Black bears are showing up across more Ashland neighborhoods as scarce mountain berries push animals toward easier food sources. ODFW says bears have been reported getting into garbage and backyard chicken coops, while residents are being urged to remove attractants and report sightings.

Federal funding has cleared for the Mariposa Wildlife Crossing, a planned $37 million wildlife bridge over Interstate 5 south of Ashland. The project would reconnect habitat in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, reduce wildlife crashes and give SOU students years of research work.

Phoenix police are urging residents to use caution after a bear continued to linger near Fern Valley Road and Grove Road, where officers say it appears to be growing more comfortable around people, traffic and the city environment.

The Yurok Tribe has planted thousands more native species at Prairie Creek as the future ‘O Rew Redwoods Gateway and Restoration Project moves closer to opening to the public.

Oregon State Parks will host Winter Whale Watch Week from Dec. 27 through Dec. 31, offering visitors a chance to observe gray whales migrating south along the Oregon Coast with help from trained volunteers.

A prohibited Chinese mitten crab was found in the Willamette River near Portland, marking the second confirmed sighting of the invasive species in Oregon this year. ODFW is urging residents to report any suspected mitten crab sightings to help prevent potential environmental damage.