One supposes, if one is semi-deluded and of a conspiracy-vulnerable bent, the place to start on news that gov’t researchers are tagging Alaskan walruses is to look at a reliably conservative news outlet. There one may find explanation from a reliably conservative, longtime exposer of collusion and confusion among scientists who are promoting what you intuitively suspect is fraudulent  global warming.

• Canada Free Press – Steve Milloy: New global warming scare: Suicidal walrus stampedes ; Rationalists may find this mildly amusing, wholly ridiculous, and gnawingly depressing. Milloy does know how to compose punchy prose. For here we read that with polar bear endangerment supposedly dismissed, alarmists “are prepping a substitute species.” Sigh. Not so punchy: “Polar bear-gate.” Milloy also calls the US Geological Survey the US Geological Service. Sometimes it is possible to get nothing right.

Now for some more steady-eyed science news reporting:

• Reuters – Deborah Zabarenko: Melting Arctic sea ice drives walruses onto land ; Good explanation that walruses, being bottom feeding, cannot use just any sea ice for habitat. It must be over sufficiently shallow continental shelf for them to reach the molluscs and other seabed life on which they feed.
• AP – Dan Joling: As walruses again gather on Alaska’s shore, federal scientists plan tagging for study ; Again, as with the Reuters account, straightforward explanation of recent history and walrus behavior.
• Alaska Dispatch – USGS to radio-tag walruses hauling out near Point Lay;

Grist for the Mill: US Geological Survey Press Release ;

- Charlie Petit

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