Wildlife

Since early 2007, the Diana fritillary has been Arkansas’ official state butterfly. The fritillary thrives on Mount Magazine’s moist, mountainous habitat but has been recorded in 27 different Arkansas counties. Recently, Ozarks at Large’s Jack Travis talked with Shawn Hunter, founder of the Diana Project, a grassroots effort to help the butterfly prosper.

A 2022 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences study identified one in 34 Arkansas eight-year-olds as being on the autism spectrum. On today's show, Ozarks at Large's Matthew Moore speaks with a researcher behind the project. Also today, a project to help Arkansas’ state butterfly survive and thrive. Plus, Northwest Arkansas Community College is staging its spring musical and joining with other colleges to consider higher education in the state.

A rare bird spotted on private property in Berryville last week has caused nationwide excitement. Ozarks at Large’s Jack Travis reached out to Taylor Long with the Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society to learn more about the buzz-worthy visitor.

Recent shifts in immigration policy are creating some concern for parents of adopted children. On today's show, Ozarks at Large’s Daniel Caruth talks with parents and an adoption attorney. Also, we learn the growing importance of outdoor recreation for Arkansas’ economy. Plus, a rare bird is generating excitement in Carroll County.

A public bird-watching facility built nearly a decade ago on the southeastern shore of Lake Fayetteville City Park — by popular demand — will be rebuilt after a fire completely consumed it late last summer.

Since the early 90s, a large flock of trumpeter swans has migrated from the Great Lakes region to a man-made reservoir near Heber Springs called Magness Lake. Dozens of swans call Magness Lake home from November to February, drawing bird watchers from all over the region to experience their beauty and hear their honking cries.

A new presidential administration means changes for Canopy NWA, a non-profit refugee settlement organization. On today's show, we hear how they're reassessing resettlement. Also, our host, Kyle Kellams, discusses a new report about dynamic metro areas with Heartland Forward. Plus, merging the natural world with music, a beloved bird-watching spot will rise from the ashes and more.

Jack talks with Park Interpreter Chris Pistole about what to expect at the Hobbs State Park Wonders of Winter Wildlife event.

Kristian Forbes is an associate professor in disease ecology at the Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Arkansas, studying pathogens in wildlife and is especially interested in how those pathogens might jump from animals to humans, specifically from bats and rodents.

Bundle up this weekend and head to Hobbs State Park and Conservation Area for the Wonders of Winter Wildlife. This event features a swath of interactive learning opportunities for folks of any age who want to discover how the local fauna spends their wintertime.