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"content": "\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Northern California congressman has proposed strengthening the country’s animal welfare laws after local and federal investigators \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12088995/117-dog-remains-found-at-mirandas-rescue-during-multiagency-investigation\">uncovered a mass grave at an animal sanctuary\u003c/a> in Humboldt County earlier this year.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It was a shocking story, and we were talking in my office about what can we do to really have some better teeth, some better tools, penalties, to stop this from happening?,” Rep. James Gallagher, R-Chico, said in an interview with KQED on Tuesday. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u003ca href=\"https://gallagher.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/gallagher.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/Dunkins%20Law.pdf\">legislation\u003c/a> he introduced this week would amend the Animal Welfare Act to create a special designation for companion animals as “sentient beings.” It would give pet owners the ability to federally sue commercial pet facilities like boarding houses if their animal “suffers harm or neglect or dies” while in their care. It would not apply to farm animals or livestock.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gallagher was elected to the 1st Congressional District in a special election in June following the death of Rep. Doug LaMalfa. He is seeking reelection next week in the district —whose boundaries were redrawn under Proposition 50 — in a tight race against former state Sen. Mike McGuire. McGuire has also \u003ca href=\"https://sd02.senate.ca.gov/news/senate-pro-tem-emeritus-mike-mcguire-and-assemblymember-chris-rogers-issue-joint-statement\">expressed concerns\u003c/a> about Miranda’s Rescue and animal welfare.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GettyImages-2292508700-44061c88-scaled-e1793145974125.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104200\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Rep. James Gallagher arrives for the House Republican Conference caucus meeting in the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 1, 2026. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc. via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Humboldt County Sheriff began investigating Miranda’s Rescue after \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101915363/the-whistleblowers-who-exposed-a-no-kill-shelter\">two local animal advocates\u003c/a> entered the sanctuary at night and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12084725/bay-area-dogs-found-dead-at-humboldt-county-no-kill-rescue\">uncovered the bodies of eight dead dogs\u003c/a>, which they turned over to authorities. Rescue owner Shannon Miranda took in more than 900 dogs between Jan. 1, 2025, and May 2026, charging fees ranging from $400 to several thousand dollars per animal. As of last month, 750 of those dogs remained unaccounted for, according to the sheriff.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Miranda has denied any wrongdoing and has not been arrested.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We remain laser-focused on this investigation and are committed to identifying and holding accountable every individual responsible for criminal acts of animal cruelty and fraud uncovered at this nonprofit animal rescue organization,” Sheriff William Honsal wrote in an email to KQED. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Honsal said the investigation, which has included the FBI, the USDA and the state attorney general’s office, has revealed the gaps in the animal welfare system, and that he appreciates Gallagher’s proposal. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“My hope is that something positive can come from this deeply disturbing case,” Honsal wrote.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Dunkin’s Law” is named after a 2-year-old Bernese mountain dog that died of apparent heat exhaustion while in the care of a dog trainer in Los Angeles, according to documents provided to KQED.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In late August, Andrew Fedyk and Madeline White Fedyk sent Dunkin and their other dog, Poutine, for training with Smart Dogs Training Academy as due diligence because they had just had a baby. Fedyk, who is a DJ and part of the touring duo Loud Luxury, said Dunkin was a part of their family and “ pretty much the closest you can get to a perfect dog.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a statement sent to police, the couple said they were assured that the animals would be kept in air conditioning. But on Aug. 26, while the city was in the midst of a heat wave, Smart Dogs owner Jeff Todd called Fedyk, saying that Dunkin had died of apparent heat exhaustion. He had been at a park with another trainer. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After discovering allegations from other pet owners whose dogs had died while in Todd’s care, the Fedyks decided to pursue criminal action. They told KQED an investigation by Los Angeles Animal Services is ongoing, but the agency did not respond to requests for comment. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261028_CompanionAnimalsLaw-KQED-ca1a1803.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106990\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261028_CompanionAnimalsLaw-KQED-ca1a1803.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261028_CompanionAnimalsLaw-KQED-ca1a1803-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261028_CompanionAnimalsLaw-KQED-ca1a1803-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A photo of Andrew Fedyk and his Bernese mountain dog, Dunkin, who died in August 2026 in the care of an animal trainer. (Courtesy of Andrew Fedyk and Madeleine White Fedyk)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The passing of Dunkin is very sad and unfortunate,” Smart Dogs said in an email. “We do however maintain that allegations of any wrongdoing or negligence are completely false. There is no factual evidence to support these or the additional claims that have been made.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Fedyks said so far they are frustrated by the investigation, but they hope that new federal protections can improve the pet care industry and provide relief for people like them — and those who brought animals to the “no-kill” rescue in Fortuna. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“ We wanted to make sure that there [are] not people in this industry that do just see your dog as a dollar bill,” Madeleine White Fedyk said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gallagher said his office is sending out “ Dear Colleague” letters to other lawmakers to try and gather co-sponsors. Next, the bill would likely be referred for a hearing in the House Committee on Agriculture.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Humboldt County Sheriff began investigating Miranda’s Rescue after \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101915363/the-whistleblowers-who-exposed-a-no-kill-shelter\">two local animal advocates\u003c/a> entered the sanctuary at night and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12084725/bay-area-dogs-found-dead-at-humboldt-county-no-kill-rescue\">uncovered the bodies of eight dead dogs\u003c/a>, which they turned over to authorities. Rescue owner Shannon Miranda took in more than 900 dogs between Jan. 1, 2025, and May 2026, charging fees ranging from $400 to several thousand dollars per animal. As of last month, 750 of those dogs remained unaccounted for, according to the sheriff.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Honsal said the investigation, which has included the FBI, the USDA and the state attorney general’s office, has revealed the gaps in the animal welfare system, and that he appreciates Gallagher’s proposal. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Honsal said the investigation, which has included the FBI, the USDA and the state attorney general’s office, has revealed the gaps in the animal welfare system, and that he appreciates Gallagher’s proposal. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“My hope is that something positive can come from this deeply disturbing case,” Honsal wrote.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“My hope is that something positive can come from this deeply disturbing case,” Honsal wrote.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Dunkin’s Law” is named after a 2-year-old Bernese mountain dog that died of apparent heat exhaustion while in the care of a dog trainer in Los Angeles, according to documents provided to KQED.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Dunkin’s Law” is named after a 2-year-old Bernese mountain dog that died of apparent heat exhaustion while in the care of a dog trainer in Los Angeles, according to documents provided to KQED.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In late August, Andrew Fedyk and Madeline White Fedyk sent Dunkin and their other dog, Poutine, for training with Smart Dogs Training Academy as due diligence because they had just had a baby. Fedyk, who is a DJ and part of the touring duo Loud Luxury, said Dunkin was a part of their family and “ pretty much the closest you can get to a perfect dog.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In late August, Andrew Fedyk and Madeline White Fedyk sent Dunkin and their other dog, Poutine, for training with Smart Dogs Training Academy as due diligence because they had just had a baby. Fedyk, who is a DJ and part of the touring duo Loud Luxury, said Dunkin was a part of their family and “ pretty much the closest you can get to a perfect dog.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In a statement sent to police, the couple said they were assured that the animals would be kept in air conditioning. But on Aug. 26, while the city was in the midst of a heat wave, Smart Dogs owner Jeff Todd called Fedyk, saying that Dunkin had died of apparent heat exhaustion. He had been at a park with another trainer. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In a statement sent to police, the couple said they were assured that the animals would be kept in air conditioning. But on Aug. 26, while the city was in the midst of a heat wave, Smart Dogs owner Jeff Todd called Fedyk, saying that Dunkin had died of apparent heat exhaustion. He had been at a park with another trainer. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>After discovering allegations from other pet owners whose dogs had died while in Todd’s care, the Fedyks decided to pursue criminal action. They told KQED an investigation by Los Angeles Animal Services is ongoing, but the agency did not respond to requests for comment. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>After discovering allegations from other pet owners whose dogs had died while in Todd’s care, the Fedyks decided to pursue criminal action. They told KQED an investigation by Los Angeles Animal Services is ongoing, but the agency did not respond to requests for comment. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261028_CompanionAnimalsLaw-KQED-ca1a1803.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106990\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261028_CompanionAnimalsLaw-KQED-ca1a1803.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261028_CompanionAnimalsLaw-KQED-ca1a1803-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261028_CompanionAnimalsLaw-KQED-ca1a1803-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A photo of Andrew Fedyk and his Bernese mountain dog, Dunkin, who died in August 2026 in the care of an animal trainer. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of Andrew Fedyk and Madeleine White Fedyk)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The passing of Dunkin is very sad and unfortunate,” Smart Dogs said in an email. “We do however maintain that allegations of any wrongdoing or negligence are completely false. There is no factual evidence to support these or the additional claims that have been made.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“The passing of Dunkin is very sad and unfortunate,” Smart Dogs said in an email. “We do however maintain that allegations of any wrongdoing or negligence are completely false. There is no factual evidence to support these or the additional claims that have been made.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Fedyks said so far they are frustrated by the investigation, but they hope that new federal protections can improve the pet care industry and provide relief for people like them — and those who brought animals to the “no-kill” rescue in Fortuna. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The Fedyks said so far they are frustrated by the investigation, but they hope that new federal protections can improve the pet care industry and provide relief for people like them — and those who brought animals to the “no-kill” rescue in Fortuna. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“ We wanted to make sure that there [are] not people in this industry that do just see your dog as a dollar bill,” Madeleine White Fedyk said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“ We wanted to make sure that there [are] not people in this industry that do just see your dog as a dollar bill,” Madeleine White Fedyk said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Gallagher said his office is sending out “ Dear Colleague” letters to other lawmakers to try and gather co-sponsors. Next, the bill would likely be referred for a hearing in the House Committee on Agriculture.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Gallagher said his office is sending out “ Dear Colleague” letters to other lawmakers to try and gather co-sponsors. Next, the bill would likely be referred for a hearing in the House Committee on Agriculture.\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "The legislation would make it easier to hold commercial pet facilities accountable for harm, after the discovery of a mass dog grave in Humboldt County this summer. ",
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"title": "Northern California Representative Proposes New Pet Protections in Wake of Animal Welfare Probes | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Northern California congressman has proposed strengthening the country’s animal welfare laws after local and federal investigators \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12088995/117-dog-remains-found-at-mirandas-rescue-during-multiagency-investigation\">uncovered a mass grave at an animal sanctuary\u003c/a> in Humboldt County earlier this year.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It was a shocking story, and we were talking in my office about what can we do to really have some better teeth, some better tools, penalties, to stop this from happening?,” Rep. James Gallagher, R-Chico, said in an interview with KQED on Tuesday. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u003ca href=\"https://gallagher.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/gallagher.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/Dunkins%20Law.pdf\">legislation\u003c/a> he introduced this week would amend the Animal Welfare Act to create a special designation for companion animals as “sentient beings.” It would give pet owners the ability to federally sue commercial pet facilities like boarding houses if their animal “suffers harm or neglect or dies” while in their care. It would not apply to farm animals or livestock.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gallagher was elected to the 1st Congressional District in a special election in June following the death of Rep. Doug LaMalfa. He is seeking reelection next week in the district —whose boundaries were redrawn under Proposition 50 — in a tight race against former state Sen. Mike McGuire. McGuire has also \u003ca href=\"https://sd02.senate.ca.gov/news/senate-pro-tem-emeritus-mike-mcguire-and-assemblymember-chris-rogers-issue-joint-statement\">expressed concerns\u003c/a> about Miranda’s Rescue and animal welfare.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GettyImages-2292508700-44061c88-scaled-e1793145974125.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104200\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Rep. James Gallagher arrives for the House Republican Conference caucus meeting in the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 1, 2026. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc. via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Humboldt County Sheriff began investigating Miranda’s Rescue after \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101915363/the-whistleblowers-who-exposed-a-no-kill-shelter\">two local animal advocates\u003c/a> entered the sanctuary at night and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12084725/bay-area-dogs-found-dead-at-humboldt-county-no-kill-rescue\">uncovered the bodies of eight dead dogs\u003c/a>, which they turned over to authorities. Rescue owner Shannon Miranda took in more than 900 dogs between Jan. 1, 2025, and May 2026, charging fees ranging from $400 to several thousand dollars per animal. As of last month, 750 of those dogs remained unaccounted for, according to the sheriff.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Miranda has denied any wrongdoing and has not been arrested.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We remain laser-focused on this investigation and are committed to identifying and holding accountable every individual responsible for criminal acts of animal cruelty and fraud uncovered at this nonprofit animal rescue organization,” Sheriff William Honsal wrote in an email to KQED. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Honsal said the investigation, which has included the FBI, the USDA and the state attorney general’s office, has revealed the gaps in the animal welfare system, and that he appreciates Gallagher’s proposal. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“My hope is that something positive can come from this deeply disturbing case,” Honsal wrote.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Dunkin’s Law” is named after a 2-year-old Bernese mountain dog that died of apparent heat exhaustion while in the care of a dog trainer in Los Angeles, according to documents provided to KQED.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In late August, Andrew Fedyk and Madeline White Fedyk sent Dunkin and their other dog, Poutine, for training with Smart Dogs Training Academy as due diligence because they had just had a baby. Fedyk, who is a DJ and part of the touring duo Loud Luxury, said Dunkin was a part of their family and “ pretty much the closest you can get to a perfect dog.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a statement sent to police, the couple said they were assured that the animals would be kept in air conditioning. But on Aug. 26, while the city was in the midst of a heat wave, Smart Dogs owner Jeff Todd called Fedyk, saying that Dunkin had died of apparent heat exhaustion. He had been at a park with another trainer. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After discovering allegations from other pet owners whose dogs had died while in Todd’s care, the Fedyks decided to pursue criminal action. They told KQED an investigation by Los Angeles Animal Services is ongoing, but the agency did not respond to requests for comment. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261028_CompanionAnimalsLaw-KQED-ca1a1803.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106990\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261028_CompanionAnimalsLaw-KQED-ca1a1803.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261028_CompanionAnimalsLaw-KQED-ca1a1803-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261028_CompanionAnimalsLaw-KQED-ca1a1803-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A photo of Andrew Fedyk and his Bernese mountain dog, Dunkin, who died in August 2026 in the care of an animal trainer. (Courtesy of Andrew Fedyk and Madeleine White Fedyk)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The passing of Dunkin is very sad and unfortunate,” Smart Dogs said in an email. “We do however maintain that allegations of any wrongdoing or negligence are completely false. There is no factual evidence to support these or the additional claims that have been made.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Fedyks said so far they are frustrated by the investigation, but they hope that new federal protections can improve the pet care industry and provide relief for people like them — and those who brought animals to the “no-kill” rescue in Fortuna. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“ We wanted to make sure that there [are] not people in this industry that do just see your dog as a dollar bill,” Madeleine White Fedyk said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gallagher said his office is sending out “ Dear Colleague” letters to other lawmakers to try and gather co-sponsors. Next, the bill would likely be referred for a hearing in the House Committee on Agriculture.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "river-otter-seen-on-san-mateo-county-coast-for-first-time-since-the-1800s",
"title": "River Otter Seen on San Mateo County Coast for First Time Since the 1800s",
"publishDate": 1793125781,
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"headTitle": "River Otter Seen on San Mateo County Coast for First Time Since the 1800s | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the first time in over a century, a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/11762/river-otters-are-thriving-all-over-the-bay-area\">North American river otter\u003c/a> was spotted on the San Mateo County coast. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The semi-aquatic mammal was captured on a camera trap and has been seen twice now — once in July and once in September — cruising around the coastal prairie and waterways of the Cloverdale Ranch Open Space Reserve, just south of Pescadero.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We opened up the images and all celebrated and were really excited because we had never heard of a river otter in this area, or really anywhere on the San Mateo County coast,” said Matt Sharp Chaney, a wildlife ecologist with the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, which acquired the 6,700-acre preserve in 2023. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">River otters used to live all along the West Coast, from Alaska to Santa Barbara, before they were almost entirely wiped out in the 1800s by the fur trade. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where this individual creature came from and how he or she got to the ranch is a mystery. The nearest documented sighting of a river otter is 20 miles away, down near Lexington Reservoir in the Santa Cruz Mountains — quite a distance to travel. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-RIVER-OTTERS-02-KQED-1-36ecf1b2-bbe9eb27.jpg\" alt=\"A serene landscape featuring winding blue waterways nestled among lush green hills and dense forests under a clear sky.\" class=\"wp-image-12106639\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-RIVER-OTTERS-02-KQED-1-36ecf1b2-bbe9eb27.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-RIVER-OTTERS-02-KQED-1-36ecf1b2-bbe9eb27-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-RIVER-OTTERS-02-KQED-1-36ecf1b2-bbe9eb27-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Cloverdale Ranch Open Space Preserve, on the San Mateo County coast. The river otter was seen on a camera trap, stationed in the vast preserve. (Courtesy of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I’d really love to hear if anybody on the San Mateo County coast has seen a river otter or signs of a river otter,” Sharp Chaney said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regardless, conservationists are taking the otter’s presence as a signal that restoration of the area is working. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The fact that this watershed is healthy enough to support a river otter, that has really high energetic needs and can feed on fish and frogs and turtles and birds’ eggs and a wide variety of items, is just really exciting,” Sharp Chaney said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He said he hopes members of the public will upload their animal sightings to the River Otter Ecology Project’s community science platform, \u003ca href=\"https://riverotterecology.org/become-an-otter-spotter/\">Otter Spotter\u003c/a>. More sightings, he said, could help fill in the gaps and give clues to where this otter came from. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">River otters are known to live on the other side of the Peninsula, on the Bay side. There is also a healthy population on the Pacific Coast side in Marin County — one of which may have swam down. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sharp Chaney said he once saw a river otter swimming in Puget Sound in Washington. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It is possible that this individual moved across and through the Pacific Ocean to get where it is,” he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cloverdale Ranch Open Space Preserve is still working agricultural land, where cattle graze in rotation. It is also the site of numerous restoration projects and animals like Coho salmon and the San Francisco garter snake. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It’s a very resilient and amazing landscape that supports a lot of rare species,” Sharp Chaney said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The public can access some areas of the ranch, and more open access is in the works. Meanwhile, otter fans in the region will be keen to see if any other individuals show up. Sharp Chaney said he hopes for the area’s current intrepid explorer to find a mate. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I would be very excited if another otter distributed into the same area and they were able to start a family unit,” he said. “That would be extremely exciting news for me.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The semi-aquatic mammal was captured on a camera trap and has been seen twice now — once in July and once in September — cruising around the coastal prairie and waterways of the Cloverdale Ranch Open Space Reserve, just south of Pescadero.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We opened up the images and all celebrated and were really excited because we had never heard of a river otter in this area, or really anywhere on the San Mateo County coast,” said Matt Sharp Chaney, a wildlife ecologist with the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, which acquired the 6,700-acre preserve in 2023. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We opened up the images and all celebrated and were really excited because we had never heard of a river otter in this area, or really anywhere on the San Mateo County coast,” said Matt Sharp Chaney, a wildlife ecologist with the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, which acquired the 6,700-acre preserve in 2023. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>River otters used to live all along the West Coast, from Alaska to Santa Barbara, before they were almost entirely wiped out in the 1800s by the fur trade. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Where this individual creature came from and how he or she got to the ranch is a mystery. The nearest documented sighting of a river otter is 20 miles away, down near Lexington Reservoir in the Santa Cruz Mountains — quite a distance to travel. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Where this individual creature came from and how he or she got to the ranch is a mystery. The nearest documented sighting of a river otter is 20 miles away, down near Lexington Reservoir in the Santa Cruz Mountains — quite a distance to travel. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-RIVER-OTTERS-02-KQED-1-36ecf1b2-bbe9eb27.jpg\" alt=\"A serene landscape featuring winding blue waterways nestled among lush green hills and dense forests under a clear sky.\" class=\"wp-image-12106639\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-RIVER-OTTERS-02-KQED-1-36ecf1b2-bbe9eb27.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-RIVER-OTTERS-02-KQED-1-36ecf1b2-bbe9eb27-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-RIVER-OTTERS-02-KQED-1-36ecf1b2-bbe9eb27-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Cloverdale Ranch Open Space Preserve, on the San Mateo County coast. The river otter was seen on a camera trap, stationed in the vast preserve. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I’d really love to hear if anybody on the San Mateo County coast has seen a river otter or signs of a river otter,” Sharp Chaney said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The fact that this watershed is healthy enough to support a river otter, that has really high energetic needs and can feed on fish and frogs and turtles and birds’ eggs and a wide variety of items, is just really exciting,” Sharp Chaney said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>He said he hopes members of the public will upload their animal sightings to the River Otter Ecology Project’s community science platform, \u003ca href=\"https://riverotterecology.org/become-an-otter-spotter/\">Otter Spotter\u003c/a>. More sightings, he said, could help fill in the gaps and give clues to where this otter came from. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>River otters are known to live on the other side of the Peninsula, on the Bay side. There is also a healthy population on the Pacific Coast side in Marin County — one of which may have swam down. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Sharp Chaney said he once saw a river otter swimming in Puget Sound in Washington. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It is possible that this individual moved across and through the Pacific Ocean to get where it is,” he said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Cloverdale Ranch Open Space Preserve is still working agricultural land, where cattle graze in rotation. It is also the site of numerous restoration projects and animals like Coho salmon and the San Francisco garter snake. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The public can access some areas of the ranch, and more open access is in the works. Meanwhile, otter fans in the region will be keen to see if any other individuals show up. Sharp Chaney said he hopes for the area’s current intrepid explorer to find a mate. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The public can access some areas of the ranch, and more open access is in the works. Meanwhile, otter fans in the region will be keen to see if any other individuals show up. Sharp Chaney said he hopes for the area’s current intrepid explorer to find a mate. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I would be very excited if another otter distributed into the same area and they were able to start a family unit,” he said. “That would be extremely exciting news for me.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "The rare wildlife sighting highlights habitat restoration success on California’s coast and raises questions about the otter's origins.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the first time in over a century, a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/11762/river-otters-are-thriving-all-over-the-bay-area\">North American river otter\u003c/a> was spotted on the San Mateo County coast. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The semi-aquatic mammal was captured on a camera trap and has been seen twice now — once in July and once in September — cruising around the coastal prairie and waterways of the Cloverdale Ranch Open Space Reserve, just south of Pescadero.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We opened up the images and all celebrated and were really excited because we had never heard of a river otter in this area, or really anywhere on the San Mateo County coast,” said Matt Sharp Chaney, a wildlife ecologist with the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, which acquired the 6,700-acre preserve in 2023. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">River otters used to live all along the West Coast, from Alaska to Santa Barbara, before they were almost entirely wiped out in the 1800s by the fur trade. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where this individual creature came from and how he or she got to the ranch is a mystery. The nearest documented sighting of a river otter is 20 miles away, down near Lexington Reservoir in the Santa Cruz Mountains — quite a distance to travel. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-RIVER-OTTERS-02-KQED-1-36ecf1b2-bbe9eb27.jpg\" alt=\"A serene landscape featuring winding blue waterways nestled among lush green hills and dense forests under a clear sky.\" class=\"wp-image-12106639\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-RIVER-OTTERS-02-KQED-1-36ecf1b2-bbe9eb27.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-RIVER-OTTERS-02-KQED-1-36ecf1b2-bbe9eb27-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-RIVER-OTTERS-02-KQED-1-36ecf1b2-bbe9eb27-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Cloverdale Ranch Open Space Preserve, on the San Mateo County coast. The river otter was seen on a camera trap, stationed in the vast preserve. (Courtesy of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I’d really love to hear if anybody on the San Mateo County coast has seen a river otter or signs of a river otter,” Sharp Chaney said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regardless, conservationists are taking the otter’s presence as a signal that restoration of the area is working. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The fact that this watershed is healthy enough to support a river otter, that has really high energetic needs and can feed on fish and frogs and turtles and birds’ eggs and a wide variety of items, is just really exciting,” Sharp Chaney said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He said he hopes members of the public will upload their animal sightings to the River Otter Ecology Project’s community science platform, \u003ca href=\"https://riverotterecology.org/become-an-otter-spotter/\">Otter Spotter\u003c/a>. More sightings, he said, could help fill in the gaps and give clues to where this otter came from. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">River otters are known to live on the other side of the Peninsula, on the Bay side. There is also a healthy population on the Pacific Coast side in Marin County — one of which may have swam down. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sharp Chaney said he once saw a river otter swimming in Puget Sound in Washington. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It is possible that this individual moved across and through the Pacific Ocean to get where it is,” he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cloverdale Ranch Open Space Preserve is still working agricultural land, where cattle graze in rotation. It is also the site of numerous restoration projects and animals like Coho salmon and the San Francisco garter snake. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It’s a very resilient and amazing landscape that supports a lot of rare species,” Sharp Chaney said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The public can access some areas of the ranch, and more open access is in the works. Meanwhile, otter fans in the region will be keen to see if any other individuals show up. Sharp Chaney said he hopes for the area’s current intrepid explorer to find a mate. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I would be very excited if another otter distributed into the same area and they were able to start a family unit,” he said. “That would be extremely exciting news for me.”\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"headTitle": "Oakland Pet Lovers Provide Care to Unhoused Residents’ Furry Friends | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>When it started, Bradford and Ophelia only had a few cats. But others soon appeared.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The couple, who have lived together at a West Oakland \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/housing\">homeless\u003c/a> encampment for the last three years, bottle-fed the strays who wandered in and administered medicine to them when they were sick. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It wasn’t long before Bradford and Ophelia, who asked KQED to only use their first names out of concern for their safety, developed a reputation for being knowledgeable pet owners. People started bringing them more cats: the shop owner who couldn’t keep his kitten, or the pregnant cat they were given after a friend passed away. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Today, they’re caring for a verifiable colony: 14 cats and kittens — and counting.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Everybody just got spayed and neutered,” Bradford said with a smile. “So we’re feeling very responsible about that.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-31-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102847\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-31-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-31-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-31-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Two of Kevin Klee’s many cats roam the area outside his trailer on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. Klee says that he’s running out of space where he lives and he wishes that somebody could take them. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12102848\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-40-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102848\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-40-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-40-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-40-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdams prepares vaccines on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12102849\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-43-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102849\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-43-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-43-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-43-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdams tries to gain the trust of a dog she is about to vaccinate on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Taking care of a pet — let alone two dozen — can be a challenge for unhoused people. The cost of a typical trip to the vet can easily reach hundreds or thousands of dollars. And figuring out how to transport a sick pet to a low-cost community clinic can be difficult.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>One Oakland group, the Human and Pet Initiative, or \u003ca href=\"https://www.hapi.pet/\">HAPI\u003c/a>, is working to solve this problem. For the last three years, on a weekly basis, the small nonprofit has brought shots, microchips, flea medication, kibble and other resources to about 15 encampments in Oakland.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Meg McAdam, HAPI’s group’s founder and president, made it possible for Bradford and Ophelia to fix their cats. HAPI paid for the operations after McAdam and her team of about five volunteers built a trusting relationship with the couple, who agreed to let her take their cats to the vet to get spayed and neutered.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>McAdam knows that some people have strong feelings about the wellbeing of the animals they see on the street, or question whether unhoused people deserve to have pets in the first place. But she said that’s beside the point.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I don’t even have to debate that, ’cause it doesn’t matter, ’cause they do. So as long as they do, I want to help them take care of them,” McAdam said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>McAdam said that this work has a butterfly effect: providing care to these animals allows HAPI to support their human companions too. “When they’re making a choice of whether to feed their dog or themselves, if I can feed their dog so they can feed themselves, it’s a win, right?”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>McAdam wears her heart on her sleeve. Her arms are covered in animal tattoos: A dog on her right arm, and a vibrant blue sleeve of sea creatures on her left. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s a fitting look for the job she does seven days a week: Providing no-cost, mobile medical support to people living on the streets. McAdam has learned that there are many reasons why an unhoused person may choose to have a pet. One of the reasons is safety. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The bigger, the better,” said Star, who lives near the Lake Merritt Estuary with her three guard dogs, Prince, Joker, and Chloe, who weigh over 100 pounds each. “‘Cause they can cuddle you, they can love you, they can protect you.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-20-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102840\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-20-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-20-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-20-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdams cuts the nails of Christy Grensberg’s new puppy, Houdini, on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>One of the dogs, Prince, acts as her service animal, Star said. She has epilepsy, and he alerts her when she’s going to have a seizure, providing stability when she loses her balance. Her dogs also protect her from external threats, like theft, or sexual harassment and assault — the dangers of being a woman living outside.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“ The only way to survive out here is if I have my dogs,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Pets can also provide a sense of companionship, or a second chance at developing bonds that feel like family. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I’ve not had responsibility to anyone … or anything in a while,” said Jaquelyn, who lives at an encampment under the West Oakland BART tracks with her puppy, Loco. “I feel like my son will be jealous if I pay more attention to the dog than him, but I don’t get to see my son often.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-51-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102852\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-51-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-51-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-51-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hailey Looneie and Jane Esposito greet a local’s dog on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Losing touch with family is a common source of trauma for unhoused people, and pets can help fill the gap. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I don’t want to mess up this time,” Jaquelyn said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Part of this responsibility is regular veterinary care. Most of the people McAdam works with are eager to receive support from her. But it’s not always so simple.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Jaquelyn and Loco live in the same encampment as Loco’s grandma, a German Shepherd named Diamond. Diamond belongs to a man named Alfonso, who has always been wary of McAdam and her team. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Alfonso is the only person who ever said to us, ‘Get away from my dogs,’” McAdam told her volunteers during a weekly outreach meeting. As a result, she tries to give him space to avoid making him feel encroached upon.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12102845\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-29-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102845\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-29-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-29-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-29-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Julian Standley and Claudia Glasper pose with their dogs, Benji and Sassy, on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12102837\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-11-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102837\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-11-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-11-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-11-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdam’s van is packed with supplies for pet owners on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12102844\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-28-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102844\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-28-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-28-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-28-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">HAPI member, Jane Esposito, organizes vaccination records while her coworkers vaccinate a dog on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12102842\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-25-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102842\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-25-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-25-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-25-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdams injects a microchip into Christy Grensburg’s new puppy, Houdini, on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. In case the owner is not available or doesn’t have a phone, McAdams adds HAPI’s contact information onto every microchip form they fill out. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But one outreach day in May, McAdam noticed that Diamond looked quite ill. Alfonso returned home as a volunteer vet tech named Jocelyn Saenz-Sanchez performed an exam on the German Shepherd, who was breathing heavily in a resting place in the shade. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But instead of getting mad at them and asking him to leave as he had done in the past, Alfonso was happy to see McAdam. The two made a plan for her to come back and take Diamond to the vet.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This was a huge breakthrough,” she said later. “I’m hoping that this is the beginning of a new relationship with him.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Building this level of trust can take a long time. In this case, it took three years of offering food and other support and being turned down or ignored. But time is finite, and the needs of a sick pet can be urgent. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-46-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102850\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-46-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-46-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-46-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdams and Alfredo Penate update each other on their lives since HAPI last visited on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. McAdams says that she visited Penate many times over the years in order to first gain his trust. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Diamond’s health drastically declined in the days after McAdam’s team examined her, and she died before she could get in to see a vet.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>McAdam knows that without relationship building, she can’t reach the animals that need help. And ultimately, she also knows these animals are extensions of their owners. The city of Oakland recognizes this, too.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“These nonprofit groups, they are a force multiplier for our work,” said Joe DeVries, director of Oakland Animal Services. He said the resources HAPI provides are critical. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“But I think what’s even more important is the relationships that they provide.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>DeVries said many people associate Animal Control Officers, formerly part of the police department until 2015, with law enforcement. It’s now a standalone agency under the city administrator’s office, but it does have a mandate to enforce local pet laws, like leash laws, and animal cruelty and neglect. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-21-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102841\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-21-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-21-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-21-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Christy Grensberg relays her vaccine record contact information to Jane Esposito on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. After her past two dogs died from Canine Parvovirus, Grensberg said that she is being extremely cautious with Houdini and making sure to get him vaccinated. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>So far this year, they have seized pets from their owners about 300 times. But the majority of the animals in their custody are domesticated pets that are surrendered, DeVries said. Most of the time, this happens when somebody can’t afford both animal care and housing.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He witnessed others making this heartbreaking choice when he worked as Oakland’s homelessness administrator back in 2018.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“What I saw when we were out at encampments, and people weren’t accepting offers of shelter, their criticism of congregate shelter was very valid,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Now, some city-run shelter programs do allow pets, making it easier for unhoused people to take the first step toward getting indoors.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But before they get to a shelter or housing, groups like HAPI take care of pets on the street. There are a handful of groups around the state like HAPI, from \u003ca href=\"https://pawfund.org/what-we-do/\">Paw Fund\u003c/a> in Berkeley to the \u003ca href=\"https://folsomtimes.com/paws-mobile-clinic-is-lifeline-for-pets-of-countys-unhoused/\">PAWS Mobile Clinic\u003c/a> in Sacramento and \u003ca href=\"https://www.projectstreetvet.org/volunteer\">Project Street Vet\u003c/a> in Los Angeles. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On an outreach day in May, McAdam and her crew distributed 270 pounds of dog kibble, 45 pounds of cat kibble, and vaccinated 15 dogs and two kittens. Some of these animals were already on her list, but others were new.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“That common ground of loving someone’s pets,” she said, “really breaks down barriers.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It wasn’t long before Bradford and Ophelia, who asked KQED to only use their first names out of concern for their safety, developed a reputation for being knowledgeable pet owners. People started bringing them more cats: the shop owner who couldn’t keep his kitten, or the pregnant cat they were given after a friend passed away. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>It wasn’t long before Bradford and Ophelia, who asked KQED to only use their first names out of concern for their safety, developed a reputation for being knowledgeable pet owners. People started bringing them more cats: the shop owner who couldn’t keep his kitten, or the pregnant cat they were given after a friend passed away. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Today, they’re caring for a verifiable colony: 14 cats and kittens — and counting.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Everybody just got spayed and neutered,” Bradford said with a smile. “So we’re feeling very responsible about that.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-31-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102847\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-31-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-31-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-31-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Two of Kevin Klee’s many cats roam the area outside his trailer on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. Klee says that he’s running out of space where he lives and he wishes that somebody could take them.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Taking care of a pet — let alone two dozen — can be a challenge for unhoused people. The cost of a typical trip to the vet can easily reach hundreds or thousands of dollars. And figuring out how to transport a sick pet to a low-cost community clinic can be difficult.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>One Oakland group, the Human and Pet Initiative, or \u003ca href=\"https://www.hapi.pet/\">HAPI\u003c/a>, is working to solve this problem. For the last three years, on a weekly basis, the small nonprofit has brought shots, microchips, flea medication, kibble and other resources to about 15 encampments in Oakland.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Meg McAdam, HAPI’s group’s founder and president, made it possible for Bradford and Ophelia to fix their cats. HAPI paid for the operations after McAdam and her team of about five volunteers built a trusting relationship with the couple, who agreed to let her take their cats to the vet to get spayed and neutered.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>McAdam knows that some people have strong feelings about the wellbeing of the animals they see on the street, or question whether unhoused people deserve to have pets in the first place. But she said that’s beside the point.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I don’t even have to debate that, ’cause it doesn’t matter, ’cause they do. So as long as they do, I want to help them take care of them,” McAdam said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>McAdam said that this work has a butterfly effect: providing care to these animals allows HAPI to support their human companions too. “When they’re making a choice of whether to feed their dog or themselves, if I can feed their dog so they can feed themselves, it’s a win, right?”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>McAdam said that this work has a butterfly effect: providing care to these animals allows HAPI to support their human companions too. “When they’re making a choice of whether to feed their dog or themselves, if I can feed their dog so they can feed themselves, it’s a win, right?”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>McAdam wears her heart on her sleeve. Her arms are covered in animal tattoos: A dog on her right arm, and a vibrant blue sleeve of sea creatures on her left. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It’s a fitting look for the job she does seven days a week: Providing no-cost, mobile medical support to people living on the streets. McAdam has learned that there are many reasons why an unhoused person may choose to have a pet. One of the reasons is safety. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>It’s a fitting look for the job she does seven days a week: Providing no-cost, mobile medical support to people living on the streets. McAdam has learned that there are many reasons why an unhoused person may choose to have a pet. One of the reasons is safety. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The bigger, the better,” said Star, who lives near the Lake Merritt Estuary with her three guard dogs, Prince, Joker, and Chloe, who weigh over 100 pounds each. “‘Cause they can cuddle you, they can love you, they can protect you.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“The bigger, the better,” said Star, who lives near the Lake Merritt Estuary with her three guard dogs, Prince, Joker, and Chloe, who weigh over 100 pounds each. “‘Cause they can cuddle you, they can love you, they can protect you.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-20-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102840\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-20-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-20-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-20-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdams cuts the nails of Christy Grensberg’s new puppy, Houdini, on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-20-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102840\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdams cuts the nails of Christy Grensberg’s new puppy, Houdini, on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>One of the dogs, Prince, acts as her service animal, Star said. She has epilepsy, and he alerts her when she’s going to have a seizure, providing stability when she loses her balance. Her dogs also protect her from external threats, like theft, or sexual harassment and assault — the dangers of being a woman living outside.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>One of the dogs, Prince, acts as her service animal, Star said. She has epilepsy, and he alerts her when she’s going to have a seizure, providing stability when she loses her balance. Her dogs also protect her from external threats, like theft, or sexual harassment and assault — the dangers of being a woman living outside.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“ The only way to survive out here is if I have my dogs,” she said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Pets can also provide a sense of companionship, or a second chance at developing bonds that feel like family. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I’ve not had responsibility to anyone … or anything in a while,” said Jaquelyn, who lives at an encampment under the West Oakland BART tracks with her puppy, Loco. “I feel like my son will be jealous if I pay more attention to the dog than him, but I don’t get to see my son often.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“I’ve not had responsibility to anyone … or anything in a while,” said Jaquelyn, who lives at an encampment under the West Oakland BART tracks with her puppy, Loco. “I feel like my son will be jealous if I pay more attention to the dog than him, but I don’t get to see my son often.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-51-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102852\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-51-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-51-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-51-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hailey Looneie and Jane Esposito greet a local’s dog on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-51-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102852\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hailey Looneie and Jane Esposito greet a local’s dog on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I don’t want to mess up this time,” Jaquelyn said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Part of this responsibility is regular veterinary care. Most of the people McAdam works with are eager to receive support from her. But it’s not always so simple.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Jaquelyn and Loco live in the same encampment as Loco’s grandma, a German Shepherd named Diamond. Diamond belongs to a man named Alfonso, who has always been wary of McAdam and her team. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-25-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102842\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdams injects a microchip into Christy Grensburg’s new puppy, Houdini, on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. In case the owner is not available or doesn’t have a phone, McAdams adds HAPI’s contact information onto every microchip form they fill out.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But one outreach day in May, McAdam noticed that Diamond looked quite ill. Alfonso returned home as a volunteer vet tech named Jocelyn Saenz-Sanchez performed an exam on the German Shepherd, who was breathing heavily in a resting place in the shade. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But one outreach day in May, McAdam noticed that Diamond looked quite ill. Alfonso returned home as a volunteer vet tech named Jocelyn Saenz-Sanchez performed an exam on the German Shepherd, who was breathing heavily in a resting place in the shade. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But instead of getting mad at them and asking him to leave as he had done in the past, Alfonso was happy to see McAdam. The two made a plan for her to come back and take Diamond to the vet.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But instead of getting mad at them and asking him to leave as he had done in the past, Alfonso was happy to see McAdam. The two made a plan for her to come back and take Diamond to the vet.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“This was a huge breakthrough,” she said later. “I’m hoping that this is the beginning of a new relationship with him.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“This was a huge breakthrough,” she said later. “I’m hoping that this is the beginning of a new relationship with him.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Building this level of trust can take a long time. In this case, it took three years of offering food and other support and being turned down or ignored. But time is finite, and the needs of a sick pet can be urgent. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Building this level of trust can take a long time. In this case, it took three years of offering food and other support and being turned down or ignored. But time is finite, and the needs of a sick pet can be urgent. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-46-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102850\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-46-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-46-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-46-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdams and Alfredo Penate update each other on their lives since HAPI last visited on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. McAdams says that she visited Penate many times over the years in order to first gain his trust.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-46-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102850\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdams and Alfredo Penate update each other on their lives since HAPI last visited on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. McAdams says that she visited Penate many times over the years in order to first gain his trust.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Diamond’s health drastically declined in the days after McAdam’s team examined her, and she died before she could get in to see a vet.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Diamond’s health drastically declined in the days after McAdam’s team examined her, and she died before she could get in to see a vet.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>McAdam knows that without relationship building, she can’t reach the animals that need help. And ultimately, she also knows these animals are extensions of their owners. The city of Oakland recognizes this, too.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>McAdam knows that without relationship building, she can’t reach the animals that need help. And ultimately, she also knows these animals are extensions of their owners. The city of Oakland recognizes this, too.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“These nonprofit groups, they are a force multiplier for our work,” said Joe DeVries, director of Oakland Animal Services. He said the resources HAPI provides are critical. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“These nonprofit groups, they are a force multiplier for our work,” said Joe DeVries, director of Oakland Animal Services. He said the resources HAPI provides are critical. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“But I think what’s even more important is the relationships that they provide.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>DeVries said many people associate Animal Control Officers, formerly part of the police department until 2015, with law enforcement. It’s now a standalone agency under the city administrator’s office, but it does have a mandate to enforce local pet laws, like leash laws, and animal cruelty and neglect. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>DeVries said many people associate Animal Control Officers, formerly part of the police department until 2015, with law enforcement. It’s now a standalone agency under the city administrator’s office, but it does have a mandate to enforce local pet laws, like leash laws, and animal cruelty and neglect. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-21-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102841\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-21-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-21-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-21-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Christy Grensberg relays her vaccine record contact information to Jane Esposito on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. After her past two dogs died from Canine Parvovirus, Grensberg said that she is being extremely cautious with Houdini and making sure to get him vaccinated.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-21-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102841\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Christy Grensberg relays her vaccine record contact information to Jane Esposito on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. After her past two dogs died from Canine Parvovirus, Grensberg said that she is being extremely cautious with Houdini and making sure to get him vaccinated.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>So far this year, they have seized pets from their owners about 300 times. But the majority of the animals in their custody are domesticated pets that are surrendered, DeVries said. Most of the time, this happens when somebody can’t afford both animal care and housing.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>So far this year, they have seized pets from their owners about 300 times. But the majority of the animals in their custody are domesticated pets that are surrendered, DeVries said. Most of the time, this happens when somebody can’t afford both animal care and housing.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>He witnessed others making this heartbreaking choice when he worked as Oakland’s homelessness administrator back in 2018.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>He witnessed others making this heartbreaking choice when he worked as Oakland’s homelessness administrator back in 2018.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“What I saw when we were out at encampments, and people weren’t accepting offers of shelter, their criticism of congregate shelter was very valid,” he said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“What I saw when we were out at encampments, and people weren’t accepting offers of shelter, their criticism of congregate shelter was very valid,” he said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Now, some city-run shelter programs do allow pets, making it easier for unhoused people to take the first step toward getting indoors.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Now, some city-run shelter programs do allow pets, making it easier for unhoused people to take the first step toward getting indoors.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But before they get to a shelter or housing, groups like HAPI take care of pets on the street. There are a handful of groups around the state like HAPI, from \u003ca href=\"https://pawfund.org/what-we-do/\">Paw Fund\u003c/a> in Berkeley to the \u003ca href=\"https://folsomtimes.com/paws-mobile-clinic-is-lifeline-for-pets-of-countys-unhoused/\">PAWS Mobile Clinic\u003c/a> in Sacramento and \u003ca href=\"https://www.projectstreetvet.org/volunteer\">Project Street Vet\u003c/a> in Los Angeles. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But before they get to a shelter or housing, groups like HAPI take care of pets on the street. There are a handful of groups around the state like HAPI, from \u003ca href=\"https://pawfund.org/what-we-do/\">Paw Fund\u003c/a> in Berkeley to the \u003ca href=\"https://folsomtimes.com/paws-mobile-clinic-is-lifeline-for-pets-of-countys-unhoused/\">PAWS Mobile Clinic\u003c/a> in Sacramento and \u003ca href=\"https://www.projectstreetvet.org/volunteer\">Project Street Vet\u003c/a> in Los Angeles. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>On an outreach day in May, McAdam and her crew distributed 270 pounds of dog kibble, 45 pounds of cat kibble, and vaccinated 15 dogs and two kittens. Some of these animals were already on her list, but others were new.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>On an outreach day in May, McAdam and her crew distributed 270 pounds of dog kibble, 45 pounds of cat kibble, and vaccinated 15 dogs and two kittens. Some of these animals were already on her list, but others were new.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“That common ground of loving someone’s pets,” she said, “really breaks down barriers.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“That common ground of loving someone’s pets,” she said, “really breaks down barriers.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "Volunteers providing weekly mobile veterinary care help build trust with the East Bay city’s unhoused pet owners.\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>When it started, Bradford and Ophelia only had a few cats. But others soon appeared.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The couple, who have lived together at a West Oakland \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/housing\">homeless\u003c/a> encampment for the last three years, bottle-fed the strays who wandered in and administered medicine to them when they were sick. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It wasn’t long before Bradford and Ophelia, who asked KQED to only use their first names out of concern for their safety, developed a reputation for being knowledgeable pet owners. People started bringing them more cats: the shop owner who couldn’t keep his kitten, or the pregnant cat they were given after a friend passed away. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Today, they’re caring for a verifiable colony: 14 cats and kittens — and counting.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Everybody just got spayed and neutered,” Bradford said with a smile. “So we’re feeling very responsible about that.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-31-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102847\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-31-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-31-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-31-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Two of Kevin Klee’s many cats roam the area outside his trailer on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. Klee says that he’s running out of space where he lives and he wishes that somebody could take them. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12102848\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-40-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102848\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-40-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-40-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-40-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdams prepares vaccines on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12102849\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-43-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102849\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-43-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-43-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-43-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdams tries to gain the trust of a dog she is about to vaccinate on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Taking care of a pet — let alone two dozen — can be a challenge for unhoused people. The cost of a typical trip to the vet can easily reach hundreds or thousands of dollars. And figuring out how to transport a sick pet to a low-cost community clinic can be difficult.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>One Oakland group, the Human and Pet Initiative, or \u003ca href=\"https://www.hapi.pet/\">HAPI\u003c/a>, is working to solve this problem. For the last three years, on a weekly basis, the small nonprofit has brought shots, microchips, flea medication, kibble and other resources to about 15 encampments in Oakland.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Meg McAdam, HAPI’s group’s founder and president, made it possible for Bradford and Ophelia to fix their cats. HAPI paid for the operations after McAdam and her team of about five volunteers built a trusting relationship with the couple, who agreed to let her take their cats to the vet to get spayed and neutered.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>McAdam knows that some people have strong feelings about the wellbeing of the animals they see on the street, or question whether unhoused people deserve to have pets in the first place. But she said that’s beside the point.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I don’t even have to debate that, ’cause it doesn’t matter, ’cause they do. So as long as they do, I want to help them take care of them,” McAdam said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>McAdam said that this work has a butterfly effect: providing care to these animals allows HAPI to support their human companions too. “When they’re making a choice of whether to feed their dog or themselves, if I can feed their dog so they can feed themselves, it’s a win, right?”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>McAdam wears her heart on her sleeve. Her arms are covered in animal tattoos: A dog on her right arm, and a vibrant blue sleeve of sea creatures on her left. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s a fitting look for the job she does seven days a week: Providing no-cost, mobile medical support to people living on the streets. McAdam has learned that there are many reasons why an unhoused person may choose to have a pet. One of the reasons is safety. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The bigger, the better,” said Star, who lives near the Lake Merritt Estuary with her three guard dogs, Prince, Joker, and Chloe, who weigh over 100 pounds each. “‘Cause they can cuddle you, they can love you, they can protect you.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-20-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102840\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-20-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-20-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-20-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdams cuts the nails of Christy Grensberg’s new puppy, Houdini, on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>One of the dogs, Prince, acts as her service animal, Star said. She has epilepsy, and he alerts her when she’s going to have a seizure, providing stability when she loses her balance. Her dogs also protect her from external threats, like theft, or sexual harassment and assault — the dangers of being a woman living outside.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“ The only way to survive out here is if I have my dogs,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Pets can also provide a sense of companionship, or a second chance at developing bonds that feel like family. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I’ve not had responsibility to anyone … or anything in a while,” said Jaquelyn, who lives at an encampment under the West Oakland BART tracks with her puppy, Loco. “I feel like my son will be jealous if I pay more attention to the dog than him, but I don’t get to see my son often.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-51-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102852\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-51-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-51-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-51-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hailey Looneie and Jane Esposito greet a local’s dog on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Losing touch with family is a common source of trauma for unhoused people, and pets can help fill the gap. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I don’t want to mess up this time,” Jaquelyn said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Part of this responsibility is regular veterinary care. Most of the people McAdam works with are eager to receive support from her. But it’s not always so simple.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Jaquelyn and Loco live in the same encampment as Loco’s grandma, a German Shepherd named Diamond. Diamond belongs to a man named Alfonso, who has always been wary of McAdam and her team. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Alfonso is the only person who ever said to us, ‘Get away from my dogs,’” McAdam told her volunteers during a weekly outreach meeting. As a result, she tries to give him space to avoid making him feel encroached upon.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12102845\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-29-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102845\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-29-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-29-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-29-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Julian Standley and Claudia Glasper pose with their dogs, Benji and Sassy, on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12102837\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-11-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102837\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-11-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-11-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-11-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdam’s van is packed with supplies for pet owners on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12102844\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-28-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102844\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-28-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-28-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-28-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">HAPI member, Jane Esposito, organizes vaccination records while her coworkers vaccinate a dog on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12102842\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-25-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102842\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-25-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-25-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-25-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdams injects a microchip into Christy Grensburg’s new puppy, Houdini, on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. In case the owner is not available or doesn’t have a phone, McAdams adds HAPI’s contact information onto every microchip form they fill out. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But one outreach day in May, McAdam noticed that Diamond looked quite ill. Alfonso returned home as a volunteer vet tech named Jocelyn Saenz-Sanchez performed an exam on the German Shepherd, who was breathing heavily in a resting place in the shade. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But instead of getting mad at them and asking him to leave as he had done in the past, Alfonso was happy to see McAdam. The two made a plan for her to come back and take Diamond to the vet.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This was a huge breakthrough,” she said later. “I’m hoping that this is the beginning of a new relationship with him.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Building this level of trust can take a long time. In this case, it took three years of offering food and other support and being turned down or ignored. But time is finite, and the needs of a sick pet can be urgent. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-46-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102850\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-46-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-46-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-46-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meg McAdams and Alfredo Penate update each other on their lives since HAPI last visited on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. McAdams says that she visited Penate many times over the years in order to first gain his trust. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Diamond’s health drastically declined in the days after McAdam’s team examined her, and she died before she could get in to see a vet.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>McAdam knows that without relationship building, she can’t reach the animals that need help. And ultimately, she also knows these animals are extensions of their owners. The city of Oakland recognizes this, too.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“These nonprofit groups, they are a force multiplier for our work,” said Joe DeVries, director of Oakland Animal Services. He said the resources HAPI provides are critical. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“But I think what’s even more important is the relationships that they provide.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>DeVries said many people associate Animal Control Officers, formerly part of the police department until 2015, with law enforcement. It’s now a standalone agency under the city administrator’s office, but it does have a mandate to enforce local pet laws, like leash laws, and animal cruelty and neglect. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-21-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102841\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-21-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-21-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092326-STREETVETS-21-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Christy Grensberg relays her vaccine record contact information to Jane Esposito on Sept. 23, 2026, in Oakland. After her past two dogs died from Canine Parvovirus, Grensberg said that she is being extremely cautious with Houdini and making sure to get him vaccinated. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>So far this year, they have seized pets from their owners about 300 times. But the majority of the animals in their custody are domesticated pets that are surrendered, DeVries said. Most of the time, this happens when somebody can’t afford both animal care and housing.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He witnessed others making this heartbreaking choice when he worked as Oakland’s homelessness administrator back in 2018.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“What I saw when we were out at encampments, and people weren’t accepting offers of shelter, their criticism of congregate shelter was very valid,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Now, some city-run shelter programs do allow pets, making it easier for unhoused people to take the first step toward getting indoors.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But before they get to a shelter or housing, groups like HAPI take care of pets on the street. There are a handful of groups around the state like HAPI, from \u003ca href=\"https://pawfund.org/what-we-do/\">Paw Fund\u003c/a> in Berkeley to the \u003ca href=\"https://folsomtimes.com/paws-mobile-clinic-is-lifeline-for-pets-of-countys-unhoused/\">PAWS Mobile Clinic\u003c/a> in Sacramento and \u003ca href=\"https://www.projectstreetvet.org/volunteer\">Project Street Vet\u003c/a> in Los Angeles. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On an outreach day in May, McAdam and her crew distributed 270 pounds of dog kibble, 45 pounds of cat kibble, and vaccinated 15 dogs and two kittens. Some of these animals were already on her list, but others were new.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“That common ground of loving someone’s pets,” she said, “really breaks down barriers.”\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "san-francisco-wildlife-rescue-searches-for-origin-of-mystery-marmot",
"title": "San Francisco Wildlife Rescue Searches for Origin of Mystery Marmot",
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"headTitle": "San Francisco Wildlife Rescue Searches for Origin of Mystery Marmot | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>A \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a> wildlife refuge is searching for clues about the origin of a striped stowaway — a yellow-bellied marmot, found in the Mission District this week. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Lila Travis, founder and director of the Yggdrasil Urban Wildlife Rescue in Potrero Hill, said San Francisco Animal Care and Control received calls from neighbors on Albion Street near 16th Street, who spotted the marmot, a type of chunky, golden-chested ground squirrel. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Imagine,” Travis said, “These are cat-sized, giant rodents. And they love to eat flowers. So it must have been a very bizarre experience to go out into your backyard and see this unusual rodent.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Marmots — the largest in the squirrel family — typically live in burrows in mountainous, rocky habitats, like in the eastern Sierra or Tahoe. As true hibernators, marmots spend all summer packing on fat for the long winter, sometimes reaching up to 15 pounds. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The critters are known, she said, for staking out parking lots near parks and camping sites to crawl under car hoods and dine on wires, brake lines and radiator hoses — looking for a fix of salt and sweet, sticky antifreeze.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1777\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260909-SFMarmot-02.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12098794\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260909-SFMarmot-02.jpg 1777w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260909-SFMarmot-02-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260909-SFMarmot-02-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1777px) 100vw, 1777px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A pen at the Yggdrasil Urban Wildlife Rescue in Potrero Hill on Sept. 9, 2026. The rescue is stabilizing and taking care of a yellow-bellied marmot who stowed away to San Francisco. (Courtesy of Yggdrasil Urban Wildlife Rescue)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“They have a missing electrolyte that they think is going to be satisfied by this radiator fluid, but it’s not,” Travis said. “It just makes them sick. And they will sometimes be transported to strange places because of the car being driven off.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Now, Travis is \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/Yggdrasilwildlife/posts/pfbid0dry2RkhPMizvqxg5WkiG3CR73uSHgzcP9vCACGMHvGdKbKEiRfL7g9FXkh5ctVtAl\">reaching out\u003c/a> to the public to investigate how the marmot got here. The center put out a call on social media to find residents in the area who may have returned recently from Lake Tahoe or Burning Man, and may have passed through high elevations, with the marmot in tow. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I just came back from Black Rock City,” one person wrote on Facebook on Tuesday. “My only stop was to sleep at a gas station before I jumped onto Hwy 80. Was very early morning and I slept for three hours. I’m at 17th & Dolores and my car has been parked here since 10am.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Travis said if the center can’t track down the source, she’ll request a transfer to the Tahoe Wildlife Center, which will know a good location to release the marmot.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We want to get him back home. But where is his home?” Travis said. ”We’re looking for someone who might recently have spent time in the alpine high Sierras — in marmot territory — and unwittingly brought this guy down. We just want to know where he came from originally, so that we can take him back to his family.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Travis recommended that people traveling to and from the Sierras look into \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/marmots.htm\">“marmot-proofing” \u003c/a>their vehicles, either by checking under the hood for signs of chewing or by covering wheel wells. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Yggdrasil, San Francisco’s only wildlife refuge, takes in around 1,000 wild animals per year — mainly squirrels, opossums, raccoons, skunks and “lots of baby hummingbirds,” Travis said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The center, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, was originally founded out of Travis’ house and self-funded with eBay auctions of \u003cem>Lord of the Rings \u003c/em>memorabilia, Travis said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It was really funny and fun, and all the proceeds went to taking care of the animals,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Today, the 100% volunteer- and donation-funded refuge operates out of foster homes all over the Bay Area, with an on-site facility on Potrero Hill. Travis said she’s hoping to expand its footprint with a bigger space, potentially in partnership with the Port of San Francisco. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Remember, this is the city of San Francisco, named after Saint Francis, the patron saint of animals,” Travis said. “We think that what we do, wildlife rehabilitation, and having compassion towards animals is an important way that we can contribute to San Francisco and the world in general.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Lila Travis, founder and director of the Yggdrasil Urban Wildlife Rescue in Potrero Hill, said San Francisco Animal Care and Control received calls from neighbors on Albion Street near 16th Street, who spotted the marmot, a type of chunky, golden-chested ground squirrel. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Lila Travis, founder and director of the Yggdrasil Urban Wildlife Rescue in Potrero Hill, said San Francisco Animal Care and Control received calls from neighbors on Albion Street near 16th Street, who spotted the marmot, a type of chunky, golden-chested ground squirrel. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Imagine,” Travis said, “These are cat-sized, giant rodents. And they love to eat flowers. So it must have been a very bizarre experience to go out into your backyard and see this unusual rodent.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Marmots — the largest in the squirrel family — typically live in burrows in mountainous, rocky habitats, like in the eastern Sierra or Tahoe. As true hibernators, marmots spend all summer packing on fat for the long winter, sometimes reaching up to 15 pounds. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Marmots — the largest in the squirrel family — typically live in burrows in mountainous, rocky habitats, like in the eastern Sierra or Tahoe. As true hibernators, marmots spend all summer packing on fat for the long winter, sometimes reaching up to 15 pounds. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“They have a missing electrolyte that they think is going to be satisfied by this radiator fluid, but it’s not,” Travis said. “It just makes them sick. And they will sometimes be transported to strange places because of the car being driven off.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Now, Travis is \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/Yggdrasilwildlife/posts/pfbid0dry2RkhPMizvqxg5WkiG3CR73uSHgzcP9vCACGMHvGdKbKEiRfL7g9FXkh5ctVtAl\">reaching out\u003c/a> to the public to investigate how the marmot got here. The center put out a call on social media to find residents in the area who may have returned recently from Lake Tahoe or Burning Man, and may have passed through high elevations, with the marmot in tow. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We want to get him back home. But where is his home?” Travis said. ”We’re looking for someone who might recently have spent time in the alpine high Sierras — in marmot territory — and unwittingly brought this guy down. We just want to know where he came from originally, so that we can take him back to his family.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Travis recommended that people traveling to and from the Sierras look into \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/marmots.htm\">“marmot-proofing” \u003c/a>their vehicles, either by checking under the hood for signs of chewing or by covering wheel wells. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Yggdrasil, San Francisco’s only wildlife refuge, takes in around 1,000 wild animals per year — mainly squirrels, opossums, raccoons, skunks and “lots of baby hummingbirds,” Travis said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The center, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, was originally founded out of Travis’ house and self-funded with eBay auctions of \u003cem>Lord of the Rings \u003c/em>memorabilia, Travis said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Today, the 100% volunteer- and donation-funded refuge operates out of foster homes all over the Bay Area, with an on-site facility on Potrero Hill. Travis said she’s hoping to expand its footprint with a bigger space, potentially in partnership with the Port of San Francisco. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Remember, this is the city of San Francisco, named after Saint Francis, the patron saint of animals,” Travis said. “We think that what we do, wildlife rehabilitation, and having compassion towards animals is an important way that we can contribute to San Francisco and the world in general.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "A yellow-bellied marmot likely hitched a ride to San Francisco with someone returning recently from Lake Tahoe or Burning Man, wildlife experts said.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>A \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a> wildlife refuge is searching for clues about the origin of a striped stowaway — a yellow-bellied marmot, found in the Mission District this week. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Lila Travis, founder and director of the Yggdrasil Urban Wildlife Rescue in Potrero Hill, said San Francisco Animal Care and Control received calls from neighbors on Albion Street near 16th Street, who spotted the marmot, a type of chunky, golden-chested ground squirrel. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Imagine,” Travis said, “These are cat-sized, giant rodents. And they love to eat flowers. So it must have been a very bizarre experience to go out into your backyard and see this unusual rodent.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Marmots — the largest in the squirrel family — typically live in burrows in mountainous, rocky habitats, like in the eastern Sierra or Tahoe. As true hibernators, marmots spend all summer packing on fat for the long winter, sometimes reaching up to 15 pounds. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The critters are known, she said, for staking out parking lots near parks and camping sites to crawl under car hoods and dine on wires, brake lines and radiator hoses — looking for a fix of salt and sweet, sticky antifreeze.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1777\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260909-SFMarmot-02.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12098794\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260909-SFMarmot-02.jpg 1777w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260909-SFMarmot-02-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260909-SFMarmot-02-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1777px) 100vw, 1777px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A pen at the Yggdrasil Urban Wildlife Rescue in Potrero Hill on Sept. 9, 2026. The rescue is stabilizing and taking care of a yellow-bellied marmot who stowed away to San Francisco. (Courtesy of Yggdrasil Urban Wildlife Rescue)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“They have a missing electrolyte that they think is going to be satisfied by this radiator fluid, but it’s not,” Travis said. “It just makes them sick. And they will sometimes be transported to strange places because of the car being driven off.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Now, Travis is \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/Yggdrasilwildlife/posts/pfbid0dry2RkhPMizvqxg5WkiG3CR73uSHgzcP9vCACGMHvGdKbKEiRfL7g9FXkh5ctVtAl\">reaching out\u003c/a> to the public to investigate how the marmot got here. The center put out a call on social media to find residents in the area who may have returned recently from Lake Tahoe or Burning Man, and may have passed through high elevations, with the marmot in tow. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I just came back from Black Rock City,” one person wrote on Facebook on Tuesday. “My only stop was to sleep at a gas station before I jumped onto Hwy 80. Was very early morning and I slept for three hours. I’m at 17th & Dolores and my car has been parked here since 10am.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Travis said if the center can’t track down the source, she’ll request a transfer to the Tahoe Wildlife Center, which will know a good location to release the marmot.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We want to get him back home. But where is his home?” Travis said. ”We’re looking for someone who might recently have spent time in the alpine high Sierras — in marmot territory — and unwittingly brought this guy down. We just want to know where he came from originally, so that we can take him back to his family.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Travis recommended that people traveling to and from the Sierras look into \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/marmots.htm\">“marmot-proofing” \u003c/a>their vehicles, either by checking under the hood for signs of chewing or by covering wheel wells. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Yggdrasil, San Francisco’s only wildlife refuge, takes in around 1,000 wild animals per year — mainly squirrels, opossums, raccoons, skunks and “lots of baby hummingbirds,” Travis said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The center, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, was originally founded out of Travis’ house and self-funded with eBay auctions of \u003cem>Lord of the Rings \u003c/em>memorabilia, Travis said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It was really funny and fun, and all the proceeds went to taking care of the animals,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Today, the 100% volunteer- and donation-funded refuge operates out of foster homes all over the Bay Area, with an on-site facility on Potrero Hill. Travis said she’s hoping to expand its footprint with a bigger space, potentially in partnership with the Port of San Francisco. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Remember, this is the city of San Francisco, named after Saint Francis, the patron saint of animals,” Travis said. “We think that what we do, wildlife rehabilitation, and having compassion towards animals is an important way that we can contribute to San Francisco and the world in general.”\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "why-sick-sea-lions-are-washing-up-on-california-beaches-right-now",
"title": "Why Sick Sea Lions Are Washing Up on California Beaches Right Now",
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"headTitle": "Why Sick Sea Lions Are Washing Up on California Beaches Right Now | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>California \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1914632/algae-poisoned-sea-lions-inundate-marine-mammal-center\">sea lions\u003c/a> are in trouble. A toxic algal bloom has caused a rash of poisonings, leaving the mammals confused, lethargic and, in some cases, dead along the California coast.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Dozens of sea lions have been sickened by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1931779/scientists-uncover-genetic-basis-for-toxic-algal-blooms\">domoic acid\u003c/a> poisoning, caused by a toxin in algae that can cause seizures and even heart failure. Signs of exposure in sea lions include lethargy, disorientation, tremors, twitching and seizures. The animals ingest the naturally occurring neurotoxin by eating fish or shellfish. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marinemammalcenter.org/\">The Marine Mammal Center\u003c/a> in Sausalito said it has treated more than 100 sea lions — above the yearly average of 75 to 90 — with the majority of these cases occurring since the start of July. Officials with the center worry that already higher-than-normal sea surface temperatures and additional warming from \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/2001688/strong-el-nino-may-bring-record-sea-level-and-coastal-flooding-to-bay-area\">the climate pattern El Niño\u003c/a> could exponentially increase the number of infected mammals. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/SeaLionsPoisoned-KQED_1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12098090\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/SeaLionsPoisoned-KQED_1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/SeaLionsPoisoned-KQED_1-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/SeaLionsPoisoned-KQED_1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Two California sea lions suffering from domoic acid toxicosis are admitted to The Marine Mammal Center’s hospital and visitor center in Sausalito, California. Domoic acid is produced during certain harmful algal bloom events and accumulates in small fish, like sardines and anchovies. These small fish are a major food source for marine mammals like sea lions, which is how they can become poisoned by this toxin. (Courtesy of Giancarlo Rulli/The Marine Mammal Center)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Giancarlo Rulli, spokesperson for the center, said dispatchers are receiving up to 600 calls a day reporting sick sea lions. Over the past week, the center rescued around 30 sea lions. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’ve seen a major flare-up in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties,” Rulli said. “This is highly emotional, and it can be very disturbing to see an animal that’s not in control of itself out on the beach.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Additional rescues have taken place in San Mateo, San Francisco, Marin and Sonoma counties. The center has also treated a handful of northern fur seals. Treating a single mammal can require up to six trained responders and may involve repeated doses of antiseizure medication. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12098095\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/SeaLionsPoisoned-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12098095\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/SeaLionsPoisoned-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/SeaLionsPoisoned-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/SeaLionsPoisoned-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A lethargic California sea lion with domoic acid toxicosis is transported by The Marine Mammal Center’s Morro Bay response team to be treated at the Center’s hospital and visitor center in Sausalito, California. (Courtesy of Giancarlo Rulli/The Marine Mammal Center)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" data-id=\"12098094\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/SeaLionsPoisoned-KQED_4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12098094\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/SeaLionsPoisoned-KQED_4.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/SeaLionsPoisoned-KQED_4-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/SeaLionsPoisoned-KQED_4-1536x1022.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">At the Marine Mammal Center’s hospital and visitor center in Sausalito, California, the veterinary team shows a side-by-side comparison of two California sea lion brains. The left brain shows a normal California sea lion brain section. The right brain depicts a California sea lion brain that has been affected by domoic acid exposure, where there is a noticeably shrunken hippocampus in the center of the brain section. (Courtesy of The Marine Mammal Center)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s brutal on the animals,” Rulli said. “We are seeing animals die out on the beaches. There are a fair amount of carcasses out there. We’re seeing animals pass away in transport being brought back to the hospital.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Rulli said the cases are a sign that the toxin has worked its way through the food chain in “a short-term burst,” but said the center is also seeing chronic cases where sea lions have “brain lesions and permanent heart damage.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Along the northern California coast, marine algal blooms are primarily caused by natural factors such as ocean upwelling of nutrient-rich water and warm ocean temperatures. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Polluted runoff from agriculture and other human activities also feed blooms, a factor projected to become more frequent and \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/harmful-algal-blooms/about/harmful-algal-blooms-contributing-factors-and-impacts.html\">severe\u003c/a> due to human-caused climate change.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The toxin appears in both cold and warm water, and Rulli said the resulting illness has evolved since it was first diagnosed in sea lions in 1998. It was more of a seasonal disease, and now mammals show signs of year-round exposure. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It can thrive both in cold water conditions during La Niña years with strong marine upwelling and strong offshore winds, as well as during more heated environments like this current heat wave in El Niño that’s forming in the Pacific,” Rulli said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A massive heatwave, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1123047/the-blob-is-back-what-warm-ocean-mass-means-for-weather-wildlife\">known as The Blob,\u003c/a> wreaked havoc on the California coastline from 2013 to 2016, and an El Niño followed. Rulli said that during that time there was a “record number” of sea lions poisoned.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“There’s really no clear indication of whether what’s forming in the Pacific is a one-year blip or maybe more sustained, as we saw a decade-plus ago,” Rulli said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Beachgoers who see an affected mammal should not crowd or touch the animal, and should call The Marine Mammal Center’s hotline, 415-289-7325 or 415-289-SEAL.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Dozens of sea lions have been sickened by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1931779/scientists-uncover-genetic-basis-for-toxic-algal-blooms\">domoic acid\u003c/a> poisoning, caused by a toxin in algae that can cause seizures and even heart failure. Signs of exposure in sea lions include lethargy, disorientation, tremors, twitching and seizures. The animals ingest the naturally occurring neurotoxin by eating fish or shellfish. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marinemammalcenter.org/\">The Marine Mammal Center\u003c/a> in Sausalito said it has treated more than 100 sea lions — above the yearly average of 75 to 90 — with the majority of these cases occurring since the start of July. Officials with the center worry that already higher-than-normal sea surface temperatures and additional warming from \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/2001688/strong-el-nino-may-bring-record-sea-level-and-coastal-flooding-to-bay-area\">the climate pattern El Niño\u003c/a> could exponentially increase the number of infected mammals. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/SeaLionsPoisoned-KQED_1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12098090\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Two California sea lions suffering from domoic acid toxicosis are admitted to The Marine Mammal Center’s hospital and visitor center in Sausalito, California. Domoic acid is produced during certain harmful algal bloom events and accumulates in small fish, like sardines and anchovies. These small fish are a major food source for marine mammals like sea lions, which is how they can become poisoned by this toxin.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of Giancarlo Rulli/The Marine Mammal Center)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Giancarlo Rulli, spokesperson for the center, said dispatchers are receiving up to 600 calls a day reporting sick sea lions. Over the past week, the center rescued around 30 sea lions. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Giancarlo Rulli, spokesperson for the center, said dispatchers are receiving up to 600 calls a day reporting sick sea lions. Over the past week, the center rescued around 30 sea lions. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We’ve seen a major flare-up in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties,” Rulli said. “This is highly emotional, and it can be very disturbing to see an animal that’s not in control of itself out on the beach.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Additional rescues have taken place in San Mateo, San Francisco, Marin and Sonoma counties. The center has also treated a handful of northern fur seals. Treating a single mammal can require up to six trained responders and may involve repeated doses of antiseizure medication. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/SeaLionsPoisoned-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12098095\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A lethargic California sea lion with domoic acid toxicosis is transported by The Marine Mammal Center’s Morro Bay response team to be treated at the Center’s hospital and visitor center in Sausalito, California.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’s brutal on the animals,” Rulli said. “We are seeing animals die out on the beaches. There are a fair amount of carcasses out there. We’re seeing animals pass away in transport being brought back to the hospital.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“It’s brutal on the animals,” Rulli said. “We are seeing animals die out on the beaches. There are a fair amount of carcasses out there. We’re seeing animals pass away in transport being brought back to the hospital.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Rulli said the cases are a sign that the toxin has worked its way through the food chain in “a short-term burst,” but said the center is also seeing chronic cases where sea lions have “brain lesions and permanent heart damage.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Along the northern California coast, marine algal blooms are primarily caused by natural factors such as ocean upwelling of nutrient-rich water and warm ocean temperatures. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Polluted runoff from agriculture and other human activities also feed blooms, a factor projected to become more frequent and \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/harmful-algal-blooms/about/harmful-algal-blooms-contributing-factors-and-impacts.html\">severe\u003c/a> due to human-caused climate change.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The toxin appears in both cold and warm water, and Rulli said the resulting illness has evolved since it was first diagnosed in sea lions in 1998. It was more of a seasonal disease, and now mammals show signs of year-round exposure. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The toxin appears in both cold and warm water, and Rulli said the resulting illness has evolved since it was first diagnosed in sea lions in 1998. It was more of a seasonal disease, and now mammals show signs of year-round exposure. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It can thrive both in cold water conditions during La Niña years with strong marine upwelling and strong offshore winds, as well as during more heated environments like this current heat wave in El Niño that’s forming in the Pacific,” Rulli said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“It can thrive both in cold water conditions during La Niña years with strong marine upwelling and strong offshore winds, as well as during more heated environments like this current heat wave in El Niño that’s forming in the Pacific,” Rulli said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A massive heatwave, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1123047/the-blob-is-back-what-warm-ocean-mass-means-for-weather-wildlife\">known as The Blob,\u003c/a> wreaked havoc on the California coastline from 2013 to 2016, and an El Niño followed. Rulli said that during that time there was a “record number” of sea lions poisoned.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Beachgoers who see an affected mammal should not crowd or touch the animal, and should call The Marine Mammal Center’s hotline, 415-289-7325 or 415-289-SEAL.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "A toxic algal bloom is causing a crisis for coastal mammals. El Niño could make it worse. \n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>California \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1914632/algae-poisoned-sea-lions-inundate-marine-mammal-center\">sea lions\u003c/a> are in trouble. A toxic algal bloom has caused a rash of poisonings, leaving the mammals confused, lethargic and, in some cases, dead along the California coast.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Dozens of sea lions have been sickened by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1931779/scientists-uncover-genetic-basis-for-toxic-algal-blooms\">domoic acid\u003c/a> poisoning, caused by a toxin in algae that can cause seizures and even heart failure. Signs of exposure in sea lions include lethargy, disorientation, tremors, twitching and seizures. The animals ingest the naturally occurring neurotoxin by eating fish or shellfish. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marinemammalcenter.org/\">The Marine Mammal Center\u003c/a> in Sausalito said it has treated more than 100 sea lions — above the yearly average of 75 to 90 — with the majority of these cases occurring since the start of July. Officials with the center worry that already higher-than-normal sea surface temperatures and additional warming from \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/2001688/strong-el-nino-may-bring-record-sea-level-and-coastal-flooding-to-bay-area\">the climate pattern El Niño\u003c/a> could exponentially increase the number of infected mammals. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/SeaLionsPoisoned-KQED_1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12098090\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/SeaLionsPoisoned-KQED_1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/SeaLionsPoisoned-KQED_1-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/SeaLionsPoisoned-KQED_1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Two California sea lions suffering from domoic acid toxicosis are admitted to The Marine Mammal Center’s hospital and visitor center in Sausalito, California. Domoic acid is produced during certain harmful algal bloom events and accumulates in small fish, like sardines and anchovies. These small fish are a major food source for marine mammals like sea lions, which is how they can become poisoned by this toxin. (Courtesy of Giancarlo Rulli/The Marine Mammal Center)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Giancarlo Rulli, spokesperson for the center, said dispatchers are receiving up to 600 calls a day reporting sick sea lions. Over the past week, the center rescued around 30 sea lions. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’ve seen a major flare-up in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties,” Rulli said. “This is highly emotional, and it can be very disturbing to see an animal that’s not in control of itself out on the beach.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Additional rescues have taken place in San Mateo, San Francisco, Marin and Sonoma counties. The center has also treated a handful of northern fur seals. Treating a single mammal can require up to six trained responders and may involve repeated doses of antiseizure medication. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12098095\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/SeaLionsPoisoned-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12098095\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/SeaLionsPoisoned-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/SeaLionsPoisoned-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/SeaLionsPoisoned-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A lethargic California sea lion with domoic acid toxicosis is transported by The Marine Mammal Center’s Morro Bay response team to be treated at the Center’s hospital and visitor center in Sausalito, California. (Courtesy of Giancarlo Rulli/The Marine Mammal Center)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" data-id=\"12098094\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/SeaLionsPoisoned-KQED_4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12098094\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/SeaLionsPoisoned-KQED_4.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/SeaLionsPoisoned-KQED_4-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/SeaLionsPoisoned-KQED_4-1536x1022.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">At the Marine Mammal Center’s hospital and visitor center in Sausalito, California, the veterinary team shows a side-by-side comparison of two California sea lion brains. The left brain shows a normal California sea lion brain section. The right brain depicts a California sea lion brain that has been affected by domoic acid exposure, where there is a noticeably shrunken hippocampus in the center of the brain section. (Courtesy of The Marine Mammal Center)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s brutal on the animals,” Rulli said. “We are seeing animals die out on the beaches. There are a fair amount of carcasses out there. We’re seeing animals pass away in transport being brought back to the hospital.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Rulli said the cases are a sign that the toxin has worked its way through the food chain in “a short-term burst,” but said the center is also seeing chronic cases where sea lions have “brain lesions and permanent heart damage.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Along the northern California coast, marine algal blooms are primarily caused by natural factors such as ocean upwelling of nutrient-rich water and warm ocean temperatures. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Polluted runoff from agriculture and other human activities also feed blooms, a factor projected to become more frequent and \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/harmful-algal-blooms/about/harmful-algal-blooms-contributing-factors-and-impacts.html\">severe\u003c/a> due to human-caused climate change.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The toxin appears in both cold and warm water, and Rulli said the resulting illness has evolved since it was first diagnosed in sea lions in 1998. It was more of a seasonal disease, and now mammals show signs of year-round exposure. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It can thrive both in cold water conditions during La Niña years with strong marine upwelling and strong offshore winds, as well as during more heated environments like this current heat wave in El Niño that’s forming in the Pacific,” Rulli said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A massive heatwave, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1123047/the-blob-is-back-what-warm-ocean-mass-means-for-weather-wildlife\">known as The Blob,\u003c/a> wreaked havoc on the California coastline from 2013 to 2016, and an El Niño followed. Rulli said that during that time there was a “record number” of sea lions poisoned.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“There’s really no clear indication of whether what’s forming in the Pacific is a one-year blip or maybe more sustained, as we saw a decade-plus ago,” Rulli said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Beachgoers who see an affected mammal should not crowd or touch the animal, and should call The Marine Mammal Center’s hotline, 415-289-7325 or 415-289-SEAL.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"title": "Whistleblower Asks California AG to Remove Animals From Miranda’s Rescue",
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"content": "\u003cp>The whistleblower who helped uncover the bodies of dead dogs at \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12088995/117-dog-remains-found-at-mirandas-rescue-during-multiagency-investigation\">Miranda’s Rescue\u003c/a>, a troubled “no-kill” sanctuary in Humboldt County, filed a legal complaint on Monday with the California attorney general to remove the remaining animals. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Jennifer Raymond asked Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office, which oversees charities in the state, to ensure owner Shannon Miranda isn’t hiding or selling off assets, and to move to revoke the nonprofit’s status. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“ I am very concerned about the animals that are remaining on the property,” Raymond told KQED. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In April, Raymond and another Humboldt County resident, Jenna Moore, went onto the sanctuary property in Fortuna and dug up the bodies of eight dogs — including one later traced back to Oakland Animal Services. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/DOG.EXHUMING.MIRADNDAS.RESCUE.DSC_8001-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12088664\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/DOG.EXHUMING.MIRADNDAS.RESCUE.DSC_8001-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/DOG.EXHUMING.MIRADNDAS.RESCUE.DSC_8001-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/DOG.EXHUMING.MIRADNDAS.RESCUE.DSC_8001-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputy inspects dogs in a kennel at Miranda’s Rescue in Fortuna on June 23, 2026. (Mark McKenna for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The two women presented this evidence to local authorities, prompting an \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12089788/amid-mirandas-rescue-probe-lawmakers-push-animal-shelter-oversight\">investigation\u003c/a> by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office. In June, law enforcement exhumed the intact remains of 117 more dogs, plus many more skulls, bones, loose microchips and bodies in “advanced stages of decomposition.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I am also perplexed that after all that’s been revealed, that after digging up 117 decomposing dog bodies with ostensible bullet holes in their heads, that the animals are still there,” Raymond said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Miranda has \u003ca href=\"https://kymkemp.com/2026/07/31/shannon-miranda-defends-himself-levels-criticism-at-sheriffs-office-in-public-statement/\">denied\u003c/a> the allegations that he killed dogs for profit and has called Raymond and Moore “bullies and stalkers.” Miranda’s attorney, Allison Jackson, did not respond to KQED’s request for comment.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The FBI, U.S. Department of Agriculture and California Department of Justice are all involved in the investigation. So far, no charges have been filed against Miranda. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The complaint comes one day after animal welfare organizations gathered in Sacramento to call for the creation of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096327/advocates-divided-on-how-to-fix-californias-strained-animal-rescue-system\">a new state agency\u003c/a> to regulate rescues and other animal companion organizations. Advocates hope policy change can help prevent tragedies in the future.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“ It is astonishing that a man who was operating a mass animal grave is still in possession of 40 dogs and an unknown number of cats, horses, and birds,” said Vanessa Shakib, co-founder of the nonprofit law firm Advancing Law for Animals. “That’s why we’re asking the California attorney general to step in.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The complaint asks Bonta’s office to seek the appointment of a receiver to oversee the animals’ care and adoption. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It also asks the attorney general to move to dissolve Miranda’s Rescue on the grounds that it is misusing its assets and conducting its business in a way that is “inconsistent with its charitable purposes.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Dating back to 2006, Raymond said she filed several written complaints about Miranda’s Rescue with local law enforcement, but never received a response. In 2024, Raymond reached out to Bonta’s office — and was told to contact local law enforcement. She said she heard the same thing from the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the DOJ and the IRS.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“In order to preserve assets so that there can be some reparations paid to people who have been injured by him, we’re asking that the assets basically be frozen,” Raymond said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The filing comes weeks after Miranda and his husband, James Oxborrow, \u003ca href=\"https://lostcoastoutpost.com/2026/aug/3/shannon-miranda-and-husband-put-las-vegas-home-mar/\">put \u003c/a>their 5,000-square-foot, five-bedroom home in Las Vegas up for sale. It’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.lasvegasluxuryresidences.com/search/listing/362-wiseton-ave-las-vegas-nv--2804700/\">listed\u003c/a> for nearly $1.1 million. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The attorney general did not immediately respond to KQED’s request for comment.\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/DOG.EXHUMING.MIRADNDAS.RESCUE.DSC_8001-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12088664\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/DOG.EXHUMING.MIRADNDAS.RESCUE.DSC_8001-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/DOG.EXHUMING.MIRADNDAS.RESCUE.DSC_8001-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/DOG.EXHUMING.MIRADNDAS.RESCUE.DSC_8001-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputy inspects dogs in a kennel at Miranda’s Rescue in Fortuna on June 23, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The two women presented this evidence to local authorities, prompting an \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12089788/amid-mirandas-rescue-probe-lawmakers-push-animal-shelter-oversight\">investigation\u003c/a> by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office. In June, law enforcement exhumed the intact remains of 117 more dogs, plus many more skulls, bones, loose microchips and bodies in “advanced stages of decomposition.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I am also perplexed that after all that’s been revealed, that after digging up 117 decomposing dog bodies with ostensible bullet holes in their heads, that the animals are still there,” Raymond said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Miranda has \u003ca href=\"https://kymkemp.com/2026/07/31/shannon-miranda-defends-himself-levels-criticism-at-sheriffs-office-in-public-statement/\">denied\u003c/a> the allegations that he killed dogs for profit and has called Raymond and Moore “bullies and stalkers.” Miranda’s attorney, Allison Jackson, did not respond to KQED’s request for comment.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The FBI, U.S. Department of Agriculture and California Department of Justice are all involved in the investigation. So far, no charges have been filed against Miranda. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The complaint comes one day after animal welfare organizations gathered in Sacramento to call for the creation of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096327/advocates-divided-on-how-to-fix-californias-strained-animal-rescue-system\">a new state agency\u003c/a> to regulate rescues and other animal companion organizations. Advocates hope policy change can help prevent tragedies in the future.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“ It is astonishing that a man who was operating a mass animal grave is still in possession of 40 dogs and an unknown number of cats, horses, and birds,” said Vanessa Shakib, co-founder of the nonprofit law firm Advancing Law for Animals. “That’s why we’re asking the California attorney general to step in.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The complaint asks Bonta’s office to seek the appointment of a receiver to oversee the animals’ care and adoption. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It also asks the attorney general to move to dissolve Miranda’s Rescue on the grounds that it is misusing its assets and conducting its business in a way that is “inconsistent with its charitable purposes.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>It also asks the attorney general to move to dissolve Miranda’s Rescue on the grounds that it is misusing its assets and conducting its business in a way that is “inconsistent with its charitable purposes.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Dating back to 2006, Raymond said she filed several written complaints about Miranda’s Rescue with local law enforcement, but never received a response. In 2024, Raymond reached out to Bonta’s office — and was told to contact local law enforcement. She said she heard the same thing from the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the DOJ and the IRS.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Dating back to 2006, Raymond said she filed several written complaints about Miranda’s Rescue with local law enforcement, but never received a response. In 2024, Raymond reached out to Bonta’s office — and was told to contact local law enforcement. She said she heard the same thing from the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the DOJ and the IRS.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“In order to preserve assets so that there can be some reparations paid to people who have been injured by him, we’re asking that the assets basically be frozen,” Raymond said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The filing comes weeks after Miranda and his husband, James Oxborrow, \u003ca href=\"https://lostcoastoutpost.com/2026/aug/3/shannon-miranda-and-husband-put-las-vegas-home-mar/\">put \u003c/a>their 5,000-square-foot, five-bedroom home in Las Vegas up for sale. It’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.lasvegasluxuryresidences.com/search/listing/362-wiseton-ave-las-vegas-nv--2804700/\">listed\u003c/a> for nearly $1.1 million. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The attorney general did not immediately respond to KQED’s request for comment.\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "A legal complaint called for state intervention after hundreds of dog remains were found at the Humboldt County sanctuary.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>The whistleblower who helped uncover the bodies of dead dogs at \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12088995/117-dog-remains-found-at-mirandas-rescue-during-multiagency-investigation\">Miranda’s Rescue\u003c/a>, a troubled “no-kill” sanctuary in Humboldt County, filed a legal complaint on Monday with the California attorney general to remove the remaining animals. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Jennifer Raymond asked Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office, which oversees charities in the state, to ensure owner Shannon Miranda isn’t hiding or selling off assets, and to move to revoke the nonprofit’s status. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“ I am very concerned about the animals that are remaining on the property,” Raymond told KQED. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In April, Raymond and another Humboldt County resident, Jenna Moore, went onto the sanctuary property in Fortuna and dug up the bodies of eight dogs — including one later traced back to Oakland Animal Services. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/DOG.EXHUMING.MIRADNDAS.RESCUE.DSC_8001-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12088664\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/DOG.EXHUMING.MIRADNDAS.RESCUE.DSC_8001-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/DOG.EXHUMING.MIRADNDAS.RESCUE.DSC_8001-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/DOG.EXHUMING.MIRADNDAS.RESCUE.DSC_8001-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputy inspects dogs in a kennel at Miranda’s Rescue in Fortuna on June 23, 2026. (Mark McKenna for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The two women presented this evidence to local authorities, prompting an \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12089788/amid-mirandas-rescue-probe-lawmakers-push-animal-shelter-oversight\">investigation\u003c/a> by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office. In June, law enforcement exhumed the intact remains of 117 more dogs, plus many more skulls, bones, loose microchips and bodies in “advanced stages of decomposition.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I am also perplexed that after all that’s been revealed, that after digging up 117 decomposing dog bodies with ostensible bullet holes in their heads, that the animals are still there,” Raymond said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Miranda has \u003ca href=\"https://kymkemp.com/2026/07/31/shannon-miranda-defends-himself-levels-criticism-at-sheriffs-office-in-public-statement/\">denied\u003c/a> the allegations that he killed dogs for profit and has called Raymond and Moore “bullies and stalkers.” Miranda’s attorney, Allison Jackson, did not respond to KQED’s request for comment.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The FBI, U.S. Department of Agriculture and California Department of Justice are all involved in the investigation. So far, no charges have been filed against Miranda. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The complaint comes one day after animal welfare organizations gathered in Sacramento to call for the creation of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096327/advocates-divided-on-how-to-fix-californias-strained-animal-rescue-system\">a new state agency\u003c/a> to regulate rescues and other animal companion organizations. Advocates hope policy change can help prevent tragedies in the future.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“ It is astonishing that a man who was operating a mass animal grave is still in possession of 40 dogs and an unknown number of cats, horses, and birds,” said Vanessa Shakib, co-founder of the nonprofit law firm Advancing Law for Animals. “That’s why we’re asking the California attorney general to step in.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The complaint asks Bonta’s office to seek the appointment of a receiver to oversee the animals’ care and adoption. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It also asks the attorney general to move to dissolve Miranda’s Rescue on the grounds that it is misusing its assets and conducting its business in a way that is “inconsistent with its charitable purposes.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Dating back to 2006, Raymond said she filed several written complaints about Miranda’s Rescue with local law enforcement, but never received a response. In 2024, Raymond reached out to Bonta’s office — and was told to contact local law enforcement. She said she heard the same thing from the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the DOJ and the IRS.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“In order to preserve assets so that there can be some reparations paid to people who have been injured by him, we’re asking that the assets basically be frozen,” Raymond said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The filing comes weeks after Miranda and his husband, James Oxborrow, \u003ca href=\"https://lostcoastoutpost.com/2026/aug/3/shannon-miranda-and-husband-put-las-vegas-home-mar/\">put \u003c/a>their 5,000-square-foot, five-bedroom home in Las Vegas up for sale. It’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.lasvegasluxuryresidences.com/search/listing/362-wiseton-ave-las-vegas-nv--2804700/\">listed\u003c/a> for nearly $1.1 million. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The attorney general did not immediately respond to KQED’s request for comment.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "advocates-divided-on-how-to-fix-californias-strained-animal-rescue-system",
"title": "Advocates Divided on How to Fix California’s Strained Animal Rescue System",
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"headTitle": "Advocates Divided on How to Fix California’s Strained Animal Rescue System | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>Animal advocacy groups are taking their ideas for fixing California’s shelter system to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/sacramento\">Sacramento\u003c/a>, following several high-profile abuse cases throughout the state. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The advocates gathered outside the California State Capitol on Monday to hold back-to-back press conferences, calling for an increase in oversight and transparency in the state’s animal welfare system.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>California’s current system lacks any centralized agency for monitoring animal transfers and enforcing state laws, gaps that were recently highlighted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12084725/bay-area-dogs-found-dead-at-humboldt-county-no-kill-rescue\">the case of Miranda’s Rescue,\u003c/a> a “no-kill” animal sanctuary in Humboldt County. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Its owner, Shannon Miranda, is accused of taking in dogs for profit, then killing them and burying them on his property. More than 700 animals were also recently seized from a southern California rescue, most of them “suffering from severe neglect,” according to an \u003ca href=\"https://sdhumane.org/san-diego-humane-society-provides-update-on-large-scale-animal-rescue-in-julian-2/\">SDHS press release. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260824-Animal-Rescue-Presser-ZF-03-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12096579\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260824-Animal-Rescue-Presser-ZF-03-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260824-Animal-Rescue-Presser-ZF-03-KQED-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260824-Animal-Rescue-Presser-ZF-03-KQED-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Animal advocates gather at a press conference to introduce a bill to reform California’s animal welfare system at the California State Capitol in Sacramento on Aug. 24, 2026. (Zoë Ferrigno/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Humboldt County Sheriff’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12088544/hundreds-of-dogs-remain-missing-as-search-resumes-at-mirandas-rescue\">recent investigation\u003c/a> into Miranda’s found that the small sanctuary took in more than 900 dogs last year, but investigators could only confirm adoption paperwork for about 100 of them. Two hundred of those dogs came from Oakland Animal Services. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We did not realize how many animals he was taking in from all these other jurisdictions,” OAS Director Joe DeVries said. “We did not realize that he was at that scale.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If there were a statewide system, with a couple of clicks of the mouse, you could realize that,” DeVries said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>DeVries supported a proposal from the California Animal Welfare Association, or CalAnimals, to create a bureau within the California Department of Food and Agriculture that would license and inspect shelters and rescues. It would also keep and monitor a database of information about the outcome of animals in the system, and give the public a centralized place to raise concerns.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It seems like every week we’re getting reports of some sort of rescue that got in over their head,” CalAnimals CEO Jill Tucker said. They’re often started by good-hearted people that wanna save animals, and they’re responding to the pleas for help, and they’re trying to help as many as they can … And then they have too many.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The idea for the bureau was inspired by \u003ca href=\"https://ag.colorado.gov/animal-welfare/pet-animal-care-and-facilities-act\">Colorado’s 1994 Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act\u003c/a>. Tucker said that PACFA is “largely self-sustaining” through licensing fees, and that the goal is to set up a similar model in California. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The other group, Fix Our Shelters, also wants an oversight body, but they worry the bureau will end up being governed by the same people it is supposed to oversee. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We wanna make sure at the end of the day that it’s an independent body,” Fix Our Shelters President Julie Virga said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260824-Animal-Rescue-Presser-ZF-04-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12096581\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260824-Animal-Rescue-Presser-ZF-04-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260824-Animal-Rescue-Presser-ZF-04-KQED-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260824-Animal-Rescue-Presser-ZF-04-KQED-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">At Fix Our Shelters’ rally, Jenna Moore shares how she and fellow Humboldt County animal advocate Jennifer Raymond uncovered evidence that led to an investigation into Miranda’s Rescue in Fortuna, California. (Zoë Ferrigno/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Jenna Moore, a Humboldt County advocate who uncovered evidence that led to the investigation into Miranda’s Rescue, tearfully recounted her experience at the Fix Our Shelters event. She said there’s one sure way to prevent tragedies like this from happening in the future: “The bottom line is spay and neuter. Spay and neuter. Spay and neuter. Spay and neuter.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Assemblymember Alex Lee introduced a bill that would have required shelters and rescues to keep and regularly publish data about the outcome of animals in their care, which died in committee. The groups now calling for change are hoping to get something introduced in the next legislative session. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Sabrina Woods, an animal advocate from Solano County, attended both events. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If we can make sure that that’s going to be a fair process with lots of different stakeholders from different areas,” she said, listing vets, animal control and advocates. “Then, it’s gonna be a go.”\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The advocates gathered outside the California State Capitol on Monday to hold back-to-back press conferences, calling for an increase in oversight and transparency in the state’s animal welfare system.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>California’s current system lacks any centralized agency for monitoring animal transfers and enforcing state laws, gaps that were recently highlighted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12084725/bay-area-dogs-found-dead-at-humboldt-county-no-kill-rescue\">the case of Miranda’s Rescue,\u003c/a> a “no-kill” animal sanctuary in Humboldt County. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Its owner, Shannon Miranda, is accused of taking in dogs for profit, then killing them and burying them on his property. More than 700 animals were also recently seized from a southern California rescue, most of them “suffering from severe neglect,” according to an \u003ca href=\"https://sdhumane.org/san-diego-humane-society-provides-update-on-large-scale-animal-rescue-in-julian-2/\">SDHS press release. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Humboldt County Sheriff’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12088544/hundreds-of-dogs-remain-missing-as-search-resumes-at-mirandas-rescue\">recent investigation\u003c/a> into Miranda’s found that the small sanctuary took in more than 900 dogs last year, but investigators could only confirm adoption paperwork for about 100 of them. Two hundred of those dogs came from Oakland Animal Services. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We did not realize how many animals he was taking in from all these other jurisdictions,” OAS Director Joe DeVries said. “We did not realize that he was at that scale.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>DeVries supported a proposal from the California Animal Welfare Association, or CalAnimals, to create a bureau within the California Department of Food and Agriculture that would license and inspect shelters and rescues. It would also keep and monitor a database of information about the outcome of animals in the system, and give the public a centralized place to raise concerns.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It seems like every week we’re getting reports of some sort of rescue that got in over their head,” CalAnimals CEO Jill Tucker said. They’re often started by good-hearted people that wanna save animals, and they’re responding to the pleas for help, and they’re trying to help as many as they can … And then they have too many.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The idea for the bureau was inspired by \u003ca href=\"https://ag.colorado.gov/animal-welfare/pet-animal-care-and-facilities-act\">Colorado’s 1994 Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act\u003c/a>. Tucker said that PACFA is “largely self-sustaining” through licensing fees, and that the goal is to set up a similar model in California. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The other group, Fix Our Shelters, also wants an oversight body, but they worry the bureau will end up being governed by the same people it is supposed to oversee. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We wanna make sure at the end of the day that it’s an independent body,” Fix Our Shelters President Julie Virga said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260824-Animal-Rescue-Presser-ZF-04-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12096581\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260824-Animal-Rescue-Presser-ZF-04-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260824-Animal-Rescue-Presser-ZF-04-KQED-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260824-Animal-Rescue-Presser-ZF-04-KQED-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">At Fix Our Shelters’ rally, Jenna Moore shares how she and fellow Humboldt County animal advocate Jennifer Raymond uncovered evidence that led to an investigation into Miranda’s Rescue in Fortuna, California.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Jenna Moore, a Humboldt County advocate who uncovered evidence that led to the investigation into Miranda’s Rescue, tearfully recounted her experience at the Fix Our Shelters event. She said there’s one sure way to prevent tragedies like this from happening in the future: “The bottom line is spay and neuter. Spay and neuter. Spay and neuter. Spay and neuter.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“If we can make sure that that’s going to be a fair process with lots of different stakeholders from different areas,” she said, listing vets, animal control and advocates. “Then, it’s gonna be a go.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Animal advocacy groups are taking their ideas for fixing California’s shelter system to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/sacramento\">Sacramento\u003c/a>, following several high-profile abuse cases throughout the state. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The advocates gathered outside the California State Capitol on Monday to hold back-to-back press conferences, calling for an increase in oversight and transparency in the state’s animal welfare system.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>California’s current system lacks any centralized agency for monitoring animal transfers and enforcing state laws, gaps that were recently highlighted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12084725/bay-area-dogs-found-dead-at-humboldt-county-no-kill-rescue\">the case of Miranda’s Rescue,\u003c/a> a “no-kill” animal sanctuary in Humboldt County. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Its owner, Shannon Miranda, is accused of taking in dogs for profit, then killing them and burying them on his property. More than 700 animals were also recently seized from a southern California rescue, most of them “suffering from severe neglect,” according to an \u003ca href=\"https://sdhumane.org/san-diego-humane-society-provides-update-on-large-scale-animal-rescue-in-julian-2/\">SDHS press release. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260824-Animal-Rescue-Presser-ZF-03-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12096579\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260824-Animal-Rescue-Presser-ZF-03-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260824-Animal-Rescue-Presser-ZF-03-KQED-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260824-Animal-Rescue-Presser-ZF-03-KQED-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Animal advocates gather at a press conference to introduce a bill to reform California’s animal welfare system at the California State Capitol in Sacramento on Aug. 24, 2026. (Zoë Ferrigno/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Humboldt County Sheriff’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12088544/hundreds-of-dogs-remain-missing-as-search-resumes-at-mirandas-rescue\">recent investigation\u003c/a> into Miranda’s found that the small sanctuary took in more than 900 dogs last year, but investigators could only confirm adoption paperwork for about 100 of them. Two hundred of those dogs came from Oakland Animal Services. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We did not realize how many animals he was taking in from all these other jurisdictions,” OAS Director Joe DeVries said. “We did not realize that he was at that scale.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If there were a statewide system, with a couple of clicks of the mouse, you could realize that,” DeVries said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>DeVries supported a proposal from the California Animal Welfare Association, or CalAnimals, to create a bureau within the California Department of Food and Agriculture that would license and inspect shelters and rescues. It would also keep and monitor a database of information about the outcome of animals in the system, and give the public a centralized place to raise concerns.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It seems like every week we’re getting reports of some sort of rescue that got in over their head,” CalAnimals CEO Jill Tucker said. They’re often started by good-hearted people that wanna save animals, and they’re responding to the pleas for help, and they’re trying to help as many as they can … And then they have too many.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The idea for the bureau was inspired by \u003ca href=\"https://ag.colorado.gov/animal-welfare/pet-animal-care-and-facilities-act\">Colorado’s 1994 Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act\u003c/a>. Tucker said that PACFA is “largely self-sustaining” through licensing fees, and that the goal is to set up a similar model in California. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The other group, Fix Our Shelters, also wants an oversight body, but they worry the bureau will end up being governed by the same people it is supposed to oversee. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We wanna make sure at the end of the day that it’s an independent body,” Fix Our Shelters President Julie Virga said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260824-Animal-Rescue-Presser-ZF-04-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12096581\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260824-Animal-Rescue-Presser-ZF-04-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260824-Animal-Rescue-Presser-ZF-04-KQED-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260824-Animal-Rescue-Presser-ZF-04-KQED-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">At Fix Our Shelters’ rally, Jenna Moore shares how she and fellow Humboldt County animal advocate Jennifer Raymond uncovered evidence that led to an investigation into Miranda’s Rescue in Fortuna, California. (Zoë Ferrigno/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Jenna Moore, a Humboldt County advocate who uncovered evidence that led to the investigation into Miranda’s Rescue, tearfully recounted her experience at the Fix Our Shelters event. She said there’s one sure way to prevent tragedies like this from happening in the future: “The bottom line is spay and neuter. Spay and neuter. Spay and neuter. Spay and neuter.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Assemblymember Alex Lee introduced a bill that would have required shelters and rescues to keep and regularly publish data about the outcome of animals in their care, which died in committee. The groups now calling for change are hoping to get something introduced in the next legislative session. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Sabrina Woods, an animal advocate from Solano County, attended both events. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If we can make sure that that’s going to be a fair process with lots of different stakeholders from different areas,” she said, listing vets, animal control and advocates. “Then, it’s gonna be a go.”\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "controversial-swan-hunt-appears-to-work-californias-mute-swan-population-drops",
"title": "Controversial Swan Hunt Appears to Work: California’s Mute Swan Population Drops",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003c!-- Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ -->\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story was originally published by \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/\">CalMatters\u003c/a>. \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/subscribe-to-calmatters/\">Sign up\u003c/a> for their newsletters.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/california\">California’s\u003c/a> once exponentially growing population of invasive mute swans has fallen by half, less than a year after a new law took effect allowing hunters and landowners to kill them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Over the objections of animal welfare groups, Gov. Gavin Newsom last year signed \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202520260ab764\">legislation\u003c/a> allowing property owners and those with hunting licenses to shoot the nonnative, destructive swans.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The mute swan population had ballooned to about 15,000, most around the Suisun Marsh on the outskirts of the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The law, which took effect Jan. 1, appears to be working as intended.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife last week \u003ca href=\"https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=246953&inline\">released\u003c/a> its annual waterfowl breeding population survey, a snapshot of duck and goose numbers across the state.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This year, biologists estimated California has around 7,400 mute swans, a 53% decrease from the previous year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s a remarkable decline considering how quickly California’s mute swan population skyrocketed in just a few years.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11660366\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11660366\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/04/SnowGeeseOnRice.jpg\" alt=\"Snow geese feed in a rice field in the Williams area of Colusa County.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1253\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/04/SnowGeeseOnRice.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/04/SnowGeeseOnRice-160x104.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/04/SnowGeeseOnRice-800x522.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/04/SnowGeeseOnRice-1020x666.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/04/SnowGeeseOnRice-1180x770.jpg 1180w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/04/SnowGeeseOnRice-960x627.jpg 960w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/04/SnowGeeseOnRice-240x157.jpg 240w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/04/SnowGeeseOnRice-375x245.jpg 375w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/04/SnowGeeseOnRice-520x339.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Snow geese feed in a rice field in the Williams area of Colusa County. \u003ccite>(Jim Morris/California Rice Commission)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In 2022, state waterfowl biologists estimated there were just 1,500 of them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Let’s hope that things trend in our favor,” said Melanie Weaver, the department’s waterfowl coordinator.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The regal white birds with orange and black bills might be lovely, but they’re native to Europe and Asia.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2008, California banned anyone without a special permit from keeping mute swans as pets or from importing them into the state. Nonetheless, some were brought here and escaped or were released from captivity.[aside postID=science_1926793 hero='https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2020/08/RS58543_GettyImages-1334977490-qut.jpg']Wetland ecologists and waterfowl biologists say they represent a profound threat to the struggling wetlands of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Weighing up to 30 pounds and fiercely territorial, the swans don’t migrate. As their numbers grow, they can quickly eat through a marsh’s submerged native vegetation on which other species rely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mute swans also harass or kill native waterbirds including ducks and geese during the breeding season.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even so, mute swans have devoted fans who believe there are other ways to control their numbers without killing the beautiful animals. Despite the opposition, no lawmaker voted against last year’s bill, according to the \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/\">CalMatters Digital Democracy database\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The law remains in effect until Jan. 1, 2031.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This article was \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/environment/2026/08/california-mute-swan-population-declines/\">originally published on CalMatters\u003c/a> and was republished under the \u003ca href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/\">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives\u003c/a> license.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003c!-- Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ -->\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story was originally published by \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/\">CalMatters\u003c/a>. \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/subscribe-to-calmatters/\">Sign up\u003c/a> for their newsletters.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/california\">California’s\u003c/a> once exponentially growing population of invasive mute swans has fallen by half, less than a year after a new law took effect allowing hunters and landowners to kill them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Over the objections of animal welfare groups, Gov. Gavin Newsom last year signed \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202520260ab764\">legislation\u003c/a> allowing property owners and those with hunting licenses to shoot the nonnative, destructive swans.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The mute swan population had ballooned to about 15,000, most around the Suisun Marsh on the outskirts of the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The law, which took effect Jan. 1, appears to be working as intended.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife last week \u003ca href=\"https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=246953&inline\">released\u003c/a> its annual waterfowl breeding population survey, a snapshot of duck and goose numbers across the state.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This year, biologists estimated California has around 7,400 mute swans, a 53% decrease from the previous year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s a remarkable decline considering how quickly California’s mute swan population skyrocketed in just a few years.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11660366\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11660366\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/04/SnowGeeseOnRice.jpg\" alt=\"Snow geese feed in a rice field in the Williams area of Colusa County.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1253\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/04/SnowGeeseOnRice.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/04/SnowGeeseOnRice-160x104.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/04/SnowGeeseOnRice-800x522.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/04/SnowGeeseOnRice-1020x666.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/04/SnowGeeseOnRice-1180x770.jpg 1180w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/04/SnowGeeseOnRice-960x627.jpg 960w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/04/SnowGeeseOnRice-240x157.jpg 240w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/04/SnowGeeseOnRice-375x245.jpg 375w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/04/SnowGeeseOnRice-520x339.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Snow geese feed in a rice field in the Williams area of Colusa County. \u003ccite>(Jim Morris/California Rice Commission)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In 2022, state waterfowl biologists estimated there were just 1,500 of them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Let’s hope that things trend in our favor,” said Melanie Weaver, the department’s waterfowl coordinator.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The regal white birds with orange and black bills might be lovely, but they’re native to Europe and Asia.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2008, California banned anyone without a special permit from keeping mute swans as pets or from importing them into the state. Nonetheless, some were brought here and escaped or were released from captivity.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Wetland ecologists and waterfowl biologists say they represent a profound threat to the struggling wetlands of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Weighing up to 30 pounds and fiercely territorial, the swans don’t migrate. As their numbers grow, they can quickly eat through a marsh’s submerged native vegetation on which other species rely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mute swans also harass or kill native waterbirds including ducks and geese during the breeding season.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even so, mute swans have devoted fans who believe there are other ways to control their numbers without killing the beautiful animals. Despite the opposition, no lawmaker voted against last year’s bill, according to the \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/\">CalMatters Digital Democracy database\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The law remains in effect until Jan. 1, 2031.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This article was \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/environment/2026/08/california-mute-swan-population-declines/\">originally published on CalMatters\u003c/a> and was republished under the \u003ca href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/\">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives\u003c/a> license.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"content": "\u003cp>Every summer, as the sun sets over the Yolo Causeway just outside \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/sacramento\">Sacramento\u003c/a>, a quarter of a million bats stream out from beneath the bridge. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Drivers crossing Interstate 80 rarely know they’re there — the bats’ wingbeats and chirps drowned out by the rush of trucks and cars crossing the bridge.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But from June through August, visitors can watch thousands of \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0OMf2I3lH4&time_continue=9&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fyolobasin.org%2F&embeds_referring_origin=https%3A%2F%2Fyolobasin.org\">bats \u003c/a>spiral out from \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0OMf2I3lH4&time_continue=9&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fyolobasin.org%2F&embeds_referring_origin=https%3A%2F%2Fyolobasin.org\">under the causeway\u003c/a> into the dusk sky in a phenomenon locals call a “bat-nado” — on guided tours run by the \u003ca href=\"https://yolobasin.org/bat-talk-tours/?playlist=f679ad2&video=83d2451\">Yolo Basin Foundation.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2500\" height=\"1667\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-15-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12087049\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-15-KQED.jpg 2500w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-15-KQED-2000x1334.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-15-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-15-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-15-KQED-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Erik Oberg, left, and Jessica McCartney, right, record as bats fly under a bridge in Davis on June 4, 2026. (Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A maternal colony, hiding in plain sight\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The bats living under the causeway are part of \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0OMf2I3lH4&time_continue=9&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fyolobasin.org%2F&embeds_referring_origin=https%3A%2F%2Fyolobasin.org\">one of the largest \u003c/a>urban colonies of Mexican free-tailed bats \u003ca href=\"https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/bat-colonies-habitats\">in the country\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Right now, the camp is almost entirely mothers and their pups, said Corky Quirk, the Yolo Basin Foundation’s program coordinator. Females give birth in early summer and stay with their young for about two months, until the pups are strong enough to fly on their own.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We have a little sign this year; it says, ‘Sleeping bats above, please stay out,'” Quirk said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>She has run the bat tours since 2004 and, on a hot summer evening in June, warns a group of around 30 onlookers not to bother the critters under the bridge. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1706\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/20260604_YoloBats_GC-14-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092421\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/20260604_YoloBats_GC-14-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/20260604_YoloBats_GC-14-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/20260604_YoloBats_GC-14-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/20260604_YoloBats_GC-14-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/20260604_YoloBats_GC-14-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bats fly under a bridge in Davis on June 4, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Quirk didn’t start out as a bat specialist. She was hired by the foundation to teach schoolchildren about wetlands and birds, and only later took over the bat program when the person before her retired. Nearly two decades later, she’s become fascinated by these flying mammals. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I have always loved flight, and I’ve always loved the underdog, and a bat is sort of the mix of the two, right?” she said. “And they are out there doing ecosystem services that are underappreciated.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Yolo Bypass, where the colony lives, doubles as flood control for the city of Sacramento and farmland for rice crops. The bats act as natural pest control for the rice paddies, hunting the armyworm, a crop-damaging caterpillar that grows into a moth.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Charlie Russell, a decadeslong volunteer with the bat tours, said that the Mexican free-tailed bats have a symbiotic relationship with the region’s rice farmers.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This is the only place [a farmer] never applies any insecticides to control the armyworm, because he’s got a quarter of a million bats taking care of the moths,” he said. “They’re incredibly important to our environment.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>During the tour, Russell held up a Mexican free-tailed bat for observation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While visitors couldn’t touch the bats, they could get close enough to marvel at just how small they were — each one tiny enough to fit in a palm, with five delicate fingers stretching out to support the thin membrane that lets them fly. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Their tiny teeth are just large enough to consume vast quantities of soft-bodied prey like moths and mosquitoes, and their narrow wings were built for speed. They’re the world’s fastest mammal.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“They’ve been clocked up to 98 mph, so that’s faster than your cheetahs,” Russell said. “And they’re cute.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2500\" height=\"1748\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-9-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12087046\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-9-KQED.jpg 2500w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-9-KQED-2000x1398.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-9-KQED-160x112.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-9-KQED-1536x1074.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-9-KQED-2048x1432.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Corky Quirk, Yolo Basin Foundation Bat Program Coordinator, wears a Mexican free-tailed bat earring in Davis on June 4, 2026. (Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>They may be the perfect size to cup in two hands, but Russell was quick to warn that they’re not pets, no matter how at home they seem around people.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“These guys would normally be living in caves or rock crevices, but we see them under bridges, tall buildings and parking garages,” Russell said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Quirk said that bats often suffer from a reputation problem — one that has more to do with movies and vampires than with the creatures themselves. Bat populations across California are declining, driven largely by habitat loss, pesticides and predation, and she argues that public perception is tied directly to how well the animals get protected.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Bats are pretty misunderstood, and often when people learn more about them, they begin to appreciate them,” Quirk said. “And we protect what we care about.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stay for the ‘batnado’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Just after sunset, a thin, dark ribbon of bats peels away from beneath the bridge. The line widens as more join, while the sound of beating wings competes with traffic overhead.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Linda Harter, who has volunteered with the tours for more than a decade, still finds it hard not to react.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Oh, look, they’re flying out right here over the trees,” she said. “They are amazing.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>She’s also become adept at telling bats from birds. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2500\" height=\"1667\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-10-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12087047\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-10-KQED.jpg 2500w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-10-KQED-2000x1334.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-10-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-10-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-10-KQED-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Charlie Russell, volunteer at the Yolo Basin Foundation, center, shows volunteers-in-training how to use SonoBat equipment in Davis on June 4, 2026. SonoBat is a software used to analyze bat calls. (Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If you’re wondering, are these swallows or bats, the bats are flapping all the time,” she said. “If you see them start to glide, that’s a bird.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Deleo Garcia-Lopez, who came to watch the flyout for the first time, said seeing the bats in action made him realize how much nature was nearby the urban environment.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s cool to think there’s definitely some system that they all follow,” he said. “It’s an intricate world that they’re building that’s just under our noses, right under a bridge.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The experience took on more personal meaning for Priya Vasu, who recently moved to Sacramento from the Bay Area, and was struck by the colony’s maternal bond.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It feels like a good metaphor for me,” Vasu said. “The bats are staying with their mothers for their [early] lives — My mom will always be with me.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As a longtime Sacramento resident, the bat-lined sunset changed Nikita Sinha’s understanding of a bridge she drove down regularly.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It felt so special because you could see the Sacramento skyline in the distance,” she said. “It just felt really majestic in that setting sun.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>The Yolo Basin Foundation runs public bat tours near Sacramento from June through August. The nightly flyout can also be viewed for free at sunset without a formal tour.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Drivers crossing Interstate 80 rarely know they’re there — the bats’ wingbeats and chirps drowned out by the rush of trucks and cars crossing the bridge.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But from June through August, visitors can watch thousands of \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0OMf2I3lH4&time_continue=9&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fyolobasin.org%2F&embeds_referring_origin=https%3A%2F%2Fyolobasin.org\">bats \u003c/a>spiral out from \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0OMf2I3lH4&time_continue=9&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fyolobasin.org%2F&embeds_referring_origin=https%3A%2F%2Fyolobasin.org\">under the causeway\u003c/a> into the dusk sky in a phenomenon locals call a “bat-nado” — on guided tours run by the \u003ca href=\"https://yolobasin.org/bat-talk-tours/?playlist=f679ad2&video=83d2451\">Yolo Basin Foundation.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But from June through August, visitors can watch thousands of \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0OMf2I3lH4&time_continue=9&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fyolobasin.org%2F&embeds_referring_origin=https%3A%2F%2Fyolobasin.org\">bats \u003c/a>spiral out from \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0OMf2I3lH4&time_continue=9&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fyolobasin.org%2F&embeds_referring_origin=https%3A%2F%2Fyolobasin.org\">under the causeway\u003c/a> into the dusk sky in a phenomenon locals call a “bat-nado” — on guided tours run by the \u003ca href=\"https://yolobasin.org/bat-talk-tours/?playlist=f679ad2&video=83d2451\">Yolo Basin Foundation.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-15-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12087049\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-15-KQED.jpg 2500w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-15-KQED-2000x1334.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-15-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-15-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-15-KQED-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Erik Oberg, left, and Jessica McCartney, right, record as bats fly under a bridge in Davis on June 4, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-15-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12087049\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Erik Oberg, left, and Jessica McCartney, right, record as bats fly under a bridge in Davis on June 4, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A maternal colony, hiding in plain sight\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The bats living under the causeway are part of \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0OMf2I3lH4&time_continue=9&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fyolobasin.org%2F&embeds_referring_origin=https%3A%2F%2Fyolobasin.org\">one of the largest \u003c/a>urban colonies of Mexican free-tailed bats \u003ca href=\"https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/bat-colonies-habitats\">in the country\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The bats living under the causeway are part of \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0OMf2I3lH4&time_continue=9&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fyolobasin.org%2F&embeds_referring_origin=https%3A%2F%2Fyolobasin.org\">one of the largest \u003c/a>urban colonies of Mexican free-tailed bats \u003ca href=\"https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/bat-colonies-habitats\">in the country\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Right now, the camp is almost entirely mothers and their pups, said Corky Quirk, the Yolo Basin Foundation’s program coordinator. Females give birth in early summer and stay with their young for about two months, until the pups are strong enough to fly on their own.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Right now, the camp is almost entirely mothers and their pups, said Corky Quirk, the Yolo Basin Foundation’s program coordinator. Females give birth in early summer and stay with their young for about two months, until the pups are strong enough to fly on their own.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We have a little sign this year; it says, ‘Sleeping bats above, please stay out,'” Quirk said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We have a little sign this year; it says, ‘Sleeping bats above, please stay out,'” Quirk said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>She has run the bat tours since 2004 and, on a hot summer evening in June, warns a group of around 30 onlookers not to bother the critters under the bridge. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>She has run the bat tours since 2004 and, on a hot summer evening in June, warns a group of around 30 onlookers not to bother the critters under the bridge. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/20260604_YoloBats_GC-14-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092421\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/20260604_YoloBats_GC-14-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/20260604_YoloBats_GC-14-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/20260604_YoloBats_GC-14-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/20260604_YoloBats_GC-14-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/20260604_YoloBats_GC-14-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bats fly under a bridge in Davis on June 4, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Quirk didn’t start out as a bat specialist. She was hired by the foundation to teach schoolchildren about wetlands and birds, and only later took over the bat program when the person before her retired. Nearly two decades later, she’s become fascinated by these flying mammals. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I have always loved flight, and I’ve always loved the underdog, and a bat is sort of the mix of the two, right?” she said. “And they are out there doing ecosystem services that are underappreciated.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Yolo Bypass, where the colony lives, doubles as flood control for the city of Sacramento and farmland for rice crops. The bats act as natural pest control for the rice paddies, hunting the armyworm, a crop-damaging caterpillar that grows into a moth.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Charlie Russell, a decadeslong volunteer with the bat tours, said that the Mexican free-tailed bats have a symbiotic relationship with the region’s rice farmers.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“This is the only place [a farmer] never applies any insecticides to control the armyworm, because he’s got a quarter of a million bats taking care of the moths,” he said. “They’re incredibly important to our environment.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>During the tour, Russell held up a Mexican free-tailed bat for observation. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>While visitors couldn’t touch the bats, they could get close enough to marvel at just how small they were — each one tiny enough to fit in a palm, with five delicate fingers stretching out to support the thin membrane that lets them fly. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>While visitors couldn’t touch the bats, they could get close enough to marvel at just how small they were — each one tiny enough to fit in a palm, with five delicate fingers stretching out to support the thin membrane that lets them fly. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Their tiny teeth are just large enough to consume vast quantities of soft-bodied prey like moths and mosquitoes, and their narrow wings were built for speed. They’re the world’s fastest mammal.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Their tiny teeth are just large enough to consume vast quantities of soft-bodied prey like moths and mosquitoes, and their narrow wings were built for speed. They’re the world’s fastest mammal.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“They’ve been clocked up to 98 mph, so that’s faster than your cheetahs,” Russell said. “And they’re cute.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-9-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12087046\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-9-KQED.jpg 2500w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-9-KQED-2000x1398.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-9-KQED-160x112.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-9-KQED-1536x1074.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-9-KQED-2048x1432.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Corky Quirk, Yolo Basin Foundation Bat Program Coordinator, wears a Mexican free-tailed bat earring in Davis on June 4, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>They may be the perfect size to cup in two hands, but Russell was quick to warn that they’re not pets, no matter how at home they seem around people.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“These guys would normally be living in caves or rock crevices, but we see them under bridges, tall buildings and parking garages,” Russell said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Quirk said that bats often suffer from a reputation problem — one that has more to do with movies and vampires than with the creatures themselves. Bat populations across California are declining, driven largely by habitat loss, pesticides and predation, and she argues that public perception is tied directly to how well the animals get protected.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Bats are pretty misunderstood, and often when people learn more about them, they begin to appreciate them,” Quirk said. “And we protect what we care about.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Just after sunset, a thin, dark ribbon of bats peels away from beneath the bridge. The line widens as more join, while the sound of beating wings competes with traffic overhead.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Linda Harter, who has volunteered with the tours for more than a decade, still finds it hard not to react.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Oh, look, they’re flying out right here over the trees,” she said. “They are amazing.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Oh, look, they’re flying out right here over the trees,” she said. “They are amazing.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>She’s also become adept at telling bats from birds. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>She’s also become adept at telling bats from birds. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-10-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12087047\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-10-KQED.jpg 2500w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-10-KQED-2000x1334.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-10-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-10-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-10-KQED-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Charlie Russell, volunteer at the Yolo Basin Foundation, center, shows volunteers-in-training how to use SonoBat equipment in Davis on June 4, 2026. SonoBat is a software used to analyze bat calls.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“If you’re wondering, are these swallows or bats, the bats are flapping all the time,” she said. “If you see them start to glide, that’s a bird.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Deleo Garcia-Lopez, who came to watch the flyout for the first time, said seeing the bats in action made him realize how much nature was nearby the urban environment.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’s cool to think there’s definitely some system that they all follow,” he said. “It’s an intricate world that they’re building that’s just under our noses, right under a bridge.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The experience took on more personal meaning for Priya Vasu, who recently moved to Sacramento from the Bay Area, and was struck by the colony’s maternal bond.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It feels like a good metaphor for me,” Vasu said. “The bats are staying with their mothers for their [early] lives — My mom will always be with me.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As a longtime Sacramento resident, the bat-lined sunset changed Nikita Sinha’s understanding of a bridge she drove down regularly.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It felt so special because you could see the Sacramento skyline in the distance,” she said. “It just felt really majestic in that setting sun.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>The Yolo Basin Foundation runs public bat tours near Sacramento from June through August. The nightly flyout can also be viewed for free at sunset without a formal tour.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>The Yolo Basin Foundation runs public bat tours near Sacramento from June through August. The nightly flyout can also be viewed for free at sunset without a formal tour.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Every summer, as the sun sets over the Yolo Causeway just outside \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/sacramento\">Sacramento\u003c/a>, a quarter of a million bats stream out from beneath the bridge. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Drivers crossing Interstate 80 rarely know they’re there — the bats’ wingbeats and chirps drowned out by the rush of trucks and cars crossing the bridge.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But from June through August, visitors can watch thousands of \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0OMf2I3lH4&time_continue=9&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fyolobasin.org%2F&embeds_referring_origin=https%3A%2F%2Fyolobasin.org\">bats \u003c/a>spiral out from \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0OMf2I3lH4&time_continue=9&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fyolobasin.org%2F&embeds_referring_origin=https%3A%2F%2Fyolobasin.org\">under the causeway\u003c/a> into the dusk sky in a phenomenon locals call a “bat-nado” — on guided tours run by the \u003ca href=\"https://yolobasin.org/bat-talk-tours/?playlist=f679ad2&video=83d2451\">Yolo Basin Foundation.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2500\" height=\"1667\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-15-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12087049\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-15-KQED.jpg 2500w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-15-KQED-2000x1334.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-15-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-15-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-15-KQED-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Erik Oberg, left, and Jessica McCartney, right, record as bats fly under a bridge in Davis on June 4, 2026. (Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A maternal colony, hiding in plain sight\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The bats living under the causeway are part of \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0OMf2I3lH4&time_continue=9&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fyolobasin.org%2F&embeds_referring_origin=https%3A%2F%2Fyolobasin.org\">one of the largest \u003c/a>urban colonies of Mexican free-tailed bats \u003ca href=\"https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/bat-colonies-habitats\">in the country\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Right now, the camp is almost entirely mothers and their pups, said Corky Quirk, the Yolo Basin Foundation’s program coordinator. Females give birth in early summer and stay with their young for about two months, until the pups are strong enough to fly on their own.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We have a little sign this year; it says, ‘Sleeping bats above, please stay out,'” Quirk said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>She has run the bat tours since 2004 and, on a hot summer evening in June, warns a group of around 30 onlookers not to bother the critters under the bridge. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1706\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/20260604_YoloBats_GC-14-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092421\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/20260604_YoloBats_GC-14-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/20260604_YoloBats_GC-14-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/20260604_YoloBats_GC-14-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/20260604_YoloBats_GC-14-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/20260604_YoloBats_GC-14-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bats fly under a bridge in Davis on June 4, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Quirk didn’t start out as a bat specialist. She was hired by the foundation to teach schoolchildren about wetlands and birds, and only later took over the bat program when the person before her retired. Nearly two decades later, she’s become fascinated by these flying mammals. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I have always loved flight, and I’ve always loved the underdog, and a bat is sort of the mix of the two, right?” she said. “And they are out there doing ecosystem services that are underappreciated.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Yolo Bypass, where the colony lives, doubles as flood control for the city of Sacramento and farmland for rice crops. The bats act as natural pest control for the rice paddies, hunting the armyworm, a crop-damaging caterpillar that grows into a moth.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Charlie Russell, a decadeslong volunteer with the bat tours, said that the Mexican free-tailed bats have a symbiotic relationship with the region’s rice farmers.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This is the only place [a farmer] never applies any insecticides to control the armyworm, because he’s got a quarter of a million bats taking care of the moths,” he said. “They’re incredibly important to our environment.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>During the tour, Russell held up a Mexican free-tailed bat for observation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While visitors couldn’t touch the bats, they could get close enough to marvel at just how small they were — each one tiny enough to fit in a palm, with five delicate fingers stretching out to support the thin membrane that lets them fly. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Their tiny teeth are just large enough to consume vast quantities of soft-bodied prey like moths and mosquitoes, and their narrow wings were built for speed. They’re the world’s fastest mammal.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“They’ve been clocked up to 98 mph, so that’s faster than your cheetahs,” Russell said. “And they’re cute.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2500\" height=\"1748\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-9-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12087046\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-9-KQED.jpg 2500w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-9-KQED-2000x1398.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-9-KQED-160x112.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-9-KQED-1536x1074.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-9-KQED-2048x1432.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Corky Quirk, Yolo Basin Foundation Bat Program Coordinator, wears a Mexican free-tailed bat earring in Davis on June 4, 2026. (Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>They may be the perfect size to cup in two hands, but Russell was quick to warn that they’re not pets, no matter how at home they seem around people.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“These guys would normally be living in caves or rock crevices, but we see them under bridges, tall buildings and parking garages,” Russell said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Quirk said that bats often suffer from a reputation problem — one that has more to do with movies and vampires than with the creatures themselves. Bat populations across California are declining, driven largely by habitat loss, pesticides and predation, and she argues that public perception is tied directly to how well the animals get protected.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Bats are pretty misunderstood, and often when people learn more about them, they begin to appreciate them,” Quirk said. “And we protect what we care about.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stay for the ‘batnado’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Just after sunset, a thin, dark ribbon of bats peels away from beneath the bridge. The line widens as more join, while the sound of beating wings competes with traffic overhead.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Linda Harter, who has volunteered with the tours for more than a decade, still finds it hard not to react.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Oh, look, they’re flying out right here over the trees,” she said. “They are amazing.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>She’s also become adept at telling bats from birds. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2500\" height=\"1667\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-10-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12087047\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-10-KQED.jpg 2500w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-10-KQED-2000x1334.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-10-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-10-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260604_YOLOBATS_GC-10-KQED-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Charlie Russell, volunteer at the Yolo Basin Foundation, center, shows volunteers-in-training how to use SonoBat equipment in Davis on June 4, 2026. SonoBat is a software used to analyze bat calls. (Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If you’re wondering, are these swallows or bats, the bats are flapping all the time,” she said. “If you see them start to glide, that’s a bird.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Deleo Garcia-Lopez, who came to watch the flyout for the first time, said seeing the bats in action made him realize how much nature was nearby the urban environment.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s cool to think there’s definitely some system that they all follow,” he said. “It’s an intricate world that they’re building that’s just under our noses, right under a bridge.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The experience took on more personal meaning for Priya Vasu, who recently moved to Sacramento from the Bay Area, and was struck by the colony’s maternal bond.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It feels like a good metaphor for me,” Vasu said. “The bats are staying with their mothers for their [early] lives — My mom will always be with me.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As a longtime Sacramento resident, the bat-lined sunset changed Nikita Sinha’s understanding of a bridge she drove down regularly.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It felt so special because you could see the Sacramento skyline in the distance,” she said. “It just felt really majestic in that setting sun.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>The Yolo Basin Foundation runs public bat tours near Sacramento from June through August. The nightly flyout can also be viewed for free at sunset without a formal tour.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"title": "San Francisco Dog Rescued in Caltrain Tunnel Has New Leash on Life",
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"headTitle": "San Francisco Dog Rescued in Caltrain Tunnel Has New Leash on Life | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>A runaway dog is back home safe after spending two days in a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a> Caltrain tunnel.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Caltrain crews who spotted a dog inside a rail tunnel near 16th and Mississippi streets assumed he was dead until one of them saw the dog lift his head, said Deb Campbell, a spokesperson for San Francisco Animal Care and Control. That sent two of the agency’s officers into the tunnel with the flashlights on their phones. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Animal Control Officers Bri Borg and Stephanie Pone found the dog, Roo, huddled against a wall. He had been there close to two days, Campbell said, as trains passed by him. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“First, he was terrified to see them,” she said. “Then, he was absolutely thrilled and happy.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The agency had already been looking for him. Roo’s owner, who had adopted him recently, called before anyone reported seeing anything in the tunnel and said the dog had been spooked and taken off running. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGTvSp0yix0\n\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Not many people think to look in the Caltrain tunnel for their dog,” Campbell said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Roo was unsteady on his feet and had gone without food or water, so the officers drove him to SAGE Veterinary Centers, a 24-hour clinic that contracts with the agency. He was not seriously dehydrated and was cleared the same day. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The dog was microchipped. Campbell said the agency scans every animal it brings in, and that plenty of the chips it finds were never linked to an owner, which turns a phone call into days of tracing. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We get a lot of animals that have microchips, but nobody has gone and registered them,” she said, adding that registering one takes a few minutes. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Tunnel rescues are not unusual for the agency, which has pulled animals out of BART and Muni tunnels before, and has had trains stopped for dogs that hunkered down and would not move. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>What made Roo’s case different was how long he was in the tunnel. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Thankfully, the Caltrain people were very alert and on it and noticed this,” Campbell said.\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A runaway dog is back home safe after spending two days in a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a> Caltrain tunnel.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Caltrain crews who spotted a dog inside a rail tunnel near 16th and Mississippi streets assumed he was dead until one of them saw the dog lift his head, said Deb Campbell, a spokesperson for San Francisco Animal Care and Control. That sent two of the agency’s officers into the tunnel with the flashlights on their phones. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Animal Control Officers Bri Borg and Stephanie Pone found the dog, Roo, huddled against a wall. He had been there close to two days, Campbell said, as trains passed by him. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“First, he was terrified to see them,” she said. “Then, he was absolutely thrilled and happy.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The agency had already been looking for him. Roo’s owner, who had adopted him recently, called before anyone reported seeing anything in the tunnel and said the dog had been spooked and taken off running. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Roo was unsteady on his feet and had gone without food or water, so the officers drove him to SAGE Veterinary Centers, a 24-hour clinic that contracts with the agency. He was not seriously dehydrated and was cleared the same day. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The dog was microchipped. Campbell said the agency scans every animal it brings in, and that plenty of the chips it finds were never linked to an owner, which turns a phone call into days of tracing. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We get a lot of animals that have microchips, but nobody has gone and registered them,” she said, adding that registering one takes a few minutes. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Tunnel rescues are not unusual for the agency, which has pulled animals out of BART and Muni tunnels before, and has had trains stopped for dogs that hunkered down and would not move. \u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Transit crews spotted Roo, the dog, in a tunnel near 16th and Mississippi streets and were able to return him to his owner.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>A runaway dog is back home safe after spending two days in a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a> Caltrain tunnel.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Caltrain crews who spotted a dog inside a rail tunnel near 16th and Mississippi streets assumed he was dead until one of them saw the dog lift his head, said Deb Campbell, a spokesperson for San Francisco Animal Care and Control. That sent two of the agency’s officers into the tunnel with the flashlights on their phones. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Animal Control Officers Bri Borg and Stephanie Pone found the dog, Roo, huddled against a wall. He had been there close to two days, Campbell said, as trains passed by him. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“First, he was terrified to see them,” she said. “Then, he was absolutely thrilled and happy.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The agency had already been looking for him. Roo’s owner, who had adopted him recently, called before anyone reported seeing anything in the tunnel and said the dog had been spooked and taken off running. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/JGTvSp0yix0'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/JGTvSp0yix0'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Not many people think to look in the Caltrain tunnel for their dog,” Campbell said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Roo was unsteady on his feet and had gone without food or water, so the officers drove him to SAGE Veterinary Centers, a 24-hour clinic that contracts with the agency. He was not seriously dehydrated and was cleared the same day. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The dog was microchipped. Campbell said the agency scans every animal it brings in, and that plenty of the chips it finds were never linked to an owner, which turns a phone call into days of tracing. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We get a lot of animals that have microchips, but nobody has gone and registered them,” she said, adding that registering one takes a few minutes. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Tunnel rescues are not unusual for the agency, which has pulled animals out of BART and Muni tunnels before, and has had trains stopped for dogs that hunkered down and would not move. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>What made Roo’s case different was how long he was in the tunnel. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Thankfully, the Caltrain people were very alert and on it and noticed this,” Campbell said.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"content": "\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/oakland-zoo\">Oakland Zoo\u003c/a> will become the permanent home of a new tiger as part of a transfer operation of big cats rescued from an unaccredited Northern California facility.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Sitara, a 13-year-old female with a classic gold coat and black stripes, is one of four tigers that the East Bay site has helped place in rehabilitation facilities across the country after years of captivity.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Every tiger rescue is a success story, but every rescue also reminds us that exploitation is still happening,” said Darren Minier, the director of animal welfare and research at the Oakland Zoo. “Many of these animals have spent years in conditions that have prioritized profit and public interactions or photo opportunities over animal welfare.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The tigers previously resided at the shuttered Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation in Butte County’s Oroville, which came under a California Department of Fish and Wildlife investigation in 2024 and failed to get its permit renewed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which launched a lawsuit against Kirshner after the investigation, animals from the Oroville roadside zoo were shuffled to other facilities, including an unaccredited one in Rio Vista that agreed to surrender five cats.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12090498\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12090498\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/Tiger-Transfer-Credit-Oakland-Zoo-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1336\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/Tiger-Transfer-Credit-Oakland-Zoo-2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/Tiger-Transfer-Credit-Oakland-Zoo-2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/Tiger-Transfer-Credit-Oakland-Zoo-2-1536x1026.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A sedated female tiger is handled by staff at the Oakland Zoo. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of The Oakland Zoo)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The Oakland Zoo helped relocate two male tigers, an 11-year-old white-and-Bengal mix and a 13-year-old Siberian mix, to the Performing Animal Welfare Society, a San Andreas-based facility that specializes in caring for older and physically challenged animals.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A 14-year-old female white tiger, who suffered from significant visual impairment due to inbreeding, was immediately treated at the Oakland Zoo before relocating to the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The fifth tiger, a 16-year-old female who came to the zoo with end-stage arthritis and spinal disease, was euthanized after she did not respond to treatment.[aside postID=news_12089736 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/AQ5I0282.jpg']Sitara, whose name has Hindi origins, meaning star, is still getting used to her new home, Minier said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>She’s exploratory and “happy-go-lucky” and loves to explore the zoo’s pools, waterfall, grass and vegetation, but Minier said she can also get spooked easily and has issues trusting the care team.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Something bangs, or there’s an object that scares her, and there’s a very obvious trauma response,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Throughout the 20 or so years Oakland Zoo has hosted rescued big cats, about a dozen have lived in its habitat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Minier said many of these animals had spent most of their previous lives in small, concrete enclosures and had to be taught about the natural world.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Sometimes they don’t feel like dirt can support them because they’ve always been on concrete,” Minier said. “[We have to teach them] that grass tickling their toes is okay. They’ve never seen water flow outside of something other than a hose.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Oakland Zoo said it will post updates of Sitara’s acclimation on social media and would be initiating a program designed “to help her build trust and resilience.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12090499\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12090499\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/Tiger-Transfer-Credit-Oakland-Zoo.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1336\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/Tiger-Transfer-Credit-Oakland-Zoo.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/Tiger-Transfer-Credit-Oakland-Zoo-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/Tiger-Transfer-Credit-Oakland-Zoo-1536x1026.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Staff transports a new female tiger to the Oakland Zoo. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of The Oakland Zoo)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Sitara appears mostly healthy, apart from some lameness in her left hind leg, but she will also undergo a medical exam to identify any underlying conditions, according to the zoo.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Minier said that while the Oakland Zoo remains committed to animal rescue and rehabilitation, it also hopes to raise awareness that helps bring an end to wildlife exploitation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We really are looking forward to a day where the U.S. has the regulations that don’t allow for these exploitative and neglectful practices,” he said. “Don’t pay to play with wildlife, and don’t support businesses that profit from direct contact with wild animals. Ticket that’s purchased for a cub petting session or posed wildlife photo creates the demand for more breeding and more exploitation.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/emanoukian\">\u003cem>Elize Manoukian\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/oakland-zoo\">Oakland Zoo\u003c/a> will become the permanent home of a new tiger as part of a transfer operation of big cats rescued from an unaccredited Northern California facility.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Sitara, a 13-year-old female with a classic gold coat and black stripes, is one of four tigers that the East Bay site has helped place in rehabilitation facilities across the country after years of captivity.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Every tiger rescue is a success story, but every rescue also reminds us that exploitation is still happening,” said Darren Minier, the director of animal welfare and research at the Oakland Zoo. “Many of these animals have spent years in conditions that have prioritized profit and public interactions or photo opportunities over animal welfare.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The tigers previously resided at the shuttered Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation in Butte County’s Oroville, which came under a California Department of Fish and Wildlife investigation in 2024 and failed to get its permit renewed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which launched a lawsuit against Kirshner after the investigation, animals from the Oroville roadside zoo were shuffled to other facilities, including an unaccredited one in Rio Vista that agreed to surrender five cats.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12090498\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12090498\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/Tiger-Transfer-Credit-Oakland-Zoo-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1336\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/Tiger-Transfer-Credit-Oakland-Zoo-2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/Tiger-Transfer-Credit-Oakland-Zoo-2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/Tiger-Transfer-Credit-Oakland-Zoo-2-1536x1026.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A sedated female tiger is handled by staff at the Oakland Zoo. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of The Oakland Zoo)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The Oakland Zoo helped relocate two male tigers, an 11-year-old white-and-Bengal mix and a 13-year-old Siberian mix, to the Performing Animal Welfare Society, a San Andreas-based facility that specializes in caring for older and physically challenged animals.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A 14-year-old female white tiger, who suffered from significant visual impairment due to inbreeding, was immediately treated at the Oakland Zoo before relocating to the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The fifth tiger, a 16-year-old female who came to the zoo with end-stage arthritis and spinal disease, was euthanized after she did not respond to treatment.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Sitara, whose name has Hindi origins, meaning star, is still getting used to her new home, Minier said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>She’s exploratory and “happy-go-lucky” and loves to explore the zoo’s pools, waterfall, grass and vegetation, but Minier said she can also get spooked easily and has issues trusting the care team.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Something bangs, or there’s an object that scares her, and there’s a very obvious trauma response,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Throughout the 20 or so years Oakland Zoo has hosted rescued big cats, about a dozen have lived in its habitat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Minier said many of these animals had spent most of their previous lives in small, concrete enclosures and had to be taught about the natural world.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Sometimes they don’t feel like dirt can support them because they’ve always been on concrete,” Minier said. “[We have to teach them] that grass tickling their toes is okay. They’ve never seen water flow outside of something other than a hose.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Oakland Zoo said it will post updates of Sitara’s acclimation on social media and would be initiating a program designed “to help her build trust and resilience.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12090499\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12090499\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/Tiger-Transfer-Credit-Oakland-Zoo.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1336\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/Tiger-Transfer-Credit-Oakland-Zoo.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/Tiger-Transfer-Credit-Oakland-Zoo-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/Tiger-Transfer-Credit-Oakland-Zoo-1536x1026.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Staff transports a new female tiger to the Oakland Zoo. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of The Oakland Zoo)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Sitara appears mostly healthy, apart from some lameness in her left hind leg, but she will also undergo a medical exam to identify any underlying conditions, according to the zoo.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Minier said that while the Oakland Zoo remains committed to animal rescue and rehabilitation, it also hopes to raise awareness that helps bring an end to wildlife exploitation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We really are looking forward to a day where the U.S. has the regulations that don’t allow for these exploitative and neglectful practices,” he said. “Don’t pay to play with wildlife, and don’t support businesses that profit from direct contact with wild animals. Ticket that’s purchased for a cub petting session or posed wildlife photo creates the demand for more breeding and more exploitation.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/emanoukian\">\u003cem>Elize Manoukian\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"title": "Environmental Group Wants to Reintroduce Beavers, Sea Otters to Point Reyes",
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"content": "\u003cp>Now that the Point Reyes National Seashore \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12021426/point-reyes-ranching-will-all-but-end-under-new-deal-capping-decades-long-conflict\">has acres of unused land available\u003c/a> for restoration, an environmental group wants to reintroduce a number of animals to bolster its return to normalcy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2025, environmental groups Resource Renewal Institute, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Western Watersheds Project settled their lawsuit with the National Park Service for ecological damage to the Point Reyes National Seashore, effectively preventing the park service from leasing land to 10 of the 12 ranches and dairies that operated on the park’s property.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ken Bouley, the executive director of the Turtle Island Restoration Network, said that the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12037672/point-reyes-cattle-ranchers-urge-republicans-to-leave-environmental-deal-alone\">controversial\u003c/a> move opened up more than 17,000 acres of ranchland for restoration — which is currently leased by the Nature Conservancy and co-managed by the NPS and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The nonprofit proposed reintroducing native species to revitalize and expedite the land’s restoration. In a \u003ca href=\"https://seaturtles.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Review-of-Seven-Mammalian-Species-for-Potential-Reintroduction-to-Point-Reyes-National-Seashore-4-17.pdf\">report\u003c/a>, the Turtle Island Restoration Network said that this list includes North American beavers, sea otters, pronghorns, Douglas ground squirrels, Pacific Martens, fishers and North American porcupines.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Among these species, only the Douglas ground squirrel and North American porcupine are currently inhabiting the land — and according to the nonprofit, in relatively sparse numbers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I think it’s very important that people in the Bay Area realize what they have out here in Point Reyes,” Bouley said. “People fought to have the seashore created near Oakland and San Francisco, our population center, so that it can be a resource to people.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12090362\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12090362\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/5M3A0669-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1332\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/5M3A0669-2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/5M3A0669-2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/5M3A0669-2-1536x1023.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A burrowing owl at Point Reyes National Seashore. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Ken Bouley)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Bouley said that the goal is to rewild — which means restoring a formerly developed piece of land to its natural state, an undertaking that entails more than just removing fences and letting nature take its course.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The report said that rewilding not only requires fence removal but also a trash and toxics cleanup, removal of abandoned infrastructure, and the intentional reintroduction of native plant and animal species. The process would also require increased involvement by state and federal agencies.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California’s national parks have already proven to successfully reintroduce a number of species, including the tule elk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After being eradicated from Point Reyes, the tule elk species was reintroduced in 1978, starting with a herd of 2 males and 8 females. In 1998, 45 more elk were brought in. The latest elk census estimated that the population has now exceeded 700. The Turtle Island Restoration Network pointed to this jump as proof that reintroduction was a success.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12089742\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12089742\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/TuleElkPtReyes.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/TuleElkPtReyes.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/TuleElkPtReyes-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/TuleElkPtReyes-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tule elk are seen at Point Reyes National Seashore in Inverness, California, on May 31, 2023. \u003ccite>(Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>However, Bouley said, the process does not always unfold smoothly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There have been reintroductions that have failed, and when that happens, it doesn’t look good on agencies,” Bouley said. “It’s sort of demotivating for environmental movements.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Turtle Island Restoration Network emphasized that the report is a science-based starting point for conversations, not a final plan.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to the Nature Conservancy’s website, it is focused on the health of the grasslands, coastal shrubland, and wetland habitats, as well as controlling invasive plant species. After hosting its first open house in \u003ca href=\"https://www.nature.org/en-us/newsroom/ca-pointreyes-openhouse/\">April\u003c/a> to discuss the grassland’s ongoing management, it shared plans to host another community engagement opportunity in the coming months.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/skennedy\">\u003cem>Samantha Kennedy\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> contributed to this story.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The nonprofit proposed reintroducing native species to revitalize and expedite the land’s restoration. In a \u003ca href=\"https://seaturtles.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Review-of-Seven-Mammalian-Species-for-Potential-Reintroduction-to-Point-Reyes-National-Seashore-4-17.pdf\">report\u003c/a>, the Turtle Island Restoration Network said that this list includes North American beavers, sea otters, pronghorns, Douglas ground squirrels, Pacific Martens, fishers and North American porcupines.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Among these species, only the Douglas ground squirrel and North American porcupine are currently inhabiting the land — and according to the nonprofit, in relatively sparse numbers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I think it’s very important that people in the Bay Area realize what they have out here in Point Reyes,” Bouley said. “People fought to have the seashore created near Oakland and San Francisco, our population center, so that it can be a resource to people.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12090362\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12090362\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/5M3A0669-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1332\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/5M3A0669-2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/5M3A0669-2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/5M3A0669-2-1536x1023.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A burrowing owl at Point Reyes National Seashore. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Ken Bouley)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Bouley said that the goal is to rewild — which means restoring a formerly developed piece of land to its natural state, an undertaking that entails more than just removing fences and letting nature take its course.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The report said that rewilding not only requires fence removal but also a trash and toxics cleanup, removal of abandoned infrastructure, and the intentional reintroduction of native plant and animal species. The process would also require increased involvement by state and federal agencies.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California’s national parks have already proven to successfully reintroduce a number of species, including the tule elk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After being eradicated from Point Reyes, the tule elk species was reintroduced in 1978, starting with a herd of 2 males and 8 females. In 1998, 45 more elk were brought in. The latest elk census estimated that the population has now exceeded 700. The Turtle Island Restoration Network pointed to this jump as proof that reintroduction was a success.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12089742\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12089742\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/TuleElkPtReyes.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/TuleElkPtReyes.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/TuleElkPtReyes-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/TuleElkPtReyes-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tule elk are seen at Point Reyes National Seashore in Inverness, California, on May 31, 2023. \u003ccite>(Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>However, Bouley said, the process does not always unfold smoothly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There have been reintroductions that have failed, and when that happens, it doesn’t look good on agencies,” Bouley said. “It’s sort of demotivating for environmental movements.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Turtle Island Restoration Network emphasized that the report is a science-based starting point for conversations, not a final plan.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to the Nature Conservancy’s website, it is focused on the health of the grasslands, coastal shrubland, and wetland habitats, as well as controlling invasive plant species. After hosting its first open house in \u003ca href=\"https://www.nature.org/en-us/newsroom/ca-pointreyes-openhouse/\">April\u003c/a> to discuss the grassland’s ongoing management, it shared plans to host another community engagement opportunity in the coming months.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/skennedy\">\u003cem>Samantha Kennedy\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> contributed to this story.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"info": "\u003cem>Code Switch\u003c/em>, which listeners will hear in the first part of the hour, has fearless and much-needed conversations about race. Hosted by journalists of color, the show tackles the subject of race head-on, exploring how it impacts every part of society — from politics and pop culture to history, sports and more.\u003cbr />\u003cbr />\u003cem>Life Kit\u003c/em>, which will be in the second part of the hour, guides you through spaces and feelings no one prepares you for — from finances to mental health, from workplace microaggressions to imposter syndrome, from relationships to parenting. The show features experts with real world experience and shares their knowledge. Because everyone needs a little help being human.\u003cbr />\u003cbr />\u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510312/codeswitch\">\u003cem>Code Switch\u003c/em> offical site and podcast\u003c/a>\u003cbr />\u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/lifekit\">\u003cem>Life Kit\u003c/em> offical site and podcast\u003c/a>\u003cbr />",
"airtime": "SUN 9pm-10pm",
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"meta": {
"site": "radio",
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"id": "commonwealth-club",
"title": "Commonwealth Club of California Podcast",
"info": "The Commonwealth Club of California is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum. As a non-partisan forum, The Club brings to the public airwaves diverse viewpoints on important topics. The Club's weekly radio broadcast - the oldest in the U.S., dating back to 1924 - is carried across the nation on public radio stations and is now podcasting. Our website archive features audio of our recent programs, as well as selected speeches from our long and distinguished history. This podcast feed is usually updated twice a week and is always un-edited.",
"airtime": "THU 10pm, FRI 1am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Commonwealth-Club-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.commonwealthclub.org/podcasts",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "Commonwealth Club of California"
},
"link": "/radio/program/commonwealth-club",
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"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jb21tb253ZWFsdGhjbHViLm9yZy9hdWRpby9wb2RjYXN0L3dlZWtseS54bWw",
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}
},
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"id": "forum",
"title": "Forum",
"tagline": "The conversation starts here",
"info": "KQED’s live call-in program discussing local, state, national and international issues, as well as in-depth interviews.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 9am-11am, 10pm-11pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Forum-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Forum with Mina Kim and Alexis Madrigal",
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"source": "kqed",
"order": 9
},
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"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM5NTU3MzgxNjMz",
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"id": "freakonomics-radio",
"title": "Freakonomics Radio",
"info": "Freakonomics Radio is a one-hour award-winning podcast and public-radio project hosted by Stephen Dubner, with co-author Steve Levitt as a regular guest. It is produced in partnership with WNYC.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/05/freakonomicsRadio.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://freakonomics.com/",
"airtime": "SUN 1am-2am, SAT 3pm-4pm",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "WNYC"
},
"link": "/radio/program/freakonomics-radio",
"subscribe": {
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"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/freakonomics-radio/id354668519",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/WNYC-Podcasts/Freakonomics-Radio-p272293/",
"rss": "https://feeds.feedburner.com/freakonomicsradio"
}
},
"fresh-air": {
"id": "fresh-air",
"title": "Fresh Air",
"info": "Hosted by Terry Gross, \u003cem>Fresh Air from WHYY\u003c/em> is the Peabody Award-winning weekday magazine of contemporary arts and issues. One of public radio's most popular programs, Fresh Air features intimate conversations with today's biggest luminaries.",
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"link": "/radio/program/fresh-air",
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"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=214089682&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
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"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/381444908/podcast.xml"
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"id": "here-and-now",
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"info": "A live production of NPR and WBUR Boston, in collaboration with stations across the country, Here & Now reflects the fluid world of news as it's happening in the middle of the day, with timely, in-depth news, interviews and conversation. Hosted by Robin Young, Jeremy Hobson and Tonya Mosley.",
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"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510051/podcast.xml"
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},
"hidden-brain": {
"id": "hidden-brain",
"title": "Hidden Brain",
"info": "Shankar Vedantam uses science and storytelling to reveal the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior, shape our choices and direct our relationships.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/05/hiddenbrain.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/series/423302056/hidden-brain",
"airtime": "SUN 7pm-8pm",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "NPR"
},
"link": "/radio/program/hidden-brain",
"subscribe": {
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"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/Science-Podcasts/Hidden-Brain-p787503/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510308/podcast.xml"
}
},
"how-i-built-this": {
"id": "how-i-built-this",
"title": "How I Built This with Guy Raz",
"info": "Guy Raz dives into the stories behind some of the world's best known companies. How I Built This weaves a narrative journey about innovators, entrepreneurs and idealists—and the movements they built.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/05/howIBuiltThis.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510313/how-i-built-this",
"airtime": "SUN 7:30pm-8pm",
"meta": {
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"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/how-i-built-this",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/3zxy",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-built-this-with-guy-raz/id1150510297?mt=2",
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"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510313/podcast.xml"
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},
"hyphenacion": {
"id": "hyphenacion",
"title": "Hyphenación",
"tagline": "Where conversation and cultura meet",
"info": "What kind of no sabo word is Hyphenación? For us, it’s about living within a hyphenation. Like being a third-gen Mexican-American from the Texas border now living that Bay Area Chicano life. Like Xorje! Each week we bring together a couple of hyphenated Latinos to talk all about personal life choices: family, careers, relationships, belonging … everything is on the table. ",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Hyphenacion_FinalAssets_PodcastTile.png",
"imageAlt": "KQED Hyphenación",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/hyphenacion",
"meta": {
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"order": 15
},
"link": "/podcasts/hyphenacion",
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"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/2p3Fifq96nw9BPcmFdIq0o?si=39209f7b25774f38",
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"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6c3dd23c-93fb-4aab-97ba-1725fa6315f1/hyphenaci%C3%B3n",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/KQINC2275451163"
}
},
"jerrybrown": {
"id": "jerrybrown",
"title": "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown",
"tagline": "Lessons from a lifetime in politics",
"info": "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown brings listeners the wisdom of the former Governor, Mayor, and presidential candidate. Scott Shafer interviewed Brown for more than 40 hours, covering the former governor's life and half-century in the political game – and Brown has some lessons he'd like to share. ",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Political-Mind-of-Jerry-Brown-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The Political Mind of Jerry Brown",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/jerrybrown",
"meta": {
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"order": 18
},
"link": "/podcasts/jerrybrown",
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"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1492194549",
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}
},
"latino-usa": {
"id": "latino-usa",
"title": "Latino USA",
"airtime": "MON 1am-2am, SUN 6pm-7pm",
"info": "Latino USA, the radio journal of news and culture, is the only national, English-language radio program produced from a Latino perspective.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/latinoUsa.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://latinousa.org/",
"meta": {
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"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/latino-usa",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/xtTd",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=79681317&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
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"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510016/podcast.xml"
}
},
"marketplace": {
"id": "marketplace",
"title": "Marketplace",
"info": "Our flagship program, helmed by Kai Ryssdal, examines what the day in money delivered, through stories, conversations, newsworthy numbers and more. Updated Monday through Friday at about 3:30 p.m. PT.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 4pm-4:30pm, MON-WED 6:30pm-7pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Marketplace-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.marketplace.org/",
"meta": {
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"source": "American Public Media"
},
"link": "/radio/program/marketplace",
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"rss": "https://feeds.publicradio.org/public_feeds/marketplace-pm/rss/rss"
}
},
"masters-of-scale": {
"id": "masters-of-scale",
"title": "Masters of Scale",
"info": "Masters of Scale is an original podcast in which LinkedIn co-founder and Greylock Partner Reid Hoffman sets out to describe and prove theories that explain how great entrepreneurs take their companies from zero to a gazillion in ingenious fashion.",
"airtime": "Every other Wednesday June 12 through October 16 at 8pm (repeats Thursdays at 2am)",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Masters-of-Scale-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://mastersofscale.com/",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "WaitWhat"
},
"link": "/radio/program/masters-of-scale",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "http://mastersofscale.app.link/",
"rss": "https://rss.art19.com/masters-of-scale"
}
},
"mindshift": {
"id": "mindshift",
"title": "MindShift",
"tagline": "A podcast about the future of learning and how we raise our kids",
"info": "The MindShift podcast explores the innovations in education that are shaping how kids learn. Hosts Ki Sung and Katrina Schwartz introduce listeners to educators, researchers, parents and students who are developing effective ways to improve how kids learn. We cover topics like how fed-up administrators are developing surprising tactics to deal with classroom disruptions; how listening to podcasts are helping kids develop reading skills; the consequences of overparenting; and why interdisciplinary learning can engage students on all ends of the traditional achievement spectrum. This podcast is part of the MindShift education site, a division of KQED News. KQED is an NPR/PBS member station based in San Francisco. You can also visit the MindShift website for episodes and supplemental blog posts or tweet us \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/MindShiftKQED\">@MindShiftKQED\u003c/a> or visit us at \u003ca href=\"/mindshift\">MindShift.KQED.org\u003c/a>",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mindshift-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED MindShift: How We Will Learn",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/mindshift/",
"meta": {
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"source": "kqed",
"order": 12
},
"link": "/podcasts/mindshift",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mindshift-podcast/id1078765985",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM1NzY0NjAwNDI5",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/464615685/mind-shift-podcast",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/stories-teachers-share",
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}
},
"morning-edition": {
"id": "morning-edition",
"title": "Morning Edition",
"info": "\u003cem>Morning Edition\u003c/em> takes listeners around the country and the world with multi-faceted stories and commentaries every weekday. Hosts Steve Inskeep, David Greene and Rachel Martin bring you the latest breaking news and features to prepare you for the day.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 3am-9am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Morning-Edition-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/morning-edition/",
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"link": "/radio/program/morning-edition"
},
"onourwatch": {
"id": "onourwatch",
"title": "On Our Watch",
"tagline": "Deeply-reported investigative journalism",
"info": "For decades, the process for how police police themselves has been inconsistent – if not opaque. In some states, like California, these proceedings were completely hidden. After a new police transparency law unsealed scores of internal affairs files, our reporters set out to examine these cases and the shadow world of police discipline. On Our Watch brings listeners into the rooms where officers are questioned and witnesses are interrogated to find out who this system is really protecting. Is it the officers, or the public they've sworn to serve?",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/On-Our-Watch-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "On Our Watch from NPR and KQED",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/onourwatch",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 11
},
"link": "/podcasts/onourwatch",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1567098962",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5ucHIub3JnLzUxMDM2MC9wb2RjYXN0LnhtbD9zYz1nb29nbGVwb2RjYXN0cw",
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"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/show/on-our-watch",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510360/podcast.xml"
}
},
"on-the-media": {
"id": "on-the-media",
"title": "On The Media",
"info": "Our weekly podcast explores how the media 'sausage' is made, casts an incisive eye on fluctuations in the marketplace of ideas, and examines threats to the freedom of information and expression in America and abroad. For one hour a week, the show tries to lift the veil from the process of \"making media,\" especially news media, because it's through that lens that we see the world and the world sees us",
"airtime": "SUN 2pm-3pm, MON 12am-1am",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/onTheMedia.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.wnycstudios.org/shows/otm",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "wnyc"
},
"link": "/radio/program/on-the-media",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-media/id73330715?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/On-the-Media-p69/",
"rss": "http://feeds.wnyc.org/onthemedia"
}
},
"pbs-newshour": {
"id": "pbs-newshour",
"title": "PBS NewsHour",
"info": "Analysis, background reports and updates from the PBS NewsHour putting today's news in context.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 3pm-4pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PBS-News-Hour-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.pbs.org/newshour/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "pbs"
},
"link": "/radio/program/pbs-newshour",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pbs-newshour-full-show/id394432287?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/PBS-NewsHour---Full-Show-p425698/",
"rss": "https://www.pbs.org/newshour/feeds/rss/podcasts/show"
}
},
"perspectives": {
"id": "perspectives",
"title": "Perspectives",
"tagline": "KQED's series of daily listener commentaries since 1991",
"info": "KQED's series of daily listener commentaries since 1991.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Perspectives_Tile_Final.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Perspectives",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/perspectives/",
"meta": {
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"source": "kqed",
"order": 14
},
"link": "/perspectives",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id73801135",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/432309616/perspectives",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/perspectives/category/perspectives/feed/",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93dzIua3FlZC5vcmcvcGVyc3BlY3RpdmVzL2NhdGVnb3J5L3BlcnNwZWN0aXZlcy9mZWVkLw"
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},
"planet-money": {
"id": "planet-money",
"title": "Planet Money",
"info": "The economy explained. Imagine you could call up a friend and say, Meet me at the bar and tell me what's going on with the economy. Now imagine that's actually a fun evening.",
"airtime": "SUN 3pm-4pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/planetmoney.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/sections/money/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/planet-money",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/M4f5",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/planet-money/id290783428?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/Business--Economics-Podcasts/Planet-Money-p164680/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510289/podcast.xml"
}
},
"politicalbreakdown": {
"id": "politicalbreakdown",
"title": "Political Breakdown",
"tagline": "Politics from a personal perspective",
"info": "Political Breakdown is a new series that explores the political intersection of California and the nation. Each week hosts Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos are joined with a new special guest to unpack politics -- with personality — and offer an insider’s glimpse at how politics happens.",
"airtime": "THU 6:30pm-7pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Political-Breakdown-2024-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Political Breakdown",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/politicalbreakdown",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 5
},
"link": "/podcasts/politicalbreakdown",
"subscribe": {
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"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e0c2d153-ad36-4c8d-901d-f1da6a724824/political-breakdown",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/572155894/political-breakdown",
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