All articles tagged with #dnr
The 2026 epizootic hemorrhagic disease outbreak has killed at least 1,100 white-tailed deer across five Wisconsin counties (Washington, Dodge, Milwaukee, Ozaukee and Waukesha), marking the state’s worst wildlife-disease event on record, with tolls and impacts still rising as summer continues.
Michigan officials have confirmed epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in free-ranging white-tailed deer in Branch, Ingham, Jackson and Lenawee counties. EHD is transmitted by biting midges and cannot spread directly between deer; there is no evidence of risk to humans, pets, or other wildlife. Outbreaks are usually localized and may persist in areas for a few years, with frost helping to halt transmission. Venison from affected areas is safe to eat, though animals showing visible sickness should not be consumed. Report suspected sick or dead deer through the DNR’s Eyes in the Field online system for testing and monitoring.
Wisconsin wildlife managers say an Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) outbreak is spreading among wild deer, with about 600 reports of recently dead deer received statewide (including a confirmed case in Washington County and suspected cases in northern Waukesha and Ozaukee counties). The Department of Natural Resources is monitoring sightings and urging the public to report unusual deer deaths. EHD has been a recurring issue since 2002, affecting 24 counties at various times, but it does not pose a risk to humans; most fatalities occur in deer populations, not people.
A West Bend couple reports four dead deer over 10 days as the Wisconsin DNR links the fatalities to epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD), a virus spread by biting midges. The agency cites hundreds of dead deer in Washington and Waukesha counties, notes EHD does not threaten humans, and encourages residents to report carcasses to the DNR.
The Minnesota DNR says multiple people of interest have been identified as investigators probe the source of the Flanders Fire in Crow Wing County; the blaze has burned about 1,666 acres (2.6 square miles) and is 60% contained, with no injuries and evacuation orders lifted. The origin is near the north shore of Flanders Lake, between Breezy Point and Highway 6, and authorities are asking for trail camera or home surveillance footage from May 15–17. County Road 11 reopened as crews work to contain the fire. In a separate update, the Stewart Trail Fire near Two Harbors is now 100% contained at just over 350 acres.
A residential area near the Hampton Country Club in north central Iowa has been discharging excessive ammonia and bacteria into Otter Creek, violating state limits 23 times since 2021. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has ordered the Terrace Hill Sanitary Sewer District to upgrade its wastewater treatment system by May 2028, after failing to meet new contaminant limits. The DNR also fined the district $2,500.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is urging the public to avoid outdoor burning as the state continues to face elevated fire danger, responding to over 35 wildfires in a single day and battling a major fire in Shawano County. The hot, dry, and windy conditions have fueled numerous wildfires across the state, with one fire in Cecil quickly spreading due to the wind and cattails. Fire departments and the DNR have been working to contain the blazes, emphasizing the high risk of fires getting out of control in such conditions.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed the state's first case of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in a white-tailed deer in LaGrange County, prompting comprehensive reforms to deer hunting practices. The DNR is considering statewide bag limits and changes to crossbow licenses, and urges the public to report sightings of sick or dead deer and submit harvested deer for testing. While there have been no reported cases of CWD infection in humans, the CDC recommends testing harvested deer before consumption and taking precautions when hunting in areas with CWD.
A gray wolf was found and killed in Michigan's southern Lower Peninsula during a January coyote hunt, prompting an investigation by the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as the known wolf population is located in the Upper Peninsula. Gray wolves are federally endangered in Michigan and can only be killed if posing a direct threat to human life. The DNR does not believe the wolf was part of an established population in the southern Lower Peninsula and is conducting genetic testing to learn more about its origin. Despite occasional signs of wolves in the Lower Peninsula, the DNR has found only a few since the wolf population was re-established in the 1980s.
A death investigation is underway at Devil's Lake State Park in Wisconsin, with the Sauk County Coroner called to the scene. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources confirmed that one person was found dead, but there is no danger to the public. The park remains open, and the identity of the deceased individual has not been released pending notification of family members.
The body of 18-year-old Carson Hughes was recovered from Versailles Lake in Ripley County by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources after he was reported missing on Friday evening. His vehicle was found near a boat ramp in Versailles State Park with the keys inside and an empty kayak nearby. Conservation officers located Hughes in six feet of water using sonar devices, and the Ripley County Coroner pronounced him dead at the scene. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is offering solar eclipse glasses for purchase ahead of the April 8 event, with options to buy a four-pack for $10 or individual glasses for $3 at state park gift shops, property offices, or online, all of which are approved by the American Astronomical Society for safe viewing.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has canceled the 2024 lake sturgeon fishing season on Black Lake due to concerns about marginal ice conditions and the inability to effectively track harvests. The cancellation aims to protect the lake sturgeon population and ensure the safety of anglers and staff. Despite the fishing season being called off, the annual Black Lake Sturgeon Shivaree event will still take place, featuring live music, a poker run, and activities for kids. Efforts to rehabilitate the lake sturgeon population in Michigan have been ongoing due to habitat loss, overfishing, and declining populations since the 1800s.
The cold temperatures in Michigan have created the perfect conditions for winter pruning, according to the Department of Natural Resources. It's recommended to prune most trees in late winter to early spring before growth starts, using the appropriate tools and techniques outlined in the DNR's pruning guide. Pruning stimulates new growth by removing dead or damaged parts of a branch, but it's important not to remove more than 25% of the tree each year to allow for recovery. For larger trees or projects requiring a ladder, it's advisable to seek help from certified professionals.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) killed a buck in Rusk County after it was observed acting strangely, with symptoms including a hanging tongue, green fluid from its mouth, and collapsing. The DNR biologist sent the deer for testing for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), but other potential causes for the behavior include cranial abscess syndrome, injuries from a fight with another buck, or being hit by a vehicle.