Missouri Department of Conservation

Eastern whip-poor-wills are nocturnal birds and can be spotted throughout Missouri between April and September. But the beloved species, a mainstay of Midwest folklore, has been declining steadily for decades.

On hikes after dark in the fall, visitors to Hannibal, Missouri, can see swarms of endangered Indiana bats arriving at their largest hibernation site.

Missouri's bear hunting season started Oct. 17. Even though the bear population is coming back in Missouri, habitat destruction and overhunting have threatened their numbers.

Noppadol Paothong grew up in Thailand but came to the U.S. to study graphic design and photojournalism. In 2005, he became a photographer for the Missouri Department of Conservation, bringing him in close contact with Midwestern species like raptors, eastern hellbenders and prairie chickens.

Lakes and ponds need nearby wetlands to stay healthy. In some places in Missouri, there isn't the room to do that, so conservationists are bringing the wetlands to the water.

A sting from an Asian needle ant can cause anaphylaxis. The ant tends to prefer forests and wood-rich areas, has a distinctive stinger, and has a lighter reddish-brown color on the legs.

Officials with the Department of Conservation said the pandemic helped many Missourians reconnect with the outdoors. But that has led to significantly more problems with campers at conservation areas since 2020.

The annual "buyback" program spearheaded by the Missouri Invasive Plant Council offers residents a free native tree in exchange for removing invasive Callery pear. It's part of a larger effort to encourage more sustainable, pollinator-friendly landscaping choices and educate people about what's in their backyards.

Weighing bear cubs and measuring teeth are part of Nate Bowersock’s regular workday with the Missouri Department of Conservation.

A nesting pair of eagles made Blue Springs its home — and they're expecting! Viewers can watch their journey from home through a live feed.

Missouri officials want to find the poacher responsible for shooting an elk in Peck Ranch Conservation Area, and they're offering $15,000 for information leading to a conviction.

Artificial intelligence could help scientists and state conservationists count waterfowl more quickly and accurately, according to a new study.