Images

Effluent from soybean processing facility following treatment, entering nearby surface water body. Photo taken by USGS, Sandra Leal.

Scientists get ready to collect samples from a bat to test for Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome.

Scientists look for damage on the skin of a bat's wing as an indicator of white-nose syndrome infection. This bat has no wing damage.

Angler who was fishing in a western Montana river holding a brown trout they caught 

Two anglers enjoying the World class fishing that western Montana rivers has to offer. 

The Yuma myotis bat, Myotis yumanensis, has a body length of only 1.5-1.9 inches and they weigh less than half an ounce.

Scars on the skin of this bat's wing suggest white-nose syndrome infection over the previous winter.

Individual bats are tested for Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome, by wiping a sterile swab across the skin of a bat's outstretched wing and muzzle.

Yuma myotis has a wide range throughout western North America, from the Southwestern regions of Canada into Mexico. 

Two scientists work to identify change in the density and size distribution of mussels (Mytilus trossulus) in mussel beds. Long-term data collected are used as an indicator of mussel prey availability for various predators, including Sea Otters, Black Oystercatchers, sea ducks and sea stars.

A temperature logger (HOBO) affixed to a rocky outcrop in western Prince Wiliam Sound. Long-term change in intertidal invertebrate and algal communities is assessed by using temperature loggers.

A scientist estimates percent cover and densities of intertidal invertebrates and algae to assess change in communities from sheltered rocky shorelines in western Prince William Sound, Alaska.

America’s diverse ecosystems are an asset to current and future generations by supporting economically and recreationally important fish, wildlife, and lands. Healthy ecosystems support people and nature, fostering prosperity and enjoyment for all. 

America’s diverse ecosystems are an asset to current and future generations by supporting economically and recreationally important fish, wildlife, and lands. Healthy ecosystems support people and nature, fostering prosperity and enjoyment for all. 

This is a photo from our scientists working with the Yakama Nation to remove smallmouth bass and other invasive salmon-eating predators. The work involves taking fin clips, scales, diet samples, and tagging and releasing larger fish. This fieldwork will continue through late May 2025. The crew shown in the photos are Ben, Becky, Jeff, and Chloe. 

Distribution of Chronic Wasting Disease in North America, updated April 11, 2025.

Animated GIF showing changes in distribution of chronic wasting disease in North America from 2000-2024 as documented at the end of each year. Individual files of yearly maps are available at https://doi.org/10.5066/P9HQKKFO.

This infographic introduces an approach that could subsequently be used to prioritize environmental research for the full range of critical elements.

Northwestern pond turtles are sexually dimorphic (females and males look different). One way to tell female and male turtles apart is that they often have different color patterns on their face and throats. Females have a more speckled throat, while males throats tend to be more solidly white/yellow.

These turtles are considered juveniles until they reach about 5 inches long. In this part of their range turtles remain juveniles and usually do not begin to reproduce until they are over ten years old.  

Photo taken at Lookout Point Reservoir, Oregon. 

This is a juvenile turtle. When they aren't in scared or in danger, northwestern turtles are very curious and will look towards movements and unusual sounds to figure out what is going on. They have excellent vision and hearing.  

Photo taken at Hills Creek Reservoir, Oregon.