ANIMALS
Rescuers Save Hibernating Black Bear Trapped in Icy Culvert
In times of adversity, we may find ourselves in need of assistance, presenting an opportunity to strengthen our relationships with others. Similarly, animals too encounter challenging circumstances and may reach out to humans for help. During these moments, extending a helping hand to our animal companions is a powerful means for us to nurture a profound connection with the natural world.
Let me introduce you to the protagonist of our story—a 6-year-old black bear who found himself in a precarious situation. Accidentally tumbling into a culvert in Minnesota, fate smiled upon him as a rescue team came to his aid, ensuring his safe return.
In the midst of his hibernation, the bear embarked on a quest to find the perfect spot to unwind. Ultimately, he settled upon a culvert nestled alongside a road in Wannaska. While it appeared to be an ideal location for a peaceful slumber, unbeknownst to him, the melting snow posed a threat, potentially leading to the flooding of the culvert. Tragically, this distressing scenario unfolded before our eyes.
Image source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
A compassionate individual first noticed the bear trapped in the thick layers of snow and ice. Without hesitation, they promptly contacted the authorities, alerting the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to the distressing incident.
Upon receiving multiple pleas from concerned citizens, a team of four dedicated Minnesota DNR members swiftly responded to the bear’s distress. Upon reaching the site, they assessed the bear’s weight, estimating it to be between 375 and 400 pounds, and made the necessary decision to administer an anesthetic in order to safely proceed with the rescue operation.
Image source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Using a rope equipped with specially designed “paw cuffs,” the rescue team worked diligently for 20 minutes to successfully extract the bear from the snow, ensuring his safe liberation.
“He went right down in 10 minutes, and it took about five guys to haul him up and out of the hole once we dug him out. We just had to free his leg out of the hole in the culvert,” Tri said.
Following the successful rescue, the bear was deemed healthy but had suffered some trauma from being awakened from hibernation. As a result, it was determined that the bear would be relocated to a sanctuary where he could safely resume his hibernation.
Image source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Upon its release on social media, the story sparked controversy, with some arguing that humans should refrain from intervening and allow nature to run its course. Addressing these concerns, the DNR asserted that they had thoroughly considered their actions and made informed decisions regarding the situation.
By sharing this incident, the organization aims to increase awareness among internet users regarding appropriate conduct when encountering wild animals. They underscored the importance of leaving such situations to trained professionals instead of well-meaning bystanders who may attempt to extract the bear themselves. Additionally, they cautioned against offering snacks, cat food, or Swedish Fish, as these food items are not suitable for bears.
ANIMALS
Amazing Video of Unseen Ocean Creatures in the Ningaloo Canyons
The Schmidt Ocean Institute recently explored the Ningaloo Canyons on the western coast of Australia using a robotic underwater vehicle called the ROV Sebastian. Check out the amazing video of what they discovered in the deep parts of the Indian Ocean.
More info: Youtube
ANIMALS
These Pics Are Art and the Artists Are Insects
Flying insects move so quickly that they are hard to follow, but new technology and some smart ideas have helped Spanish photographer Xavi Bou do just that. After spending 10 years focusing on birds in flight for his Ornithographies project, he turned his attention to insects.
For Entomographies, he uses high-speed video footage taken by Adrian Smith, an insect expert at North Carolina State University, to study and record how insects move. Bou then picks multiple frames and combines them into single images that show the fast movements of one or more insects through space and time.
With Smith’s help, Bou has captured the aerial tricks of wasps, the jumps of leafhoppers, and the fluttering of butterflies in amazing detail. He hopes that by doing this, he can make people more aware of the decline in important insect populations around the world.
1. Zebra longwing
This butterfly, which is common in many areas of the Americas, really fits its name. It can fly very high with just a few flaps of its large wings.
Image source: nationalgeographic
2. Two-lined spittlebug
This insect, which comes from the eastern United States, is often seen as a pest because it likes to eat grass. Its springy back legs can make it jump into the air like a rocket.
Image source: nationalgeographic
3. Yellow-collared scape moth
Unlike most moths, this North American species flies during the day. Its shiny blue-black wings sparkle in the sunlight.
Image source: nationalgeographic
4. Ailanthus webworm moths
These tropical moths have spread farther north in the U.S. Because of their larval host, the invasive tree of heaven, they are now one of the most common backyard moths in the country.
Image source: nationalgeographic
5. Common stonefly
Mostly found in eastern North America, this insect starts its life as an underwater nymph in forested streams or rivers. Then it leaves the water, sheds its skin, and becomes an adult with wings.
Image source: nationalgeographic
6. Green lacewings
Eighty-seven species of this insect have been found in the U.S. and Canada. Since they eat a lot of unwanted plant pests like aphids and mites, they are often used to naturally control these pests.
Image source: nationalgeographic
7. Grapevine beetle
This insect, fittingly named, eats the leaves and fruit of grapevines, both wild and farmed, but it doesn’t do much damage to the plants. As a type of scarab beetle, it often flies in a curved path.
Image source: nationalgeographic
8. Oak treehopper and green treehopper
Treehoppers are known for their uniquely shaped pronotum, the part behind their head, which often looks like plant parts to hide from predators. They can jump well thanks to special muscles.
Image source: nationalgeographic
9. Banded orange
This brightly colored butterfly can be found from Mexico to Brazil. Before mating season, male butterflies look for mineral salts, sometimes even drinking salty fluids from the skin, eyes, and nostrils of other animals.
Image source: nationalgeographic
10. Sapho longwing
Longwings can live for 6 to 7 months, longer than most butterflies. This type, found from Mexico to Ecuador, has shiny blue wings, which is why it’s also called the Sapphire longwing.
Image source: nationalgeographic
ANIMALS
Eagle and Fox in an Epic Midair Battle Over a Rabbit, Were Captured by a Photographer
Wildlife photography often depends on the perfect combination of good timing and the right place.
That’s exactly what happened when Kevin Ebi, an experienced wildlife photographer, captured an incredible battle between a bald eagle and a red fox, both competing for a rabbit meal.
In a detailed blog post, Ebi shares the fascinating series of events that unfolded while he was photographing foxes in San Juan Island National Historical Park, located in Washington state.
Ebi noticed a lively group of eight fox kits as they began their hunting lessons. Suddenly, they spotted a rabbit, and a thrilling chase ensued. Eventually, one of the foxes emerged as the winner, proudly carrying the rabbit across the field.
Image source: Kevin Ebi
Ebi shares what happened at that moment: “As I followed the fox with my camera, a sudden bald eagle cry caught my attention. It was swiftly approaching, clearly aiming for the rabbit. I quickly focused on the fox, anticipating a quick turnover of events.”
To Ebi’s astonishment, instead of a quick surrender, the situation turned into a intense fight in the air.
The eagle used its power to lift the fox and rabbit high up in the sky. Even while airborne, the fox attempted to break free by swinging back and forth.
Image source: Kevin Ebi
Image source: Kevin Ebi
Image source: Kevin Ebi
In the end, the eagle moved the rabbit to its other claw, causing the fox to let go. The intense battle came to an end in less than 10 seconds.
Image source: Kevin Ebi
For those worried about the fox’s well-being after the fight, Ebi reassures that it was not injured. The fox swiftly bounced back from the encounter and resumed its playful behavior with the other young foxes, showing no visible wounds from the aerial clash.
Image source: Kevin Ebi
Image source: Kevin Ebi
Image source: Kevin Ebi
Image source: Kevin Ebi
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