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.

This month, Ohio Animal Advocates is highlighting a book that is perfect to acknowledge Wellness Month which is observed every August. Wellness is important for all creatures, and author Temple Grandin delves into this and more in Animals Make Us Human: Creating the Best Life for Animals. This book is written for high school/college readers and older as it deals with more complex and potentially heavy topics.

Humans may not be the only primates drawn to caring for animals of another species. A new study highlighted by The New York Times examined 427 interactions across 88 primate species, finding behaviors that resemble some of the building blocks of human pet-keeping. Monkeys and apes were observed playing with, grooming, carrying, and even caring for animals of other species.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Though roadkill reporting may not seem like good news, a crowdsourced public-use roadkill reporting app was recently developed and made available by Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) to identify “hotspots,” areas on roadways where collisions with animals tend to concentrate.

A national effort is underway to help shape the future of wildlife conservation. Led by the Wildlife Management Institute and its partners, this initiative invites practitioners, policymakers, and advocates to weigh in on updated “Foundational Elements of Fish and Wildlife Conservation.” Through an open-access questionnaire, participants can review past policy statements, suggest updates, and contribute new ideas that reflect today’s challenges and opportunities. With responses collected anonymously and shared widely across networks, this is a unique opportunity to ensure diverse perspectives help guide conservation policy for years to come.