Wildlife

A new law in Illinois formalizes efforts to reintroduce native keystone species like bison and beavers in the state, which advocates say will help other species recover.

The decision by a Texas federal court removed the lesser prairie chicken of any endangered or threatened species protections, which were established through a Biden-era ruling. The Trump administration had tried to reverse the designation, on behalf of livestock and oil producers.

Tonia Haddix pleaded guilty in March to perjury and obstruction of justice. She was subsequently arrested last month after federal law enforcement found a secret chimpanzee on her property in Camden County, violating several terms of her bond.

Tonia Haddix was arrested July 19 after federal law enforcement found a female chimpanzee on her property in Camden County, in violation of several terms of her bond.

Law enforcement reported finding the female chimp in a cage on Tonia Haddix's property in Camden County, Missouri, on July 9. Haddix pleaded guilty earlier this year to three felonies for lying about the status of a different chimp.

Talks of overhauling the U.S. Postal Service have picked up since President Donald Trump began his second term. With service cutbacks already underway and privatization on the table, rural residents are bracing for more disruptions. Plus: There are more than 40 species of fireflies in Missouri, but for the past few years, people have been concerned about the populations diminishing.

St. Louis County Circuit Judge Brian May said four companies tied to Tonia Haddix and her husband, Jerry Aswegan, ignored court orders to hand over financial records and other documents to PETA.

There are more than 40 species of fireflies in Missouri, but their populations have been diminishing over the last few years. That's why Missourians have been pleasantly surprised to see so many this summer.

The six Mexican wolf pups were only 10 days old when they made their unusual journey from the Endangered Wolf Center in Eureka, Missouri.

Missouri's bear population is increasing, meaning humans will likely continue to encounter bears more often. Several were sighted recently in the Kansas City area, including near a Taco Bell in Grandview.

Every spring, thousands of turtles begin their yearly search for places to forage, mate and lay eggs. Sometimes they have to cross Missouri's roads to do it.

The lesser prairie chicken is threatened in its northern range, which includes Kansas and Oklahoma, and endangered in its southern range. Kansas Republicans have introduced legislation over the years that would reverse protections for the species.