A black bear was photographed near the end of Kipling Crossing in Pierce Township. Police urged neighbors to secure trash and report any new sightings.

A thumb‑shaped sand spit has formed off Silver Beach in St. Joseph as Army Corps crews test using dredged sediment. Officials warn visitors to stay off the fragile feature while researchers monitor impacts.

Lake Sophia, a spring-fed quarry at Sojourner Truth State Park in Kingston, opens July 17 with an ADA-accessible swim crib, lifeguards and a new bathhouse pavilion. The $75.6M project reclaims a former industrial site for public use.

Cold‑water shock can incapacitate swimmers in minutes — even in mid‑summer. Experts and local agencies explain the risks and how to stay safe at Colorado lakes.

Travis Audubon briefly canceled Purple Martin watch parties at a Round Rock shopping center after a trespass warning; public pressure helped persuade the manager to reverse that decision. Organizers say details will be announced soon.

After decades of locked gates, Bay Harbour HOA settled with the Coastal Commission to reopen greenbelt access to Jack Nichol Park and fund new park amenities.

UF researchers tracked a tagged python to a hidden nest near Everglades Holiday Park, removed about 15–20 eggs for study and released the mother.

Experts say "zero days" of beach closure from Tijuana sewage is a realistic target — but only if binational fixes, steady funding and sediment and pollution work continue.

A homeowner's video shows a black bear cooling off in a backyard kiddie pool near Steamboat Springs, underscoring rising summer bear encounters.

Gaston County closed the swim beach at South Point Access Park after routine testing found elevated E. coli levels. Officials say the beach will remain closed pending lab confirmation.

A new habitat at the 530‑acre Georgia Safari Conservation Park in Madison expands close-up animal encounters and overnight safari stays. Reservations are required.

A juvenile, state‑endangered black‑crowned night heron landed on a River North windowsill and became a viral curiosity, shining a light on Chicago's urban rookery.

A Ring camera in Venice caught a 9‑foot‑4 alligator pushing through a screened lanai into a home's pool; a licensed FWC trapper removed it safely.