Eleven people, including children and a baby, went missing after a hippopotamus capsized their boat on the Sassandra River in Ivory Coast. The incident highlights the dangers of human-hippo interactions in the region, where around 500 hippos are estimated to live, and boat accidents are common. Search efforts are ongoing to find the missing victims.
An 83-year-old woman was gored by a bison at Yellowstone National Park, highlighting the dangers of close encounters with these large, unpredictable animals. Experts stress the importance of respecting wildlife and maintaining a safe distance to avoid similar incidents.
The elusive fisher cat, a member of the weasel family, has made a resurgence in Massachusetts despite being nearly extinct in the 1800s. While not particularly dangerous to humans, they pose a threat to small animals like chickens and cats. Recent incidents have highlighted the need for vigilance and precautions, such as using bright lights and loud noises to scare them away. Massachusetts has established a regulated trapping season and management program for these animals, recognizing their importance as a natural resource in the state.
A rabid coyote in Rhode Island likely attacked two people in neighboring towns within two days, prompting state officials to issue a warning. The coyote, which tested positive for rabies, bit a hiker in Johnston and another person in Scituate. While human cases of rabies are rare, the state has had terrestrial rabies since 1994, with the dominant strain being the raccoon variant. Officials urge anyone who may have come into contact with the coyote to seek medical attention, as without post-exposure vaccination, rabies cases are virtually always fatal.
Matteo Mariotti, a 20-year-old marine biology student studying in Australia, captured harrowing footage of a shark attack that cost him his leg. In the video, Mariotti can be seen struggling to reach the surface as the shark tries to pull him underwater. With the help of a friend, he manages to escape and is eventually rescued. Mariotti's leg had to be amputated below the knee. He credits his survival to his friend and his late grandfather. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support his medical care.
Matteo Mariotti, an Italian student studying marine biology in Australia, filmed the immediate aftermath of a shark attack that cost him his leg. The harrowing footage shows the shark tearing into his leg as he swam, leaving him in a cloud of crimson water. Mariotti's friend and diving instructor, Tommaso Agosti, quickly dragged him ashore and attempted to staunch the bleeding. Despite multiple surgeries, doctors were unable to save his leg, and it was amputated below the knee. Mariotti remains in high spirits and credits his late grandfather's spirit for guiding him through the ordeal. He now faces a challenging road to recovery with additional procedures planned for rehabilitation.
A man was found mauled to death inside a big cat enclosure at Sherbagh Zoo in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Cleaning workers discovered a big cat with a shoe in its mouth, leading them to find the victim's body. It is unclear how the man ended up in the enclosure, and authorities suspect he may have been a "lunatic." The zoo has been closed while an investigation takes place, and a committee has been formed to submit a detailed report within a week.
Doorbell cam footage captures the terrifying moment a pit bull attacked a two-year-old boy in Texas as his mother desperately fought to save him. The relentless dog pursued them to their door, breaking it off its hinges while the family cowered inside. The attack left the boy with a bite mark on his stomach, and the family's front porch covered in shattered pottery and soil. The incident highlights the issue of off-leash and abandoned dogs in the area, prompting the mother to call for responsible pet ownership.
A gang of violent monkeys in India has struck again, killing a 10-year-old boy by ripping out his intestines. This is the third attack by monkeys in the village within a week. Efforts are being made to capture the monkeys responsible for the attacks, with two langurs already rescued. Dangerous encounters with monkeys are not uncommon in India, with previous incidents including the abduction of a 3-year-old child.
A man and a dog in Florida were attacked by a rabid otter, prompting authorities to issue a warning. The otter was captured and euthanized after testing positive for rabies. Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and can be transmitted to humans through bites or scratches. Symptoms include fever, tingling, burning sensation, and fatal inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Prompt medical treatment is necessary, as there is no effective cure once symptoms develop. Treatment involves a series of shots to prevent the infection from progressing. Residents are advised to avoid contact with wildlife and report any suspicious animals.
A rabid otter attacked a Florida man 41 times while he was feeding birds at a pond near his home. The otter also attacked a dog on the same day. The animal was captured and tested positive for rabies. The man was hospitalized for treatment and is recovering. Authorities advise keeping pets' rabies vaccinations up to date and avoiding contact with wild animals.
A Florida man was viciously attacked by a rabid otter while feeding ducks, sustaining 41 bites all over his body. The otter, which tested positive for rabies, was later euthanized. This is the first rabies-infected otter reported in Palm Beach County since 2010. The victim managed to escape and seek help, but the otter continued its rampage, attacking a dog before being trapped by locals. Animal control officers collected a blood sample from the otter, confirming its rabies infection.
A Florida man was attacked by a rabid otter while feeding birds in his backyard, sustaining 41 bites on his legs, hands, and arms. The otter later attacked a couple's dog before being captured and euthanized. The otter tested positive for rabies, and the man is currently undergoing treatment. Officials believe the otter contracted rabies from an infected raccoon and urge caution when feeding wildlife.
A pregnant woman in Tifton, Georgia, was attacked by a rabid fox while trying to save her 17-year-old dog from the attack. The woman suffered bites and scratches before the fox was scared away by an outside cat. Unfortunately, the dog had to be euthanized. The fox was caught, euthanized, and tested positive for rabies. The woman is receiving medical treatment and urges others to be aware of the presence of wild animals and take precautions. The South Health District advises avoiding contact with unfamiliar animals, ensuring pets are vaccinated, and seeking immediate medical care if bitten by a wild animal.