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

A capybara sits alert in tall green grass near the water’s edge, with another capybara resting in the blurred background.

Capybaras Face Slaughter As Colombia Considers Opening The Plains To Hunters

Colombia is at a crossroads. The nation is considering whether to legalize hunting of capybaras — the world’s largest rodents, often called the friendliest animals alive.

Capybaras Face Slaughter As Colombia Considers Opening The Plains To Hunters

Colombia is at a crossroads. The nation is considering whether to legalize hunting of capybaras — the world’s largest rodents, often called the friendliest animals alive.

A sea turtle swims near the ocean surface above coral and rocks, bubbles rising from its head as it moves through clear turquoise water.

Poachers And Plastic Push Nigeria’s Sea Turtles To The Edge Of Extinction

Nigeria’s sea turtles are running out of safe places to nest. Poachers hunt them for meat and shells, while plastic and nets choke their waters. Communities are fighting back, but...

Poachers And Plastic Push Nigeria’s Sea Turtles To The Edge Of Extinction

Nigeria’s sea turtles are running out of safe places to nest. Poachers hunt them for meat and shells, while plastic and nets choke their waters. Communities are fighting back, but...

Split image showing a blurred dog behind a cage on the left and two volunteers providing veterinary care to a tan dog on the right.

Smoke From FBI's Meth Incineration Sends Animal Shelter Staff To Hospital

A Montana animal shelter became the scene of chaos when FBI agents used its furnace to burn seized meth. Toxic smoke filled the building, sending workers to the hospital and...

Smoke From FBI's Meth Incineration Sends Animal Shelter Staff To Hospital

A Montana animal shelter became the scene of chaos when FBI agents used its furnace to burn seized meth. Toxic smoke filled the building, sending workers to the hospital and...

Split image showing a hunter aiming a shotgun on the left and a deer with antlers in the snow on the right.

Poachers Go Undetected While States Bleed Millions In Lost Conservation Funds

Wildlife crime is happening in the shadows, and nearly all of it slips through undetected. The toll is staggering—billions lost, animals gone, and conservation crippled.

Poachers Go Undetected While States Bleed Millions In Lost Conservation Funds

Wildlife crime is happening in the shadows, and nearly all of it slips through undetected. The toll is staggering—billions lost, animals gone, and conservation crippled.

Split image: left side shows a shark beneath ocean waves, right side shows a large shark in deep water with a smaller fish nearby.

Endangered Sharks Disguised As Cheap Meat In American Stores

Endangered ocean giants are showing up on American dinner plates under misleading labels. A new study reveals that meat sold as “shark” in U.S. markets and online often comes from critically...

Endangered Sharks Disguised As Cheap Meat In American Stores

Endangered ocean giants are showing up on American dinner plates under misleading labels. A new study reveals that meat sold as “shark” in U.S. markets and online often comes from critically...

Split image showing a police officer with his German Shepherd at Ground Zero on the left, and a golden retriever resting in a stretcher on the right.

Brave Dogs Fought Through Smoke and Rubble to Save Lives on 9/11

When the towers fell on 9/11, it wasn’t just firefighters and police rushing into danger. More than 300 dogs clawed through rubble, searched for survivors, and lifted spirits when hope...

Brave Dogs Fought Through Smoke and Rubble to Save Lives on 9/11

When the towers fell on 9/11, it wasn’t just firefighters and police rushing into danger. More than 300 dogs clawed through rubble, searched for survivors, and lifted spirits when hope...