Our Pacific Northwest

Our Pacific Northwest

Wolverines Struggle to Weather Climate Change

This week federal wildlife officials will begin considering placing wolverines under protection of the Endangered Species Act according to a report by The Columbian. According to the report, there are roughly 200 to 300 wolverines remaining in the contiguous United States, surviving in small pockets in Washington, Wyoming, Idaho, the Northern Rockies and larger populations in Alaska and Canada. Although these tenacious 40-pound creatures fear no apex predators, their species has declined over the years due to a drop in heavy snow falls. The heavy snow is critical for wolverine mothers to build sufficient dens for their newborns. Many environmentalists within the region are pointing to the effects of climate change as the leading cause of the wolverine’s demise. Despite this dire news, the report did indicate there is still time to save the species by introducing them to the tall peaks of the Rockies in Colorado. Only time will tell if more efforts will be made to save a unique species in our Pacific Northwest.

 

Photo Via The Nature of Travel

 

To learn more about climate change, read Fiddling While Rome Burns

 

 

Our Pacific Northwest

Our Pacific Northwest

Pigeon Enthusiasts Flock to Vancouver for National Convention

Most people view pigeons as a pestilence, but that’s not the case for those who have flocked for the National Pigeon Association’s National Convention in Vancouver this weekend where 3,700 of them will be displayed this weekend. In a report filed  by The Columbian, the show will exhibit over 350 different breeds, almost all of them bred for their unique genetic traits like cooing sounds, speed, and desirable plumage. Despite the negative connotations with feral pigeons, the article stated domesticated pigeons have been bred since the 1300s and are still serve practical purposes today. Racing homers (which can reach speeds of 70mph) have been used for communication in military combat throughout the 20th century, and today send critical medical samples across a congested New York City. Although feral pigeons only live about 18 months, domesticated pigeons average a lifespan of 10-15 years, with some reported to have lived  over 30 years. The convention highlights a thought-provoking point of view of these birds and  introduces a new pigeon paradigm into our Pacific Northwest.