In parts of the U.S. where venomous snakes are more common, training programs aim to protect pets from getting bitten. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says up to 150,000 dogs are bitten by poisonous snakes each year. One emergency vet in Tucson, Arizona, says her hospital treats four to six dogs for rattlesnake bites daily, and the occasional cat. With quick treatment, the survival rate for pets is 94%. Snake-avoidance trainers say using electronic collars sparingly teaches pets not to approach poisonous snakes. The ASPCA says the collars should be used under the guidance of a knowledgeable trainer. Other steps to avoid pet-snake interactions include trimming back undergrowth and learning about snakes in your area.
A new report by the city’s watchdog says that Chicago's rodent abatement program is unlikely to achieve long-term control of the rat population using reactive methods. The audit, published Tuesday, analyzed the Department of Streets and Sanitation’s efforts from July 2023 through July 2024. It found that the Bureau of Rodent Control prioritized poisoning rats rather than implementing comprehensive solutions like monitoring sanitary conditions. The report suggests adopting Integrated Pest Management practices, which include proactive surveying and non-toxic solutions. The city says it has since made improvements, and rat complaints have slightly decreased. However, rats remain a persistent issue in Chicago.
Federal wildlife authorities are investigating after a video appeared to show a person kicking a protected sea lion at a beach in California. A spokesperson for the federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed an ongoing investigation into the incident but declined to provide additional details Sunday. The video appears to show a person throwing kicks at the sea lion at La Jolla Cove in San Diego as at least one other person can be heard laughing in the background. The person follows the sea lion, throwing more kicks at the animal as it tries to scoot away before the video ends.
World War II’s D-Day landing beaches in northern France and the iconic Mount Olympus in Greece were among the sites added to the World Heritage List on Sunday at a U.N. committee meeting in South Korea reviewing dozens of nominations. The UNESCO committee, which meets in Busan through Wednesday, also inscribed the ancient Japanese capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara and South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape, host to one of the world’s largest land mammal migrations and the country’s first addition to the World Heritage List. The World Heritage inscription of Mount Olympus, the mythical home of the 12 Olympian gods, rewarded a 12-year effort by Greece to secure recognition for its tallest mountain.
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Revisiting actions from his first term that were reversed, President Donald Trump announced Monday that he will scale ba…
Sam is a Galapagos tortoise at Scovill Zoo in Decatur, where the friendly staff works throughout the day to ensure animals and birds have what…
Wild Times Exotics brought the zoo to locals, and now its operation officially has a permanent place to call home in Sangamon County.
DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - June is National Zoo Appreciation Month. When most people think of the zoo, they picture the animals; the roars, the ch…