LEO Network

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The LEO Network is a worldwide network of observers and experts that share their observations of environmental change.
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Observations

Additional Forces to Fight Forest Fire in Western Chukotka
A 99-hectare wildfire 32 km from the village of Anyuysk in Bilibino District is being fought by 20 airborne firefighters, with nine more specialists en route by Mi-8 helicopter.
Anyuysk, Bilibino District, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Russia
prochukotku.ru

Tick found on visitor after trip to Hornøya – High occurrence of a particular species
A 13-year-old boy discovered a tick on his leg after visiting Hornøya near Vardø, highlighting an unexpectedly high occurrence of ticks on the island.
Vardø, Finnmark, Norway
iFinnmark

105-year-old high temperature record broken in B.C. community
Five communities in British Columbia’s Interior, including Prince George, recorded their hottest July 30 on record, with Prince George narrowly surpassing a 105-year-old temperature record.
Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
CTVNews

Erosion exposing community water line
Erosion is rapidly exposing the community water line. Recent efforts to stabilize the area proved ineffective as gravel is quickly washed away, threatening the water supply infrastructure.
Noatak, Alaska, United States

Polar Bear Shot on Svalbard
A polar bear was shot and killed on Blomstrandhalvøya, Svalbard, after it threatened a group of residents; the Governor of Svalbard has launched an investigation and the four-year-old male bear was taken to Longyearbyen for examination.
Blomstrandhalvøya, Svalbard, Norway
NRK Troms og Finnmark

Unusual squid in Chignik Lagoon
An unusual sighting of squid in Chignik Lagoon, Alaska, highlights a pattern of increasing squid observations in unexpected locations..
Chignik Lagoon, Alaska, United States

Flooding in Uddevalla city centre – parts of a grocery store roof collapsed
Heavy afternoon downpours flooded parts of Uddevalla city centre on 29 July 2025, causing sections of the roof at a Willys supermarket to collapse and disrupting local traffic.
Uddevalla, Västra Götaland, Sweden
SVT Nyheter

Slow start – but now pink salmon may come in full force
After a slow start, 66 000 invasive pink salmon have been caught in Troms and Finnmark rivers so far, but volunteers and authorities warn a larger run may still be on its way.
Troms and Finnmark, Norway
NRK Troms og Finnmark

Avian influenza detected in gull
High pathogenic avian influenza was detected in a wild black-backed gull in Vadsø, Norway.
Vadsø, Troms og Finnmark, Norway
iFinnmark

Severe Drought Threatens 25% of Crops in Russia’s Agricultural Heartland
Worsening drought in southern Russia’s Rostov and Krasnodar regions could wipe out up to 25% of key grain and oilseed crops, prompting states of emergency in 30 districts.
Rostov and Krasnodar Regions, Southern Russia, Russia
The Moscow Times

Increased Instances of Bears Entering Populated Areas
A female brown bear, likely with a cub, was spotted near the Dudinka–Norilsk road (38 km mark), highlighting a rise in bear occurrences near populated areas and prompting authorities to urge residents to call 112.
Norilsk, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia
Taimyrsky Telegraph

Rivers in Lapland where fishing is not recommended – salmonids poorly tolerate heat-warmed waters
Recent heat waves have warmed Lapland’s rivers and lakes, leading Metsähallitus to suspend fishing permits and advise against salmonid fishing in the warm waters.
Lapland, Finland
Lapin Kansa

Fishermen of Uelen village accidentally caught a dolphin
Fishermen from Uelen in Chukotsky District hauled in what they believed was a dolphin, but specialists later identified the animal as a harbour porpoise.
Uelen, Chukotsky District, Chukotka, Russia
ProChukotku

Large earthquake in Bárðarbunga
A magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck the Bárðarbunga volcano under Vatnajökull about 20 minutes before midnight, and it was felt as far away as Akureyri.
Bárðarbunga, Vatnajökull, Iceland
Morgunblaðið (mbl.is)

Unusual Spider
An unusual spider is identified as *Araneus trifolium* or the Shamrock Orbweaver. This species can be found in much of Northern North America.
Grayling, Alaska, United States

Jean Marie River on evacuation alert again as wildfire looms
Jean Marie River has been placed on evacuation alert as the Liard Complex wildfire, about 14 km away, threatens the community, though no immediate evacuation order has been issued.
Jean Marie River, Northwest Territories, Canada
NNSL Media

Storm Wind Halts Anadyr Seaport Operations
On July 26, storm‐force southeast winds gusting up to 19 m/s and light rain forced a temporary shutdown of seaport operations in Anadyr, delaying cargo unloading and canceling passenger ferry crossings.
Anadyr, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Russia
ProChukotku

2nd Anchorage-area hiker mauled by bear in under a week
A hiker near the South Fork of Eagle River was mauled by a bear feeding on salmon and sustained non-life-threatening injuries; it's the second attack in the Anchorage area in under a week.
Chugach State Park, Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

Forest fire being extinguished 200 kilometers from Bilibino
A wildland fire covering about 94 ha is being fought 200 km southwest of Bilibino in Chukotka, with 20 firefighters, a Mi-8 helicopter, chainsaws, water pumps, and no threat to settlements.
Bilibino, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Russia
ProChukotku

I swung my fist as hard as I could: Man recalls northwest B.C. cougar attack
A Smithers man reports punching a cougar in the face during an unexpected encounter near Lake Kathlyn on July 26, sustaining minor injuries before the animal fled; conservation officers are monitoring the area for further cougar activity.
Smithers, British Columbia, Canada
Yukon News

Bear attacked man in Allaikhovsky District
A brown bear attacked a man near the Elong River in Allaikhovsky District on 26 July 2025, causing serious injuries. The assault was sudden and unprovoked. Authorities have launched a cull to control the bear population and protect public safety.
Allaikhovsky District, Sakha Republic, Russia
Yakutia.Info

Humpback whale found dead in Gastineau Channel
A young male humpback whale calf was discovered dead drifting near Sandy Beach in Gastineau Channel and towed by U.S. Coast Guard and NOAA officials to undergo a necropsy.
Juneau, Alaska, United States
Chilkat Valley News

Reindeer-herding enterprise in Anadyr District renews herd for first time in 37 years
More than 860 young reindeer were driven from the Chaunskoye breeding farm to the municipal enterprise 'Named after the First Revkom of Chukotka'; the 200+ km trek to the Ust-Bel tundra took two weeks and marks the enterprise's first herd renewal in 37 years after a long brucellosis quarantine was lifted.
Anadyrsky District, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Russia

SOS Overloaded with Fire Alarms: "It Takes Longer to Get Help"
SOS Alarm in Norrbotten, Sweden is experiencing extreme call volumes from approximately 20 fires triggered by lightning in a heatwave, resulting in delayed emergency response times.
Norrbotten, Sweden
SVT Nyheter

Enormous fire rages in roadless land: 'Waiting for help from the sky'
A 250-hectare lightning-caused wildfire continues to burn in remote forest near Lillselet in Jokkmokk, with firefighters unable to extinguish it until rainfall arrives.
Jokkmokk, Norrbotten, Sweden
SVT Nyheter

Mjøsa and the Lågen are especially green this summer
The waters of Mjøsa and the Gudbrandsdalslågen River in Innlandet, Norway, have turned an unusually intense blue-green color this summer due to glacial meltwater carrying fine rock particles.
Lillehammer, Innlandet, Norway
NRK

‘Devastating’ spill in salmon habitat near Port Angeles, Washington: What to know
A fuel tanker crashed Friday off Highway 101, spilling some 3,000 gallons of fossil fuels into Indian Creek. The creek is a tributary of the Elwha River, which has for years been a model for salmon recovery efforts.
Port Angeles, Washington, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Caspian Sea Water Levels Drop to Historic Low
Water levels in the Caspian Sea have fallen to more than 29 meters below the Baltic Sea reference point, a historic low, exposing large areas of seabed in the northern region and threatening its ecosystems.
Caspian Sea
The Moscow Times

Blue-green algae blooms intensify as heatwave continues across Finland
A persistent heatwave in Finland is fueling dense blue-green algae blooms in the Baltic Sea’s Gulf of Finland and Archipelago Sea, with freshwater sightings remaining stable.
Various coastal regions, Finland
Yle News

Ruuhijärvi Swimming Area in Salla Closed for Rest of Week to Remove Dangerous Water Hemlock
Salla’s Ruuhijärvi beach and rug‐washing area is closed through the weekend after a highly poisonous water hemlock was found on the shore, and will be removed by authorities.
Salla, Lapland, Finland
Lapin Kansa

Fisheries and Oceans Canada investigating fish die-off on Iqaluit shores
Hundreds of fish, believed to be Arctic cod, were found belly-up along the shore of Iqaluit; Fisheries and Oceans Canada is investigating possible causes, including low-tide stranding.
Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada
CBC News

Heat record from Nesbyen broken – Grong and Namsskogan record 13 consecutive tropical days
Grong and Namsskogan in Trøndelag have logged 13 straight days above 30 °C, breaking the 43-year Nesbyen record, amid a nationwide heatwave.
Grong and Namsskogan, Trøndelag, Norway
NRK

Hikers on Kungsleden Avoid Heat – Hike at Night
During a prolonged heatwave with temperatures above 30°C (86 F) in Vindelfjällen, hikers on Kungsleden are shifting their treks to early morning and nighttime to escape daytime heat.
Hemavan, Västerbotten, Sweden

Multiple Fires After Lightning Strikes This Evening
Thunderstorms with heavy lightning have ignited several wildfires across Vestland, prompting weather warnings and emergency responses in Hardanger, Gloppen, Kvinnherad, and Øygarden.
Vestland, Norway
NRK

Campground Flooded by Water: "Many Caravans Must Be Moved"
A severe downpour on Öland delivered 47 mm of rain in under 10 hours, flooding parts of Möllstorps camping and forcing relocation of about 20 caravans and purchase of larger water pumps.
Färjestaden, Öland, Sweden

Municipal gardener urges community help to fight invasive lupines in Hammerfest
Municipal gardener Grete Larsen in Hammerfest warns that invasive Alaska lupine is crowding out native vegetation and asks residents to help remove flowers and seed pods.
Hammerfest, Finnmark, Norway
iFinnmark

Multiple wildfires blaze across Lapland, helicopters assist in firefighting efforts
Multiple wildfires across Finnish Lapland this week prompted dozens of rescue responses, with Border Guard and Defence Forces helicopters assisting amid dry conditions and an open fire ban.
Yle News

Venomous jellyfish invading west Swedish beaches
A venomous lion’s mane jellyfish has been sighted on several west Swedish beaches between Strömstad and Malmö, delivering powerful stings that can cause breathing problems.
West Coast, Sweden

Itchy rashes after swimming in lake in Gällivare – suspected swimmers' itch
Gällivare municipality warns of suspected cases of swimmers’ itch after bathers developed itchy skin eruptions following a dip in Abborrtjärn.
Gällivare, Norrbotten County, Sweden
Norrländska Socialdemokraten

No doubt there's a drought — scientist says N.L. water levels are historically low
Water levels across Newfoundland are at record lows due to an ongoing drought and rising temperatures driven by climate change, leading to river closures and drying wells.
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
CBC News

Caught 2000 pink salmon in a single seine cast
Fisherman Edgar Olsen hauled in over 2,000 invasive pink salmon in one seine cast during trial fishing at the Vesterelva estuary in Nesseby, distributing about half to locals and sending the rest to Lerøy.
Nesseby, Troms og Finnmark, Norway
NRK Troms og Finnmark

Several wildfires in Lapland in recent days – so far resources have been sufficient, but nature is bone dry
Lapland’s rescue services and volunteer fire brigades have responded to dozens of wildfires and smoke reports since Tuesday amid very dry terrain and lightning strikes igniting new fires, though current resources have been sufficient.
Lapland, Finland
Lapin Kansa

Forest fire area in Yakutia increases to 1,500 ha
The total area of active forest fires in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) grew from 265 ha to 1,462.5 ha on July 22, with 10 fires being fought by 306 personnel and 14 units of equipment.
Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russia
Yakutia.Info

Algal Bloom in the Archipelago – Municipality Urges Avoiding Swimming
Sustained high temperatures have led to algal blooms at several sites in the Haparanda Archipelago, and local authorities are advising people to avoid bathing.
Haparanda, Norrbotten, Sweden
Norrländska Socialdemokraten (NSD)

Multiple Forest Fires After Lightning Strikes
Several wildfires broke out across Överkalix and other parts of Norrbotten following a thunderstorm and lightning strikes on July 22, 2025, overwhelming local emergency services.
Överkalix, Norrbotten, Sweden

DOC investigating after dead stoat found on Rakiura/Stewart Island
New Zealand’s Department of Conservation is probing how an invasive stoat appeared and died on the previously predator-free Rakiura/Stewart Island.
Stewart Island / Rakiura, Southland, New Zealand
NZ Herald

Rare Basking Shark in Faxaflói Bay
A rare basking shark was spotted during an Elding whale watching tour in Faxaflói Bay, marking its first appearance in the bay in five years according to the company.
Faxaflói Bay, Southwest, Iceland
Vísir

Tyva Declares State of Emergency Over Growing Wildfires
Authorities in Russia’s Tyva Republic declared a state of emergency after eight wildfires grew to over 324 hectares, banning public entry to forests.
Tyva Republic, Russia
The Moscow Times

Comox Lake wildfire grows to 4.5 hectares, still considered out of control
A BC Wildfire Service update reports that a wildfire near Comox Lake in B.C. grew to 4.5 hectares overnight as crews and aircraft work to contain the out-of-control blaze, while a separate 3-hectare fire near Nanaimo River Road also remains uncontained.
Comox Lake, Comox Valley, British Columbia, Canada
CHEK

The tundra is burning
In July 2025, lightning-triggered wildfires near the Kobuk River in Northwest Alaska threatened local homes and the tundra ecosystem. The author returned by small plane to set up firebreaks and sprinkler systems with fire crews to protect his sod house and surrounding caribou habitat.
Kotzebue, Northwest Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Sun kinks may continue to disrupt train traffic
Over the weekend, train traffic on the Iron Ore Line was halted for nearly 24 hours due to sun-induced track kinks (“solkurvor”), a phenomenon that Trafikverket warns could recur on hot days.
Gällivare, Norrbotten, Sweden
NSD (Norrländska Socialdemokraten)

ScotRail Cancels Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh Line Due to Flooding
Heavy rain and flooding have forced the closure of the line between Achnasheen and Achanalt, cancelling the Inverness–Kyle of Lochalsh service and causing up to 30-minute delays on routes to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen.
Inverness, Highland, Scotland, United Kingdom
Inverness Courier

Then It Will Be Up to 32 Degrees: How Long the Heat Will Last
Norrbotten has experienced a persistent heat wave with temperatures above 30 °C for two weeks, and SMHI forecasts 32 °C in Luleå on Wednesday. Meteorologist Linus Karlsson attributes the prolonged heat to stable high pressure, with warmth expected to continue through the week.
Luleå, Norrbotten, Sweden
NSD

Hot weather over weekend fuels wildfires in Manitoba
Warm, dry weekend conditions in Manitoba increased wildfire behaviour across nearly all active blazes, prompting evacuations, air quality warnings and challenges for aerial suppression.
Manitoba, Canada
CTV News

Whale Stranding at Vogar on Vatnsleysuströnd
A whale carcass washed ashore just outside the settlement of Vogar on the Vatnsleysuströnd coast this afternoon. A marine biologist suggests that altered fish migration patterns, a consequence of climate change, are likely responsible for the higher number of strandings observed.
Vogar, Southern Peninsula, Iceland
mbl.is

Chukotka Spoon-billed Sandpiper Found on Kamchatka for the First Time in 50 Years
A RosIP expedition located nesting spoon-billed sandpipers on mountain plateaus of the Kamchatka Peninsula—marking the species’ first recorded presence there in half a century.
Kamchatka Peninsula, Kamchatka Krai, Russia
Анадырь - Онлайн

“Bathe in the sea” – how tourists view the water shortage on Gotland
Tourists on Gotland are adapting to a historic water shortage by bathing in the sea and limiting shower time after Region Gotland warns groundwater levels have fallen to record lows.
Gotland, Gotland County, Sweden

Spotting rare right whale off Newfoundland had this tour guide 'Out of my skin excited'
A local tour guide spotted one of fewer than 370 North Atlantic right whales off the southern Avalon Peninsula this month, thrilling wildlife enthusiasts and providing key data to DFO.
St. Shott's, Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
CBC News

Many have visited health care due to volcanic smog
Many residents sought medical attention for respiratory discomfort and eye irritation caused by volcanic smog and air pollution lingering over Reykjavík and nearby areas.
Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
mbl.is

Tsunami Alert Lifted After Powerful Quakes Off Russian Coast
A tsunami alert issued after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake off Kamchatka was lifted when no hazardous waves arrived, though aftershocks remain possible.
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Kamchatka Krai, Russia

Blue-green algae warning issued for Lower Thetis Lake
A blue-green algae bloom detected at Lower Thetis Lake’s main beach prompted a Capital Regional District health advisory on July 20, 2025, warning humans and pets to avoid the water.
Lower Thetis Lake, Thetis Lake Regional Park, British Columbia, Canada
CHEK

4-year-old child attacked by cougar near Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park
A 4-year-old child was attacked and injured by a cougar while hiking near Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park; the National Park Service is seeking witnesses.
Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park, Washington, United States
Spokesman-Review

Smoke 'thick as pea soup': Lake Spokane fire grows to more than 2,000 acres
A wildfire near Lake Spokane in southern Stevens County grew to over 2,000 acres by Sunday, prompting evacuations as thick smoke blanketed the region.
Stevens County, Washington, United States
The Spokesman-Review

Five government agencies were involved while bear and eagle attacked the reindeer herd
In Karasjok this spring, bears, lynx and a golden eagle attacked an enclosed reindeer herd, killing around 100 animals, while five state agencies coordinated the response and initially denied a permit for lethal control.
Karasjok, Troms and Finnmark, Norway
NRK Sápmi

Intense Periods for Firefighting Flights: 'Like a Wall of Lightning'
Volunteer firefighting flights in Norrbotten faced their most hectic period ever when a Sunday thunderstorm sparked multiple lightning-ignited wildfires, creating a “wall of lightning” that hindered access across Gällivare, Kiruna, Pajala and Porjus.
Norrbotten, Sweden
NSD (Norrländska Socialdemokraten)

Sunny Record Week in Luleå – Four Hours Sunnier Than 1988
During week 29 (July 14–20, 2025), Luleå recorded 128 hours of sunshine—the highest weekly total in Sweden since measurements began—surpassing the previous record by four hours.
Luleå, Norrbotten, Sweden
Norrbottens-Kuriren

Multiple forest fires in the county
Lightning strikes from passing thunderclouds have ignited forest fires in several inland municipalities in Norrbotten County, Sweden, prompting rescue services to work to extinguish them.
Norrbotten County, Sweden
Norrbottens-Kuriren

Santa is sweating! Heatwave in Finnish Lapland makes international headlines
Temperatures in Rovaniemi exceeded 30 °C this week, drawing coverage from Reuters and CNN as the Finnish Meteorological Institute warned that Lapland’s all-time heat record could be broken.
Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Yle News

Regional-level state of emergency declared in Yakutia due to flood
Heavy rains have caused the Indigirka River to overflow and a flood wave to move along the Aldan River, prompting Sakha Republic authorities to declare a regional-level state of emergency affecting three districts.
Sakha Republic (Yakutia), Russia
Yakutia.Info

800 farmed salmon escape from Cermaq facility: 'Shocking to us', says director
About 800 farmed salmon escaped from Cermaq’s Rypefjord facility near Hammerfest due to a dislodged transfer pipe, prompting concerns over genetic threats to wild salmon in Repparfjordelva and Altaelva and calls for stronger containment measures.
Hammerfest, Troms og Finnmark, Norway

Waters Have Warmed Rapidly in Lapland – “I Don’t Remember the Last Time I’ve Seen So Many People on the Beach”
Lake and river surface waters in Lapland have warmed rapidly due to recent heatwaves, reaching up to 5°C above average and attracting more beach visitors than usual.
Lapland, Finland

Beached Seldovia whale returns alive to Kachemak Bay
A minke whale stranded on MacDonald Spit near Seldovia for six hours on July 17 but refloated with the rising tide and swam back into Kachemak Bay; the Seldovia Village Tribe suspects a toxic algal bloom disoriented the whale.
Seldovia, Alaska, United States
KBBI AM 890

7.3 magnitude earthquake triggers brief tsunami warning for Southwest Alaska communities
A tsunami warning that was later downgraded was issued for several coastal communities after the earthquake struck south of Sand Point.
Sand Point, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Oil Spill Severely Impacts Fisheries in Nuussuaq
A damaged oil pipeline in Nuussuaq near Upernavik spilled around 8,000 liters of diesel into the sea, forcing halibut processing and fish production to pause for two days and severely disrupting local fisheries.
Nuussuaq, Avannaata, Greenland
Sermitsiaq

Icelandic authorities give hazard warnings as fissures spread lava and smoke
New fissures on the Reykjanes Peninsula have sent lava eastward and prompted fresh hazard warnings, with high sulfur dioxide levels and drifting volcanic fibers adding to safety concerns.
Reykjanes Peninsula, Southwest Region, Iceland
Eye on the Arctic

Flooding of populated areas continues in Oymyakon District
Heavy rainfall has raised water levels in the Indigirka, Kuydusun, and Nera rivers, flooding yards in Orto-Balagay, Kuydusun, Oymyakon and Ust-Nera, and submerging sections of the Oymyakon and Kolyma highways.
Oymyakon District, Sakha Republic, Russia

The tundra is burning
With wildfires spreading in the Kobuk River country of Northwest Alaska, I just knew I needed to find a way to get home.The Nuna fire is burning still, pushed north by strong southerly winds. There has been some rain, not a lot. I remain concerned about my home. I’m worried about the caribou, too, and what brush will revegetate that tundra after these fires. I’m worried about that beautiful big land between the Jades and Onion Portage, the Hunt and Nuna river valleys.
Kobuk, Alaska, United States

Bad week for Kodiak’s migrating gray whales
A USCG survey flight spotted three more dead gray whales on Sitkinak and Tugidak islands, bringing the 2025 total in the Kodiak region to 11, with several apparently killed by orcas and others appearing emaciated.
Kodiak, Alaska, United States
Kodiak Daily Mirror

Many Questions About the Algal Bloom: “What Does This Mean for Me?”
An algal bloom was detected at the municipal Lulsundet beach in Luleå on July 15, prompting warning signs and questions from residents about potential health and safety risks.
Luleå, Norrbotten County, Sweden
Norrbottens-Kuriren

Large earthquake measured in northern Greenland
A magnitude-5.8 earthquake struck northern Greenland on July 15, 2025, and was recorded by 118 stations globally, including more than 10,000 km away in Brazil.
Northern Greenland, Greenland
Sermitsiaq

River Levels Surpass Flood Thresholds Across Central Mongolia
Mid-July river levels in Central Mongolia rose above flood thresholds, prompting emergency patrols and safety advisories; 14 drowning fatalities were reported during Naadam festivities.
Central Mongolia, Mongolia
MONTSAME News Agency

Rare leatherback sea turtle spotted in B.C. waters in once-in-a-decade sighting
A leatherback sea turtle was filmed near Haida Gwaii on July 14, marking the first verified sighting in B.C. waters in 2025.
Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada
CHEK News

NCCOS Assists Response to Multispecies Mortality Event in St. George Island, Alaska
A rapid, multi-agency response is underway on St. George Island, Alaska, to investigate a multispecies mortality event linked to a harmful algal bloom, with concerns that paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) toxins may be affecting local wildlife and human health.
Saint George, Alaska, United States
NCCOS - National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science

Grizzly bear shot and killed near Rankin Inlet
A grizzly bear wandering unusually close to Rankin Inlet was shot and killed by a local hunter after being spotted near the hamlet’s shooting range and Landing Lake. Mayor Harry Towtongie noted that grizzlies are increasingly common in the Kivalliq Region, potentially due to climate or environmental changes.
Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, Canada
Nunatsiaq News

Rare sightings of yellow warbler, brown bat reported in Nunavut
Observers in Baker Lake and Arviat recorded a yellow warbler on July 4 and a brown bat on July 6—species rarely seen above the tree line in Nunavut—highlighting ecological shifts in Arctic habitats.
Baker Lake and Arviat, Nunavut, Canada
Nunatsiaq News

Lakes Have Curious Color
Observers from a small plane reported unusual green color in lakes and ponds, raising concerns about lake health and the potential for invasive species.
Chefornak, Alaska, United States
Alyssa Leary, Joey Billy, Thomas Farrugia, Brian Lefferts, Edda Mutter

Kodiak records rain record
Kodiak set a new one-day precipitation record on July 10, 2025, when 2.11 inches of rain fell—surpassing the previous July 10 record of 1.43 inches set in 1919.
Kodiak, Alaska, United States
Kodiak Daily Mirror

Emergency services warn of iceberg near the harbour
Avannaata emergency services warn residents in Innaarsuit to avoid gathering near the harbour shop due to risk of iceberg calving triggering large waves.
Innaarsuit, Avannaata, Greenland
Sermitsiaq

What's with the white stuff? Why the N.W.T. has so much tree fluff this summer | CBC News
The increase in tree "fluff" is likely a stress response from poplars, aspen and willows reacting to the dry conditions from the past few years, according to the N.W.T.'s department of Environment and Climate Change.
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
CBC

New fox with confirmed rabies
An Arctic fox found at Alkepynten, Svalbard, has tested positive for rabies, the Norwegian Veterinary Institute reports.
Alkepynten, Svalbard, Norway
Svalbardposten

Abundant and tall cow parsnip
Observers report an increase in the abundance and height of cow parsnip, also know as pushki or wild celery. These conditions may be a signal of warming and wetter climate trends.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Kendra Zamzow, Wilson Justin, Gino Graziano, Katie Spellman, Richard L Thoman Jr, Lars Flora

Invasive European Green Crab found north of Ketchikan
A small but potentially environmentally threatening crab is expanding its area of influence in Alaska.
Ketchikan, Alaska, United States

Tundra fire on Alaska’s North Slope is among the biggest in recent years
The 2,000-acre fire and others north of the Brooks Range fit a pattern of increasing wildfires in the treeless landscape. While most Alaska tundra fires are south of the Brooks Range, in Northwest or Western Alaska, fires north of the Brooks Range are becoming more common and bigger, according to scientists.
Ikpikpuk River, Alaska

Bear wandering through town killed by authorities
A juvenile brown bear entered Nome’s streets on July 8, 2025, and was fatally shot by Alaska Department of Fish and Game and Nome Police after posing a public safety threat. This was the first urban bear dispatch of the year amid reports of heightened bear activity around town.
Nome, Alaska, United States
The Nome Nugget

We Have Never Found So Many Carcasses
During this year's reindeer count in Adventdalen, researcher Åshild Ønvik Pedersen discovered an unprecedented number of reindeer carcasses, indicating a significant die-off.
Adventdalen, Svalbard, Norway
Svalbardposten

Lake near Sachs Harbour drains in less than a month
Angus Lake near Sachs Harbour rapidly drained over the course of early July 2025 after permafrost thaw created a water channel, emptying the lake into the Sachs River and leaving a large crater.
Sachs Harbour, Northwest Territories, Canada
NNSL Media

Air Greenland Cancels All Flights
Air Greenland has canceled all flights on July 6 due to a severe storm in Nuuk with gusts up to 56 knots and widespread turbulence along Greenland’s west coast, affecting travelers across the region.
Nuuk, Sermersooq, Greenland
Sermitsiaq.AG

Flash floods like the one that swept through Texas are the nation’s top storm-related killer
Flash floods kill an average of 127 people annually in the U.S., and nearly half of all deaths involve vehicles. People don’t realize that it doesn’t take much water to strand or even sweep away a car.
Ingram, Texas, United States

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