Eco Dance

It seems that freeways and roadways don’t damage animal habitats as much as we previously thought - at least not rodent and small mammal habitats. A recent study showed that roadsides actually make good habitats for rodents, as demonstrated by the fact that birds of prey make roadsides some of their frequent hunting destinations. Good news for both the rodent and raptor populations.

If something isn’t done soon, the largest living structures on Earth are in serious danger. I’m talking about the coral reefs, all the animals that make their habitat in reefs, and the people whose livelihoods rely on them. A recent review of the impact of rising carbon emissions on the reefs has revealed some very frightening statistics, published in the journal Science.

A top researcher at the University of Kansas doubts that the United States’ efforts to monitor the spread of the bird flu are doing much good. Apparently, the US government primarily tests waterfowl in Alaska, and A. Townsend Peterson doesn’t think that’s good enough - that they’re ignoring other possible points of entry. I find this more than a little scary. I would hope our government would be on top of something like this.

The Hybelos Waterway in Tacoma, Washington has had 435 gallons of diesel oil dumped into it, according to news reports. Apparently, fuel was being transferred between two tanks on a fishing vessel. By Tuesday night, 123 gallons had been recovered, and protective booms had been set up to protect the habitats. No one was monitoring the fuel transfer, which is against the Trident Seafoods Corporation’s policy. Trident is the company that owns the fishing vessel.

Many homes and businesses have been completely or partially destroyed by the flooding in Western Washington State this past week. As they dig out and tear down, many of them are burning the items that are not worth being saved. Officials are now asking residents to stop burning, claiming that it can release pollutants into the air. Officials also instructed people to make sure their tetanus immunizations are up to date. This is just a devastating situation - I can’t even imagine dealing with all of this around the holidays.