Animals

To save spotted owls, officials plan to kill a half-million of another owl species
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service strategy is meant to prop up declining spotted owl populations in Oregon, Washington and California by killing barred owls that have encroached into their territory.
Sanctuary rescues cat thrown from 12th floor of Minneapolis apartment
A cat thrown from a 12th-story apartment balcony in Minneapolis last month is recovering after a Twin Cities animal sanctuary arranged intensive veterinary care. The year-old tabby named Rue suffered a broken leg, foot and jaw, but no internal injuries.
Tribes honor the birth of rare white buffalo and reveal its name: Wakan Gli
The moment marked the highlight of a Native American ceremony to commemorate the calf's birth that featured the retelling of how a mysterious woman brought a message of reassurance during hard times.
These best boys and girls just graduated from the ATF’s National Canine Academy
Meet the dogs who just finished the ATF’s canine training program. ATF dogs have supported major events like the Super Bowl and are also used in the bread-and-butter of ATF’s work: solving gun crimes.
Cows infected by bird flu in Minnesota, but human threat very low
The bird flu outbreak has impacted 17 million poultry across 26 states to date so far this year, 1.7 million of those affected poultry are in Minnesota. Threat to human health is very low, with only four known cases of human infection so far this year.
Illinois is hit with cicada chaos. This is what it's like to see, hear and feel billions of bugs
Cicada chaos is flourishing and flying in the American Midwest. Trillions of once hidden baby bugs are in the air, on the trees and perching upon people’s shirts, hats and even faces.
First of its kind animal health and wellbeing gathering examines issues through an Indigenous lens
The first Indigenous animal health and wellbeing gathering will be held in Walker this coming weekend. It’s a partnership between the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and veterinary leaders from four states. A total of 11 tribes will be represented. 
Where were you 6 years ago when the MPR raccoon scaled a St. Paul skyscraper?
Relive the highs and lows of the day with the coverage we featured of the little critter that could, as well some as anecdotes from MPR staff and audience members like you.
A dog traveled nearly 4 miles to get help after its owner crashed into a ravine
The man was traveling with his four dogs when he ran off a remote road into a ravine in Oregon. One dog returned to where the man was camping with family, alerting them that something was wrong.