ANIMALS

Surprise Guest: Family Discovers Hibernating Bear Under Their Deck

In an effort to survive the harsh and dark winter months, many animals opt for hibernation as an alternative to actively foraging for food or seeking warmer environments. During this dormant period, their metabolic processes slow down significantly, conserving vital energy. Typically, animals seek out secluded and insulated hibernation sites, often equipped with emergency food supplies. Surprisingly, while a human abode might appear to be an ideal choice, it is uncommon to find animals selecting such locations for their long slumber. However, a truly astonishing situation unfolded when a black bear was spotted hibernating beneath the outdoor deck of a family residing in Connecticut.

Earlier this year, in the month of January, Vincent Dashukewich and his girlfriend were enjoying their time in the backyard when their vigilant dog began growling towards the pool area. Intrigued by the dog’s behavior, Dashukewich decided to investigate the situation, and to his surprise, he discovered a black bear nestled beneath the deck that surrounded the pool.

“I didn’t really have a thought, I was just kind of shocked,” Dashukewich shared in an interview. “He was staring right at me. I didn’t know what to do, I just wanted to make sure my dog got inside safe.”

Image source: thetrendytransparent

Differing from previous bear sightings, this large companion seems to have no intentions of retreating back to the forest.

“He’s been super chill, I’ve gone out to check on him a few times and he hasn’t really moved,” Dashukewich has said of the bear, whom he’s nicknamed “Marty.”

Following the encounter, Dashukewich’s sister, Tyler, recorded a video of the bear and shared it on TikTok. The video gained rapid popularity, with numerous viewers leaving comments, many offering their advice and opinions.

“They’re like, ‘Go feed it, make him a pet.’ But I’m going to be realistic,” Tyler Dashukewich said.

“It’s pretty divided so far, half the people are like, ‘This is the scariest thing ever,’ and the other half is like, ‘Can you pet it? It looks so cuddly.’ So we’re trying to keep our distance, but he is cute,” said Vincent Dashukewich.

Image source: thetrendytransparent

Watch the Video here:

@thetrendytransparent #bears #newengland #bearsinct ♬ original sound – Tyler Dashukewich

Image source: thetrendytransparent

Upon reaching out to the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEEP), an employee advised the homeowner to allow the bear to remain undisturbed as long as it posed no immediate concerns. It was anticipated that the bear would naturally depart by the end of January.

“Black bears are generally shy and secretive and usually fearful of humans.” However, if they regularly find food near houses and areas of human activity, they can lose their fear of humans,” the agency wrote, noting that “unlike grizzly bears, black bears are seldom aggressive toward humans, even when cubs are present.”

As a precautionary measure, it is recommended to use an air horn or flash bright lights if the bear becomes problematic. In the event that these deterrents prove ineffective, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEEP) assured that they would intervene and safely relocate the bear.

However, the organization strongly advises against approaching or feeding a bear near your home as bears may instinctively defend themselves if a person gets too close. If a black bear approaches you, DEEP recommends taking proactive measures such as yelling or waving your arms to assert your presence and slowly retreating.

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.