By Misi Stine, Environmental Educator and member of the MN Herpetological Society

In this second installment of Wild Cats of Minnesota, we will discuss the remaining two wild cats found in the state: the bobcat (Lynx rufus) and the Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis). Both species are medium-sized cats, and their size ranges overlap, although the lynx appears larger due to its physical features.  

Founded in 2024, MNWiC is a project of Renewing the Countryside in partnership with the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Our mission is to engage women in conservation conversations, connecting them with the tools and resources needed to develop their own goals. As Regional Coordinators, we build networks and connect women land stewards to each other and to conservation professionals. 

By Misi Stine, Environmental Educator and member of the MN Herpetological Society

In this continuing series on species identification, we will explore the three wild cats found in Minnesota. I will begin with the species that stands out from the other two: the cougar (Puma concolor), which is the most distinct in size and color/pattern. The cougar is widely distributed across North, Central, and South America and has many common names, including mountain lion, panther, puma, and catamount.

By Misi Stine, Environmental Educator and member of the MN Herpetological Society

This month, we will focus on the two largest canid species found in Minnesota: wolves (Canis lupus) and coyotes (Canis latrans). These canids belong to the same genus and can easily be confused, as they share many overlapping traits. Even experts sometimes find it challenging to positively identify them.

To simplify, here are some key identification markers most often used:

By Therese Zemlin, MNWWN member

In 2018, my husband and I took ownership of my family’s cabin and property on Indian Lake in Brimson, MN. Spruce budworm was heading our way, and we didn’t think too much about it. It had happened before, and the woods had survived. But this was worse, and by 2020, it was bad. Large swaths of our meandering, lakefront forty acres had turned the copper-oxide green of lichen and the ominous gray of dead spruce and balsam. Then on August 15, 2021, the Greenwood fire broke out approximately 30 miles north of Brimson, burning close to 27,000 acres. We knew this fire absolutely could have been us, and that our luck just might be running out.

By Misi Stine, Environmental Educator and member of the MN Herpetological Society
When you make a list of large mammals found in Minnesota, black bears (Ursus americanus) are right at the top. Black bears in Minnesota are 5- 6 feet long and weigh from 150-500 pounds, the heavier end of the scale favoring males.  Although they are called black bears, their coloring can range from black to dark and light brown, with less than 10% brown color phase documented in Minnesota.

By Misi Stine, Environmental Educator and member of the MN Herpetological Society

Minnesota has fourteen species of frogs and toads that employ three primary overwintering strategies that help them survive our typical winters. The first is to dig down below the frost line, the depth varies from year to year based on the temperatures and amount of snow. The depth that allows them to be below the frost line can range from 6 inches to 3 feet deep.  Second, some species spend their long winters brumating (hibernating) on the bottom of lakes, rivers and ponds.  That does not mean that they sleep all winter but are less active. At times, you may see them swimming around if you look through the ice.

By Misi Stine, Environmental Educator and member of the MN Herpetological Society

In mid-September my good friend Angela and I went to Hawk Ridge Observatory in Duluth. I have visited multiple times, but this was Angela’s first. Although she frequents Duluth and the North Shore, she had never heard of the observatory before.

By Angela Gupta, UMN Extension Forester, agupta@umn.edu

Emerald ash borer, EAB, is still causing problems for community and forest ash trees and the people that care about those trees. As always, there’s a lot of good EAB information at the University of Minnesota Extension EAB webpage. Below are a few EAB updates.

Article by Jaimé Thibodeaux, Minnesota Forest Resources Council, Landscape Program Coordinator

The Minnesota Forest Resources Council is inviting interested landowners to participate in regional committees in the West and East Central parts of Minnesota’s forests. The Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC) is a 17-member board created to develop policy recommendations to the Governor and federal, state, and local governments and to encourage the adoption of sustainable forest management policies and practices.