DHAKA — On Jan. 7, 2024, in a rural area of northwestern Bangladesh, a nilgai, the largest species of Asian antelope, crossed the border from India. It never crossed back. When villagers in Ranisankail subdistrict, Thakurgaon district, found out about the nilgai, also known as the blue bull, “they chased the animal and caught it,” […]
Shark Attacks Man in River, Rips Off Foot and Most of Calf
Aseven-foot-long bull shark has attacked a man in a river in India, ripping off part of his lower leg. The 32-year-old man, Vickey Govari, had been fishing in the Vaitarna River in the state of Maharashtra’s Palghar district when the shark attacked. As the shark lunged at the man, it severed his left leg at […]
Bats are in trouble. That’s not good for anyone who likes mezcal, rice or avocado
If you’ve ever enjoyed coffee, tomatoes, corn, bananas, mangoes, walnuts, chocolate, tequila or mezcal, you may just owe bats a thank-you. While bats are often the subject of fear and scorn – they’re fixtures in Halloween decor and haunted-house imagery, and are frequently portrayed as harbingers of doom – their presence is often a sign […]
Petition: Tell Lawmakers in California and Hawaii to Ban Octopus Farming
Washington state just took a major step forward to protect the intelligent, sensitive, wonderful creatures that are octopuses. Its legislators passed the world’s first-ever law to ban Octopus farming, which is fraught with cruelty and environmental hazards. As the bill’s sponsor, state representative Strom Peterson, said: “Octopus farming leads to suffering and sickness for one […]
A Tennessee fisherman reeled in a big one. It turned out to be an alligator
MAYNARDVILLE, Tennessee (AP) – A fisherman at a lake in northeast Tennessee caught a surprise at the end of his line when he pulled up a 3- to 4-foot long alligator. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency said their Union County wildlife officer Rick Roberts got a call from the angler on Monday describing the unusual […]
Empire of the ants: what insect supercolonies can teach us
It is a familiar story: a small group of animals living in a wooded grassland begin, against all odds, to populate Earth. At first, they occupy a specific ecological place in the landscape, kept in check by other species. Then something changes. The animals find a way to travel to new places. They learn to […]
Houston Woman Sentenced for Illegal Sale of Endangered Animals
A recent case in Houston has highlighted the grim reality of the illegal wildlife trade, particularly concerning endangered species. Savannah Nicole Valdez, a 21-year-old woman, has been sentenced to prison for her involvement in the illegal sale of exotic animals, including a spider monkey and toucans. Valdez’s sentencing came after a thorough investigation initiated in […]
‘Snake Hunter’ Bitten by Tiger Snake Is Facing Multiple Organ Failure
A snake hunter has been rushed to hospital after being bitten by a venomous snake, as a result of his equipment failing. Mark Pelley, a local of Victoria in southeastern Australia who goes by The Snake Hunter on Facebook—where he posts pictures and videos of his reptile-rescuing missions—was bitten by a venomous tiger snake on […]