Birds

Texas Tech researcher develops first-of-its-kind medicated wildlife feed, boosting quail populations

Olivia O'Rand

Quail populations across Texas have been plummeting for decades. But now, a Texas Tech researcher and his team may have turned that trend around with the invention of a medicated wildlife feed that’s been approved by the FDA and is now commercially available.
Light pollution causes not-so-smooth sailing for migratory birds

Olivia O'Rand

Light pollution reduces the visibility of stars creating navigation issues for birds passing through. But it's not only a navigation issue.
Blogs

Inside Texas Tech: Crocodilian, Bird Evolution Focus of Biologist's Study

Crocodiles and alligators, while not exactly native to West Texas, have been the focus of a Texas Tech biologist's recently published study that mapped…

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Skyglow is erasing the stars, but smarter outdoor lighting can help bring the night back

Celia Llopis-Jepsen

Americans are losing their starry views to light pollution. But some communities are make lighting decisions to help preserve night skies – while benefiting wildlife and human health.
How watching nature livestreams fosters human connections

A new study out of the UT-Arlington shows we not only benefit in similar ways from watching nature livestreams as we do to interacting with nature in real life but we also go on to engage better with our own species.
Texas Parks and Wildlife is 'looking across the landscape of Texas' for new state parks

Zachary Suri

The parks department is buying and developing thousands of acres of private land for public use.
August 8th, 2025

The KTTZ News Team

This week's forecast has seen high temperatures above 100 degrees and as summer heat continues, our Bishop Van Buren reports that there will be a drive through tower fan distribution tomorrow starting at 8 a.m. at the Catholic Charities Diocese of Lubbock. Also tomorrow, Lubbock Animal Services is hosting its annual “Clear the Shelters” event from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the LAS building located at 3323 Southeast Loop 289. Our Samantha Larned says there will be free adoptions and all animals will be fixed, vaccinated, and microchipped.
Feds discard expansion plan for Panhandle wildlife refuge in rare move

The proposal would have let landowners donate land to the refuge.
July 31st, 2025

The KTTZ News Team

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that it is withdrawing previous plans allowing the expansion of the oldest wildlife refuge in Texas. KTTZ’s Brad Burt reports on the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge and the decision. For the third week in a row, Texas has reported no new measles cases with the West Texas outbreak.
Texas Tech researchers and community partners seek sustainable, individual energy systems

Samantha Larned

The Home Utility Management System would allow households to collect and utilize energy and water for themselves, rather than relying on a grid. While federal funding is still up in the air, researchers with the project are seeking new opportunities to implement the system in practice.
Struggling Texas cotton industry emphasizing the hazards of fast fashion

Jayme Lozano Carver

A group representing High Plains region farmers has launched a campaign to make buyers aware of synthetic fibers’ impact on the environment and health.
Tick activity is higher in Texas this season. Why and how you should protect yourself

Sam Baker

Recent lab data indicate higher tick activity this season in Texas than in years past. The director of UNTHSC's tick-borne disease lab tells how to guard against bites.
July 14th, 2025

The KTTZ News Team

After tornadoes on the South Plains and deadly floods in the Hill Country, severe weather has defined much of this Texas summer. KTTZ reporter Bishop Van Buren spoke with a city official about what it looks like to be properly prepared for an emergency.