
CBC

Cuvier’s beaked whale found dead on Kodiak Island
A healthy Cuvier's beaked whale, typically a deep-sea dweller, was found dead on Kodiak Island with no clear cause of death.
Kodiak, Alaska, United States
KMXT - Kodiak

Lassa fever killed 72 people in six weeks
The Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) said no fewer than 2,122 suspected human cases, 411 confirmed cases, and 72 deaths have been recorded from Lassa fever in Nigeria this year.
Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
Punch Newspapers

Russia reports the snowiest winter in the last decades
The current winter can be classified as abnormal and the snowiest in recent decades, the scientific director of the Russian Hydrometeorological Center, Roman Vilfand.
Moscow, Moscow, Russia
Prensa Latina - Latin American News Agency

Skier killed, 2 others hurt after falling about 300 metres in Alaska avalanche
An avalanche on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula killed one backcountry skier and injured two others, prompting warnings for people to stay away from steep slopes as warm weather and high winds raise the risk of more snowslides around the state.
Summit Lake
CBC

A moose on the loose: Combat shopping in an Anchorage Costco parking lot
A moose caused a stir in an Anchorage Costco parking lot, interacting with shoppers and snacking on the landscaping, reflecting increased human-moose encounters in the area.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

Unusually warm winter temperatures seen in the Eklutna Lake Valley
Eklutna Lake Valley experienced an unusually high temperature of 54.7 °F, surpassing Anchorage's all-time February record, likely due to strong southeast winds affecting the region.
Eklutna Valley, Alaska

Huge Numbers of Redpolls
This winter large numbers of redpolls have been observed at bird feeders, from Fairbanks to Anchorage. ADFG reports that mass mortality events of redpolls have also been observed. ADFG advises homeowners not to handle dead or sick birds, and to prevent pets from coming in contact with them. Bird illness may be caused by a bacteria that could also affect people and pets.
Fox, Alaska, United States
Caroline Van Hemert, Gemini , Sarah Yoder, Kimberlee Beckmen, Richard L Thoman Jr, Louisa Castrodale

Mystery invertebrate in a red crab
A crab was caught on the ice just offshore in Nome. It had a small invertebrate in the gills of the crab.
Nome, Alaska, United States

Kenai Peninsula man is the first person to die of Alaskapox virus
An immunocompromised man from Kenai Peninsula is the first known fatality from the Alaskapox virus, a rare zoonotic disease primarily transmitted through animal contact.
Kenai, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media
Rachel Cassandra, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage

Breaking: Eruption Begins on Reykjanes Peninsula
A new fissure eruption on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, the third since December, began without posing immediate danger to populated areas or infrastructure.
Grindavík, Southern Peninsula Region, Iceland
Iceland Review

Fire destroys Peter Pan Seafoods facility in Sand Point
A fire destroyed a Peter Pan Seafoods facility in Sand Point, Alaska, causing a pervasive smell of burning plastic from fishing gear stored on-site.
Sand Point, Alaska, United States

First deer with Chronic Wasting Disease found in B.C
The first known cases of Chronic Wasting Disease in British Columbia have been discovered in two deer in the Kootenays. Officials have been keeping an eye on the southeastern area of B.C. for some time, as nearby outbreaks have occurred in Alberta, Montana and Idaho. The two recent positive samples came from an area south of Cranbrook.
Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada
Castanet

Southcentral Alaska cold snap and surging natural gas demand put supply in question
A cold snap in Southcentral Alaska has led to increased natural gas demand, causing Enstar to struggle with supply due to equipment failure and technical issues.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Casey Grove, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage

2 found dead after residential fires in Mat-Su
Two individuals died in separate fires in Mat-Su, with one victim found outside his home after escaping the blaze, potentially succumbing to extreme cold.
Palmer, Alaska, United States
Chris Klint, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage

No other polar bears in Kuujjuaq after Tuesday’s incident, police say
Police confirm no further polar bear sightings in Kuujjuaq following the shooting of a young bear in the town center, with ongoing vigilance for potential wildlife threats.
Kuujjuaq, Quebec, Canada
Nunatsiaq News

2 Anchorage commercial roof collapses reported in 2 days
Both buildings were occupied during the collapses but everyone got out safely and no injuries were reported, according to Anchorage Fire Department spokeswoman Lexi Trainer.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Chris Klint, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage

Rare whale found dead off Massachusetts may have been entangled, authorities say
A juvenile North Atlantic right whale, a species nearing extinction, was found dead off Massachusetts, with signs of entanglement in fishing gear.
Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts, United States
CTVNews

Freezing rain warning issued in Yellowknife during a mild late January
Yellowknife encountered unusual weather with freezing rain and temperatures around -1°C, despite average late January temperatures being around -20°C.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
NNSL Media

Anchorage hits 100-inch winter snow total at earliest date on record
A storm that started Sunday and largely tailed off by Monday afternoon had dropped nearly 17 inches on the city by evening to establish the new seasonal snowfall total, according to the National Weather Service. The storm closed schools in Anchorage and Mat-Su on Monday, and contributed to a fatal collision on the Parks Highway.
Anchorage Daily News

Toad spotted on winter ski trail
An amphibian was seen crossing a ski trail in the Sierra Nevada mountains in January, an unusual sighting that may indicate changing hibernation patterns.
Soda Springs, California, United States

'Yo-yo kind of weather' hits southern Yukon with rain, slush and flooded streets
Winter has taken a brief holiday in southern Yukon this week, with a sudden spell of spring-like weather making for wet, slushy conditions — and setting the stage for some slippery roads when winter conditions return later this week.
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
CBC

Stranded whale dies at Christchurch beach
A juvenile fin whale stranded at Moncks Bay in Christchurch, New Zealand, has died, with recovery operations underway. Last Sunday, a pod of false killer whales and bottlenose dolphins were euthanised after becoming stranded twice on a reef near Māhia.
Akaroa, Canterbury, New Zealand
NZ Herald

DOC warning after mass stranding deaths
A pod of about 45 false killer whales and bottlenose dolphins stranded on Sunday afternoon at Taylor’s Bay on Mahia Peninsula.The Department of Conservation is warning water-goers to be cautious near Mahia peninsula as the remains of stranded whales and dolphins may attract sharks.
Bahia Peninsula
Otago Daily Times Online News

Arrival of heavy rain means risk for structures, boats and avalanches even higher after record snow
Heavy rain forecasted after record snowfall in Juneau increases risks of structural damage, boat sinkings, and avalanches, prompting officials to urge residents to clear drains and snow from properties and vessels.
Juneau, Alaska, United States
Juneau Empire

Spotted salamander in middle of winter
The unseasonably warm and wet conditions thought to be factor in amphibian sighting.
West Burke, Vermont, United States

Winter Storm Paralyzes Far East Russia's Sakhalin
A severe winter storm has led to a state of emergency in Sakhalin, Russia, disrupting transportation and daily life. The storm paralyzed the public transportation system in the regional capital of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, and major roadways were made inaccessible.
Sakhalin, Russia
The Moscow Times

Lingering storm may dump more than two feet of snow; avalanche, other warnings issued
Snowfall totals for the 24-hour period ending at about noon Monday were 10.4 inches at Juneau International Airport. Rain is forecast from Tuesday night through at least next Monday as temperatures hover between the mid-30s and about 40, according to NWS Juneau.
Juneau, Alaska, United States
Juneau Empire

'I can't keep bugging them': Behchokǫ̀ elder pleads for help with frozen pipes
A Behchok elder, Celine Whane, struggles with frozen pipes and inadequate housing, feeling helpless despite government promises of repair assistance.

Ice storm hits Pacific Northwest as East and South face bitter cold
A power line fell on a car in Portland, killing three people and injuring a baby during an ice storm that turned roads and mountain highways treacherous in the Pacific Northwest.
Portland, Oregon, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Winter storms bring deep snow, high winds and delays to Nome
A series of winter storms hit Nome with deep snow and high winds, causing school closures, flight cancellations, and significant snow removal challenges.
Nome, Alaska, United States
The Nome Nugget

Storm leaves behind 29.3” of snow at airport, avalanche hazards, closed schools and state offices
A severe storm in Juneau resulted in 29.3 inches of snow at the airport, causing avalanches, road closures, and the shutdown of schools and state offices.
Juneau, Alaska, United States
Juneau Empire

Fighting beach erosion on a mangrove island
Workers are using sargassum and sand to rebuild the beach, with shore retention and reef protection in mind.
Long Caye, Belize

Storm brings historic coastal flooding, high winds to Maine
Powerful storm surges, coinciding with the monthly astronomical high tide, are flooding low-lying streets in Portland and other coastal communities.
Portland, Maine, United States
Portland Press Herald

Grindavík eruptions
The Grindavík eruptions began on January 13, 2024, in the Southern Peninsula of Iceland.
Grindavík, Southern Peninsula, Iceland
RÚV

Summer flowers blooming in January
Unseasonable blooming of goldenrod (Subphylum Angiospermae).
Bellaire, Texas, United States

Palisades, Alpine Meadows to open today with fewer lifts running
Palisades and Alpine Meadows ski resorts open with limited lifts after an avalanche at Palisades resulted in one fatality and prompted avalanche warnings in the Sierra backcountry.
Truckee, California, United States
Reno Gazette Journal

Road slipperiness increases in Ulan Bator
Ulaanbaatar's road slipperiness issue is being addressed with ample supplies and workforce, while district governors now oversee local cleaning services and public communication for slippery conditions. From January 5-7, 1,225 people received care for injuries. Over 267 people were injured due to slipping and 47 people received emergency care after falling from sledding.
Ulan Bator, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
The UB Post

Rural Chugach Electric customers deal with 'excessive' winter outages
Chugach Electric acknowledges the high frequency of winter power outages in Cooper Landing and Moose Pass, attributing them to heavy snowfall and considering solutions like local maintenance crews.
Moose Pass, Alaska, United States

El Niño effects around Great Slave Lake made for 'spring-like' December in Łútsël K'é, N.W.T.
El Nino and climate change led to an unusually warm December in Łutsël, N.W.T., affecting Christmas plans and ice-related activities due to Great Slave Lake not freezing over as expected.
Great Slave Lake, Northwest Territories, Canada

After icy record last week, Kvikkjokk is now Sweden's warmest place
Kvikkjokk was the coldest place in Sweden last Wednesday at with a temperature reaching as low as -43.6 degrees Celsius. But warm northwesterly winds increased the temperatures by about 40 degrees in a matter of hours.
Kvikkjokk, Norrbotten, Sweden

Monitoring underway at N.W.T. archaeological sites threatened by climate change
As the impacts of climate change threaten vital historical sites across the Northwest Territories, the territory's climate change archaeologist is working with communities to mitigate the damage.
Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, Canada

2 found dead in vehicle on Steese Highway near Eagle Summit
Two individuals were found deceased in a vehicle on Steese Highway, with recovery delayed by severe weather; no foul play is suspected.
Steese Highway, Alaska, United States

Snow chaos has trapped drivers on E22 – since yesterday
After Wednesday's heavy snowfall, around a thousand cars have been at a standstill on the E22 highway in Skåne since last evening.Police and emergency services encourage those stuck to remain in their vehicles and wait for help.
Malmö, Skåne, Sweden

Body of 12-year-old avalanche victim recovered in Finnish Lapland
A mother and child lost their lives in an avalanche on Tuesday while skiing at Pallastunturi in northwestern Finnish Lapland.
Korsnäs, Ostrobothnia, Finland
News

We've been shoveling snow for over three hours
Several Agder municipalities, including Grimstad, have closed schools for the week due to heavy snowfall, with Sivilforsvaret assisting home services and residents shoveling to maintain access.
Grimstad, Agder, Norway
NRK

Trains cancelled as temperatures hit -44 in northern Sweden
Extreme cold has hit the north of Sweden, with temperatures reaching lower than -40 degrees Celsius in some areas.On Tuesday, train company VY announced that all departures north of Umeå were cancelled until Thursday for safety reasons, due to the cold weather.
Umeå, Västerbotten, Sweden

Powerful earthquakes leave at least 55 dead, destroy buildings along Japan's western coast
Damage was so great that it could not immediately be assessed. Japanese media reports said tens of thousands of homes were destroyed.
輪島市, Ishikawa, Japan
AP News

Govt distributes vaccines to curb FMD outbreak
The Ugandan government distributes vaccines to combat a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak and urges vigilance among farmers in affected districts.
Kikutsi, Isingiro, Uganda

Winter storms close the Yukon's Highway 3 for six days and counting
Yukon's Highway 3 has been closed for six days due to heavy snowfall and challenging conditions, with no clear reopening date.
Haines Junction, Yukon, Canada

Roof of vacant, condemned Anchorage warehouse partially collapses under snow load
The warehouse at 4640 Gambell St. damaged Wednesday is owned by Marten Martensen, the primary owner of the Continental Auto Group in Anchorage. He was part of a group that purchased the property in October 2022 and briefly used it to store around 10,000 tires until last December’s successive snowstorms caused the structure to begin collapsing.

Grizzly bear spotted close to Kotzebue
While Northwest Arctic residents encounter bears year-round, such sightings are not common in Kotzebue this time of year, Cantine said. Charlie Henry Jr., an Elder from Kotzebue, agreed: “That is so strange — brown bear in the middle part of the coldest months.”
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States

Orcas are flocking to Southern California waters. One bloody, awe-inspiring spectacle shows why
Whales native to Mexico and Central America are spotted dozens of times from Long Beach to the Palos Verdes Peninsula to Laguna Beach over the last three weeks.
Long Beach, California, United States
Los Angeles Times

'You just want to give up': Pond Inlet hunter swam to qamutik after snowmobile sank through ice
A young Nunavummiut hunter, who's known for providing country food to his community, fell through the ice in late December on a snowmobile route he'd safely traveled just weeks before.
Pond Inlet, Nunavut, Canada

Anchorage Spenard Builders Supply facility suffers major snow-related roof collapse
The Spenard Builders Supply facility in Anchorage suffered a significant roof collapse due to heavy snow, causing no injuries but damaging the structure and nearby utilities.
Chris Klint, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage

White Mountains, North Country hit hard by storm that caused flooding, closed roads
A storm caused flooding and road closures in New Hampshire's White Mountains and North Country, with ongoing concerns about rising river levels and dam operations.
Concord, New Hampshire, United States
New Hampshire Public Radio

Eruption Begun On Reykjanes Peninsula
A volcanic eruption began near Hagafell mountain on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland at 10:17 pm, following an M4.2 earthquake, with local authorities seeking to determine its impact.
Reykjanesbær, Southern Peninsula, Iceland
Iceland Review

More than 300 rescued from floodwaters in northeast Australia
Over 300 people were rescued from severe flooding in northeast Australia, with many stranded on rooftops and infrastructure damaged, including a closed Cairns Airport.
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
CTVNews

Power outages climb to more than 230,000 as high winds, heavy rain buffet Maine
Over 230,000 customers in Maine face power outages due to a severe winter storm with high winds and heavy rain, prompting a multi-day restoration effort.
Maine, New York, United States
Press Herald

Storm drenches Florida and causes floods in South Carolina as it moves up East Coast
A powerful storm caused flooding and damage as it moved up the East Coast, drenching Florida and inundating South Carolina with record rainfall. Rising sea levels driven by human-caused climate change mean even relatively weak weather systems can now produce storm surges previously associated with hurricanes, said Meteorologist Jeff Masters, co-founder of the Weather Underground. In South Carolina that's worsened by natural subsidence along the coast.
Georgetown, South Carolina, United States
CTVNews

Tick carrying Lyme disease bacteria found on dog in N.W.T.
A Lyme disease-carrying tick was found on a dog in Fort Simpson, N.W.T., with uncertainty about whether the tick originated locally or from a southern province.
Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories, Canada

Dozens of Newtok students attend classes in a school that’s coming apart
Rapid erosion and permafrost degradation mean school district officials are in a race to shore up the building for the remainder of the school year.
Newtok, Alaska, United States
KYUK

Minister Alarmed by Plastic Pollution on Eldey Island
The expedition revealed that gannets have easy access to plastic, as their nests are mostly made from plastic debris. Hundreds of dead gannets were also observed by the experts, with it being estimated that three factors played a role in their deaths: natural attrition, bird flu, and plastic pollution.
Eldey Island
Iceland Review

Rare fin whale found dead near Kodiak
A rare, emaciated fin whale was found dead near Kodiak, Alaska, with the local Sun'aq Tribe conducting a necropsy. There isn’t enough data for biologists to declare a trend yet, but these whales are being found on the heels of an unusual mortality event for gray whales in the Pacific Ocean.
Kodiak, Alaska, United States

52-foot-long dead fin whale washes up on San Diego beach; cause of death unclear
It is not common to see fin whales stranding along the West Coast. The species tends to stay in deeper water compared with gray whales, which travel from 10,000 to 14,000 miles (16,000 to 22,500 kilometers) round trip up and down the coast in annual migrations. There were not obvious signs of the cause of death.
San Diego, California, United States
vancouversun

52-foot-long dead fin whale washes up on San Diego beach; cause of death unclear
A 52-foot fin whale carcass appeared on a San Diego beach with no clear cause of death; it was towed back to sea.
San Diego, California, United States
Associated Press

Thousands of tons of dead sardines wash ashore in northern Japan
The sardines and some mackerel washed ashore in Hakodate on Japan’s northernmost main island of Hokkaido on Thursday morning, creating a sliver blanket along a stretch of beach about a kilometer (0.6 mile) long. Takashi Fujioka, a Hakodate Fisheries Research Institute said the fish may have been chased by larger fish, become exhausted due to a lack of oxygen while moving in a densely packed school, and were washed up by the waves.
Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan

Mass deaths of elephant seals recorded as bird flu sweeps across the Antarctic
The virus was first reported among brown skua on Bird Island, off South Georgia. Since then, researchers and observers have reported mass deaths of elephant seals, as well as increased deaths of fur seals, kelp gulls and brown skua at several other sites. Researchers warn of one of ‘largest ecological disasters of modern times’ if the highly contagious disease reaches penguin colonies.
South Georgia, Sandwich Islands
the Guardian

Eaglecrest opening delayed again, target date now TBD
Eaglecrest Ski Area's opening is delayed again due to warm weather and rain, with no new target date set for the season start.

Kodiak dog tests positive for canine distemper
A dog at the Kodiak Animal Shelter was euthanized after testing positive for canine distemper, leading to a quarantine and a halt on adoptions.
Kodiak, Alaska, United States

250,000 birds euthanized in Petaluma due to bird flu
Avian influenza or “bird flu” is hitting Bay Area poultry farms hard, with a quarter of a million birds euthanized in Sonoma County this week alone. Mike Weber, the co-owner of Sunrise Farms in Petaluma, says around 82,000 of his egg-laying chickens had to be euthanized after birds started testing positive for avian flu.
Petaluma, California, United States

Power restored in Pangnirtung; mayor grateful for ‘community spirit’ during lengthy outage
Things were returning to normal in Pangnirtung on Monday after an extreme winter storm left parts of the community without electricity for close to four days.
Pangnirtung, Nunavut, Canada
Nunatsiaq News

Unseasonably warm temperatures leave winter athletes in Fort Simpson, N.W.T., in the lurch
In Fort Simpson, the weather is still not cold enough to open the community's ice rink. Young athletes in the community say they are struggling to adapt.
Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories, Canada

Wolf believed to have killed pet dog in Yellowknife area
A black wolf that was seen travelling between Dettah and Ndilǫ this weekend is believed to have “mauled and killed” a pet dog, according to the N.W.T. Department of Environment and Climate Change.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada

Experts detonate historic cache of TNT discovered near Tok
Eielson Air Force Base's EOD team safely detonated a historic TNT cache from WWII-era Alaska Highway construction discovered near Tok.
Tok, Alaska, United States

Abundance of seeds on snow
Big snow falls, warm temperatures, and strong winds covers snow surface with a variety of seeds from trees.
Katie Spellman, Mike Brubaker, Lars Flora

Little Diomede city building slides off its foundation, leaving community vulnerable for more damage
A city building in Little Diomede, Alaska, slid off its foundation, threatening the structural integrity of adjacent buildings and critical services, with the community seeking immediate assistance.
Diomede, Alaska, United States
The Nome Nugget

Powerful storm pounds the Black Sea region, leaving more than a half-million people without power
A severe storm in the Black Sea region caused widespread damage, power outages affecting over 500,000 people, and disrupted services across southern Russia, Ukraine, and Crimea. The storms were part of a weather system that created blizzard-like conditions in Romania, Moldova, Bulgaria and Serbia on Sunday, dumping snow and causing power outages and fatal traffic accidents.

Heavy snowfall in Romania, Bulgaria, and Moldova leaves 1 person dead and many without electricity
Heavy snowfall and strong blizzards in Romania and Moldova on Sunday left one person dead and hundreds of localities without electricity, as well as forcing the closure of some national roads, authorities said.
Bucharest, Romania

Pack of wolves north of Yellowknife reported stalking hikers, pets
The N.W.T. Department of Environment and Climate Change has warned anyone using trails north of Yellowknife to use "extreme caution" after wildlife officers reported a pack of wolves stalking a hiker and their dogs in the area on Saturday.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada

Wolf expert praises Yellowknife woman for handling of 'not atypical' encounter
A wolf expert commended a Yellowknife woman for her response during a typical encounter with a pack of wolves, advising caution and proper behavior in such situations. "I had hiking poles and I started banging them together and I'm just like 'hey, hey, hey.' I know sometimes dogs respond to deeper voices, so I put my best deep voice on. I started yelling at them."

Storm erodes shoreline at Shishmaref
A storm caused shoreline erosion in Shishmaref, Alaska, but no evacuations were needed as the new seawall held and damage was minimal.
Nome, Alaska, United States
The Nome Nugget

Storm erodes shoreline at Shishmaref
High winds that pushed water high up on south facing shores of the Seward Peninsula cause shoreline erosion on the Chukchi Sea coast of Shishmaref, last week.
Shishmaref, Alaska, United States

A whale the size of an airplane was harvested by hunters in the Chukotka
The Lorino community caught the first bowhead whale in five years.To pull the giant over 17 meters long ashore, all the heavy equipment of the village was needed. According to hunters, this is the third “greenlander” caught in the entire history of the community.
Lorino, Chukotskiy Avtonomnyy Okrug, Russia

1 dead as blizzard bears down on Kivalliq
The storm brought powerful wind gusts to communities in the Kivalliq region that topped 100 km/h and resulted in whiteout conditions. Temperatures fell to -20 C but felt closer to -40 C, factoring in the wind chill, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada. Videos and photos posted to social media appeared to show damage to some buildings and other infrastructure, including the roof of Simon Alaittuq Middle School Rankin Inlet.
Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, Canada

Caribou arrive in the Northwest Arctic region
The Western Arctic Caribou Herd has been declining for years, and the migration patterns of the animals have been changing. In several locations in Northwest Alaska, caribou have been arriving later and later in the season. Friday last week, people in Kotzebue finally started seeing caribou — hundreds of them ― crossing the Kotzebue Sound north of town, coming from the Noatak riverside. Ice conditions are one of the reasons for the caribou’s late migration, said Thomas Baker, chair of the Northwest Arctic Subsistence Regional Advisory Council.
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States

Bethel SAR warns against Kuskokwim River travel after aerial survey
Bethel Search and Rescue advises against travel on the Kuskokwim River due to dangerous conditions of open water and thin ice identified in their annual aerial survey.
Kuskokwim River, Alaska, United States

At least 3 dead in Wrangell after landslide destroys homes
A landslide in Wrangell, Alaska, killed three people, destroyed homes, and left three missing after heavy rainfall triggered the disaster.
Wrangell, Alaska, United States

Mat-Su schools closed Tuesday after blizzard hits power lines, highways
Mat-Su schools will be closed Tuesday due to a blizzard causing power outages and hazardous driving conditions.
Matanuska Valley, Alaska, United States

An Egret on the Alaska Peninsula
An unusual visitor showed up in King Cove in late November. Shankell Mack was able to get a picture. The great egret is rare sighting anywhere in Alaska.
King's Cove, Alaska, United States

Oil spill tops 1 million gallons, threatens Gulf of Mexico wildlife
A spill from a pipeline in the Gulf of Mexico has released over 1 million gallons of oil, threatening local wildlife and prompting containment efforts.
Gulf of Mexico
Washington Post

With Anchorage schools remote again, another storm hitting Southcentral Alaska
With Anchorage schools remote again due to a 17-inch snowfall and strong winds, another storm is hitting Southcentral Alaska, potentially causing power outages as trees fall on electric lines.

High water around Kotzebue
Above normal temperatures in the month of November followed by a series of storms makes varying ice conditions.
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States

Monday storm again closes Anchorage, Mat-Su schools and state offices
A winter storm in Anchorage and Mat-Su, Alaska has caused closures of state offices, schools, and bus services, with reports of stranded vehicles and accidents, and up to a foot of snow expected in some areas.
Matanuska Valley, Alaska, United States

Bird flu confirmation prompts cull at 10 more fur farms
The Food Authority noted that it might be possible that foxes are more susceptible to avian flu infections than mink. However, the agency also suggested that infection prevention protocols may not have worked as well at fox farms compared to facilities that raise mink. The authority has now confirmed avian influenza cases at a total of 42 fur farms in Finland.
Laihia, Ostrobothnia, Finland
News

Southcentral Alaska schools closed amid snowstorm, power outages
Schools in Southcentral Alaska are closed due to a snowstorm and power outages, with the Seward Highway being deemed "impassable" and numerous vehicles stranded.

18 quakes over 3.0 since midnight - the largest 5.0
Despite the very strong activity, widely felt throughout Reykjanes Peninsula as well as the capital area and beyond, there remains no sign of any volcanic eruption.
Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
RÚV

The snowiest day in Alaska — and perhaps US — history?
At 4:45 p.m., 65 inches was on the ground. By 7:30, 72 inches of new snow had fallen in one storm. That’s 6 feet. In less than one day! It was darn close to a new Alaska (and United States) record.
Thompson Pass

'Am I actually seeing this?': Muskox spotted in Fort Chipewyan, Alta.
Darlene Cardinal slammed her brakes in order to stop herself from crashing into a wild muskox last month. It was a rare event for someone who lives in Fort Chipewyan, Alta.
Fort Chipewyan, Alberta, Canada

Wolf attacks woman's dog outside of her home in Dawson City, Yukon
A woman's dog was attacked and killed by a wolf or wolves outside her home in Dawson City, Yukon, raising concerns about safety in the area.
Dawson City, Yukon, Canada

How Alaska wildlife officials saved a humpback whale found 'hogtied' to a 300-pound crab pot
Alaska wildlife officials collaborated with whale experts to successfully rescue a humpback whale that was entangled in crabbing gear off the coast of Gustavus, Alaska, preventing it from dying.
Gustavus, Alaska, United States

Less snowpack, low rainfall, higher demand. Experts offer answers on low water levels in Lethbridge
Water levels in the Oldman River reservoir are the lowest they've ever been since its construction in the early 1990s. The reservoir and the river are responsible for supplying water to a number of local communities, including Lethbridge.
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada

Stanley declared a temporary control zone as first case of avian flu confirmed
Stanley, Falkland Islands, establishes a temporary control zone following the confirmation of its first avian flu case.
Stanley, Falkland Islands
Falklands Radio • Broadcasting news and entertainment to the Falkland Islands

Flood water rise to orange danger warning after rains
Flood waters rise to orange danger warning after heavy rains, causing evacuations, road closures, and power outages in parts of Agder, Vestfold, and Telemark.
Skien, Telemark, Norway
NRK

Edinburgh Waverley power cut adds to Storm Ciaran rail disruption
A power cut at Edinburgh Waverley station adds to rail disruption caused by Storm Ciaran in Scotland, with speed restrictions and cancellations in place on various routes.
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
BBC News

Drought conditions in Upcountry Maui prompt increased water restrictions
Drought conditions across Upcountry Maui have prompted the county to update its water shortage status for the unforeseeable future. Demand for water in the area currently exceeds supply by 20% — which moves its status from Stage 1 to Stage 2, county officials said Thursday.
Kula, Hawaii, United States
Hawai'i Public Radio

California officials confirm 2 cases of dengue, a mosquito-borne illness rarely transmitted in US
Public health officials say two people in Southern California people have come down with dengue fever without traveling outside the United States, where the mosquito-borne illness is rare.
Long Beach, California, United States

Storm Ciarán eases but flood warnings remain
Storm Ciara has weakened but flood warnings remain in place in Wales and other parts of the UK, with heavy rain expected to cause further flooding and disruption.
Tenby, Wales, United Kingdom
BBC News

Sea Lice Outbreak Claims At Least 1 Million Salmon in Tálknafjörður
An unprecedented outbreak of sea lice in Tálknafjörður has led to the loss, or the need to dispose of, at least one million salmon. “Nobody has seen anything like this before. There is a Norwegian veterinarian who has been working in Iceland because of this and he has never seen anything like this in his 30-year career,” Karl Steinar observed.
Talknafjordur, Westfjords, Iceland

Alaskans drawn to alpine lakes for ‘once-in-a-decade’ ice skating conditions
Alaskans are taking advantage of rare ice skating conditions on alpine lakes in Chugach State Park, with hundreds of people hiking into the backcountry to skate on smooth ice in the shadow of iconic peaks.
Rabbit Lake, Alaska

Inverness to Wick train services disrupted after sea wall damaged
Train services between Inverness and Wick in Scotland have been disrupted after a sea wall protecting the railway line was damaged by stormy weather and high tides, with engineers currently assessing the extent of the damage.
Dunbeath, Scotland, United Kingdom
BBC News

Absence of Tomcods
Erratic temperatures led to the absence of tomcods, severely affecting local fishing.
Kivalina, Alaska, United States
Jacqualine Schaeffer, Janet Mitchell, Chris Dankmeyer, Sarah Yoder

Hurricane 'Otis' left 27 dead and 3 missing as it passes through Guerrero
Hurricane 'Otis' caused 27 deaths and 3 missing persons in Guerrero, Mexico, with severe damage to infrastructure, including roads, hospitals, airports, and the electrical grid. It is unusual for this type of phenomenon to occur. It is not normal for tropical cyclones to be storms and intensify to category 5 in a period of 12 hours.
Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico
La Jornada

Invasive Elodea in Piledriver Slough
Invasive Elodea has been observed since 2020.
Moose Creek, Alaska, United States

Hunters report record harvest for Central Southeast moose hunt
Hunters in Central Southeast Alaska have reported a record harvest of 141 bulls during the month-long moose hunt, surpassing the previous record of 132 bulls set in 2021, with the majority of the harvest occurring on Kupreanof Island. A couple decades ago, there were very few of them in the region — and the hunt was almost entirely relegated to the mainland. But over the years, he said he’s seen more moose cropping up on remote islands.
Kupreanof, Alaska, United States

Rabid skunk in Cambridge triggers public health wildlife warning
A rabid skunk in Cambridge, Ontario has prompted a public health warning to avoid contact with wildlife, as one person has already been exposed and received medical attention.
Cambridge, Ontario, Canada

Invasive Elodea in 28 Mile Pit
Elodea found on and near Eielson Airforce Base
Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, United States

Invasive Elodea in Chena Slough
Invasive elodea decade history in the Chena slough with mitigation and persistent infestation.
North Pole, Alaska, United States

Later frosts could make new crops possible in Alaska, but climate change brings challenges, too
Shifting seasons and hotter temperatures could allow Alaska farmers to grow more abundant and diverse produce. But climate change can also bring drought, pests and permafrost thaw.  Human-caused climate change is bringing longer and warmer growing seasons, but also pests and unstable weather.
Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
KTOO

Avian flu detected on poultry farm in Chilliwack, B.C.
The H5N1 strain of avian flu has been detected on a poultry farm in Chilliwack, British Columbia, marking the first confirmed case in the province this fall and prompting increased precautions among poultry farmers.
Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada

Highly pathogenic avian influenza confirmed in Pocahontas and Guthrie counties: No public health concern, says CDC
Two cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) have been confirmed in Pocahontas and Guthrie counties in Iowa, but the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that there is no public health concern.
Iowa, United States
KGAN

N.W.T. coastal communities walloped by weekend storm
Coastal communities in the Northwest Territories of Canada were hit by a weekend storm, causing high winds and massive waves that led residents to scramble to save boats and cabins from being washed away.
Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, Canada

'Superfog' near New Orleans blamed for highway crashes that killed at least 7
Authorities say at least seven people have been killed after a “superfog” of smoke from south Louisiana marsh fires and dense fog caused multiple massive car crashes involving 158 vehicles.
Manchac, Louisiana

Several hundred reindeer drowned in Porsanger
Several hundred reindeer drowned in Porsanger during their migration from summer to winter pastures, causing significant loss for the district and prompting the local government to offer crisis support to affected reindeer owners.
Skáiddejávri in Porsanger, Norway
NRK

‘It’s time for us to go’: the Mexican fishing village swallowed by the sea
El Bosque, a Mexican fishing village with a population of 400 people, is being swallowed by rising sea levels, and experts predict that the entire village could be underwater within a year, leaving residents displaced and without adequate housing alternatives.
El Bosque, Tabasco, Mexico
the Guardian

Ice that survived Arctic summer hits low, with implications for traditional harvesting and shipping
David Kuptana, an elder and full-time harvester said ice should be forming around his home on Victoria Island this time of year — but instead, temperatures have been hovering around zero and it's been raining.
Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories, Canada

Contaminated drinking water a growing problem
Heavier rains and aging distribution networks are triggering more cases of public water supply contamination. The local utility takes water from the Esse River for processing and distribution. Because of recent heavy rains and strong runoff, it contains an unusually high level of solid matter.
Jakobstad, Ostrobothnia, Finland

Ketchikan got drenched with nearly 7 inches of rain on Tuesday
Remnants of Typhoon Bolaven brought the rain from the Pacific. The typhoon has been bringing rain to the Southeast region for days. Ketchikan's one-day record is nearly nine inches, set on Oct. 11, 1977.
Ketchikan, Alaska, United States
KTOO

Boaters urge others to be more prepared after Great Slave Lake rescue
Samuel Roberts, 65, and Mark Elson, 51, said they were not prepared to be lost along the shore of Great Slave Lake when they headed out for a short fishing trip. But it became smoky and foggy, and the men became disoriented. The following day, when the air cleared, Roberts said they couldn't recognize anything. "We had no idea that we crossed over the Dettah side and [were] headed to the East Arm," said Elson.
Dettah, Northwest Territories, Canada

Mosquito-borne diseases found in emus, horses in Maine
Viruses have now been found in mosquitoes or in animals around the state, prompting health officials to warn Maine residents to protect against mosquito bites. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported positive tests for eastern equine encephalitis, or EEE, in several emu flocks and multiple horses. Also, a horse tested positive for West Nile Virus in York County.
Maine, United States
Press Herald

Drinking Water Contaminated in Borgarfjörður Eystri
Residents of Borgarfjörður Eystri have had to boil their drinking water for two weeks due to coliform bacteria in their water sources. “This has probably come about because of soil subsidence [sinking ground] in the wet land in that area,” stated Glúmur Björnsson, a geologist at utilities contractor HEF Veitur.
Bakkagerði, East, Iceland

Lapland seeing high waters, unusually heavy snow
Unusually heavy rains in Lapland have caused water levels to rise near flood levels, and further rises will depend on temperatures over the next few days, with climate change being a contributing factor.
Enontekiö, Lapland, Finland

Outbreak of avian flu on Hopen
There have been similar, even larger outbreaks of avian flue in seabird colonies in north Norway. In some cases, the losses were dramatic and major fractions of the colonies were wiped out. In Spitsbergen, avian flu was found for the first time in 2002, but the recent outbreak on Hopen is the largest one so far.
Svalbard, Svalbard and Jan Mayen
Spitzbergen | Svalbard

Melting glaciers increase supply of electrical power in Iceland
Melting glaciers in Iceland are contributing to an increased supply of electrical power. In the past ten years, the additional supply has amounted to one medium-sized power plant.
Iceland
RÚV

Humpback whale calf found dead near Juneau was killed by a large boat, biologists say
A humpback whale calf found dead near Juneau, Alaska was killed by a large boat, according to biologists who found deep lacerations on the calf's body and pectoral fin likely caused by a propeller, highlighting the risks of vessel strikes and the need for reduced speeds and increased distance between boats and whales.

19 cases of avian flu identified in Dillingham
In Dillingham, Alaska, 19 cases of avian flu have been identified in common murres, with the virus still present in wild birds and genetic testing being conducted to determine if it is a new strain or a strain circulating in North America.
Dillingham, Alaska, United States

Gas leak off Finland – authorities point to external activity
Finnish authorities are investigating a gas leak outside of Finland, suspected to be caused by external activity, with both the security police and defense forces involved in the case.
Baltic Sea

Scientists observe chum salmon spawning in North Slope rivers
Scientists from the University of Alaska Fairbanks have observed an increase in chum salmon spawning in North Slope rivers, potentially indicating a shift in their population and a signal of climate change. Elizabeth Lindley, a Ph.D. student working on the project, says that while evidence of spawning in a new region may be a positive for salmon, the impact on important subsistence resources including Arctic char and Dolly Varden is uncertain.
Colville River, Alaska, United States

Tribe catches coho salmon on free-flowing Elwha River, a first since dam removals
The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe catches coho salmon on the free-flowing Elwha River for the first time in over a century since the removal of dams, marking a historic moment for the tribe and the river's recovery.
Elwha River, Washington, United States
The Seattle Times

Thousands of Utah turkeys die after being infected with avian flu in Sanpete County
Thousands of turkeys in Sanpete County, Utah, have died from highly pathogenic avian influenza, leading to the quarantine and depopulation of the affected farm, with concerns about the potential impact on turkey sales during the upcoming holiday season.
Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
FOX 13 News Utah (KSTU)

Cambodia records 2nd death from H5N1 bird flu so far this year
A 50-year-old man in Cambodia has died from H5N1 bird flu, marking the second death from the virus in the country this year. Prior to his death about 50 chickens had died and were shared with neighbors to eat.
Cambodia

New disease caught in time
Canadian veterinarians identified and managed a new disease, sapovirus, in piglets before it could cause a widespread outbreak, thanks to their rapid response and collaboration.
Saskatchewan, Canada
SaskToday.ca

Amber rain warning extended for north and east of Scotland
An amber rain warning has been extended for the north and east of Scotland, causing severe flooding and travel disruptions, with the Scottish government urging people to heed travel warnings and take precautions. Some areas have seen up to a month's worth of rain in a 24-hour period resulting in heavy flooding across much of the rail network.
Dumbarton, Scotland, United Kingdom

A landslide crushed Wrangell's municipal burn pit
“There is some concern with the stability of the cliffside there and some additional material that appears like it might be coming down also, so we have barricaded the area off,” Wetor says. “Right now things are pretty unstable there. And I think we need to give it some space and let it do its thing.”
Wrangell, Alaska, United States
KTOO

Alaska cancels snow crab harvest again due to population concerns
The snow crab harvest in Alaska has been canceled for the second year in a row due to concerns about population sustainability, but red king crab and Tanner crab will be available for commercial fishermen this season. Last year was the first time in history the U.S. snow crab fishery was closed. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game said the harvests were closed over concerns about long-term conservation and the sustainability of crab stocks.

Rare Bird Flu Detected in Eagle and Eider Duck
Samples taken from a white-tailed eagle found dead on a skerry near Barðaströnd in the Westfjords in mid-September tested positive for a severe bird flu virus of the strain HPAI H4N5. An eider duck that was found dead in Ólafsfjörður, West Iceland recently was infected with the same strain of bird flu virus. The strain has not been detected in Iceland before and is not common.
Barðaströnd

Humpback found dead near Kodiak gets Alaska's first 2023 whale necropsy
A humpback whale found dead near Kodiak Island in Alaska undergoes the state's first whale necropsy of 2023 in an effort to determine the cause of death and understand the shrinking humpback population in the area, with initial findings suggesting the whale may have been struck by a boat.

2 killed in suspected grizzly bear attack in Canada's Banff National Park
Two people were killed in a suspected grizzly bear attack in Banff National Park, Canada, leading to the euthanization of the bear for public safety.
Banff, Alberta, Canada

Avian influenza death of Alaska polar bear is a global first and a sign of the virus' persistence
The highly pathogenic influenza that just claimed its first known polar bear victim continues to circulate in the world’s wild populations.
Utqiaġvik, Alaska, United States
Alaska Beacon

Flooding in New York: Rain Eases, but Officials Warn That Flood Risks Remain
Heavy rain caused serious flooding across the region on Friday, leading Gov. Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency as rising waters disrupted travel and stranded people in cars and homes.
Brooklyn, New York, United States

Permafrost slump near Alaska Highway in Yukon eats up 13 more metres of land
The slump is so close to the Alaska Highway, the Yukon government is moving the road, creating a new section that will help protect the only year-round road linking parts of the Yukon, and the U.S. state of Alaska, to the rest of the continent.
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada

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