A squirrel population nearly decimated after a 2017 fire seems to be surging back to life.
The endangered Mount Graham red squirrel saw its already small population dwindle to about 35 after the Frye Fire devastated its mountainous habitat in southeast Arizona.
Since then, their population has reached better numbers and is now at an estimated 233, nearly double from the prior year. Typically this squirrel population ranges between 200 and 300.
This exceeded federal and state officials’ expectations for their annual inter-agency population survey.
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Shortly after the inauguration of four new members, the Scottsdale City Council voted last week to repeal a sustainability plan that had been adopted last month. -
The Mexican long-nosed bat was first spotted foraging in southeastern Arizona last fall. It’s one of three nectar bats in the state. The bat was identified through collaboration with citizen scientists in the area and the Species from Feces lab at Northern Arizona University. -
Former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum testified Thursday before members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, including U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego. He wanted to know how President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee would help tribes in Arizona if confirmed as the 55th secretary of the Interior. -
A judge has dismissed a lawsuit by environmentalists that would have made the San Pedro River a state-regulated Active Management Area, or AMA. -
The last time it rained in Phoenix was 145 days ago, which means we are in the third longest dry streak in our city’s history. When it comes to our city’s water supply, it doesn’t really matter — at least not yet.
