human-wildlife conflict

Colorado Officials Hunt Coyote After Child Attack

A coyote attacked a four-year-old girl in northern Colorado Springs, causing serious injuries requiring hospitalization, after the child mistook it for a dog. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is actively searching for and plans to euthanize any coyotes in the area to ensure the attacking animal is removed. The incident highlights the dangers of coyotes adapting to urban environments and the importance of preventing human-wildlife interaction by avoiding the feeding of wild animals. CPW urges residents to remain vigilant and deter any approaching wildlife. The search for the coyote is expected to last several days.

Read More

A rare polar bear showed up on the shores of Iceland. Police shot it

A rare polar bear showed up on the shores of Iceland and the police shot it. It’s a sad and unfortunate event, but it was likely the most sensible move in this instance. Polar bears are not native to Iceland and can be extremely dangerous to humans and other wildlife. They are apex predators and will actively hunt down and attack humans if given the chance. In a situation where an elderly woman living alone calls the police out of fear, there may not have been many other options.

Polar bears are highly cannibalistic and will eat anything they can find, including other polar bears.… Continue reading

River otter drags child off dock and underwater in rare attack at Washington marina

River otters are no joke. I mean, who would have thought that a seemingly innocent creature could turn into a predator capable of dragging a child off a dock and underwater at a Washington marina? The recent attack by a river otter on a young child and their mother is a stark reminder of the untamed and unpredictable nature of these animals.

It’s not uncommon for wildlife encounters to take a dangerous turn, especially when humans encroach on their natural habitats. River otters, like their other Mustelid family members, are aggressive and territorial creatures known for their sharp teeth and quick movements.… Continue reading

Zimbabwe orders cull of 200 elephants amid food shortages from drought

I was in Zimbabwe last year for an elephant safari, and it was a surreal experience to witness these magnificent creatures up close in their natural habitat. The vast herds of elephants roaming gracefully in the African landscape left a lasting impression on me. However, the recent news of Zimbabwe ordering the cull of 200 elephants due to food shortages resulting from drought has sparked a deep sense of concern and reflection within me.

The elephants in Zimbabwe are facing an ecological crisis, particularly in their largest park, Hwange. With an estimated 100,000 elephants in the country, the population has exceeded the land’s carrying capacity, leading to overgrazing and destruction of habitat.… Continue reading

California woman, 71, mauled to death in state’s first fatal black bear attack

California recently witnessed a tragic incident where a 71-year-old woman was mauled to death in what has been recorded as the state’s first fatal black bear attack. The news of this horrifying event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting wildlife in their natural habitats.

It is heartbreaking to think that a woman lost her life in such a violent manner, especially when considering the circumstances that led to the attack. Reports suggest that the victim had been feeding stray cats on her porch, which inadvertently attracted bears to her property. This serves as a critical lesson that leaving food sources accessible in bear country can have devastating consequences.… Continue reading

Police kill alligator after it was found with missing woman’s remains in mouth

Living in Houston, Texas, has its perks, but it also comes with some inherent risks – one of them being the presence of alligators in our lakes and bayous. It was truly shocking to hear about the recent incident where a missing woman’s remains were found in the mouth of an alligator in the Horsepen Bayou just a few miles away from where I live. The police officer had to make a difficult decision to shoot and kill the alligator to prevent further damage to the remains as part of the investigation.

The circumstances surrounding this case are still unclear – whether the alligator killed the woman or if she was already deceased when the alligator came upon her.… Continue reading

Bear dragged crash victim’s body from car in woods off Massachusetts highway, police say

I can’t even begin to imagine the chain of events that led to this tragic incident. A car crash in the woods off a Massachusetts highway, followed by a bear dragging the crash victim’s body from the scene. It’s the stuff of nightmares, really. The idea that someone could survive a car crash only to be met by a bear is just unfathomable.

The fact that the bear involved was euthanized out of caution is heartbreaking. I understand the need for safety precautions, but it’s still a difficult pill to swallow. Bears are wild animals, and their instincts can sometimes lead to unfortunate outcomes.… Continue reading

Europeans care more about elephants than people, says Botswana president

I’m up to my ears in people. I rarely see an elephant. The Botswana president, Mokgweetsi Masisi, made a bold statement recently by claiming that Europeans care more about elephants than people. And to be honest, I can see where he’s coming from. In a world where animal rights activism is on the rise, it’s not uncommon to see more concern for endangered species like elephants than for the well-being of fellow humans.

Masisi’s stance on elephant hunting in Botswana, advocating for controlled ivory trading to fund conservation efforts, garnered mixed reactions. While some criticized his methods, it’s crucial to acknowledge that elephants are near extinction while human population growth shows no signs of slowing down.… Continue reading