Images

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. 

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…

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

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

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"

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 (REE) concentrations, potentially providing opportunities for direct metal production. 

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

The rusty patched bumblebee is the first bee to be listed as endangered in the continental US, and the western bumblebee has been the subject of extensive USGS work that has found effects of climate, land cover change, and pesticides on the decline of the species.

Eric White and Patrick Scordato of the USGS float an electromagnetic imaging tool along a coastal area in Massachusetts to identify terrestrial groundwater discharge that may be impacted by PFAS contamination. 

USGS Environmental Health Program Energy Integrated Science Team scientists on field visit within the Grand Teton National Park, September 2022