The Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom Presents: Calls from the Wild

What can wildlife tell us about our ecosystem — and will we listen?

An illustration of several species of animal and one plant on a tan background. The text "Calls of the Wild" is visible in a font that looks like sticks.
“Calls from the Wild” is an hourlong special about signal species from the Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom.

Graphic Credit: Corie Brangers

A “signal” or “indicator” species is an organism that can tell us about changes occurring in an ecosystem.

We’re talking bears encountering humans more frequently, armadillos moving farther north, invasive vines like kudzu growing at accelerated rates and bat populations dwindling.

These are all examples of species sending us signals about our changing world and climate — but are we paying attention? And if we are, is there a way to contribute to scientific findings?

The Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom and our partner stations in Tennessee, Kentucky and West Virginia explored these questions through a series of features all about wildlife.

Check back soon for the Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom’s hourlong radio documentary about signal species, “Calls from the Wild.” Join Deputy Managing Editor John Boyle to hear the five original features and new interviews with reporters and experts from our series.

You can hear the special live on Monday, Sept. 28 at 8 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

Stories

Eric Douglas,Jun. 29, 2026

Bats Save Farmers Billions Of Dollars, But They’re In Danger

Diseases like white-nose syndrome and climate change have caused mass population loss among bat species, and the consequences could be costly.

Hope Heffley,Jun. 22, 2026

As Freshwater Mussel Populations In Kentucky Decline, Researchers Are Looking For Answers

Freshwater mussels are scattered throughout waterways in Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia, playing a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. But populations are dwindling, and researchers want to better understand the causes.

Giselle Rhoden,Jun. 17, 2026

Cute But Not So Cuddly, Armadillos Are Making Their Way North

The nine-banded armadillo has become an indicator of rising temperatures in Kentucky and the surrounding region, as the species moves farther north.

Jacqui Sieber,Jun. 08, 2026

How Kudzu Became The ‘Vine That Ate The South’

Kudzu is an invasive vine that’s become a persistent problem in the American South. But there are efforts to tackle it.

Caroline Eggers,Jun. 01, 2026

Black Bears Are Threatened By Climate Change. How Can We Help?

Black bear encounters are on the rise in Tennessee, and climate change is often a hidden culprit, tampering with ecosystems in unexpected ways.

This is Nashville episodes

June 2, 2026: Taking cues from black bears and other signal species
June 23, 2026: How to be a backyard naturalist in Tennessee

Videos

Reporters: Catherine Eggers, Jacqui Sieber, Giselle Rhoden, Eric Douglas
Producers: Megan Jones, Andrew Henderson, Jared Kunish
Editor: John Boyle
Additional editing: Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones, Tasha A.F. Lemley.

This series was produced by the Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom, a collaboration between West Virginia Public Broadcasting; WPLN and WUOT in Tennessee; LPM, WEKU, WKMS and WKU Public Radio in Kentucky; and NPR. Sign up for the weekly Porch Light newsletter here for news from around the region.