Readers of this blog will know we have spent a lot of time on invasive species worldwide. Invasive species come in all sizes and varieties and much of what they have in common is damage and displacement. Yesterday we once again discussed Florida Burmese pythons which are truly wreaking havoc in the Florida Everglades. InContinue reading “Invasive Species Alert: Atlas Moth Found In United States For First Time”
Author Archives: ursusrising
Florida Python Challenge 2022 Is Complete, May Not Be Making A Huge Impact, But Python Control Efforts Continue
Almost 1000 python hunters signed up for this year’s Florida Python Challenge which ended August 14. The final results are not in but it remains clear that however many were taken, many remain. Meanwhile, although the situation is grim there are signs of human and animal pushback against the invasive species which may have killedContinue reading “Florida Python Challenge 2022 Is Complete, May Not Be Making A Huge Impact, But Python Control Efforts Continue”
Wildlife Learning Center In Sylmar Expands Hours, Returns To Schools Receives Golf Fund Raiser
In a return to Post-Covid normalcy The Wildlife Learning Center (WLC) in Sylmar has made three important announcements. All three signal a possible end to a financial drought impacting wildlife rescue organizations world wide. Restrictions and mandated closures forced wildlife rescue institutions to try to find ways to survive with severely reduced funding. First, theContinue reading “Wildlife Learning Center In Sylmar Expands Hours, Returns To Schools Receives Golf Fund Raiser”
Jaguar Nicknamed “El Jefe” Spotted In Mexico After Disappearing From Arizona; Suggests Jaguars Finding Ways To Cross Border Despite Hazards
A well-known male jaguar first recorded in Arizona has been spotted in Mexico. “El Jefe” as the cat is known, had disappeared from Arizona in 2015 and was feared dead. He is estimated to be about 12 years old. which is toward the end of the life span of a wild jaguar. Jaguars in zoosContinue reading “Jaguar Nicknamed “El Jefe” Spotted In Mexico After Disappearing From Arizona; Suggests Jaguars Finding Ways To Cross Border Despite Hazards”
Scientists Seek To Reverse Extinction Of Tasmanian Tiger; But Hurdles Remain As New Animal Will Be A Hybrid Facing New Challenges
Extinction may not be forever anymore as scientists have announced a serious effort to reverse the extinction of the Tasmanian tiger. The tiger, or Thylacine, probably went extinct in 1936. In that year the last captive tiger died. He was named Benjamin and died in the Hobart Zoo. There is some doubt about whether BenjaminContinue reading “Scientists Seek To Reverse Extinction Of Tasmanian Tiger; But Hurdles Remain As New Animal Will Be A Hybrid Facing New Challenges”
Sacramento Wildlife Census Shows How Closely Urban Dwellers Live With Wild Animals
Sacramento and Los Angeles are very different cities, but one thing the two regions share is the fact that much wildlife has habituated itself to human presence. KTXL Fox 40 quoted City of Sacramento Animal Care Services as listing the following wildlife living even in the city center: raccoons, opossums, deer, skunks and coyotes. BecauseContinue reading “Sacramento Wildlife Census Shows How Closely Urban Dwellers Live With Wild Animals”
Decades Of Protection Pay Off As The Italian Wolf Population Rebounds And Grows After Near Extinction
Wolves are loved and hated all over the world. Recently we reported on trouble in the United States where persistent efforts to reintroduce wolves to their former range are met with mixed success and much hostility. We also reported on problems in Asia where wolves in Tibet appear to be expanding their range. That delightsContinue reading “Decades Of Protection Pay Off As The Italian Wolf Population Rebounds And Grows After Near Extinction”
Wildlife Attacks In Japan Increase As Villages Shrink And Animal Population Increases
Japan is seeing more and more frequent attacks on humans by monkeys, bears and wild boars. The number of wild animals is also increasing and the problem seems to have several causes. It is also reported that dolphins sometimes bite humans on Japanese beaches. Although some suggest “climate change” is a key part of theContinue reading “Wildlife Attacks In Japan Increase As Villages Shrink And Animal Population Increases”
Wolves Vs Ranchers: Ongoing Battle Heating Up In Colorado, Other States
At one time there may have been as many as 2 million wolves in the continental United States. Hunting and persecution reduced the number to a few hundred by 1960. Most of them were restricted to Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Almost universally reviled in 1900 wolves began attracting a following of conservationists and other activists.Continue reading “Wolves Vs Ranchers: Ongoing Battle Heating Up In Colorado, Other States”
Authorities In Mexico Seize About 200 Big Cats And Other Animals, Sanctuary Owner Disputes Abuse Claims
Mexico City police serving warrants recently seized about 200 exotic animals including 177 lions from a sanctuary on the capital’s south side. Authorities allege that the animals were abused and mistreated, but the sanctuary owner says videos of the raid were “out of context” and that the sanctuary was rescuing animals and most were healthy.Continue reading “Authorities In Mexico Seize About 200 Big Cats And Other Animals, Sanctuary Owner Disputes Abuse Claims”