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

Split image of a monk seal caution sign on a beach and a close-up of a monk seal sleeping on the sand with sandy whiskers.

Rock Hurled At Rare Hawaiian Monk Seal Triggers Federal Investigation

A Hawaiian monk seal was resting near shore in Lahaina when witnesses say a man picked up a large rock and threw it toward the animal. The video spread fast,...

Rock Hurled At Rare Hawaiian Monk Seal Triggers Federal Investigation

A Hawaiian monk seal was resting near shore in Lahaina when witnesses say a man picked up a large rock and threw it toward the animal. The video spread fast,...

Adult polar bear walking beside a smaller bear across a rocky, dirt-covered area.

Arctic Drilling Plans Threaten Polar Bear Survival

New Arctic drilling plans could expand industrial activity into polar bear habitat. For a species already struggling to survive, this added pressure could be devastating.

Arctic Drilling Plans Threaten Polar Bear Survival

New Arctic drilling plans could expand industrial activity into polar bear habitat. For a species already struggling to survive, this added pressure could be devastating.

Senior yellow Labrador retriever standing on grass outdoors, looking slightly to the side with a gentle expression. Older terrier mix resting on a dog bed indoors, lit by warm sunlight beside a blue pillow.

Scientists Move Closer To Giving Senior Dogs More Healthy Years

A new pill for senior dogs could soon push pet medicine into unfamiliar territory. It is not meant to treat one disease, but to slow the decline that takes so...

Scientists Move Closer To Giving Senior Dogs More Healthy Years

A new pill for senior dogs could soon push pet medicine into unfamiliar territory. It is not meant to treat one disease, but to slow the decline that takes so...

Split image showing a distant bison herd at dusk beside a close-up portrait of a bison’s face in winter.

Trump Administration Targets America’s Buffalo In A Fight Over Public Land

The American bison once nearly vanished from the continent. Now, a federal decision could force hundreds of them off public grasslands in Montana and replace their grazing permits with cattle-only...

Trump Administration Targets America’s Buffalo In A Fight Over Public Land

The American bison once nearly vanished from the continent. Now, a federal decision could force hundreds of them off public grasslands in Montana and replace their grazing permits with cattle-only...

Wolves Found Dead In Suspected Italian Park Poisoning

Wolves Found Dead In Suspected Italian Park Poisoning

Wolves returned to parts of Italy after decades of protection. Now at least 18 have been found dead in and around a national park, and poison is suspected. The danger...

Wolves Found Dead In Suspected Italian Park Poisoning

Wolves returned to parts of Italy after decades of protection. Now at least 18 have been found dead in and around a national park, and poison is suspected. The danger...

Split image showing a sloth hanging from a branch on the left and a close-up portrait of a sloth looking over its shoulder on the right.

Dozens Of Wild Caught Sloths Died In A Failed Tourist Scheme Before It Opened

Dozens of sloths were imported for a Florida tourist attraction. Many never survived long enough to be seen by visitors. The survivors were moved into quarantine care, and one has...

Dozens Of Wild Caught Sloths Died In A Failed Tourist Scheme Before It Opened

Dozens of sloths were imported for a Florida tourist attraction. Many never survived long enough to be seen by visitors. The survivors were moved into quarantine care, and one has...