Where the Wild Things Are (Vol. 1, Ed. 4): Moving 4-ward!

Wow, look at me go — back at it for round four! Who would've thought I’d hit this stride? I’m cautiously optimistic about keeping this up, but hey, miracles do happen.

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???? In the Wild

Personal works, covering all things wild flora and fauna

???1. 'It's raining bats': Bat World Sanctuary warns of injured bats in North Texas town

Bat World Sanctuary in Weatherford is battling an outbreak of Wing Wasting Disease, which has affected around 50 bats in Mineral Wells. The disease, caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, deteriorates wing membranes, leaving bats stranded and vulnerable. The sanctuary has been on high alert, working around the clock to provide care and treatment.

What they said:?"They can fly for a bit before grounding; some are up to a half-mile away from where they roost,?so they're everywhere right now in Downtown," said Bat World Sanctuary Amanda Lollar. "They're found in grocery stores, beauty parlors, everywhere. We're going to continue to go out every night to investigate until there's no one left to rescue."

What’s next: The sanctuary is treating affected bats, but recovery is expected to be a lengthy process of up to several?months. Read more.

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?? 2. Officers killed an 'aggressive' mountain lion in South Texas. Now, the community is in an uproar

Following overwhelming support from the public, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department updated its mountain lion hunting standards for the first time in over 50 years in late May. Now, the community is in uproar after officers killed one in South Texas last week.

In early July, the big cat?was spotted roaming the streets of a Laredo neighborhood. Video captured the mountain lion climbing a backyard fence, a rare instance of these elusive creatures being witnesses so close to humans outside of their habitat in the wild.?And after attempts to contain and relocate the big cat, the mountain lion was fatally shot as it escaped a makeshift cage

The criticism: Many residents and wildlife advocates have labeled the incident a "disgrace," arguing that the situation could have been handled better with improved resources and procedures. The shooting highlights growing tensions between urban expansion and wildlife protection.

What's next: The incident has spurred calls for better training and equipment for local wildlife officials and a review of current management practices. There is increasing pressure on authorities to prevent similar incidents in the future and to ensure that both wildlife and community safety are adequately addressed. This outcry is likely to influence future wildlife management discussions and policy changes. Read more. ?

???3.?Poisonous hammerhead worm populations are rising in Texas— and when chopped in two, they double

Houston is seeing an increase in hammerhead worms following recent heavy rains and Hurricane Beryl. These invasive worms, known for their toxic secretions and environmental impact, pose a threat to both pets and local ecosystems. The worms can grow up to 15 inches long and are recognized by their hammer-shaped heads.

What they said:?“It will regenerate,” Ashley Morgan-Olvera of the Texas Invasive Species Institute?told KHOU.?“So if you chop it into two pieces, you get two worms."

Instead, the expert recommends placing the worms in a plastic bag with salt and vinegar or citrus oil — and placing them in the freezer overnight. No one should handle the worm without proper protection, including gloves, even when dead.

The biggest threat:?Hammerhead worms can cause skin irritation and are fatal to pets if ingested. They also prey on beneficial earthworms, which are crucial for soil health and plant growth.? Read more.

???4. Baby bull sharks are increasing along the coast of Texas

Baby bull sharks are seeing a significant population increase along the Texas coast, with numbers rising about fivefold in recent decades. These sharks are utilizing freshwater environments as nurseries, thanks to their unique ability to tolerate both saltwater and freshwater. Their presence has been particularly notable in areas like Galveston Bay and Sabine Lake.

The thriving population of juvenile bull sharks indicates a healthy aquatic ecosystem. Their adaptation to freshwater environments also underscores the resilience and adaptability of marine species. Despite their growing numbers, these young sharks are not a significant threat to humans and actually offer some protection from larger predators. Read more.

???5. TPWD releasing native desert bighorn sheep populations in West Texas this fall

Desert bighorn sheep continue to make a comeback in Texas as wildlife officials ram through efforts to restore the population that was once extinct in the Lone Star State.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department?announced plans?earlier this month to restore the native species to the Franklin Mountains this fall, as part of a decades-long effort to revitalize the sheep's population in its historic habitat around the state.

Species recovery: The reintroduction marks a significant step in the conservation of desert bighorn sheep. The species faces challenges from overhunting,?invasive aoudads and diseases from domestic sheep. Successful reintroduction will help restore ecological balance and preserve the species for future generations. Read more.

Plus:

• Tune in: Hear a brief interview about the Muleshoe Wildlife Refuge expansion on The Texas Standard
• Coming next: An upcoming webinar with Covering Climate Now and The Texas Tribune ?will discuss how Texas journalists can reach local audiences by making the climate connection. RSVP here.

?? Beyond the Wild

Taking a step beyond the wild, this section features personal coverage over a wider range of?environmental and political issues. ?

• The Farm Bill is stalled. What does that mean for hemp and delta-8 products in Texas?
• Immigration, inflation, crime and taxes: 2024 GOP policy platform broken down
• The Perseid meteor shower will light skies across Texas through Aug. 24. See when and where
• Will VP Kamala Harris be first woman president in US? See polling odds and lengthy process

?? Wild Finds

Stepping outside personal coverage and sharing excellent work from others

• "Bats Already Had Problems. Now, Add Taxidermy Listings on Etsy and eBay." - The New York Times
• "Invasive ants travel by car" - Virginia Tech Newsroom
• "To save spotted owls, US officials plan to kill hundreds of thousands of another owl species" - The Associated Press