In this episode of [biota]LKS, I sit down with Dr. Anne Leonard from UNR'S Leonard Bee Lab, so named for her. Her early stage observations identified that an ingredient in a common household pesticide can actually change the nutritional makeup of nectar, thus hurting bees. Listeners should check if the products they use in their gardens contain neonicotinoids, which you'll hear Dr. Leonard call: “Neonics.” Today, Dr. Leonard and I chat about bee brains, behavior, and how we can rethink “save the bees.”

Tahoe's wildlife is rebounding, but so are bear-human encounters. A California-based rescue service called Bear League is often the first line of defense for Tahoe visitors and locals when it comes to bear break-ins. They try to reduce the number of bears killed in what follows negative encounters with humans. Wildlife specialist Ann Bryant directs the organization and has 30 years of experience in the bear biz. She's here to bear all on this stigmatized species, as well as how bears are adapting to human encroachment and how we can coexist with them.

Patrick Donnelly from the Nevada Center for Biological Diversity joins me to talk about renewable developments, ESA lawsuits, and driving a 15 foot tall bucket across the state to protest a pipeline.

The introductory episode! Welcome aboard.