Groups Seek Federal Probe of NM Wolf Pup Deaths

3 Mexican wolf pups were found dead after their den was abandoned.  Some speculate human activity around the den prompted the wolves to leave.

Groups Seek Federal Probe of NM Wolf Pup Deaths – AP

The agency said the mother left scratch marks from her efforts to get the pups out of a deep crevice in the den.

Why was there so much human activity around the den site ? :

Officials had been monitoring the pack’s alpha male because it was linked to four livestock killings within the past year.

Read the letter from conservation groups to Interior Secretary Salazar requesting an investigation.

US/Mexico border wall harms wildlife, but modifications could reduce its impact

I hope folks won’t get into an unpleasant argument about immigration/illegal aliens, etc.

Regardless, the wall harms many species of wildlife. However, “. . . technology and alterations to the design could dramatically improve the potential for animals to move more freely between the two countries” according to scientists.

US-Mexico Border Wall Could Threaten Wildlife Species. Science Daily

More tests, show more mercury in Utah sport fish

Idaho fish have a similar problem. The culprit is likely the same — Nevada gold mines-

Below is an editorial from the Salt Lake Tribune on the rather shocking new findings about levels of mercury in Utah fish. In some cases the fish have so much mercury it isn’t safe to eat a single fish.

There are many sources of mercury, but for these two states one source stands out — the numerous gold pit mines that have popped up  in Nevada — many of which put out far more of toxic metal (once it is converted to methymercury) than an entire handful of coal-fired power plants.

I think it is time for a lawsuit demanding damages.

Mercury testing yields advisories. Salt Lake Tribune Editorial