Where the Wild Things Are (Vol. 1, Ed. 6): ???Halloween's over, but the real scare is yet to come...
Brandi D. Addison
Journalist in West Texas l Adjunct Faculty at Texas Tech l Writer
Five days ‘til Election Day, and wildlife may be in for a real fright.
Halloween may be behind us, but for wildlife, the scares aren’t over yet. With just five days until Election Day, some critical decisions hang in the balance — ones that could make or break protections for habitats and species across the country. It’s no secret that policies decided at the ballot box can have long-lasting impacts on our environment, so while we’re out of costumes, there’s still a little fright in the air.
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Why do I care about wildlife so much?
Wildlife is the backbone of the ecosystems we rely on for our own survival. Every species, from the smallest insect to the largest predator, plays an essential role in maintaining the balance that supports our air, water, soil and climate — all things humans depend on to live.
In truth, we need wildlife far more than it needs us, and without it, the delicate network that sustains life on Earth would collapse.
Our well-being is deeply interwoven with the health of wildlife populations and the habitats they sustain. In respecting and protecting these species, we’re also protecting our own future.
Wildlife isn’t just a passive part of our world; it’s an active?force shaping our ability to thrive as a species.?Biodiversity isn’t a luxury; it’s essential for nature's survival.
As wildlife species disappear, let each loss serve as a warning bell for humanity. Every extinction reverberates through ecosystems, eroding the foundations that support humanity.
In many ways, the fate of wildlife reflects our own. These extinctions signal a deeper imbalance, foretelling what we, too, will face if we continue to ignore our interconnectedness with the natural world.
???? In the Wild
Personal works, covering all things wild flora and fauna
??? 1. Spiders, birds and bats: 10 spooky critters that are just misunderstood
It’s easy to shudder at the sight of a critter with 100 legs or feel a chill at the hoot of an owl in the dark. But these often-feared animals are actually ecological powerhouses, working behind the scenes to keep our ecosystems balanced. From pest control to pollination, these creatures play essential roles in ways that might surprise you.
?? 2. All about monarch butterflies: When is peak monarch migration?
Renowned for their epic 2,200-mile journey from Canada to Mexico, monarch butterflies are one of the most iconic and recognizable species in the U.S. — and right now, they’re making their way through Texas.
When to watch: Peak migration along Texas’s I-35 Corridor occurs from early to mid-October, with monarchs most active on warmer, sunny days. This is an ideal time to witness their breathtaking migration. But don't get down! It's not too late as temperatures remain warm, and they ride in ahead of cold fronts.
Where they go: Monarchs spend the winter in the oyamel fir forests of Mexico’s Sierra Madre Mountains, where the microclimate helps them survive. During summer, they reside in the northern U.S. and Canada.
Population struggles: Monarch numbers are in steep decline due to habitat loss, reduced milkweed availability, climate change, and agricultural pesticides. This year, the eastern population in Mexico’s overwintering sites fell to just 0.9 hectares—down from 2.21 hectares last year. The western population in California also dropped nearly 30%, with 233,394 butterflies counted compared to over 330,000 last year.
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How to help:
???3. Meet Jasper, the first male mandrill born at the Fort Worth Zoo in 30 years?
The Fort Worth Zoo recently celebrated the birth of Jasper, a baby mandrill born on Sept. 13, weighing just 2 pounds—about the size of a pineapple. Jasper is the first male mandrill born at the zoo in over 30 years.
Family ties: Jasper’s name honors both his mother, Scarlett, and older sister, Ruby, while also paying tribute to his father, J.J. Ruby, born earlier this year, has been adjusting to her new role as big sister, often staying close to her mother and exhibiting protective behaviors over her baby brother.
About mandrills: Native to West-Central Africa, mandrills are known for their vibrant blue and red facial markings and are often mistaken for baboons. Despite their unique appearance, mandrills are considered vulnerable due to habitat destruction, illegal hunting, and the pet trade. With fewer than 4,000 left in the wild, Jasper’s birth is a step toward ensuring the survival of the species.
Zoo’s commitment: “Jasper’s birth contributes to a diverse, genetically healthy population of mandrills among U.S. zoos,” the Fort Worth Zoo wrote online. “Mom and Jasper are bonding well, and the family of four is thriving together!”
???4.? 'Zombie Deer Disease' wreaks havoc on deer populations
From the vast plains of West Texas to the dense forests of the East, Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) — ominously nicknamed “zombie deer disease” — is spreading across the state. But while the name sounds frightening, experts assure us it’s not quite the horror story it may seem.
What is it? CWD is a fatal neurological disease affecting deer, elk, and moose. Although infected animals can remain symptom-free for years, the disease ultimately disrupts their normal behavior and bodily functions. First identified in 1967, CWD has now spread to at least 20 counties in Texas.
Rising numbers: In 2024, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) confirmed over 200 cases, representing more than 25% of all cases documented in Texas since 2005. Sam Harryman, a TPWD wildlife biologist, notes that the recent spike may be due to heightened awareness and improved sampling rather than a true surge.
Texas' largest-ever deer cull: To control a recent outbreak in Hunt County, TPWD conducted its largest deer culling operation, eliminating all 249 remaining deer at the affected RW Trophy Ranch. Game Warden Joshua Bonney, overseeing the operation, emphasized collaboration with local agencies, including the sheriff’s office, to manage the disease. (This story was in an earlier newsletter. Find it here !)
Containment efforts: Enhanced testing and containment zones around affected breeding facilities are helping prevent CWD from spreading to wild deer populations. According to Bonney, most positive cases in Texas have been in breeding facilities, with only a few detected in the wild.
?? Beyond the Wild
Taking a step beyond the wild, this section features personal coverage over a wider range of?environmental and political issues.
?? Wild Finds
Stepping outside personal coverage and sharing excellent work from others.
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