Tag: tourism

Rare footage shows Yellowstone cougar stalking mountain goats

Extremely rare footage shows the cougar, or mountain lion, attempting to gain an edge on several goats perched on a cliff.

An ecotour company that specializes in wolf-sighting expeditions in Yellowstone National Park has shared extremely rare footage showing a cougar stalking mountain goats on a snowy slope.

“Look carefully above the mountain goats to see a cougar stalking them along the mountainside,” Yellowstone Wolf Tracker stated Thursday via Instagram. “Our Winter Wolf Watch was lucky enough to get a rare glimpse of this big cat at work but the mountain goats survived in the end by perching on a tall and narrow cliff, leaving no room for the cougar to attack.”

The accompanying footage is grainy but viewers can see the goats holding positions as the cougar, or mountain lion, ranges back and forth before exiting the frame.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DE50LfgRzcS/

Cougar sightings are rare in Yellowstone, with an estimated population of only 34 to 42 animals residing in the park’s vast northern range. The stealthy cats prefer rugged terrain and prey primarily on mule deer and elk, plus smaller mammals, notably marmots.

Mountain goats reside in the park but are not native to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

Watch: Angry tiger reacts to ‘intrusive’ tourists in safari vehicle

Footage from India shows the agitated tiger charging an open-topped jeep full of tourists, including at least one child.

Wild animals exhibit remarkable restraint when tourists in vehicles violate their space. But occasionally, they lash out.

Video footage shared Sunday by a member of the Indian Forest Service shows an agitated tiger aggressively charging an open-topped vehicle before responding to loud sounds made by a guide and retreating into the forest.

(Click here to view the footage.)

“Sometimes, our ‘too much’ eagerness for ‘Tiger sighting’ is nothing but intrusion in their life,” Surender Mehra bemoaned via X.

Viewers might note that, with the vehicle just yards from the tiger, at least one infant can be heard in the audio.

The post brings to question the issue of responsible tourism, as in, how close is too close for the safety of wildlife and tourists? (In most regions of the world, any action that glaringly alters the behavior of a wild animal might be considered harassment.)

Reads one of the top comments: “But why [do] the visitors have to risk their life in an open jeep? One leap by the tiger can cause heart attacks to some of them sitting in the jeep. The thrill will vanish in a second.”

The top comment is from a follower who seemed to imply that had the tourists remained silent during the encounter, the tiger might not have felt compelled to lash out:

“Worst is the constant jabbering by tourists – they just won’t keep quiet!”

Watch: Elephant becomes ‘drama queen’ when surprised by rhino

Footage from South Africa shows an elephant’s comical reaction after finding itself face to face with a much smaller rhinoceros.

Clearly, elephants do not appreciate surprise encounters involving other large animals. But do they have to be so dramatic?

The accompanying footage, shared Wednesday by South Africa’s MalaMala Game Reserve, shows an elephant reacting loudly and frightfully after coming face to face with a rhinoceros.

“An elephant being a bit of a drama queen,” MalaMala joked via X.

On Instagram, MalaMala pointed out that the bluff-charging rhino is brave despite missing a weapon with which it was born.

“No horn, no problem,” reads the description. (Rhino horns, which are sought by poachers, are sometimes removed in the wild to keep the animals safe.)

The footage was captured by David den Hartog, a ranger who might be among those heard chuckling while witnessing the amusing scene.

Watch: Tiger, bear square off in tense jungle encounter

Footage shows the tiger following the sloth bear, which at one point turns and charges the tiger.

Last month we shared rare footage showing a tiger chasing a sloth bear through an Indian jungle.

Tigers sometimes prey on sloth bears, but predation attempts are rarely witnessed.

The footage, credited to Siddharth Singh, was posted to X by Ramesh Pandey of the Indian Forest Service, who remarked: “Jungles never cease to amaze us.”

On Wednesday, Pandey shared the accompanying footage (also captured by Singh) showing a tiger and sloth bear squaring off on a remote path in a lowland jungle, as tourists in vehicles watched from opposite  locations.

This time, the tiger is wary and simply follows the bear, which at one point charges the tiger. The outcome of their encounter is unclear.

Although tigers occasionally prey on sloth bears, the two species typically thrive together in shared protected habitat, according to Wildlife SOS.

This luxury seaside resort is reimagining the eco-lodge experience

Unwind on the coast.

This summer, big changes are coming to one of Marina, California’s top seaside destinations. The Sanctuary Beach Resort enjoys an enviable location on Monterey Bay between Carmel Valley and the Marina Dunes Preserve. Surrounded by stunning scenery, this hotel takes pride in its connection to the California coast. In June 2024, The Sanctuary Beach Resort will take its love for local landscapes to the next level by launching 60 thoughtfully reimagined rooms and suites. Here are a few of the Earth-friendly features you can look forward to at this luxurious eco-lodge.

“The Sanctuary Beach Resort provides more than just an uninterrupted seaside escape. It’s an invitation to reconnect with yourself, others and nature,” the resort explains on its website.

Aerial view of an eco-lodge hotel on the coast at sunset.
Photo courtesy of The Sanctuary Beach Resort

The Sanctuary Beach Resort’s eco-lodge offerings

The resort enlisted interior design and architecture firm FAROUKI FAROUKI to incorporate locally-made artwork and wellness-focused elements into the soon-to-be-unveiled rooms and suites. But these changes represent just one part of The Sanctuary Beach Resort’s connection to nature, sustainability, and wellness.

The interior of an eco-lodge lobby with white walls and wood features.
Photo courtesy of The Sanctuary Beach Resort

Earth-conscious efforts throughout the resort (and its restaurant Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette) are what make this destination so appealing to adventurers seeking an eco-lodge experience. Protected areas across the property help preserve local flora. Gardens incorporate native and drought-resistant plants. The beachfront cottages even provide visitors with organic, vegan-friendly bath products from Grown Alchemist.

A beach cottage patio overlooking a sandy coast.
Photo courtesy of The Sanctuary Beach Resort

According to a recent press release, “With close proximity to such ecological wealth, The Sanctuary is committed to prioritizing eco-conscious practices and urging guests to appreciate the dunes through guided walking explorations and protective areas with educational signage to deepen visitors’ understanding and appreciation for this unique ecosystem.”

A sandy path by beach cottages at The Sanctuary Beach Resort on Monterey Bay.
Photo courtesy of The Sanctuary Beach Resort

Travelers curious to explore The Sanctuary’s nature-focused programs can enjoy everything from beach yoga and guided nature walks to Coastal Jazz Nights. Guests who want to upgrade their seaside relaxation can also check out the resort’s spa for holistic wellness treatments. Discover more about the hotel, its programs, and its green initiatives here.

A massage table in a spa at The Sanctuary Beach Resort on Monterey Bay.
Photo courtesy of The Sanctuary Beach Resort

Surreal footage shows tiger chasing bear through forest

“Jungles never cease to amaze us,” an Indian Forest Service officer stated after sharing footage of the pursuit in a tiger reserve.

Tigers sometimes prey on sloth bears in India, but predation attempts are rarely witnessed.

The accompanying footage, captured in the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, shows a sloth bear fleeing for its life as tourists watch from a safari vehicle, anticipating what might happen next.

Nearly 15 seconds after the bear passes, in a grainy scene captured from another vehicle, the tiger is shown bounding across the road in hot pursuit.

“Jungles never cease to amaze us,” Ramesh Pandey of the Indian Forest Service exclaimed Wednesday via X, crediting Siddharth Singh for the footage.

Although tigers occasionally prey on sloth bears, the two species can thrive together in shared protected habitat, according to Wildlife SOS.

Sloth bears can weigh nearly 300 pounds. Their diet consists mostly of termites, ants, carrion, fruits and plants, and small mammals.

As viewers can see, they’re not at all sloth-like in their movements, especially when they fall under attack.

Watch: Lions swim across flooded river as though it’s no big deal

Richard Generally, a tour guide and photographer, captured the remarkable scene on the Rongai River in Kenya.

A safari guide based in Kenya has shared footage showing two male lions crossing a flooded river and emerging on the opposite bank as though it was just a casual swim. (Footage posted below.)

“Three Sankai boys crossing the flooded Rongai River this morning,” Richard Generally, referring to the Sankai Pride, described Tuesday via Instagram.

Lion Lovers shared the footage hours later and cautioned, “Be quick guys, watch out for crocodiles.”

The footage begins with three lions pondering the crossing and two of the three entering the water and being carried swiftly downstream. The two are then shown on the opposite shore, looking back across the river.

Generally assured in the Instagram comments section that the third lion also made it safely across.

The footage was captured in the Maasai Mara National Reserve in southwestern Kenya.

–Image and video courtesy of Richard Generally

Yellowstone wolf killed by trapper fondly remembered by researcher

“I think one of the main reasons I was so drawn to her was because I could see myself in her and she always made me smile,” Taylor Rabe wrote as part of her tribute.

A researcher who studies wolves in Yellowstone National Park on Sunday posted a video tribute to one of her favorite wolves a year after the animal was killed outside of the park by a trapper.

The female wolf was cataloged by park researchers as 1229F.

Taylor Rabe of the Yellowstone Wolf Project expressed her feelings via Instagram:

“Yesterday was one whole year without 1229F running around the park causing trouble – my favorite girl. She was spunky, charismatic, and moved to the beat of her own drum. She was always playing with the puppies and prancing around all over Lamar Valley.

“I grew very fond of her over the years, and loved trying to pick her out of the pack (though it wasn’t very hard). She was so unique, and I will cherish the moments I had with her.”

Yellowstone has lost several wolves that ventured outside the park during recent hunting and trapping seasons.

Rabe’s tribute comes nearly three weeks after the end of the most recent season in Wolf Management Unit 313, immediately north of the park in Montana, because an established quota of six wolves had been reached.

A park spokeswoman confirmed to FTW Outdoors that all six wolves “belonged to packs that spend the majority of their lives inside Yellowstone National Park and have territories largely within the park.”

One was a male collared research wolf from the Mollie’s Pack.

Rabe’s tribute to wolf 1229F continued:

“She helped me fall in love with wolves and wolf watching. I think one of the main reasons I was so drawn to her was because I could see myself in her and she always, always made me smile. That’s the beauty of watching wolves in Yellowstone – you can’t help but fall in love with them and following along with their stories, no matter how they may end.

“Unfortunately, she was trapped and shot last winter, and man do I miss seeing her every day in the field. Her absence is truly felt – but she made my time here so fun. Thanks for the memories girl, may I think of you always.”

–Image courtesy of Taylor Rabe

Watch: Crocodile ‘displays’ massive catfish for safari guests

A safari company in South Africa has shared footage showing a Nile crocodile seemingly showing off its super-impressive catch of the day.

A safari company in South Africa has shared footage showing a Nile crocodile maneuvering out of water carrying an enormous fish. (Footage posted below.)

“A young Nile Crocodile surprised us by proudly displaying a massive catfish it had just caught,” Dulini Lodge explained via Instagram. “Fish constitute the primary part of any crocodile’s diet, and are especially vital as younger crocodiles grow and develop over the years.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dulini (@dulinilodge)

As viewers can see, the catfish appears motionless with wounds on its body before the crocodile slinks back into the water with its meal.

Nile crocodiles are apex predators in Africa and, besides fish, the ambush specialists prey on other reptiles, mammals, and birds.

They’re also implicated in the deaths of hundreds of humans annually.

Nile crocodiles, found in 26 African countries, measure to nearly 17 feet and can weigh more than 1,500 pounds.

Dulini Lodge is a luxury safari complex within Sabi Sands Game Reserve, adjacent to Kruger National Park.

Footage showing safari tourists crowding tiger sparks outrage

Footage shows Indian safari vehicles crowding around the tiger in actions that appear to violate tourism and safety standards.

Video footage showing tourists crowding a tiger as the animal attempted to navigate a forest road in India has sparked outrage on social media.

The accompanying footage, shared this week by Parvenu Kaswan of the Indian Forest Service, shows tourists in safari vehicles shouting in excitement while surrounding the tiger and causing the animal to become wary.

“What [the] tiger must be thinking?” Kaswan stated via X.

The vehicle operators’ actions, which appear to violate tourism and safety standards, inspired several viewers to express their displeasure.

“Such horrible tourism,” one follower wrote.

“How can this be ever permitted?” another asked. “This is absolutely preposterous. Tigers are not for entertainment and they don’t exist to promote tourism. What is being done to stop this?”

NDTV in India reported that the tourists were “making an uneasy situation for the tiger” and described their behavior as “disturbing.”

Wild animals are supposed to be observed from a distance that’s safe for the animals and tourists. Actions that alter a wild animal’s behavior, such as those shown in the video, could be deemed harassment.