Shooters to target feral cats in NSW national parks amid boom in population

Shooters to target feral cats in NSW national parks amid boom in population

A five-person team of expert shooters will soon target feral cats in New South Wales national parks as the state steps up efforts to control the pest animals. The intensive ground operation is being deployed in response to increased cat numbers, according to National Parks and Wildlife Service deputy secretary, Atticus Fleming. “Intensive, well-targeted ground […]

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Scientists map the genome of Australian ‘punk’ fish that prefers to walk instead of swim

Scientists map the genome of Australian ‘punk’ fish that prefers to walk instead of swim

They’re Australia’s own underwater punks in leopard print. Spotted handfish are an endangered species of fish that prefer to “walk” instead of swim, thanks to their unusual pectoral and pelvic fins; have a fluffy dorsal fin on their head that looks almost like a mohawk; and live in the waters off south-east Tasmania. Now CSIRO […]

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A ‘scent fence’ that targets elephants’ sensitive nostrils could stop herds from trashing crops and trees

A ‘scent fence’ that targets elephants’ sensitive nostrils could stop herds from trashing crops and trees

Elephant numbers are surging in southern Africa, with fewer natural predators, reduced hunting pressure and feeding by farmers and tourist operators. While this is good for elephants, it’s making life harder for humans who live near them. These huge herbivores can raid crops and destroy large trees in national parks with impunity, causing problems for […]

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Raccoon Takeover Shocks Washington Woman and Authorities

Raccoon Takeover Shocks Washington Woman and Authorities

A woman near Poulsbo, Washington, recently faced an unusual and overwhelming problem—her home was overrun by raccoons. She called authorities after being unable to enter her property due to nearly 100 raccoons gathering outside, all “demanding food.” Kevin McCarty, a spokesperson for the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office, explained that the woman had been feeding the […]

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