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

A bear climbs a utility pole while a worker is above.

Bear Clings for Life on Arizona Power Pole Until Lineman Risks Everything

A terrified black bear climbed a live utility pole in Arizona and refused to let go. One wrong move could have meant instant death. That’s when lineman Werner Neubauer stepped...

Bear Clings for Life on Arizona Power Pole Until Lineman Risks Everything

A terrified black bear climbed a live utility pole in Arizona and refused to let go. One wrong move could have meant instant death. That’s when lineman Werner Neubauer stepped...

Pug looking up with wide eyes and its tongue sticking out, showing deep facial folds.

Extreme Features Trap Brachycephalic Dogs in Constant Pain and Risk

Flat-faced dogs are loved for their wide eyes and round heads — but the truth behind those faces is far more heartbreaking. Many struggle to breathe, cool down, walk comfortably,...

Extreme Features Trap Brachycephalic Dogs in Constant Pain and Risk

Flat-faced dogs are loved for their wide eyes and round heads — but the truth behind those faces is far more heartbreaking. Many struggle to breathe, cool down, walk comfortably,...

A deer stands on green grass, marked with orange paint, near a tree.

Painted Deer Raises Alarm As Evidence of Illegal Human Imprinting Emerges

A deer in Pennsylvania walked straight up to people with bright orange PET painted on both sides of his body. He showed no fear. He behaved like he’d been waiting...

Painted Deer Raises Alarm As Evidence of Illegal Human Imprinting Emerges

A deer in Pennsylvania walked straight up to people with bright orange PET painted on both sides of his body. He showed no fear. He behaved like he’d been waiting...

Veterinarian examining a horse, and a woman holding a dog at a clinic.

Illicit Drug Markets Drain Lifesaving Medicines From Veterinary Clinics

Veterinary medications meant to calm horses, dogs, and wildlife are now turning up in street drugs — and the fallout is hitting both people and animals. 

Illicit Drug Markets Drain Lifesaving Medicines From Veterinary Clinics

Veterinary medications meant to calm horses, dogs, and wildlife are now turning up in street drugs — and the fallout is hitting both people and animals. 

Whistleblowers Reveal Years of Silent Suffering at Public Zoo

Whistleblowers Reveal Years of Silent Suffering at Public Zoo

Allegations of deep, long-term neglect at the Holtsville Wildlife Ecology Center are surfacing, and the details are far more heartbreaking than many imagined.

Whistleblowers Reveal Years of Silent Suffering at Public Zoo

Allegations of deep, long-term neglect at the Holtsville Wildlife Ecology Center are surfacing, and the details are far more heartbreaking than many imagined.

Close-up of a shark swimming in clear blue water, showcasing its streamlined body.

Vanishing Deepwater Sharks, Hunted for Beauty Products, Win Hard-Fought Protections

Deepwater sharks have been targeted for years, pulled from the darkest parts of the ocean so their liver oil could become makeup and moisturizers. Their populations collapsed in silence, hidden...

Vanishing Deepwater Sharks, Hunted for Beauty Products, Win Hard-Fought Protections

Deepwater sharks have been targeted for years, pulled from the darkest parts of the ocean so their liver oil could become makeup and moisturizers. Their populations collapsed in silence, hidden...