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

Giant Pacific octopus stretched out on the seafloor, arm extended with suction cups facing camera.

Giant Pacific Octopus Steals Camera and Films Rare ‘Selfie’ Moment

A dive off Vancouver Island turned extraordinary when a Giant Pacific Octopus reached out, snatched a camera, and recorded an eerie underwater “selfie” of its suckers and pink underbelly.

Giant Pacific Octopus Steals Camera and Films Rare ‘Selfie’ Moment

A dive off Vancouver Island turned extraordinary when a Giant Pacific Octopus reached out, snatched a camera, and recorded an eerie underwater “selfie” of its suckers and pink underbelly.

A side-by-side composition: one black bear climbing in a tree and another with its head lowered to sniff the ground in a forested area.

Lawmakers Push To Let Packs Of Dogs Chase California’s Black Bears Again

California once banned the cruel practice of chasing bears with dogs — but a new bill threatens to bring it back. Supporters claim it will reduce conflicts between people and...

Lawmakers Push To Let Packs Of Dogs Chase California’s Black Bears Again

California once banned the cruel practice of chasing bears with dogs — but a new bill threatens to bring it back. Supporters claim it will reduce conflicts between people and...

A split image showing a red squirrel perched on a branch beside a gray squirrel eating on a rock.

'Zombie Squirrels' With Oozing Flesh Terrify Homeowners Across North America

First it was rabbits. Now homeowners are reporting “zombie squirrels” staggering into their yards, covered in grotesque growths and leaking sores. From Maine to Canada, these once-cute animals are appearing...

'Zombie Squirrels' With Oozing Flesh Terrify Homeowners Across North America

First it was rabbits. Now homeowners are reporting “zombie squirrels” staggering into their yards, covered in grotesque growths and leaking sores. From Maine to Canada, these once-cute animals are appearing...

A brown stray dog curled up asleep on dirt ground.

Supreme Court Orders Could Tear India’s Community Dogs From Their Homes

India’s Supreme Court has ordered all stray dogs in Delhi removed from the streets within weeks, sending them to shelters that don’t yet exist. Supporters say it’s about public safety...

Supreme Court Orders Could Tear India’s Community Dogs From Their Homes

India’s Supreme Court has ordered all stray dogs in Delhi removed from the streets within weeks, sending them to shelters that don’t yet exist. Supporters say it’s about public safety...

Arizona Hunting Guide In Federal Prison for Orchestrating Widespread Wildlife Crimes

Arizona Hunting Guide In Federal Prison for Orchestrating Widespread Wildlife Crimes

For years, an Arizona hunting guide operated in Colorado without a license, leading hunts that broke laws meant to protect wildlife and preserve ethical hunting traditions. The crimes ranged from...

Arizona Hunting Guide In Federal Prison for Orchestrating Widespread Wildlife Crimes

For years, an Arizona hunting guide operated in Colorado without a license, leading hunts that broke laws meant to protect wildlife and preserve ethical hunting traditions. The crimes ranged from...

Divers Find Two Rare Sea Slugs Hidden in Indonesia’s Reefs

Divers Find Two Rare Sea Slugs Hidden in Indonesia’s Reefs

Off the coast of North Sulawesi, two brilliantly patterned sea slugs have finally been named after decades of mistaken identity. One mimics the shape of an egg, while the other...

Divers Find Two Rare Sea Slugs Hidden in Indonesia’s Reefs

Off the coast of North Sulawesi, two brilliantly patterned sea slugs have finally been named after decades of mistaken identity. One mimics the shape of an egg, while the other...