Images

IGBST researchers are very careful to keep the bear under shade and protected from the elements while they collect biological data.

IGBST researchers begin gathering biological data from the bear.  The kerchief over the bear's eyes protects it from dust and debris and reduces visual stimulation. The small tubing in its nose, known as a nasal cannula, delivers oxygen to the animal while it is tranquilized.

A pair of Caracolus sagemon.

Scientists at the USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center view young freshwater mussels through miscroscopes. During laboratory tests, USGS scientists and partners found that the heart and growth rates of some species of young freshwater mussels declined as a result of elevated water temperatures, and many died.

During laboratory tests, USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center scientists and partners found that the heart and growth rates of some species of young freshwater mussels declined as a result of elevated water temperatures, and many died.

This image of a live silver carp egg specimen was taken with a microscope camera at the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center. Asian carp are invasive species that could pose substantial environmental risks and economic impacts if they become established.

This image of a live silver carp larva was taken with a microscope camera at the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center. Asian carp are invasive species that could pose substantial environmental risks and economic impacts if they become established.

This image of live silver carp larvae was taken with a microscope camera at the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center. Asian carp are invasive species that could pose substantial environmental risks and economic impacts if they become established.

These live Asian swamp eels were imported from southeast Asia and sold in an urban food market in the U.S. Raw or undercooked Asian swamp eels could transmit a parasitic infection called gnathostomiasis to consumers, and wild eels could become widespread in some U.S. waters.

These live Asian swamp eels were imported from southeast Asia and sold in an urban food market in the U.S. Raw or undercooked Asian swamp eels could transmit a parasitic infection called gnathostomiasis to consumers, and wild eels could become widespread in some U.S. waters.

The Agassiz's desert tortoise, a native of the Mojave Desert.

A pocketbook mussel (Lampsilis cardium). Native freshwater mussels are among the most fascinating, widespread, and endangered animals in fresh waters. They play important ecological roles in our lakes and rivers and their shells are used to produce cultured pearls.

A flock of wintering northern pintail ducks takes flight in Northern Honshu, Japan.

Whitish areas on this diseased sunflower sea star (Pycnopodia helianthoides) are lesions that result in detachment of arms from the central disc.

Whitish areas on this diseased sunflower sea star (Pycnopodia helianthoides) are lesions that result in detachment of arms from the central disc.

An adult female polar bear and her two cubs travel across the sea ice of the Arctic Ocean north of the Alaska coast.

A USGS biological science technician releases an adult golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) near Barrett Reservoir in southern California.

Location: Near Barrett Reservoir, San Diego County, California. Photo provided courtesy of photographer. Contact photographer for use.

A USGS biological science technician holds an adult golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) ready for release. The USGS uses solar-powered GPS tags and special 3-D mapping techniques to track the eagles' movements across the landscape.

A USGS biological science technician holds an adult golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) ready for release. The USGS uses solar-powered GPS tags and special 3-D mapping techniques to track the eagles' movements across the landscape.

Taking a break in the fog on the San Joaquin River while trawling aboard the USGS Research Vessel Munson II.

Ecosystems are changing at a rapid pace. It can be difficult to determine if a landscape is in need of restoration. In this photo of the spring wildflower bloom in the Sonoran desert, an invasive annual grass, Bromus rubens (red brome), is pervasive. Land managers have to make decisions about when, where, and how to intervene in a system.