wildlife-conservation2.665 min read
First mRNA Vaccine Administered to Elephant to Combat Deadly Herpes Virus
1 year ago•Source: The Guardian
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5.425 min•1 year ago
Texas Culls Diseased Deer Despite Rancher's Objections
Texas wildlife officials euthanized 249 captive deer at RW Trophy Ranch, ending an 85-year-old rancher's three-year legal battle against the state's policy to control chronic wasting disease (CWD). Despite Robert Williams' protests and legal challenges, the Texas Supreme Court allowed the depopulation to proceed to protect wild deer from CWD, a fatal neurodegenerative disease. The decision has significant implications for deer breeders and wildlife conservation efforts in Texas.
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Giant Pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao Return to D.C.'s National Zoo
The Washington Post•1 year ago
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"Wildlife Investigation Launched After Disturbing Video of Bear Cubs Being Pulled from Trees in North Carolina"
The Associated Press•1 year ago
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Wildlife Officials Express Outrage Over Bear Cub Handling Incident
Wildlife officials in North Carolina have decided not to press charges after a group of people were caught on video pulling black bear cubs out of a tree and taking selfies with them near Berrington Village Apartments. Although the incident was deemed dangerous and unfortunate, the bear cubs were immediately released, and it appears to have been an isolated incident. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission emphasized the importance of leaving bear cubs alone and following BearWise Basics to ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife.
Wildlife Officials Condemn Harassment of Bear Cubs for Photos
A group of people in North Carolina were caught on video yanking black bear cubs from a tree to take a selfie, prompting an investigation by state officials. The disturbing incident, which took place outside an Asheville apartment complex, is illegal under state law and can lead to orphaned or injured cubs. The video went viral, drawing swift reaction on social media, with one person even expressing a wish for the mama bear to show up. Wildlife officials urge people to stay calm and leave the area if they encounter bear cubs or a den, and to contact local wildlife agencies if they suspect a cub has been orphaned.
"Concern Grows Over Trend of Harassing Bear Cubs for Photos"
A group of people in Asheville, North Carolina, pulled two bear cubs from a tree to take photos, leaving one orphaned and potentially injured. Wildlife experts emphasize the importance of leaving wild animals alone and contacting state wildlife agencies for assistance. The orphaned cub is now at a rehabilitation center and is recovering well, but will remain in care until it is old enough to be released into the wild.
"Bystander Drops Bear Cub While Taking Photos, Cub Recovering"
A group of people at a North Carolina apartment complex were caught on film pulling black bear cubs out of a tree to take pictures with them, leading to one of the cubs being dropped and injured. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission responded to the incident, and a bear expert found one of the cubs in a retention pond, while the other was not immediately located. The injured cub was transported to a local rehab facility and is said to be recovering well. The incident is under investigation, and the NCWRC warned against handling bears in the wild due to the risks to both people and the animals.
Caught on Camera: Group Pulls Bear Cubs from Tree for Selfies
A group of people in North Carolina was caught on camera pulling two bear cubs from a tree to take pictures with them, leaving one orphaned and potentially injured. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has opened an investigation into the incident, and one of the cubs has been transported to a rehabilitation facility where it is now recovering well. Wildlife experts emphasize the importance of leaving wild animals alone and contacting state wildlife agencies for assistance rather than interfering with them.
"Selfie Gone Wrong: Group Endangers Themselves and Bear Cubs for Photo Op"
A group of people in Buncombe County, N.C., were caught on camera pulling bear cubs out of a tree near an apartment complex in order to take selfies, with one person even dropping a cub. Authorities intervened, and the cub, found wet and cold, is now in a rehab facility and will be released back into the wild. Wildlife officials expressed frustration and emphasized the need to coexist with wildlife, urging people to give animals the space they need and to become more educated about interacting with wildlife.
"Adenovirus Hemorrhagic Disease Linked to Moose Deaths in Upper Snake Region"
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game suspects Adenovirus Hemorrhagic Disease (AHD) as the cause of recent moose mortalities in the Upper Snake Region, with 16 moose calves, 1 adult moose, and 3 mule deer showing symptoms. AHD, which can infect various deer species, causes internal bleeding and external symptoms such as diarrhea and seizures, with high mortality rates in fawns and calves. There is no treatment for AHD, but IDFG is working to assess the outbreak's extent and remove infected carcasses to prevent further spread, urging the public to report any sick or deceased deer, elk, or moose to aid monitoring efforts.
"Wyoming Hunter Fined for Allegedly Killing Wolf in Bar Amid Outrage"
Outrage ensues after a Wyoming hunter reportedly ran over a gray wolf with a snowmobile, taped its mouth shut, took a picture with it in a bar, and then shot it to death behind the tavern. Despite being fined for illegally possessing the wolf while it was alive, the hunter has not faced punishment for the manner in which he killed the animal, sparking calls for stiffer penalties and felony animal cruelty charges. The case has ignited a debate about wildlife conservation, hunting ethics, and the need for more severe consequences for such egregious acts of animal abuse.
"Botswana's Elephant Diplomacy: 20,000 Elephants in Trophy Hunting Dispute"
Botswana's president has threatened to send 20,000 elephants to Germany in response to potential stricter limits on the import of hunting trophies. President Mokgweetsi Masisi argued that conservation efforts have led to an overpopulation of elephants, causing damage to property and crops. He emphasized the importance of hunting in controlling the elephant population and criticized Germany for having an opinion on Botswana's affairs. The German environment ministry stated that discussions on import restrictions are focused on ensuring sustainability and legality, with a special responsibility to protect biological diversity.
"Rare Gray Wolf Sighting in Southern Michigan Sparks DNR Investigation"
A hunter in Calhoun County, Michigan, killed a gray wolf in January, marking the first confirmed sighting of a wolf in the southern Lower Peninsula in over 100 years. The state's only known wolf population is in the Upper Peninsula, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources stated that there is no evidence of an established wolf population in southern Michigan. The presence of wolves in the state has sparked controversy, with some advocating for hunting and others seeking to protect the endangered species. The DNR is investigating the origin of the wolf and has found indications of wolves in the northern Lower Peninsula in recent years.