Animals

Wildfires swept through Northwestern Oklahoma last month, including the Ranger Road Fire that burned hundreds of thousands of acres in Beaver, Harper and Woods Counties. The immediate danger is gone, but people are only beginning to recover from the toll on their homes, livestock and emotional well-being.

The lesser prairie chicken, known for its flamboyant courtship dances and bulging neck pouches, has lost a majority of its population in the grasslands and brush of southwestern Kansas. But Republican lawmakers have long fought against its habitat protections.

The City of Lubbock continues to remind citizens not to touch wild birds, as officials report having collected more than 2,000 dead birds by the end of January. Here are avian flu facts to be aware of and ways to keep yourself and your pets healthy.

Until now, estimating how old a dinosaur was when it died has been a fairly simple process: Count up the growth rings in the fossilized bones. But new research into some of dinosaurs' living relatives, like crocodiles, suggests that this method may not always work.

The preemptive declaration will establish a joint Texas New World Screwworm Response Team.

Amid a tough year for agriculture, the Lubbock County Junior Livestock Show proved the strength of community and youth dedication. From months of caring for animals to scholarship awards for graduating seniors, the annual event highlighted how the show raises more than livestock — it helps raise future leaders.

As of last week, candidates can file for the May 2 city and school board elections. Lubbock City Council Districts 1, 3, and 5 are up for election, as is the mayor's seat. The filing deadline is Feb. 13. The avian flu is making its rounds and both Lubbock Public Health and Texas Tech University are warning people to avoid contact with sick or dead birds. Our Olivia O'Rand reports dogs and cats are also susceptible if exposed. You can report sick or dead birds in the area to South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at 806-799-9142 and those on Tech campus to university operations at 806-742-4OPS.

In 2007, horse slaughter was banned within the United States. However, this ban does not keep sellers from sending tens of thousands of horses to be processed within Canada and Mexico. Beth Nickels, a local trauma surgeon, runs a horse rescue, working to give these horses a chance at a new life.

Equine herpesvirus can spread easily and debilitate an animal. A recent outbreak canceled several events across the country, but animal health authorities say cases seem to be easing.

Historically, Black bears were the biggest predator to travel the Big Bend area of Texas. But overhunting and habitat loss led to their decline.