Wheeling’s village board signed off on site plans for a new roughly $30 million aquatic center at Heritage Park, with construction underway and a spring/summer 2027 target. Funding, renderings and permitting steps are now moving forward.

Park officials say more than 100 dead fish washed up at Lake Nokomis and warn more may appear. Authorities suspect a bacterial outbreak and the DNR is investigating.

Home security footage shows a black bear roaming Stanton Heights, drawing online attention and prompting wildlife-safety reminders from state officials.

A black bear walked through backyards in Slinger early Tuesday and was caught on video; wildlife officials say it may be a young bear exploring new territory.

A new analysis finds nesting wading birds in the NY–NJ harbor have plunged; the black-crowned night heron’s losses threaten local disappearance by 2035.

A ranch employee reportedly shot the King Mountain pack matriarch on a ranch spanning Eagle and Routt counties, orphaning four pups as CPW investigates.

A one-year-old wallaby found abandoned in a carrier is now safe at San Francisco Animal Care & Control and being evaluated for adoption.

A 500-animal herd of goats and sheep has moved into Malibu’s Big Rock hills to graze invasive brush and create defensible space as part of a $3.2M regional wildfire prevention push.

Hikers at Lion's Den Gorge say signs, rope and a trail camera are blocking a longtime Lake Michigan route north toward Port Washington.

A Belle Isle homeowner found an alligator paddling in a backyard pool late last week; officers secured and relocated the reptile and no injuries were reported.

Legacy Emanuel circulated a safety flyer after employees reported crows swooping near the staff lot; experts say fledglings likely explain the behavior. Officials urge people not to harass the birds and to call animal control for help.

Nankin Square will debut in Westland this month as a 3.9‑acre park with an amphitheater, trails, nature play and food‑truck space aimed at sparking redevelopment.

A new indoor natatorium with lap lanes, a lazy river and a two‑story waterslide opens in Elyria‑Swansea, promising year‑round swim access for north Denver families.