You’re sorting through boxes in your basement when movement catches your eye. A spider, easily the size of your palm with legs extended, scurries across the concrete floor at astonishing speed. Your heart races as questions flood your mind: What kind of spider is this? Is it dangerous? Should you be concerned? Oregon hosts over […]
•February 2, 2026Oregon’s diverse landscapes—from coastal wetlands to high desert plateaus—create ideal habitats for numerous biting fly species. Whether you’re hiking through the Cascade Mountains or relaxing in your Portland backyard, understanding which flies bite and how to protect yourself can make the difference between an enjoyable outdoor experience and an itchy, uncomfortable ordeal. These six species […]
•January 29, 2026Oregon’s forests, gardens, and agricultural lands face mounting threats from invasive insects that arrived from distant continents. These non-native pests reproduce rapidly, often without natural predators to keep their populations in check. You play a crucial role in protecting your community by learning to identify these destructive species and reporting sightings early, before populations become […]
•January 27, 2026You’re driving down a rural Oregon highway when you spot a deer that’s just been hit by a car. Can you legally take it home? Many people don’t know that Oregon has specific laws about collecting roadkill, and misunderstanding these rules could lead to serious penalties. Since January 2019, Oregon law allows residents to legally […]
•January 15, 2026Standing motionless at a marsh edge or soaring overhead with deliberate wingbeats, Oregon’s herons represent some of the state’s most captivating wading birds. From the towering great blue heron to the secretive least bittern, you’ll discover nine distinct species throughout Oregon wetlands, ranging from coastal estuaries to eastern marshlands. Whether you’re exploring Malheur National Wildlife […]
•December 12, 2025When you think about Oregon’s wildlife, colorful coral snakes might not come to mind. But if you’ve heard stories about these venomous snakes or seen pictures of their bright red, yellow, and black bands, you might wonder if you need to watch out for them on your next hike through Oregon’s forests or deserts. Oregon […]
•December 9, 2025Portland’s tree-lined neighborhoods are home to an unexpected wildlife dynamic—invasive squirrels now outnumber native species in many urban areas. While you might spot a bushy-tailed visitor raiding your bird feeder daily, knowing which squirrel species you’re actually observing reveals a fascinating story about ecosystem change in the Pacific Northwest. From the bold eastern gray squirrels […]
•November 21, 2025Oregon’s diverse ecosystems harbor an incredible variety of caterpillars, from the iconic striped Monarch larvae munching on milkweed to the fuzzy Woolly Bears crossing your hiking trails. With over 69 documented caterpillar species calling Oregon home, you’re bound to encounter these fascinating creatures whether you’re gardening in Portland, hiking the Cascade foothills, or exploring the […]
•November 10, 2025Oregon’s diverse landscapes, from coastal valleys to high desert sagebrush plains, provide homes for seven distinct rabbit and hare species. Whether you’re exploring the Willamette Valley or hiking through eastern Oregon’s rangelands, you’ll encounter these fascinating mammals adapted to the state’s varied ecosystems. Understanding the differences between these species enriches your outdoor experiences and helps […]
•November 6, 2025If you’ve ever spotted a spider scurrying across your basement floor or building a web in your garden, you’re not alone. Portland’s mild, moist climate creates the perfect environment for arachnids, with at least 20 distinct species calling our homes and yards their habitat. While most are harmless helpers that control insect populations, knowing which […]
•October 18, 2025
