Dave Orrick

Moose researchers begin collaring calves, seeking answers on decline

twincities.com — Biologists have begun collaring moose calves in the second phase of a study to determine why Minnesota's moose population is declining so rapidly. This past winter, researchers attached high-tech GPS collars to more than 100 adult moose. Minnesota Public Radio reports they started putting collars on baby moose last week and are about halfway to their goal of 50.

No shots fired as Wisconsin woman uses gun to save husband from bear

twincities.com — May 16--A woman whacked a young bear over the head with a gun, rescuing her husband from an attack outside their Silver Cliff cabin Wednesday, the Marinette County Sheriff's Office said. Gerre Ninnemann, the husband, originally saw the bear running after his dog, the sheriff's report said.

Slippery surveillance: DNR research aims to halt invasive Asian carp

twincities.com — If James Bond were a fisherman, he would approve of the high-tech espionage being used in Minnesota's fish wars. This week, scientists unveiled an underwater spying campaign in their ongoing battle against Asian carp. They are implanting 120 local fish with beepers to track their movements.

St. Croix bridge barges cleared for work, after mussels found

twincities.com — Barges sidelined from work on the new St. Croix River bridge near Stillwater because of a zebra mussel scare have been cleared after the project's contractor submitted tightened decontamination controls to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Meanwhile, the state Department of Natural Resources is trying to identify three truck drivers who transported the barges from Wisconsin.

Hudson author finds literary gold along Wisconsin's hiking trails

twincities.com — Leaving California for his new home in Hudson last summer, Rob Bignell was crestfallen over all the great hiking he would miss in the Golden State. But during his drive to Wisconsin it dawned on him that there must be great trails in the state, and he decided he would find them.

Battling bald eagles crash at Duluth airport

twincities.com — Two adult bald eagles made an unplanned landing on the tarmac at the Duluth International Airport on Sunday. The two birds had locked talons in mid-air and couldn't get separated before they crashed to the concrete, said Randy Hanzal, a conservation officer with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

South Dakota's annual Free Fishing Weekend begins Friday

twincities.com — PIERRE, S.D. -- Anglers can fish without a license this coming weekend during South Dakota's annual Free Fishing Weekend. Fishing regulations and limits remain applicable. The state Game, Fish and Parks Department says all state parks and recreation areas also are offering free entrance from Friday, May 17, through Sunday.

Wetland conditions good for nesting migratory birds

ducks.org — BISMARCK, N.D. - May 10, 2013 - As the breeding season for ducks in the Prairie Pothole Region gets into full swing, the world will be celebrating International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) on Saturday, May 11. As IMBD draws near, Ducks Unlimited says habitat conditions in the continent's "Duck Factory" are above average.