Images

Percentage of individuals predicted to test positive for avian influenza virus (± 95% CI) for each species for each week ignoring spatial effects. Predictions are based on the overall prevalence values in the USDA dataset, which had a higher detection rate. Circles running along the x-axis indicate the number of samples for each species taken during that week.

Invasion by annual brome grasses (cheatgrass and Japanese brome) on a trail across native prairie into National Park Service units in the Northern Great Plains.

A polar bear walking along the Beaufort Sea coast with storm waves breaking behind it, filmed during fieldwork at Barter Island, Alaska.

Nine-banded armadillos—the only armadillo species found in the United States—are distributed widely across southern states.

A map of black carp observations in the Mississippi River basin reported to the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database as of November 30, 2022. This map is not a complete representation of species abundance or distribution. These data include incidental captures by the public and reports from federal and state agencies.

The words "5 Ways Climate Change Affects Caribou" are written in yellow with an icon of a brown caribou with large antlers in the bottom right corner.

Text reads:

"More wildfires lead to less lichen, as lichen can take decades to recover, and is an important food source for caribou in the winter."

Distribution of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5 and H5N1 in North America, in Relation to U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Refuges and National Park Service Lands, 2021/2022. Updated November 27, 2022.

Distribution of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5 and H5N1 in North America, in Relation to Tribal Lands in the United States, 2021/2022. Updated November 27, 2022.

Five ways climate change affects manatees.

Graphic created by VSFS intern, Louise Johansson

5 Ways Climate Change Affects Bats.

Graphic created by VSFS intern Louise Johansson.

Scientist collected a stream sample during an urban stormwater runoff event in Seattle, WA

Researchers identified plants along a transect at a site invaded by cheatgrass at Kuna Butte near Caldwell, Idaho. 

The surface of South Cascade Glacier, Washington is mostly exposed ice at the end of summer melt season. 

USGS scientist examines a snow core collected on South Cascade Glacier, Washington.

The words "5 Ways Climate Change Affects Bears" with an image of a bear.

Text reads:

"Drought can reduce the availability of important foods like berries & seeds”

"When less food is available, bears will sometimes turn to garbage bins, bird feeders, & other sources of food found near humans, leading to human-bear conflicts"

Hoary bat with a Motus tag. Learn more about our project to track bats and birds through the Motus network here: https://www.usgs.gov/centers/werc/science/birds-bats-and-beyond-network…

Gabe Reyes holds a hoary bat during the process of tagging bats with Motus tags.

Pie chart showing distribution of USGS 2020CARES Act funding in millions of dollars. Exact amounts include \$5,181,638 for Tracking Bats and Coronaviruses (wildlife Biosurveillance); \$3,192,316 for COVID-19 Pathways and Wildlife Dynamics; \$1,373,704 for Environmental Biosurveillance and Persistence. 

Both natural and human-related metal mobilization may affect streams. In this photo drainage from a mine enters Cement Creek, near Silverton, Colorado, adjacent to a mound of iron minerals that have likely been forming naturally for thousands of years. Detailed isotopic studies may help to differentiate natural and human-related contamination. 

Looking east on Bullgate Pond at sunrise with lone tule white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons elgasi) in upper right, Summer Lake Wildlife Area, near Summer Lake, Oregon.

Draining mines provide consistent discharge and have elevated rare earth element concentrations, potentially providing opportunities for direct metal production.