A small group of transient orcas passed Blakely Rock off Bainbridge on Saturday, visible from West Seattle shores. Local naturalists urged safe viewing and reporting.

A dead eastern hemlock in Nantahala National Forest shelters a small colony of endangered Indiana bats — the first documented maternity roost in North Carolina in 14 years.

San Diego lifeguards warn that unmarked 'false trails' above Black's Beach can end in unstable cliffs and have prompted multiple rescues; officials urge use of the paved Black Gold Road access.

Mayor Todd Gloria unveiled plans to remove more than 1,300 feet of concrete from Chollas Creek, aiming to restore habitat, add trails and reduce flood risk in southeast neighborhoods.

Clogged drains have left the P.S. 278 splash pad in Marine Park pooled with stagnant, trash‑filled water, and neighbors say temporary fixes aren't enough. They want immediate cleanup and a timetable for a long‑promised rebuild.

A Steamboat Springs man found a black bear sitting in his pickup's front seat; the animal fled after he banged on the hood. Officials urge securing vehicles and trash.

A New Bern‑area angler hooked an estimated 8‑ft, 300‑lb bull shark on the Neuse River and cut the line after a 30‑minute fight.

FWC recovered a two‑year‑old panther (UCFP506) after a suspected vehicle strike on SR 29 in Collier County. The agency and local outlets urge motorists to slow down.

City records and complaints show hundreds of broken spray features this summer while advocates say cuts have left parks short-staffed. Repairs can take days or weeks.

A decades-old Parks Department rule requiring NYPD officers at public pools led to dozens of late openings last summer, shrinking swim hours as the 2026 season begins.

San Diego County posted a health advisory for Coronado North Beach (EH‑060) effective June 25 at 4:50 p.m. Visitors should avoid ocean contact until testing clears the water.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife will close Boyd Lake’s boat ramps at 9 p.m. Sunday for the rest of 2026 as reservoir levels fall; hand‑launched craft and inspections remain available.

Tahoe National Forest moved to Stage 1 restrictions on June 26, banning campfires outside developed sites and planning night‑flying drones with infrared cameras over the July 4 weekend.