Andrew Connolly
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andrewmc2401.bsky.social
Andrew Connolly
@andrewmc2401.bsky.social
Wildlife Biologist, herpetologist, educator,

Masters in Biology student at Miami U Project Dragonfly

He/Him
Pinned
Reintroducing myself here as I work to move everything over. Hi everyone! I'm a wildlife biologist and herpetologist with a passion for scientific communication and community science. I'm a graduate student pursuing an M.A. in biological sciences while working as a zoo educator. Go science!
Hellbenders!!! If anyone is looking for a FREE presentation about Eastern Hellbenders or Eastern Hellbender Behavior under Human Care OR is interested in a FREE presentation on how to better communicate about less charismatic and under loved species using applied conservation psychology (1/2)
November 13, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Reposted by Andrew Connolly
Only a few days left to comment on the proposed EPA Endangerment finding (Sept 22)! YOU TOO can do it - I submitted comment that DOE report EPA is relying on is flawed, particularly re: ecosystem impacts that cascade into human health & welfare. Pls add yours! www.regulations.gov/commenton/EP...
September 20, 2025 at 12:08 AM
Reposted by Andrew Connolly
Today is the last day to submit your comment!
TAKE ACTION with SCBNA TODAY to write in opposition to the proposed rescission of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule.

This legislation brings devastating & irreversible consequences to the biodiversity, wildfire resilience, and long-term health of our nation’s forests.

tinyurl.com/bdf7hs54
September 19, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Happy Salamander Saturday from the Eastern Hellbender. Enjoy these photos of one of my favorite animals. They are currently up for potential listing under the United States Endangered Species Act due to a variety of threats.

#herpetology
🌎
May 24, 2025 at 5:18 PM
As weather continues to warm this spring amphibians are coming out and migrating in great volumes! Sharing two really cool radio shows from CT Public Radio about the "Big Night" and amphibian conservation in CT!

🐸

www.ctpublic.org/2025-04-24/a...

www.ctpublic.org/show/where-w...
Amphibians' migration routines are getting more difficult. These brigades are trying to help
Cars and climate change have made life harder for key species that provide nutrients for creatures all around New England and sequester carbon in soil.
www.ctpublic.org
May 2, 2025 at 12:02 PM
The US has proposed changing the language and definiton, and rescinding the regulation of harm for the Endangered Species Act, significantly reducing protections to wildlife and ecosystems. Public comments can be made via the link below! Please share and comment!

www.regulations.gov/commenton/FW...
Regulations.gov
www.regulations.gov
April 17, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Free event! CT, USA folks join me and my colleagues for a night of FrogWatching in the field and learn about the diverse species of Connecticut. This event is hosted by the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary. See the link for more information.
🐸

www.cvhfoundation.org/event/frogwa...
FROGWATCH USA - FREE EVENT - Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary
This event has been rescheduled to April 25th due to the cold temperatures. Date: Friday, April 25th  Time: 7:30pm – 9:00pm Cost: FREE All ages welcome (ALL children 12 and under must be accompanied b...
www.cvhfoundation.org
April 10, 2025 at 2:27 AM
Sharing some photo highlights today to remind us all of the amazing biodiversity of our planet! Enjoy the Blue-Tongued Skink, Red Panda, Mexican Flame Leg Tarantula, and American Bison and take some time today to soak up nature.
April 5, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Reposted by Andrew Connolly
Sea Grant is a powerhouse for coastal communities! Through research, education, and outreach, it helps protect marine ecosystems, support sustainable fisheries, and boost coastal economies. Sea Grant keeps our waters and communities thriving. We need sea grant!
www.pressherald.com/2025/03/01/m...
Maine Sea Grant in jeopardy after Trump administration terminates $4.5 million grant program
The move to discontinue the four-year agreement — which comes amid the White House's efforts to slash the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's budget — leaves the fishery organization’s p...
www.pressherald.com
March 1, 2025 at 10:45 PM
Working for Ohio Sea Grant and seeing their amazing work was one of the highlights of my career. They complete phenomenal work, and NOAA is integral to that. Please support NOAA and their work, and write to your Congress people / vote for science.
NOAA's #GreatLakes Environmental Research Lab will be taking an "indefinite hiatus" from communications due to staff cuts. GLERL communicates critical weekly updates about the extent of harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie - like the one that left my hometown of Toledo without drinking water in 2014
February 28, 2025 at 3:33 AM
Reposted by Andrew Connolly
NOAA's #GreatLakes Environmental Research Lab will be taking an "indefinite hiatus" from communications due to staff cuts. GLERL communicates critical weekly updates about the extent of harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie - like the one that left my hometown of Toledo without drinking water in 2014
February 27, 2025 at 11:45 PM
Reposted by Andrew Connolly
Science (and science policy, and conservation) friends, I need your help!

We are collecting *specific, clear* examples of harms caused by the Trump administration's attacks on science, to be included in an open letter.

Can be links to news stories/social media posts. 🧪🦑🌎 #SciComm #SciPol
February 21, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Reposted by Andrew Connolly
"Now is the time for science, not silence." The war on science isn’t just politics, it’s our planet's future & the stakes have never been higher.🦈🪸🌊 As climate scientists, we must advocate & defend evidence-based policy.📄🌏 #ClimateAction #ScienceMatters www.science.org/doi/10.1126/... @science.org
Scientists as political advocates
Science, both teaching and doing, is under attack. The recent US presidential election of a person and platform with anti-science bias exemplifies this. The study of climate processes and patterns and...
www.science.org
February 18, 2025 at 1:42 AM

Connecticut herp enthusiasts! This is your time to shine! Join me for a FrogWatch training in February or March and learn about the frogs and toads of CT and how to ID them! Then help support research efforts by observing them this spring and summer.
🐸💚
www.beardsleyzoo.org/frog-watch.h...
FrogWatch
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo invites residents to become Citizen-Scientist volunteers and participate in a “FrogWatch” census in area wetlands. In a collaboration between the Zoo, The Maritime...
www.beardsleyzoo.org
January 8, 2025 at 12:25 AM
Eastern Hellbenders have been proposed for listing under the ESA! Please check out the listing proposal below, including a section for public comment. They are threatened by a variety of anthropogenic actions and need our support.

🐸🧪🌎

www.federalregister.gov/documents/20...
December 21, 2024 at 3:47 PM
Feeling Thankful this week to work at an institution supporting remarkable species such as the Giant Anteater, a vulnerable species. It is important to protect our wild places, and support species in need. Check out the baby on Mom's back, and how their stripes line up to aid in camouflage! 🌎
November 27, 2024 at 12:09 PM
Reintroducing myself here as I work to move everything over. Hi everyone! I'm a wildlife biologist and herpetologist with a passion for scientific communication and community science. I'm a graduate student pursuing an M.A. in biological sciences while working as a zoo educator. Go science!
November 3, 2024 at 9:28 PM
Today I get to assist in one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I assisted in a quadruple seal release, the largest in the state of CT, with the largest crowd ever observed at a Mystic Aquarium Animal Rescue release. Check out the amazing success stories!

www.fox61.com/article/life...
'That second chance at life': 4 rehabbed seal pups released at Hammonasset
Four seal pups have a new lease on life after being released into the waters of Hammonasset Beach State Park Thursday morning.
www.fox61.com
July 25, 2024 at 10:24 PM
Two frogs stopping by in a week! Hoppy summer everyone.

🐸
July 24, 2024 at 9:14 PM
I am excited to announce the publication of my first, first-author paper, "Anuran Community Occupancy Dynamics in Wayne National Forest in Southeast, Ohio, USA" with Dr. Viorel Popescu.

#herps🧪🐸

www.herpconbio.org/Volume_19/Is...
www.herpconbio.org
May 1, 2024 at 12:30 AM
First snake of the year! Enjoy this beautiful snake soaking up some spring sun.
🐍
March 29, 2024 at 1:21 PM
Happy World Frog Day- the best day of the year! Frogs and Toads, and all things herp, are a love of mine. Check out the link below to learn about the joys of frog call surveys, and enjoy this photo of "Yoda" the Cane Toad!

#worldfrogday
#herpetology
🐸🐍🐢

www.beardsleyzoo.org/blog/stories...
March 20, 2024 at 9:10 PM
A little greenhouse photo shoot to brighten the day.
March 15, 2024 at 6:41 PM
Blue-tongued Skink in a salad bowl! This australian native decided that their food bowl was the best place for a nap. They are omnivores that have excellent camouflage to hide among rocks, dirt, leaf litter, and grasses.

#zoolife
#herpetology
🐢🐍
March 6, 2024 at 1:15 AM
Perks of the zoo, snowy paw prints on snowy days.
February 21, 2024 at 1:43 AM