8/7 Red fox, fed fox, Columbia R salmon, Hwy 20, BC rivers, climate effects, tribal voyage, Fairy Cr, US ESA, spotted owl, crab lines, ship hits, Audubon name, fireweed

San Juan Island red fox [Molly Neely-Walker]

Red fox
Because the red fox can be orange, silver, black, or any combination thereof, look for its distinguishing mark: a bushy, white-tipped tail. They also commonly have black "stockings," white undersides, and ears that may be tipped in black outside with white inside. They look bigger than they really because of their thick, bushy coat, and even then can look rangy with tall, skinny legs. Weighing about 10 to 14 pounds, red foxes are members of the dog family Canidae, and look similar to dogs, wolves, and coyotes. They have long, pointed snouts and erect ears, and are often seen because they prefer open habitats and are not strictly nocturnal. While they are opportunistic, omnivorous feeders and will eat insects, birds, mice, snakes, rabbits, nuts, berries, and fruits, one of their favorite local foods seems to be the Townsend's vole. Watch as they creep low to the ground after their prey like a cat, stretch their head high to listen and look, then pounce with their forefeet. (National Park Service)

Humans urged to stay away from San Juan’s red foxes
“A fed fox is a dead fox,” warn signs on San Juan Island, urging humans to keep their distance from foxes in the wild — for the sake of the animals. Richard Arlin Walker reports. (Salish Current)  See: How one famous fox photo ignited a seasonal San Juan Island conflict (Seattle Times)

Billions spent on hatcheries, habitat fails to help native Columbia River salmon, study finds
Decades of data show that despite billions in taxpayer investment, salmon and steelhead hatchery programs and restoration projects in the Columbia River Basin have failed to support or boost native fish populations and in fact are contributing to their decline. Alex Baumhart reports. (Washington State Standard)

Fire causes Highway 20 to close over North Cascades
A wildfire burning near Diablo Lake forced the closure Friday night of a 36-mile stretch of Highway 20 that runs through the area. (Skagit Valley Herald) 

80% of B.C. rivers face high to extreme drought
Persistent dry and hot weather pushed Metro Vancouver to enact Level 2 watering restrictions Friday for the first time since 2015. Stefan Labbé reports. (Times Colonist)

How climate change is affecting B.C., from cattle to glaciers to wine grapes
Temperature extremes and wildfires are devastating industries and ecosystems across the province. Richard Raycraft reports. (CBC)

Tribes return to Salish Sea for canoe journey, reuniting after pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic postponed the traditional canoe journey, meaning a deep and emotional reunion for many participants. Joseph Huerta reports. (KING)

Old-growth protest blockades return to Fairy Creek area
Blockades are an effort to stop forestry company Teal Jones from accessing trees in an area north of Port Renfrew. Michael John Lo reports. (Times Colonist)

After helping prevent extinctions for 50 years, the Endangered Species Act itself may be in peril
Fifty years after the law took effect, environmental advocates and scientists say it's as essential as ever. Habitat loss, pollution, climate change and disease are putting an estimated 1 million species worldwide at risk. Yet the law has become so controversial that Congress hasn't updated it since 1992 — and some worry it won't last another half-century. John Flesher reports. (Associated Press)

State seeking comment for northern spotted owl
The state Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking public input on a draft periodic status review for northern spotted owl that includes a recommendation to keep the owl on the state’s endangered species list. (Peninsula Daily News)

Oregon crabbers and environmentalists are at odds as a commission votes on rules to protect whales
Humpbacks, which migrate off Oregon’s coast, and other whales can get caught in the vertical ropes connected to the heavy traps and drag them around for months, leaving the mammals injured, starved or so exhausted that they can drown...The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission is expected to vote late Friday on whether to permanently set stricter rules and pot limits put in place in 2020 to protect whales. Ed Komenda reports. (Associated Press)

Researchers sound alarm after reports of whales hit by ships
Three whales were reportedly struck by vessels in northern B.C. waters over a 10-day period last month, raising West Coast humpback researchers’ concerns over the risk shipping poses to the marine mammals. Rochelle Baker reports. (National Observer)

Is Social Justice for the Birds? Audubon Attempts an Answer.
A battle over the group namesake’s ties to slavery grew into a conflict over diversity, highlighting complications that have arisen in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death. Clyde McGrady reports. (NY Times) 

How fireweed offers hope amid B.C.'s worst wildfire summer on record
The purple flowering plants are the first sign of ecosystem recovery, says forest researcher. Tessa Vikander reports. (CBC)

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Now, your tug weather--
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  234 AM PDT Mon Aug 7 2023   TODAY  W wind to 10 kt rising to 5 to 15 kt in the afternoon.  Wind waves 2 ft or less. W swell 3 ft at 8 seconds. 
TONIGHT  W wind 5 to 15 kt becoming to 10 kt after midnight.  Wind waves 2 ft or less. W swell 3 ft at 8 seconds.

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