Monday, July 20, 2026

7/20 Raccoon, imperiled animal protection, Roberts Bank expansion, El Niño, BC wildfire, western WA smoke, bacteria beaches, democracy watch.

 

Raccoon [Wikipedia]

Raccoon Procyon lotor
Raccoons are a common sight in much of Washington, often drawn to urban areas by food supplied by humans. As long as raccoons are kept out of human homes, not cornered, and not treated as pets, they are not dangerous. Because their hind legs are longer than the front legs, raccoons have a hunched appearance when they walk or run. A raccoon in the wild will probably weigh less than the urbanized raccoon that has learned to live on handouts, pet food, and garbage-can leftovers. (WDFW)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Bellingham celebrates Pride with parade, entertainment

Yellow-rumped Warbler
Reader Don Norman comments on last week's Yellow-rumped Warbler profile: "Yellow-rumped warblers are associated with the coastal shrub wax myrtle in the winter, eating their caloric rich winter berries, making them one of the most abundant wintering warblers in the US, on the east coast associated with Morella cerifera, on the west coast with Morella california.  To birders they are know as 'butter butts'"

US cancels automatic protections for imperiled animals as critics warn of extinctions
The U.S. Interior Department on Friday canceled a rule meant to protect plants and animals that are determined to be threatened with extinction, the latest step by President Donald Trump’s administration to dismantle key provisions of the landmark Endangered Species Act at the behest of industry. Instead of receiving automatic protections, imperiled species will need individualized protection plans once they are added to the threatened species list. That’s a potentially lengthy process in which companies could seek exemptions for oil and gas drilling, mining and other development where those species live. Matthew Brown reports.(Associated Press) 

‘Industrial sacrifice zone’: the plan to bring oil supertankers to the mouth of the Fraser River
As governments look to expand Roberts Bank, scientists warn one of Canada's most important ecosystems for salmon, southern resident killer whales and migratory birds could pay the price. Shannon Waters reports. (The Narwhal) 

El Niño is here, and it’s already looking like it could be 'mind-blowing'
In order to be considered an El Niño, temperatures in that zone need to be 0.5 C above the average. Ocean temperatures are now close to 2 C above average. And we're not even close to the peak yet. This is the warmest on record that region has ever been at this time of year. Nicole Mortillaro reports. (CBC)

B.C. wildfire tally surges past 100 as barrage of lightning strikes transforms fire season in a flash
Two-thirds of fires in province are out of control, mostly in southern Interior. (Canadian Press) 

Wildfire smoke to roll into Western WA; highs over 90 
Smoke from wildfires in British Columbia is expected to drift into Western Washington this week, when temperatures are likely to climb into the mid-80s and even the mid-90s in some areas. Lulu Ramadan reports. (Seattle Times) 

Bacteria closes several beaches across Puget Sound area
King County Health Department says the beaches are closed due to high levels of bacteria in water, likely caused by fecal matter from people, pets, or wildlife. Gene Coulon Memorial Beach was one of those beaches; high bacteria levels have also prompted closures at Houghton Beach in Kirkland, Mount Baker in Seattle, and Salt Creek near Port Angeles. Heather Bosch reports. (KIRO) 

Democracy Watch

  • DHS boss Mullin warns of possible prosecution for election officials over voter roll access (AP) 
  • Federal agents were told FBI will no longer investigate ICE confrontations  (NY Times) 
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Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  143 PM PDT Sun Jul 19 2026    
MON
 E wind around 5 kt, backing to NW in the afternoon. Seas  3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at 8 seconds.  
MON NIGHT  W wind around 5 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W  4 ft at 8 seconds.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato.  To subscribe? Questions? Email msato(at)salish-current.org. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.





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