All articles tagged with #wildlife behavior
Residents of San Rafael, California, have been attacked by a notably aggressive squirrel, resulting in at least two ER visits, prompting warnings and calls for wildlife removal, with authorities suggesting the attacks may be linked to feeding wildlife.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has temporarily closed a hiking trail in the Adirondack Mountains due to a moose exhibiting unusual behaviors, possibly caused by illness, to protect both the animal and the public. The trail will remain closed until it is deemed safe to reopen, with officials monitoring the situation closely.
Rare photos captured a "spectacular" event of blue whales engaging in "racing behavior" off the southern coast of Australia, where a female blue whale was pursued by two competing males in a high-speed chase. The behavior, observed by Peter Gill of the Blue Whale Study, is believed to be linked to mating as the whales prepare to migrate away from Australian feeding grounds. The event showcased the massive power and grace of these ocean giants, providing a unique insight into their behavior and social dynamics.
Naturalists captured a stunning video of a blue shark being threatened by a pod of five killer whales off the coast of California. This encounter comes amid reports of increasingly aggressive behavior by killer whales towards humans and other animals, including attacks on boats. Scientists have observed killer whales displaying new assertiveness, with some individuals even preying on and consuming great white sharks. However, experts believe that these behaviors should be seen as playful social behavior rather than revenge, as killer whales are intelligent, social animals living in what may be an under-stimulating environment for their mental capacity.
Underwater cameras in Australia have captured footage of bottlenose dolphins raiding crab pots and stealing bait. The cameras revealed that the dolphins used their snouts, jaws, and teeth to pull bait out of the pots, even when it was hidden underneath or in latched boxes. The remarkable footage has amazed researchers, who have developed a dolphin-safe solution to prevent entanglement or injury. Some believe the dolphins engage in this behavior for fun rather than hunger. Two dolphins, Calypso and Reggae, were identified as the leaders of the bait heists.
Two giant black mambas, highly venomous snakes over 8 feet long, were filmed engaging in a fierce wrestling match in a backyard in South Africa. The larger snake attempted to pin down the smaller one, which eventually surrendered and moved away. The snakes were likely fighting over a female during mating season. Black mambas are known for their venomous bites, but they do not bite each other during fights. This behavior, known as "plaiting combat," is a demonstration of stamina and physical strength rather than chemical warfare. Snakes possess immunity towards their own species' venom, which helps protect them during combat rituals.