Articles for author: Jan Otte

The Economics of Pollination Services

Why Pollinators Are Declining Across U.S. Farms

Jan Otte

Walk through any farm field in America, and you’ll notice fewer buzzing bees and fluttering butterflies than in decades past. Pollinators, the tiny workforce responsible for fertilizing crops that feed millions, are in serious trouble. Scientists warn that their decline threatens everything from almond orchards in California to blueberry farms in Maine. Pesticide use, habitat ...

Bats That Still Roam Kentucky's Hidden Caves

Bats That Still Roam Kentucky’s Hidden Caves

Jan Otte

Deep beneath Kentucky’s rolling hills lies a mysterious underground world that most people will never see. Here, in the darkness of ancient limestone caves, a drama of survival plays out every single day that would shock even the most nature-loving visitors. The Commonwealth is home to some of America’s most endangered flying mammals, and their ...

How Coyotes Took Over Every State in the U.S.

How Coyotes Took Over Every State in the U.S.

Jan Otte

A century ago, most Americans had never heard a coyote’s haunting howl in their backyard. Today, these smart, adaptable predators have colonized virtually every corner of the nation, from the bustling streets of Chicago to the skyscrapers of Manhattan. This remarkable success story isn’t just about one species – it’s about how humans accidentally created ...

Why Mountain Lions Keep Expanding Into California's Suburbs

Why Mountain Lions Keep Expanding Into California’s Suburbs

Jan Otte

In the hills above suburban neighborhoods across California, something is happening that would have shocked residents just a generation ago. Mountain lions are coming inside homes and hopping onto kitchen counters. These apex predators seem less wary of humans than ever. What was once unthinkable has become an unsettling reality – California’s legendary cougars are ...

A scenic view of a mountain range in the distance.

The Fossil Beds Beneath Bogotá: When Colombia Was a Prehistoric Paradise

Jan Otte

Long before Bogotá buzzed with life and traffic, beneath its busy streets and rolling green hills, a world utterly alien to us thrived. Imagine towering crocodiles stalking ancient rivers, dolphins swimming through salty inland seas, and monstrous turtles paddling over muddy beds—right where today’s city stands. Underneath the concrete and chaos lies a treasure trove: ...

Hidden Caves and Underground Mysteries

Deep Inside the Earth: What Cave-Dwelling Ecosystems Reveal About Evolutionary Limits

Jan Otte

Beneath our feet lies a world shrouded in darkness, mystery, and silence—a world that feels almost alien. Imagine squeezing through a narrow crack in the earth, your flashlight barely illuminating bizarre, ghostly creatures clinging to stalagmites. This is not the stuff of science fiction, but the reality of life in caves. These underground ecosystems, cut ...

Orographic Rainfall: Mountains Creating Weather

7 Weather Phenomena That Only Happen in Hawaii

Jan Otte

Hawaii is one of the most unique weather destinations on Earth, not just because of its tropical paradise setting. The islands host weather phenomena that you simply can’t find anywhere else on the planet, creating experiences that range from breathtaking to downright mysterious. While most people know about Hawaii’s warm beaches and gentle breezes, the ...

Why Early Detection Is Critical

This Is Why Midwest Pets Are at Risk of Common Illnesses

Jan Otte

Living in America’s heartland means enjoying wide-open spaces, four distinct seasons, and that famous Midwest hospitality. But beneath the surface of our beautiful region lurks hidden health threats that could put your furry family members in serious danger. While coastal states deal with different challenges, the unique environmental conditions of the Midwest create a perfect ...

8 Dog Breeds That Struggle in Hot States Like Nevada

8 Dog Breeds That Struggle in Hot States Like Nevada

Jan Otte

Picture this: you’re strolling through a Las Vegas parking lot in July, and the asphalt is so hot it could fry an egg. Now imagine doing that same walk while wearing a thick winter coat you can’t take off. That’s essentially what some dog breeds experience every single day in hot states like Nevada, where ...

These Wild Weather Facts About the Great Plains Will Shock You

These Wild Weather Facts About the Great Plains Will Shock You

Jan Otte

The Great Plains stretch across the heart of America like a massive weather laboratory, producing some of the most mind-bending meteorological phenomena on Earth. This vast expanse of land holds secrets that would make even seasoned meteorologists gasp in amazement. From tornadoes that can toss houses like toys to hailstones bigger than volleyballs, the Great ...