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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

EHD, bluetongue reported in deer in Eastern Washington
Washington wildlife officials report outbreaks of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) and bluetongue in Eastern Washington deer, linked to hot, dry conditions that favor biting midges. Hunters and residents are urged to report sick or dead deer.
Eastern Washington, United States
The Spokesman-Review

'Feral, almost demonic': Surge in poisoned sea lions threatens SoCal beachgoers, burdens rescuers
Domoic acid poisoning is stranding marine mammals as warnings are issued to beachgoers of the threat posed by animals that are transformed by their illness.
Oxnard, California, United States
Los Angeles Times

More than 600,000 lose power from bomb cyclone in Western Washington
A powerful bomb cyclone in Western Washington caused a windstorm with gusts reaching up to 74 mph, leaving over 640,000 people without power. Efforts to restore electricity are underway, but it may take several days to fully restore service.
Western Washington, United States
The Spokesman-Review

A fire in Los Angeles County has consumed over 11,000 acres
The wildfire began Saturday afternoon in Gorman, an unincorporated community in northwestern Los Angeles County. California State Park Services evacuated 1,200 people from Hungry Valley Park, Cal Fire said. The fire was zero percent contained and had damaged two commercial properties as of Saturday evening.
Los Angeles, California, United States
CTVNews

Orcas are flocking to Southern California waters. One bloody, awe-inspiring spectacle shows why
Whales native to Mexico and Central America are spotted dozens of times from Long Beach to the Palos Verdes Peninsula to Laguna Beach over the last three weeks.
Long Beach, California, United States
Los Angeles Times

California officials confirm 2 cases of dengue, a mosquito-borne illness rarely transmitted in US
Public health officials say two people in Southern California people have come down with dengue fever without traveling outside the United States, where the mosquito-borne illness is rare.
Long Beach, California, United States
AP News

Hilary leaves massive flooding, mudslides, upheaval across Southern California
The first tropical storm to hit Los Angeles in 84 years dumped record rainfall and turned streets into muddy, debris-swollen rivers.
Los Angeles, California, United States
Los Angeles Times

Oil spill reaches Laguna Beach, threatens Crystal Cove in Newport Beach as cleanup efforts intensify
The oil likely will continue to encroach on Orange County beaches for the next few days, officials said.

Survey Of Ocean Floor Between Los Angeles, Catalina Island Finds 27,000 Suspected Barrels Of DDT
Scientists have confirmed the existence of a DDT dump site in the waters off the coast of Southern California, and it’s even bigger than they had anticipated.
Southern Coast of California
MSN

Rare salmon shark spotted near Catalina Island
Salmon sharks are rarely seen this far south; typically they swim off Alaska and in the northern Pacific Ocean where they have access to their favorite food.
San Pedro, California, United States
Orange County Register

Gray Whale Dies After Washing Ashore on Dockweiler Beach
A roughly 25-foot gray whale washed ashore and died Wednesday on Dockweiler State Beach south of Marina Del Rey.
Marina del Rey, California, United States
NBC Los Angeles

Heat Wave May Be One For The Record Books
Heat Wave May Be One For The Record Books - Sherman Oaks, CA - With temperatures soaring into the 90s in Los Angeles, residents are advised to avoid outdoor activity.
Los Angeles, California, United States
Patch

Gray whale washes up on Emma Wood State Beach, likely will be towed out to sea
Here's what we know about a dead whale that washed up on Emma Wood State Beach.
Ventura, California, United States
Ventura County Star

Heat wave draws 'summer day crowd' to California beaches
A spring heat wave drove an uptick of people to California beaches, golf courses and trails on Saturday, leading to the closure of one coastal park as authorities warned people not to swarm recreational areas for fear of igniting a deadly coronavirus surge.
Times Union

Whales are dying, but numbers are unknown. Coronavirus has stalled scientific fieldwork
Stay-at-home requirements have upended the fieldwork of ecological researchers, including that of scientists and volunteers who track migrating gray whales.

87 days of smog: Southern California just saw its longest streak of bad air in decades
Southern California went 87 days without a clean air day, the longest stretch of consecutive ozone pollution violations in at least 20 years. Regulators blame the persistence in pollution on hot, stagnant weather and are studying whether climate change is driving it.
latimes.com

More than 1,000 dead fish at Malibu Lagoon may be tied to record-warm ocean temperatures
California State Parks scientists are running tests this week to determine what caused about 1,500 fish to die in Malibu Lagoon last week, but officials suspect higher-than-normal water temperatures may have played a role.
Malibu, California
latimes.com

Two bears were badly burned in wildfires, and fish skin helped heal them
Veterinarians in California use tilapia skin to treat burns on bears injured during wildfires.
Summerland, California, United States
Washington Post

Southern California Fires Surpass 115,000 Acres As Santa Ana Winds Drive Flames
Driven by fierce Santa Ana winds, four intense fires near Los Angeles grew to engulf more than 115,000 acres Thursday, and officials say residents should be prepared for even more strong winds through Friday.
Ventura County, California, United States
KCBX Central Coast Public Radio

‘It Burns and It Keeps Burning’: Scenes From Southern California’s Wildfires
Wildfires have burned more than 100,000 acres in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Fighting them were professionals and homeowners with garden hoses.
The New York Times

Wildfires In Southern California Force Thousands Of People To Flee
Multiple fires are burning in Southern California, claiming hundreds of structures and thousands of acres and closing many freeways and local roadways, according to state fire officials.
Santa Paula, California, United States
NPR
Richard Gonzales, Scott Neuman, Amy Held

L.A. Area Wildfire Spurs Hundreds Of Evacuations, Smoke Keeps Others Indoors
Los Angeles County's La Tuna Fire is one of 29 burning across the state, and "is the largest fire in the history of L.A. city," Mayor Eric Garcetti said.
Brace Canyon, Burbank, California, United States
NPR.org

Health authorities have found Zika virus mosquitoes in Long Beach, California
Authorities have warned residents to watch out for mosquito bites and clean out pet bowls as the Aedes aegypti species breeds in stagnant water.
Long Beach, California, United States
Newsweek

Hundreds Of Dead Seabirds, Sea Lions Wash Up In California
The likely culprit is a toxic algal bloom, fueled by warmer ocean temperatures.
Carpinteria, California, United States
HuffPost

Southern California fisherman catches rare giant fish
Shawn Steward of Oxnard, Calif., had a once-in-a-lifetime catch last week in the Channel Islands. Steward caught a 90-pound opah, which is very rare to this area.
Channel Islands, California
Fox News

The Antelope Valley poppies have exploded into a spectacular burst of neon, signaling an end to drought
Antelope valley California Poppy Reserve, California, United States
latimes.com

It's a different ocean right now: First great whites, now hammerhead sharks spotted in Orange County waters
Malibu Beach, California, United States
Orange County Register

Why More Hammerhead Sharks Are Popping Up Off Southern California Coast
Huntington Beach, California, United States
CBSLA.com

Rare whale shark sighting documented near Catalina
Near Catalina Island, California, United States
Pete Thomas Outdoors

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