Human disturbances, such as off-leash dogs and increased tourism, are causing a decline in shorebird populations at the Victoria Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary, disrupting their critical stopover habitat and reflecting broader global biodiversity challenges.

High-pathogenic avian influenza was confirmed on 4 September at an egg farm in Hadsel, Nordland, Norway, with 7,500 laying hens to be culled. Authorities established 3 km and 10 km control zones; human infection risk is assessed as very low.

West Nile virus was detected in mosquito samples north of Moses Lake, Grant County, Washington—the first county detection since 2023. Mosquito control increased larvicide and adulticide treatments; officials advise prevention steps and note no recent human cases in the county.

A roughly 100‑ton rock fell onto the Ofoten Line in Norddalen near Narvik. Bane NOR is securing the area and plans to blast the boulder to clear the tracks.

British Columbia set a new national September heat record with 40.8 C in Cache Creek, as wildfire smoke triggers widespread air-quality alerts. Multiple heat warnings remain in effect across the province.

Wildfires forced closures of the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt and Highway 20 east of Bella Coola in B.C., as the Mine Creek fire grew rapidly and jumped Highway 5. Evacuation orders and alerts were issued, and air quality degraded across the province.

Ashcroft, British Columbia hit 40.8 C (105 F) on Sept. 3, setting the hottest September temperature ever recorded in Canada. A regional weather observer called the late-season heat highly unusual and linked it to a blocking high-pressure system.

Whale watchers in Digby Neck, Nova Scotia, witnessed a great white shark feeding on a dead humpback whale, leading to daily shark sightings in early September. Guides also reported an endangered leatherback sea turtle and noted warmer waters are changing species seen in the Bay of Fundy.

A provincewide drought in Nova Scotia has dried up brooks and streams, stranding trout and white suckers and stressing native fish, while a woods ban limits access to assess impacts. Warmer water favors invasive chain pickerel, and restoration work is paused; Atlantic salmon migration is also being blocked by low flows.

Heavy rain in East Iceland has eased, but the Icelandic Meteorological Office warns that landslide risk remains in the Eastfjords following several minor slides yesterday. Travelers are urged to use caution near steep slopes and stream channels.

A Norwegian research vessel reached the North Pole and found extensive open water and thin sea ice, allowing unusually easy navigation compared to 30 years ago. Scientists warn the rapid loss of Arctic sea ice is unprecedented and threatens polar bear habitat.

Alaska health officials issued an alert after wild shellfish from Kachemak Bay’s inner bay tested above regulatory limits for paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins. Residents are warned not to harvest or eat untested wild shellfish; monitoring and test results are being posted by the Alaska Harmful Algal Bloom Network.

In Rovaniemi, a resident observed globeflowers (Trollius) blooming again in early September, an unusual second flowering for this early-summer species. The rare late bloom drew comment from a botany professor.