Northwest Wildlife Online                       

Wild News of the Northwest:

- The Times News Tribune reports that more than 2500 square miles of Washington's marine waters could be designated as crucial for the survival of Puget Sound's orcas.  The proposal includes most of Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca; it excludes shallow waters, coastal arreas, Hood Canal, and 18 military sites.  What does it mean?  "Federal agencies active in the area, or that issue permits for the activities of others, would have to make sure the results don't harm whales or their habitats."  I'll let you figure out what that means - I don't know.  If whale protected areas like Hawaii are any guide it will led to increased restrictions on boaters.

- Northwest Trek's wolverine continues to develop:  (photos courtesy of Northwest Trek Wildlife Park)

- Northwest Trek hosts a Father's Day Barbeque on 18 June from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Come out and see animal dads and take a tram tour through the wilderness.

- Apparently they don't have enough beavers in eastern Washington.  Representative Joel Kretz, an Okanogan County rancher introduce a bill that would have allowed easterners to come west, trap a beaver, and bring it back to eastern Washington.  Seems the ranchers and homeowners like the little lake makers for their reservoir building abilities.  Gov Gregoire vetoed the bill.

- Knight Ridder newspapers reports that Alzheimer's disease might possibly be prevented by plasmogen, a substance found in sea squirts.  Researchers at Tohuko University, Japan, have verified the effect in experiments.  A company plans to market plasmogen tablets as early as next year.

- Associated Press reports on Oregon biologist trying to save the Western Pond Turtle.  One of only two turtles native to Oregon the state lists the species as "sensitive" due to habitat loss and decreasing survival of their young.  Part of the problem is the "disconnection" of the species due to roads and highways.  Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo and the Oregon Zoo have programs to raise the turtle.

- The Tacoma News Tribune reports that 600 species of wildlife were discovered in one 24 hour period during a study in Washington's lower White River.  The work was part of an effort by the Pierce County Biodiversity Alliance and Puyallup River Watershed Council to show what might me lost if the 3,000 acre are is developed.

- Northwest Trek hosts a Father's Day Barbeque on 18 June from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Come out and see animal dads and take a tram tour through the wilderness.

- Point Defiance Zoo will soon have a herd of Pacific Walrus!  ET the resident male will finally have the chance to live with a pair of females, Joan and Basilla thanks to a breeding loan from the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago.

HOOAH

Jack