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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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Employee killed by polar bears at remote worksite off Baffin Island, company says
A worker with a logistics company that operates the North Warning System in Nunavut has died after being attacked by two polar bears on Thursday.
Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada
CBC

Dead fish in creek near Eagle mine likely killed by cyanide, Yukon officials say
Officials with the Yukon government say dozens of dead fish found earlier this week in a creek near Victoria Gold's Eagle mine were likely killed by a discharge of contaminated water from the mine site.
Mayo, Yukon, Canada
CBC

“Huge disaster”: Historically weak pink salmon runs strain Alaska’s seine fishermen
Skippers in Prince William Sound and Kodiak say this year's pink harvest is one of the worst they’ve ever seen. “I wake up every morning and I try to apply for a different job," one said.
Kodiak, Alaska, United States
Northern Journal

Heatwave hits Nunavut with ‘astounding’ temperatures
A heatwave is hitting Kitikmeot and Kivalliq communities this week bringing temperatures above 30 C (86 F), twice as high as the average temperature for these regions at this time of year.
Baker Lake, Nunavut, Canada
Nunatsiaq News

Alaska's North Slope sees record-breaking heat, among state's other climate oddities
Alaska's North Slope experienced unprecedented heat with temperatures nearing 90 degrees, alongside the state's wettest July and other climate impacts.
Utqiaġvik, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media
Casey Grove, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage

Record-breaking rain drenches Anchorage, triggering road closures and a flood advisory
Anchorage experiences unprecedented rainfall, leading to road closures and flood advisories due to overflowing creeks and waterlogged streets.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media
Chris Klint, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage

Sea gulls on the beach not moving
Observers report unusual sea gull lethargy and die-offs on area beaches.
Brevig Mission, Alaska, United States
Racheal Lee, Sarah Yoder, January Frost, Lillian Olanna, Gay Sheffield, Kathy Kuletz

River erosion threatening community water supply
Erosion of the shoreline on Well Island is threatening the water line that connects the village of Noatak to their water supply. The Tribal Health System is coordinating with the federal agencies and state and borough to support water supply needs and repairs.
Noatak, Alaska, United States
Francine Moreno, Christopher Cox, Max Neale, Jeffrey Luther, Chris Dankmeyer, James Benzschawel

Juneau glacial outburst flooding begins; Mendenhall Lake and River set to hit near-record levels
Minor flood stage will begin Monday morning, with flood water expected to crest sometime early Tuesday.
Juneau, Alaska, United States
KTOO

Calgary hail storm the 2nd-costliest disaster in Canadian history after $2.8B in damage
The Insurance Bureau of Canada says a severe hail storm that battered Calgary last month is the second-costliest event in Canadian history.
Northeast Calgary, Canada
Global News

Russia's Republic of Tyva Declares Wildfire Emergency
Authorities in Siberia’s republic of Tyva declared a regional state of emergency due to ongoing wildfires exacerbated by prolonged hot and dry weather.
Tyva, Siberia, Russia
The Moscow Times

Seagull die offs reported in several Chukotka communities
Dead seagulls were found near five coastal villages of the district - Ryrkaipia, Nutepelmena, Lorino, Lavrentiya and Enurmino. The largest number of dead birds were found near the village of Ryrkaipiy in the Egvekinot municipality. Local residents reported that there were several dozen Eastern Siberian gulls on the shore and ice floes.
Chukotka , Russia

An Unknown Condition Found on Atlantic Salmon Parr
Atlantic salmon parr in Shinney's Brook, Labrador, exhibit an unusual condition with round, jelly-like substances and blood-like markings, yet appear healthy and behave normally. The conditions may be Atlantic salmon papillomatosis.
Shinney's Brook, NunatuKavut, Labrador
Sarah Yoder, David Oswald, Donna Carroll, Ted Meyers, Jayde Ferguson

Village Airport Stuck in the Mud
Brevig Mission's airport has been unusable due to heavy rain rendering its runways unsafe, disrupting travel and medical supplies.
Brevig Mission, Alaska, United States
KNOM Radio Mission

July was cooler and greyer than normal for much of Highlands, Met Office confirms
Much of the Highlands was cooler and greyer than normal in July, but not particularly wet, the Met Office has said.
Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom
Inverness Courier

Typhoon Merbok Impacts on Berry Plants
Typhoon Merbok's flooding with seawater prevented the growth of crowberries, lingonberries, cloudberries, and local greens in the tundra surrounding the village until summer 2024, when they finally began to recover.
Hooper Bay, Alaska, United States
Abby Nelson, Dana Diehl, Sandra Hill, Lars Flora, Katie Spellman

St. Johnsbury, Vermont, Area Flooded
A localized round of heavy rain has wreaked havoc on the St. Johnsbury, Vermont, area, washing out some roads and damaging homes. This same area was hit hard with flooding just 19 days prior as the remnants of Beryl crossed North America. About two dozen rescues took place during the latest round of flooding and officials warned that the impacts could worsen as creeks rise further or more rain arrives.
St Johnsbury, Vermont, United States
The Weather Channel

The first case of a walrus dying of bird flu registered on Svalbard
“Last year we got several reports from tourists and scientists that they saw around six walruses dead here on the west side of Svalbard. Unfortunately, we couldn’t sample them as the dead walruses drifted away by the time we got to the place. But it’s not normal to get so many reported dead walruses in such a small area," said Christian Lydersen, senior scientist at the Norwegian Polar Institute. Now samples (collected by a Station Manager in July 2023) have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza.
Svalbard, Svalbard and Jan Mayen
The Independent Barents Observer

2 Dead After Dam Collapses in Northwestern Russia
Two people were killed after a torrent of water poured over a cofferdam in northwestern Russia early Monday and flooded the surrounding area, authorities said.
Надвоицы, Сегежский район, Karelia, Russia
The Moscow Times

A Beautiful Menace: Invasive Orange Hawkweed Spreads Through Southeast Alaska
The invasive orange hawkweed, known for its striking appearance, is rapidly spreading across Southeast Alaska, threatening local ecosystems by outcompeting native plants.
Petersburg, Alaska, United States
KFSK

Crews battle wildfires across the US West and fight to hold containment lines
Wildfires across the western United States and Canada have put millions of people under air quality alerts, as thousands of firefighters battle the flames.
Cohasset, California, United States
AP News

Here, the wolf wanders right outside Therese Mydland's door
A wolf has been sighted in Sokndal, near the coast of western Norway, an area where such sightings are rare, sparking discussions about potential risks and the possibility of issuing a culling permit.
Sköndal, Stockholm, Sweden
NRK

Snakes appear in the Russian north as the Arctic warms
Climate change has led to sightings of species like the European adder, spiders, and herons beyond their typical range in the Russian Arctic.
Taimyr–Central Siberia
ArcticToday
Elizaveta Vereykina, The Independent Barents Observer

First ever subsistence fishery closure at Port Clarence causes hardship at Teller, Brevig
After experiencing an unprecedented closure of subsistence salmon fishing, the Port Clarence district, including Teller and Brevig Mission, is now open for fishing.
Teller, Alaska, United States
The Nome Nugget

Spike in baby gulls falling, jumping from roofs during recent heat wave: B.C rescue
During a B.C. heat wave, there was an unusual increase in baby gulls falling or jumping from rooftops, leading to numerous rescues by a local wildlife organization.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
British Columbia

Another polar bear shot in Ittoqqortoormiit
A polar bear was shot in Ittoqqortoormiit after being spotted wandering the streets, marking the second such incident in the town within a week.
Ittoqqortoormiit, Sermersooq, Greenland
Sermitsiaq

Landslide forces closure of section South Klondike Highway north of the U.S. border
A landslide caused by heavy rains has shut down the South Klondike Highway, affecting travelers and requiring officials to coordinate an alternative route for stranded cruise passengers.
Carcross, Yukon, Canada
Juneau Empire

Storms cause significant damage in Cornwall, Ont.
A severe storm in Cornwall, Ontario, caused extensive damage, including a house fire from a lightning strike and widespread power outages.
Cornwall, Ontario, Canada
Ottawa

Surprise Yellowstone geyser eruption highlights little known hazard at popular park
A surprise eruption of steam in a Yellowstone National Park geyser basin that sent people scrambling for safety as basketball-sized rocks flew overhead has highlighted a little-known hazard that scientists hope to be able to predict someday.
Billings, Montana, United States
CTVNews

Reports of dying voles in Kotzebue area
These small rodents are a key part of the Northwest Arctic ecosystem.
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States
Raphaela Stimmelmayr, Joanna Barton, Sarah Yoder, Susan Georgette, Kimberlee Beckmen, Gay Sheffield, Carmen Daggett, Susan Tessier, Kimberlee Beckmen

Jasper damage map released as park’s largest wildfire in 100 years rages
Residents and businesses of the townsite inside Jasper National Park found out Saturday for certain whether or not they have anything to return to.
Jasper Park Lodge, Alberta, Canada
Global News

Wood Storks in west Alabama
Wood storks observed on West Alabama wetlands.
Aliceville, Alabama, United States

Svalbard had warmest June on record
Longyearbyen airport had an average temperature of 6.1°C, which is 2.5°C above normal. Global air and sea surface temperatures were also at record levels.
Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Svalbard and Jan Mayen
The Independent Barents Observer

Most of the red salmon were carrying worms
From the images shared, these appear to be *Philemona*, a freshwater parasite. *Philomena* is a food quality concern but is *Not* considered a human health concern. With proper preparation, the salmon is safe to eat.
Kenai, Alaska, United States
Cindy Lawrence, Lars Flora, Mike Brook, Sarah Yoder, Jayde Ferguson

Arctic air brings historically cold July temperatures to Bethel
Bethel, Alaska, experienced historically low July temperatures with highs in the 40s, a rare event not seen since 1971, due to an unusual cold air outbreak from the Arctic.
Bethel, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

'Strange' bald eagle attacks at Kodiak harbor cause multiple injuries
Unusual aggressive bald eagle behavior, not linked to nest protection, leads to multiple injuries at Kodiak harbor, possibly due to eagles being fed by people.
Kodiak, Alaska, United States

Snake-like procession of insect larvae spotted again in Interior Alaska
A rare phenomenon of gnat larvae forming snake-like processions has been observed again in Interior Alaska, raising questions about their behavior and species classification.
Fairbanks, Alaska, United States

Downtown Juneau apartment building evacuated following landslide
A landslide in Juneau, Alaska, prompted the evacuation of an apartment building, with no injuries reported but further slides expected due to heavy rain.
Juneau, Alaska, United States

Extremely rare beaked whale washes ashore in Otago
An extremely rare Spade-toothed Beaked Whale *Mesoplodon traversii* washed ashore in Otago, providing the first chance to dissect and study such a specimen, with DNA analysis underway to confirm its species.
Wellington, New Zealand
NZ Herald

At least 65 pilot whales die in Scottish mass stranding
At least 65 long-finned pilot whales have died after being stranded on an island off the north coast of Scotland, a rescue charity said on Thursday, in one of the largest mass strandings in Britain in recent times.
Scotland, United Kingdom
CTVNews

'Swarm of earthquakes' rattle off B.C.'s coast, no tsunami expected
A series of earthquakes struck off the coast of Vancouver Island, with no tsunami threat reported. Andrew Schaeffer, an earthquake seismologist with the Geological Survey of Canada, said last week that despite the uptick in seismic activity, the quakes were "business as usual" for the region.
Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
British Columbia

Record June temperatures and heavy rainfall in northern Finland
Northern Finland experienced unprecedented June temperatures and abnormal rainfall, deviating significantly from historical weather patterns.
Finland
The Independent Barents Observer

Residents in parts of Yellowknife say tap water smells, tastes swampy
The city says the water is tested and safe to consume. The city is switching water source back to the Yellowknife River as a primary source, as a result of warm weather consumption, several known leaks, and perhaps other still unknown failures.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
CBC

Four killed as heavy rains pound South Korea
Weather agency says the severity of the precipitation is only seen ‘once in about 200 years’.
Gunsan-si, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
Al Jazeera

B.C. weather: 149-year-old temperature record broken amid heat wave
British Columbia experienced a historic heat wave, breaking 34 additional temperature records, some over a century old, with more heat anticipated in the interior regions.
British Columbia, Canada
CVT News Vancouver

Extreme rains causing road erosion
Intense rainfall in Cheonan, South Korea, causes significant erosion of a local river park road.
Cheonan, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea

B.C. wildfires: Number of blazes jumps to 130 as heat wave creates prime fire conditions
The B.C. Wildfire Service says the cold front in northern B.C. is expected to generate strong winds, thunderstorms and the potential for dry lightning in the region plagued by drought.
British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver Sun

More people have been infected with Lyme disease
Norway reports a record high of 175 Lyme disease cases from January to June 2024, with uncertain causes attributed to weather conditions and increased tick awareness.
Norway
NRK

Black-legged kittiwakes dying in Kotzebue Sound area
A couple of weeks ago I spotted a small gull on the second bridge behind Kotzebue. The bird wouldn't fly and was walking slowly.
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States
Louisa Castrodale, Andrew Ramey, Racheal Lee, Susan Tessier, Joanna Barton, Gay Sheffield, Kimberlee Beckmen, January Frost, Sarah Yoder

Four earthquakes off Iceland's northern coast
We've become very used to seismic activity in Iceland's southwest corner, but last night, four earthquakes above magnitude three hit a very different area - the Kolbeinsey ridge, far off the country's northern coast.
Iceland
RÚV

'Unbelievable I survived': Yukon woman attacked by bear speaks out
Following an attack from a grizzly in Haines Junction, Yukon, Vanessa Leegstra spoke to CBC from hospital: "I just knew I couldn't leave my husband and my daughter, I wasn't ready."
Haines Junction, Yukon, Canada

Warmest June on Record
Temperatures in Finland last month were between 1.5 and 3.5 degrees Celsius warmer than normal in most parts of the country.
Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
News

Aklavik Hunters and Trappers asked to keep an eye out for 'orange slime'
Floating substance possibly iron oxide, but GNWT wants to make sure.
Aklavik, Northwest Territories, Canada
NNSL Media

In Photos: Muscovites Swelter in Record-Breaking Heat
Temperatures in Russia’s capital hit an all-time high of 32 degrees Celsius on Tuesday – Moscow’s hottest day in over 130 years.
The heatwave follows a spate of volatile weather in the city and other parts of Russia. In June, after severe rainfall flooded parts of the city, Moscow was struck by Storm Edgar, which killed two people and injured dozens more. A rare tornado was also sighted in the Moscow region.
Moscow, Moscow, Russia
The Moscow Times

The Moment a rare white loon was caught on camera
Chris Whitty captured stunning photos of a rare white loon in British Columbia, marking an unusual wildlife sighting.
British Columbia, Canada
Radio-Canada.ca

Summer Heatwave Sweeps Russia, Breaking Dozens of Temperature Records
Around 40 daily temperature records were broken across Russia and annexed Crimea on Tuesday as hot summer weather gripped the country. The unprecedented temperatures have engulfed Russia from its central regions to the Far East, reaching a maximum of 38.7 degrees Celsius in the village of Mamakan in southeastern Siberia’s Irkutsk region.
Moscow, Moscow, Russia

2 more seals admitted to SeaLife Center
Two harbor seal pups, one from Naknek and another from Wrangell, were recently rescued and are receiving care at the Alaska SeaLife Center due to malnourishment and other health issues.
Homer, Alaska, United States
Homer News

Tustumena Lake fire reported 25% contained
The Tustumena Lake fire in Alaska is 25% contained, with efforts including smokejumpers and over 56,000 gallons of water deployed to combat the 35-acre blaze.
Tustumena Lake, Alaska, United States
Homer News

Hurricane Beryl is a historic storm. Here's why.
Hurricane Ivan in 2004 was the last strong hurricane to hit the southeastern Caribbean, causing catastrophic damage in Grenada as a Category 3 storm. Hurricane Beryl lashed the southeastern Caribbean as a Category 4 storm — an unprecedented strength this early in the Atlantic season. Beryl amassed its strength from record-warm waters that are hotter now than they would be at the peak of hurricane season in September, he said.
Bridgetown, Saint Michael, Barbados
CBS News

Denali National Park bars visitors as wildfire burns near entrance
Denali National Park has closed to visitors due to the rapidly spreading Riley Fire near its entrance, prompting evacuations and a significant firefighting response.
Denali National Park, Alaska, United States

Crow exibiting unusual behavior
The crow was on the beach hiding near a driftwood stump and was unable to fly and struggled to walk. These are signs associated with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) also commonly referred to as "bird flu". See video.
Whittier, Alaska, United States
Michael Opheim, Stephen Payton, Sarah Coburn, Margo Werner, Christy McDonald, Andrew Ramey, January Frost, Sarah Yoder, Andrew Ramey

Anchorage's popular Ship Creek to close to sport fishing for 2 weeks
Ship Creek in Anchorage will be closed to sport fishing for two weeks to support salmon stock sustainability at a local hatchery.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Wesley Early, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage

Wildfire near Elliot Highway prompts 'Go' evacuation order
A fast-moving wildfire near Elliot Highway in Fairbanks, Alaska, has led to a Level 3 evacuation order for residents, with the fire rapidly growing to over a thousand acres.
Fairbanks, Alaska, United States

Unusual Bubble (Capsule) in Fish Eggs
These eggs from a trout caught in the Fish River, had unusual milky translucent capsules in it.
White Mountain, Alaska, United States
Jacqualine Schaeffer, Ted Meyers, Jayde Ferguson

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna bycatch in secluded Chaleur Bay
An Atlantic Bluefin Tuna was unexpectedly caught in a Mi'kmaq salmon net in Chaleur Bay, New Brunswick, an area outside its natural range, highlighting significant ecological changes in the bay, including new prey species and increased sightings of larger predators like White Sharks.
Chaleur Bay, New Brunswick, Canada

Black bear shot dead while trying to get into tent near Portage campgrounds
A black bear was fatally shot by federal officials after attempting to break into an occupied tent near Portage campgrounds in Alaska, following a recent similar incident that injured a woman.
Portage Creek, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

More than three tons of salmon were caught by fishermen in Chukotka
Cold spring and summer affected the results of salmon production in the district. Fishermen in the region caught more than three tons of salmon - this is several times less than in previous years, according to IA "Chukotka".
Khatyrka, Chukotskiy Avtonomnyy Okrug, Russia

Interesting Bug on the Kuskowim River
A stonefly nymph, common in Alaska but unfamiliar to local residents, was observed along the Kuskokwim River.
Bethel, Alaska, United States

Water Shortage Forces Capri Island to Close Doors to Tourists
Capri Island halts tourist entry due to a major water shortage crisis. Learn about the emergency measures and efforts to restore water supply.
Capri, Campania, Italy
Focus on Travel News - ftnnews.com

Maximum-security prison in Quebec evacuated due to forest fires
A maximum-security prison in Quebec was evacuated as forest fires threatened the region, leading to the relocation of 225 inmates and a state of emergency declaration.
Québec, Quebec, Canada
Montreal

1 person found dead and 2 still missing after floods, rockslide hit a Swiss Alpine village
A deadly rockslide and floods triggered by severe weather struck a Swiss Alpine village, resulting in one fatality and two missing persons, with ongoing search efforts hampered by heavy rainfall.
Lostallo, Grisons, Switzerland
CTVNews

Sea-ice lies thick on the water as Russian oil tanker sails Arctic route without icebreaker escort
Loaded with up to 38,000 tons of oil, the 245 meter long tanker Shturman Skuratov makes this year's first transit shipment on the Northern Sea Route. Despite major concentrations of sea-ice, the tanker sails without icebreaker assistance.
Northern Sea Route

McDonald Fire remains west of Tanana River
The McDonald Fire has grown to over 39,000 acres west of the Tanana River, with statewide fires consuming 72,000 acres; critical fire danger and smoke advisories are in effect.
West of the Tanana River, Alaska
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Research vessel en route to Nome after trapped in ice for 14 days
A research vessel, Norseman II, was trapped in unusually dense sea ice for 14 days off the Seward Peninsula coast during a Pacific walrus study, but is now en route to Nome for repairs.
Nome, Alaska, United States
The Nome Nugget

Humpback Whale Rescued Near Russia’s Murmansk Region
A humpback whale named Stanislav was successfully freed from a fishing net in a first-of-its-kind rescue operation in Russia's Barents Sea.
Murmansk, Murmansk, Russia

A fire in Los Angeles County has consumed over 11,000 acres
The wildfire began Saturday afternoon in Gorman, an unincorporated community in northwestern Los Angeles County. California State Park Services evacuated 1,200 people from Hungry Valley Park, Cal Fire said. The fire was zero percent contained and had damaged two commercial properties as of Saturday evening.
Los Angeles, California, United States

Algae bloom warnings issued along Lake Winnipesaukee
New Hampshire officials issued two warnings of potentially dangerous algae blooms along parts of Lake Winnipesaukee, the state’s largest lake. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services said on Thursday it detected high...
Tuftonboro, New Hampshire, United States
Concord Monitor

Disappearing sand dunes and plovers
Sand dunes disappear with more frequent and powerful storms in Western Alaska. These storms have impacted bird nesting grounds and tundra plants.
Hooper Bay, Alaska, United States

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