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

Profile of a deer with prominent tusks against a blurred green background.

Meet The Sweet Little Vampires Who Would Rather Nibble Grass Than Bite Necks

They look like Halloween costumes that wandered off the rack—tiny deer with curved fangs. But the “vampire” name hides a gentler truth.

Meet The Sweet Little Vampires Who Would Rather Nibble Grass Than Bite Necks

They look like Halloween costumes that wandered off the rack—tiny deer with curved fangs. But the “vampire” name hides a gentler truth.

A curious squirrel stands on its hind legs amidst fallen leaves and greenery.

Texas Goes Wild as Chunkosaurus Rex Crowned Fat Squirrel King

Everything’s bigger in Texas — even the squirrels. The state’s first-ever Fat Squirrel Week has taken social media by storm, and one chunky champion has risen above the rest. Chunkosaurus...

Texas Goes Wild as Chunkosaurus Rex Crowned Fat Squirrel King

Everything’s bigger in Texas — even the squirrels. The state’s first-ever Fat Squirrel Week has taken social media by storm, and one chunky champion has risen above the rest. Chunkosaurus...

Two images side by side: one of a smiling man with a camera, the other a portrait of a man.

MrBeast’s Global Animal Rescue Sparks Uproar Over Ethics Behind the Camera

When MrBeast announced he had rescued more than 1,000 animals—from lions and rhinos to dogs and turtles—the internet erupted with applause. But soon after, animal welfare groups called foul, accusing...

MrBeast’s Global Animal Rescue Sparks Uproar Over Ethics Behind the Camera

When MrBeast announced he had rescued more than 1,000 animals—from lions and rhinos to dogs and turtles—the internet erupted with applause. But soon after, animal welfare groups called foul, accusing...

Close-up of a small animal peering through a wire mesh cage.

Thousands of Mink End Up In Peril After Being Released From A Farm In Iowa

Thousands of mink were set loose in the dead of night after intruders broke into a family-run Iowa farm. The cages were cut open, the shelters destroyed, and chaos followed....

Thousands of Mink End Up In Peril After Being Released From A Farm In Iowa

Thousands of mink were set loose in the dead of night after intruders broke into a family-run Iowa farm. The cages were cut open, the shelters destroyed, and chaos followed....

A bat feeding on a banana flower against a dark background.

Bats Across America Are Mysteriously Glowing Green at Night

Scientists in Georgia have made a discovery straight out of a sci-fi film—six species of North American bats are glowing ghostly green under ultraviolet light.

Bats Across America Are Mysteriously Glowing Green at Night

Scientists in Georgia have made a discovery straight out of a sci-fi film—six species of North American bats are glowing ghostly green under ultraviolet light.

Side-by-side images showing three dolphins swimming together in clear blue water on the left, and a black-and-white penguin standing with its wings slightly spread on the right.

Miami Seaquarium’s Last Show Ends But The Animals Still Wait For Rescue

Miami Seaquarium is closed—but the animals didn’t leave with the final crowd. Dozens of dolphins, sea lions, seals, birds, and more remain in limbo while plans shift toward a marina...

Miami Seaquarium’s Last Show Ends But The Animals Still Wait For Rescue

Miami Seaquarium is closed—but the animals didn’t leave with the final crowd. Dozens of dolphins, sea lions, seals, birds, and more remain in limbo while plans shift toward a marina...