Images

Researchers at the Pacific Northwest Environmental DNA Laboratory designed artificial flowers to attract pollinators. DNA left behind on the flowers can be collected and analyzed as a non-invasive way to survey for pollinator species diversity and abundance.

An black bear photographed by a trail camera positioned near the Elwha River, WA. Researchers are using trail cams to monitor wildlife recovery, use of, and interaction with areas restored after the removal of two dams on the river.

Western toads in amplexus. Amplexus is the mating stance of frogs and toads, in which the male clasps the female about the back.

Top-down view of an Oregon spotted frog, photographed during a field survey of frog egg masses in western Oregon. 

Oregon spotted frog in a pond in western Oregon, photographed during a survey of frog egg masses. Oregon spotted frogs are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. 

A valley garter snake on a rock, photographed in a forest in western Oregon. 

A western long-toed salamander resting on a leaf, photographed in western Oregon.

A red-spotted garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis concinnus) photographed during field work in western Oregon. 

A northern rubber boa curled up on moss, photographed during field work in western Oregon.

Power lines run along a dirt track through the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area in southern Idaho. Power poles are often the tallest structures available for bird perching and nesting in flat landscapes without trees.

While surveying for Oregon spotted frog egg masses in Deschutes County, OR, field technicians caught an adult female using a dip net. This was the first individual observed during the Spring field season.

While surveying for Oregon spotted frog egg masses in Deschutes County, OR, field technicians caught an adult female using a dip net. This was the first individual observed for the Spring field season.

Malheur Lake, a saline lake in eastern Oregon, photographed from a USGS airboat. USGS has been monitoring water quality parameters including temperature, turbidity, and pH in the lake since 2017.

A bald eagle and common raven found dead near the base of a power pole during a survey. Both birds were determined to have died from gunshot.

Experimental plots near Boise, Idaho after planting is complete. Black gravel increases the amount of sunlight absorbed by the ground, increasing the temperature of the plot. White gravel absorbs less light, keeping the plot cooler. Wooden toothpicks mark the location of cheatgrass seeds.

Non-lead ammunition, such as those made from copper, tend to remain intact after impact with their target, while lead ammunition can fragment into many small pieces.

The eastern shore of Lake Abert, a saline lake in Oregon, photographer during a field trip USGS researchers led with multiple local groups. A drought in 2022 resulted in low water levels.

The eastern shore of Lake Abert, a saline lake in Oregon, photographer during a field trip USGS researchers led with multiple local groups. A drought in 2022 resulted in low water levels.

Warner Lakes in Oregon photographed from the eastern ridge looking west. In 2022 the lakes were dry due to an extended drought in the western U.S.

An immature golden eagle arrives at a baited trap as part of research effort to capture and satellite tag golden eagles for assessments of risks of wind development on the species.

USGS researchers preparing to plant cheatgrass seeds in an experimental plot near Boise, Idaho and look at the impact of temperature, planting density, and genetics on cheatgrass phenology. Holes are drilled in a grid to ensure cheatgrass seeds are planted with even spacing at the same depth. 25 seeds were planted per plot.