Here's today's roundup of science, nature and environment news from the Bay Area and beyond.
Leatherback sea turtle in line for honor"Naming the leatherback sea turtle as our official state marine reptile will demonstrate California's commitment to protecting leatherback sea turtles, our ocean's ecosystem, and recognize the education and awareness this official designation bestows for this revered creature whose migratory pattern includes California's coast," Fong said.
via Sfgate
Santa Cruz sea lion blinded by gunshot wound recovering at Marine Mammal Center - San Jose Mercury NewsSAUSALITO -- A young sea lion found last month with a gunshot wound to the face is recovering at the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito.
via Mercurynews
Tahoe summit seeks healthier lake - The Sacramento BeeLake Tahoe's water clarity appears to have stabilized, but the public and private sectors need to do more to make sure the lake does not slide into ecological decay. That was the message delivered Monday by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and others at the Lake Tahoe Summit.
via Sacbee
Scientists Show Off the Largest Python Ever Found in the EvergladesScientists at the University of Florida say the 160-pound, 17-foot-long Burmese python found in the Everglades last week is the largest one ever seen in the state, and more evidence that the "monstrous" snakes are taking over the park. Even more disturbing than the snake's size is the fact that it was carrying 87 eggs, also a record.
via Theatlanticwire
Aircraft Shoots for 3,600 mph for 300 Seconds | Science and Space | TIME.com(EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.) - The Air Force plans a key test of an experimental aircraft designed to fly at six times the speed of sound, or about 3,600 mph. The Los Angeles Times reports the unmanned X-51 WaveRider is expected to reach Mach 6 Tuesday when it's dropped by a B-52 bomber and takes flight off the Southern California coast near Point Mugu.
via Time