"The lives of citizens can no longer be protected without the help of the Self-Defense Forces," Governor Kenta Suzuki told Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Tuesday. Wildlife officials say the number of incidents has sharply increased as bears stray into populated areas in search of food. "Attacks to the neck and face are extremely common," Suzuki said, noting that bears are now appearing not just in mountain regions but also in urban neighborhoods. He described the situation as "abnormal" and urged immediate federal assistance.
The picturesque wedding swan can now be legally shot in California year-round, without a license. Under a bill signed into law this month by Gov. Gavin Newsom, the mute swan has been added to the list of nongame birds that can taken or possessed at any time. Assembly Bill 764, by Jeff Gonzalez, R-Coachella, takes effect Jan. 1, 2026, and expires after five years.
A crocodile discovered lying in a luxury Queensland resort's pool has been removed by wildlife rangers, with the state's environment regulator issuing new warnings about the reptiles. Two TikTok users posted footage of what appears to be a juvenile crocodile in the lagoon-style pool at the Sheraton Mirage in Port Douglas, in far north Queensland, on Saturday afternoon. I don't want to alarm anyone, but there is a crocodile in the Sheraton pool, Lisa Keller says in her TikTok video.
Compared with England, where the beaver population is estimated at 500, that's quite a feat. But there's a significant downside to the booming Dutch beaver population. Beavers are increasingly digging burrows and tunnels under roads, railways and even more worrying in dykes. For a country where a quarter of the land sits below sea level, this is not a minor problem especially as beavers are not exactly holding back when digging.
If you start flapping and shouting, you are behaving like a predator. This might trigger the wasp's attack mode. Keeping your mouth closed and avoiding heavy breathing helps minimize carbon dioxide release, which wasps use to detect predators.
"Supporters of the approach believe the cull is necessary to avert disastrous consequences for the spotted owls. But the coalition argues the effort is too expensive, unworkable and inhumane."
Oscar provides a humane solution, he doesn't harm the birds but acts as a natural deterrent. His presence alone is enough to discourage pigeons from settling in, helping to create a cleaner, safer environment for everyone using the station.
Although some residents are still enamored by the fowl - Rancho Palos Verdes resident Efran Conforty told KCAL News they are the "best neighbors" - the birds have also attracted a lot of haters.
"Feeding wildlife creates an imbalance in native ecology as animals become dependent on humans, leading to various health risks for both the animals and humans."
