Matthew Russell

Matthew Russell

Matthew Russell is a West Michigan native and with a background in journalism, data analysis, cartography and design thinking. He likes to learn new things and solve old problems whenever possible, and enjoys bicycling, spending time with his daughters, and coffee.

Articles by Matthew Russell

On the left, a bald eagle soars over a shimmering lake with forested cliffs behind it; on the right, a clouded leopard gazes forward intently among rocky surroundings.

Federal Wildlife Refuges Are Running Without the Staff Needed to Keep Them Alive

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has lost nearly 20 percent of its workforce since January 2025. Endangered species reviews have ground to a halt. Wetlands are going unmanaged. Wildlife...

Federal Wildlife Refuges Are Running Without the Staff Needed to Keep Them Alive

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has lost nearly 20 percent of its workforce since January 2025. Endangered species reviews have ground to a halt. Wetlands are going unmanaged. Wildlife...

On the left, a lean brown and white dog on a leash stands on grass; on the right, a raised clenched fist with a blurred dog visible in the background.

This State Shows How Civil Courts Could Speed Up Animal Rescues

When officers suspect an animal is being mistreated, getting legal access to intervene isn't simple. Criminal warrants take time.

This State Shows How Civil Courts Could Speed Up Animal Rescues

When officers suspect an animal is being mistreated, getting legal access to intervene isn't simple. Criminal warrants take time.

On the left, a sleek shark glides through clear blue ocean water amid smaller fish; on the right, a great white shark lunges from dark water with jaws open, biting.

Scientists Keep Finding the Wildest Things Ever Stuffed Inside Shark Stomachs

A suit of medieval armor. A whole reindeer — antlers and all. A tattooed human arm that cracked open a murder investigation. Sharks have been swallowing the most jaw-dropping objects...

Scientists Keep Finding the Wildest Things Ever Stuffed Inside Shark Stomachs

A suit of medieval armor. A whole reindeer — antlers and all. A tattooed human arm that cracked open a murder investigation. Sharks have been swallowing the most jaw-dropping objects...

On the left, a tabby cat with green eyes peers into an orange bowl of colorful dry kibble; on the right, a golden retriever and gray cat share a white.

Your Pet's Food Could Be Making Your Whole Family Sick and You May Not Even Know It Yet

Your pet's frozen chicken food might be in the freezer right now — and it could be silently dangerous for your dog, your cat, and every person in your home....

Your Pet's Food Could Be Making Your Whole Family Sick and You May Not Even Know It Yet

Your pet's frozen chicken food might be in the freezer right now — and it could be silently dangerous for your dog, your cat, and every person in your home....

On the left, a coyote stands alone on a desert highway with mountains in the distance; on the right, a black bear and three cubs cross a lush, tree-lined road.

400 Threatened Species Face Extinction as Feds Move to Gut America's Roadless Forest Rule

For 25 years, a single federal rule kept 58.5 million acres of America's wildest national forests off-limits to roads, logging, and industrial development. Now the USDA has filed a formal...

400 Threatened Species Face Extinction as Feds Move to Gut America's Roadless Forest Rule

For 25 years, a single federal rule kept 58.5 million acres of America's wildest national forests off-limits to roads, logging, and industrial development. Now the USDA has filed a formal...

On the left, a fluffy seal pup waves a flipper while resting on a sandy beach; on the right, a scarred adult seal reclines amid a large colony on shore.

Wild Seals and Sea Lions Are Being Harassed on American Beaches

A teen kicked a sea lion on a California beach in broad daylight — and pleaded guilty to a federal crime. Less than a year before that, another man received...

Wild Seals and Sea Lions Are Being Harassed on American Beaches

A teen kicked a sea lion on a California beach in broad daylight — and pleaded guilty to a federal crime. Less than a year before that, another man received...