Ohio Animal Advocates 10/15/26 Ohio Animal Advocates 10/15/26

How Can We Learn to Coexist with Coyotes?

Coyotes get a bad rap. According to Project Coyote, wild carnivores are some of the most persecuted species in the United States. These animals, which play an integral role in natural ecosystems, try their best to avoid humans. Yet, they can be lured into urban environments by unintentional feeding and increased urban and rural expansion into wildlife habitats.

Ohio Animal Advocates 10/12/26 Ohio Animal Advocates 10/12/26

Bat Tests Positive for Rabies in Delaware, Ohio

The Delaware Public Health District confirmed a bat in the City of Delaware, Ohio, tested positive for rabies, prompting a reminder for residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their pets. Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans, dogs, cats, and wildlife. The virus is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected animal.

Ohio Animal Advocates 10/12/26 Ohio Animal Advocates 10/12/26

Bird Flu Outbreak at Utah Mink Farm Raises Animal Welfare and Public Health Concerns

A bird flu outbreak at a Utah mink farm is raising concerns about animal welfare, disease prevention, and the potential risks to human health. According to a September 27 report from The Salt Lake Tribune, a mink farm in Salt Lake County is experiencing the first documented outbreak of bird flu in captive mink in the United States.

Ohio Animal Advocates 9/10/26 Ohio Animal Advocates 9/10/26

Constitutional Right to Hunt and Fish Stalled; A Win for Ohio’s Wildlife

A proposal to add a constitutional right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife to the Ohio Constitution has stalled in the Ohio General Assembly. For advocates, this is an important win for Ohio’s wildlife and science-based wildlife management.

Ohio Animal Advocates 8/29/26 Ohio Animal Advocates 8/29/26

Investigation Raises Concerns Over Fate of Federally Protected Wild Horses

A recent investigation by The New York Times has raised concerns that some federally protected wild horses may be entering the slaughter pipeline after being sold by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The Times, which investigated government records, livestock inspection records and individual horse sales to trace what happens to some mustangs after they leave federal custody.

Ohio Animal Advocates 7/30/26 Ohio Animal Advocates 7/30/26

AI Is Helping Scientists Study Wild Monkeys Without Taking Them Out of the Forest

Artificial intelligence is opening new doors in wildlife research, and one team of scientists is using it to better understand how wild monkeys think. Researchers from Emory University recently introduced CapuchinAI, a portable testing station that combines a touchscreen, facial recognition software, and an automated food dispenser.

Ohio Animal Advocates 7/25/26 Ohio Animal Advocates 7/25/26

OAA Book of the Month: Curios Critters Ohio

This month, OAA is highlighting a fantastic book to introduce young children (recommended for ages 0–3) to some of Ohio’s most common wildlife. Curious Critters Ohio features stunning photos of animals and engaging, simple language that encourages young nature lovers and their families to keep an eye and ear out for critters in their own backyards.

Ohio Animal Advocates 7/24/26 Ohio Animal Advocates 7/24/26

Colorado Ends Unlimited Killing of Furbearers

Colorado has taken a significant step toward more science-based wildlife management by ending the practice of allowing unlimited daily kills of several native furbearer species. On July 16, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission voted to establish a daily bag limit of two animals per species for coyotes, bobcats, foxes, badgers, and other species classified as furbearers.

Ohio Animal Advocates 7/19/26 Ohio Animal Advocates 7/19/26

China Expands Wildlife Protection While the U.S. Weakens Habitat Safeguards

China has announced a nationwide campaign to combat illegal bird and wildlife hunting, targeting poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and organized trafficking networks through the end of 2026. The effort includes stronger enforcement against crimes involving migratory birds, cross-border cooperation, and continued investments in biodiversity conservation.

Ohio Animal Advocates 7/16/26 Ohio Animal Advocates 7/16/26

Endangered Species Act Protections Under Threat

A newly finalized federal rule removes the long-standing regulatory definition that recognized certain habitat destruction as "harm" under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). That definition helped protect endangered species by recognizing that destroying nesting sites, wetlands, forests, and other essential habitat can injure or kill wildlife, even when the harm isn't immediate or direct.

Ohio Animal Advocates 6/27/26 Ohio Animal Advocates 6/27/26

Q&A: Exploring Wildlife Fertility Control with Dr. Millie Schafer

For many, wildlife population management brings to mind hunting or culling. But around the world, researchers, wildlife managers, and advocates are increasingly exploring another option: fertility control. OAA spoke with Dr. Millie Schaefer, founder and executive director of Cincinnati Urban Deer Advocates, about the growing role of nonlethal wildlife management and what the future may hold.

Ohio Animal Advocates 5/17/26 Ohio Animal Advocates 5/17/26

Runaway Ostrich in Ohio Highlights Challenges of Keeping Exotic Animals in Captivity

A loose ostrich running through rural Ohio may sound like an unusual or even humorous news story, but incidents like this raise important questions about exotic animal ownership, public safety, and animal welfare.

According to reports from local authorities, an ostrich escaped in Madison County, Ohio, on March 23, 2026, prompting a response from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies spent several hours searching for and eventually helping corral the bird before it was safely returned to its owner. The ostrich was spotted near Lafayette Plain City and Taylor Blair roads before authorities successfully reunited the animal with its home.