A raptor with no qualms about eating its opponents wins New Zealand's annual bird election
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand’s annual bird election has crowned the kārearea, or New Zealand falcon, as Bird of the Year. The contest, run by conservation group Forest & Bird, is a lively event that inspires meme battles and dance routines. On Monday, the falcon won with more than 14,500 votes. This election highlights the plight of New Zealand’s native birds, with 80% facing threats. The kārearea is a fast and mysterious predator, but its numbers are dwindling. Despite the fun, Forest & Bird's Nicola Toki warns of reduced conservation efforts, urging more support to protect unique species from predators.
Golden lion tamarins and sloths become unlikely roommates at Palm Beach Zoo
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Golden lion tamarins and Hoffman's two-toed sloths have become roommates at the Palm Beach Zoo in Florida. The new habitat, which opened in late August, mimics their native South American forests with a thick canopy of trees. Tamarins frolic in the treetops, while sloths hang from branches. The space encourages exploration with vines, ropes and tunnels. Zoo officials hope the habitat inspires visitors to connect with wildlife and consider conservation efforts. In the 1970s, fewer than 200 golden tamarins existed in the wild, but now their numbers exceed 5,000 thanks to conservation efforts.
Thieves steal $1M worth in craft whiskey from Washington distillery
Thieves have stolen 12,000 bottles of craft whiskey from Westland Distillery in a rare U.S. liquor heist. Nearly $1 million in product was stolen, including the distillery's sought-after limited edition Garryana whiskey. The Skagit Valley Sheriff's Office is investigating the July 31 theft. Officials say someone used fraudulent documents to pick up the shipment. An expert says similar heists are rare in the U.S., though they happen occasionally in parts of Europe where it is easier to sell alcohol on the secondary market.
Jury convicts Michigan veterinarian of theft for refusing to return dog to homeless man
A veterinarian in Michigan has been convicted of theft for refusing to return a dog to a homeless man. Amanda Hergenreder discovered the 16-year-old dog tied to a truck last November. A jury in Grand Rapids returned a verdict Friday. Hergenreder took the dog to her clinic, where she performed various medical procedures and removed a rotten tooth. She named the pit bull mix Biggby. She declined to return the dog to Chris Hamilton because there were no assurances that the animal's living conditions would be investigated. Hamilton knew the dog as Vinny. The dog died in July.
Tony Hawk's legendary skateboard just sold for a record-breaking $1.15 million
The skateboard Tony Hawk used to make history in 1999 has sold for a record-breaking $1.15 million. Julien's Auctions announced the sale of the Birdhouse “Falcon 2” deck on Wednesday. Hawk used it to land the first-ever 900 trick at the San Francisco X Games. After over 10 failed attempts, he finally succeeded, thrilling the crowd. Hawk, already a decorated skateboarder, became a household name after this feat. The auction also included other Hawk memorabilia, with proceeds benefiting The Skatepark Project, his nonprofit foundation. Hawk says he hopes the buyer truly appreciates the skateboard's significance.
Fried Rice combo sparks jokes among Yankees pitcher Max Fried and catcher Ben Rice
NEW YORK (AP) — A Fried Rice combo left Ben Rice hungering to yuk it up with Max Fried. About to catch his Yankees teammate for the first time, the New York catcher couldn’t wait to mention the battery word play when he walked into the pregame meeting. “It’s such a layup of a joke I had to say it right right when we got in there,” Rice said after Fried pitched the Yankees over the Chicago White Sox 8-1. “First Fried Rice combo of the year.” Fried became the major leagues’ first 19-game winner. He is 6-0 with a 1.55 ERA in his last seven starts.
'Very mean squirrel' seeking food has sent at least 2 people to the ER in a California city
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Residents of a San Francisco Bay Area city are on the lookout for an aggressive squirrel that has sent at least two people to the emergency room. Joan Heblack told ABC affiliate KGO-TV that she was walking in a San Rafael neighborhood when a squirrel attacked her leg. Isabel Campoy says she too had been walking in the Lucas Valley neighborhood of San Rafael when the squirrel attacked, leaving her arm bloody. Flyers are now posted warning residents of the “very mean squirrel.” Experts say the squirrel was likely accustomed to people feeding and caring for it. Squirrels are not vectors for rabies.
A Bangkok road collapse creates a sinkhole disrupting traffic and prompting evacuations
BANGKOK (AP) — A part of a road has collapsed in Bangkok, leaving a large sinkhole that disrupted traffic, damaged infrastructure and prompted evacuations in the surrounding area. The city's governor says there were no casualties but three vehicles were damaged by the collapse Wednesday. He says officials believe the collapse was caused by construction work at an underground train station. One edge of the hole stopped in front of a police station, exposing its underground structure. A nearby hospital says it plans to close the outpatient services for two days. Electricity and water in the area were cut as a precaution.
Maine wardens rescue moose trapped for hours in abandoned well
PEMBROKE, Maine (AP) — A bull moose that fell into an abandoned well in Maine was pulled to safety during an elaborate five hour rescue. The operation happened Wednesday after the family that owned forested land in northern Maine discovered the moose looking out from well that was about 9-feet deep. They alerted the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife. A biologist sedated the moose and then wardens put straps on the moose. Using an excavator provided by family, they gingerly lifted the moose out of the well. It eventually woke up and ran off — seemingly unhurt by the ordeal.
Ancient spear-throwing tool brings fun and history to Vermont competition
ADDISON, Vt. (AP) — A few dozen enthusiasts of ancient hunting tools participated in the Northeast Open Atlatl Championship in Addison, Vermont. The competition took place on Saturday. Humans invented the atlatl thousands of years ago for use as a spear-throwing hunting tool. They were used to hunt massive animals such as woolly mammoths in the days long before recorded history. Now, they are the passion of a group of hobbyists and anthropology lovers who see the atlatl as a way to learn about history and have fun.
