Tag: US News

Massive grizzly bear in for a shock during next back scratch

A massive grizzly bear that claimed a Montana storage shed as its personal scratching post has apparently been persuaded to stay away.

A giant grizzly bear that claimed a Montana storage shed as its personal scratching post has apparently been persuaded to keep away.

The male grizzly bear in the top image is shown scent-marking a shed that stands nearly 6 feet tall.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks explained Tuesday that the bear had been spotted on the same private property for years. It liked to mark the shed to communicate with other bears (note the giant paw print on the door).

Generator shed now protected by electric fence. Photo: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

FWP explained via Facebook:

“This generator shed contained no food attractants and was mostly empty. Bears are often curious about wood stains/oils/varnishes/shellacs and other outdoor treatments and will readily chew and rub on these treated woods.

“Once a scent post is created, other bears traveling in the area will rub in the same spot to make their presence known to other bears.”

Since this presented a danger to humans on and near the property, state biologists and the property owner teamed to construct an electric fence around the structure.

Bear markings on generator shed. Photo: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

FWP stated: “The need for an electric fence on this structure is to prevent bears from being accustomed to and comfortable with rubbing on human structures, which can lead to them becoming more conflict-prone.

“Proactive measures, such as this one, teach bears to avoid human structures keeping people safe and reducing the need for management removal of bears.”

FWP had previously use the the image as part of a Facebook quiz that asked  followers to guess whether this was a grizzly bear or black bear. But the answer was clear in the description’s wording:

“Here is a helpful hint: Grizzly bears are generally larger than black bears and may be bigger than a small shed. Also, they can be distinguished by longer, curved claws, humped shoulders, and a face that appears to be concave.”

Poachers in Florida nabbed with gross over limits of lobster

Three fishermen were cited in Florida on Wednesday after they were caught in possession of 102 lobsters over the legal limit.

A sad reality in fishing is that some people exhibit blatant disregard for regulations designed to protect resources.

That appears to have been the case Wednesday in Florida, when officers cited three fishermen for possessing 102 lobsters over the legal limit.

The bust might not have occurred had the fishermen not been flying a dive flag while they were underway. (Dive flags should only be flown when divers are in the water.)

ALSO: Massive relief as ‘King Otis’ the brown bear is alive and well 

“On the first day of the two-day mini-season, our officers saw a commercial vessel with a dive flag flying while the boat was underway,” Florida Fish and Wildlife explained in a news release. “Stopping the vessel to speak to the operator about the incorrect use of the dive flag, they conducted a routine fisheries inspection, discovering a total of 138 lobsters!”

The fishermen were cited and the poached lobsters, which had perished, were collected as evidence in a case that remains under investigation.

The mini-season Florida Fish and Wildlife referred to was the Spiny Lobster Sport Season conducted Wednesday and Thursday.

–Image courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 

‘Cool as ice’ swimmers face down 1,000-pound hammerhead shark

A Florida videographer has captured footage showing a 14-foot great hammerhead shark approaching within feet of waders who, remarkably, seemed unfazed by the encounter.

A Florida videographer has captured footage showing a 14-foot great hammerhead shark approaching within feet of waders who, remarkably, seemed unfazed by the encounter.

Evan Parness watched on his screen as he flew his drone overhead to capture the shark’s approach “in just feet of water.” He stated via Instagram that it was “the most intense clip I’ve ever filmed.”

The men, standing waist-deep on a reef, could see a portion of the shark but clearly did not enjoy the same perspective as Parness, who could see the entire shark.

Parness estimated the weigh of the shark at 1,000 pounds.

“This video is obviously slowed down, but while this was going down in real time, it felt like it was in slow motion while I was watching it live on my screen,” he recalled, adding that the swimmers were friends visiting from Michigan.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Evan Parness (@evan_parness)

They remained as “cool as ice” as the shark veered away before making contact with the men.

“When you come down to FL on vacation, don’t rule out a massive hammerhead checking you out!” Parness joked.

ALSO: Massive sea creature startles family on Mexican beach; video

Great hammerhead sharks can measure nearly 20 feet. They sometimes patrol Florida’s coast in search of smaller sharks, stingrays, bony fishes and other prey.

They’re not considered to be especially dangerous to humans but, according to the Florida Museum, “Because of their size and unpredictable nature, they should be treated with respect.”

Parness wrote: “As this was unfolding, I didn’t know exactly what was going to happen. I was expecting the shark to turn earlier than it did, but clearly, it wanted to fully investigate the Michigan bros.

“Since this was a Great hammerhead, I knew the odds of something bad happening were slim. But at the end of the day, nature is unpredictable & anything can happen.”

Parness theorized that the hammerhead was hunting blacktip sharks.

Massive relief as ‘King Otis’ the brown bear is alive and well

Fans of the world-famous brown bears on Alaska’s Brooks River are breathing a sigh of relief as their beloved Otis is alive and seemingly well.

Fans of the world-famous brown bears on Alaska’s Brooks River are breathing a sigh of relief as their beloved Otis is alive and seemingly well.

“REJOICE!! KING OTIS HAS RETURNED!” Explore.org, which maintains live camera feeds on the river, exclaimed Wednesday after Otis appeared on camera for the first time since last fall.

Otis is an older bear and arguably the most famous brown bear on the planet, a four-time Fat Bear Week champion, known for his fishing exploits at his favorite spot, “the office” at Brooks Falls.

Because of his age – late 20s, well past normal longevity – and his tardiness this summer, fans had become concerned about his well-being.

But on Wednesday, Otis, looking a bit scraggly after what appears to have been a marathon hibernation, was spotted fishing (and catching) as though it were just another day.

ALSO: Catch of giant tarpon off Florida sparks controversy

“My kind of bear… sleeps late, keeps everyone guessing, makes a grand entrance,” reads a comment beneath a Katmai National Park – Brooks Falls Facebook post.

The Brooks River is in Katmai National Park. Brown bears arrive on the river when sockeye salmon begin running upstream in late June.

Most of the popular bruins, including reigning Fat Bear Week champion Bear 747, aka Bear Force One, have been spotted routinely during the past several weeks.

Some have new cubs, born during hibernation. Larger bears have battled over fishing rights. Bear antics have been showcased daily on camera feeds watched by thousands.

But for many, thoughts were on Otis. Was this going to be the year he did not make it back to the river? Would he be seen again?

Now Otis aficionados are already taking about his chances of claiming a fifth Fat Bear Week title.

“He looked worse two years ago and won fat bear,” one commenter correctly observed.

Stated another: “Since he’s very old, just the fact he’s back is fantastic! Give him time. He’s a zen master when fishing. Expending as little energy possible and reaping the benefits.”

Fat Bear Week, a fan-driven competition held each October, is billed as a celebration of the bears’ success in fattening up in preparation for another long, harsh winter.

Could fatal grizzly bear attack near Yellowstone have been avoided?

The woman who was killed by a grizzly bear Saturday near Yellowstone National Park was hiking alone and did not appear to have been armed with bear spray.

The woman who was killed by a grizzly bear Saturday near Yellowstone National Park was hiking alone and did not appear to have been armed with bear spray.

The incident occurred before 8 a.m. on the Buttermilk Trail west of West Yellowstone, Montana. The town is just outside Yellowstone National Park.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks confirmed in a Monday news release that the unidentified woman sustained wounds “consistent with a bear attack.”

Tracks from an adult grizzly bear and at least one cub were found nearby.

ALSO: Catch of massive tarpon off Florida sparks controversy

As of Monday morning, an emergency closure of the Buttermilk Trail near the attack site remained under an emergency closure implemented by the Custer Gallatin National Forest.

Authorities are trying to locate and capture the bear believed responsible for the attack.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks stated in the news release:

“The hiker was believed to be alone during the encounter, and no bear spray or firearms were found at the scene. The incident is still under joint investigation by FWP and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

“FWP staff express sincere condolences to the family and friends of the hiker who was killed.”

Hikers in bear country are urged to stay in groups and to keep bear spray handy.

–Grizzly bear image courtesy of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

Woman killed in apparent grizzly bear attack near Yellowstone

A woman was found deceased Saturday on a trail near the Montana town of West Yellowstone, the apparent victim of a grizzly bear attack.

A woman was found deceased Saturday on a trail near the Montana town of West Yellowstone, the apparent victim of a grizzly bear attack.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks announced Sunday that the body was discovered on the Buttermilk Trail, and that grizzly bear tracks were found nearby.

The Custer Gallatin National Forest has temporarily closed the area – about eight miles west of West Yellowstone – to recreational activities.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks said more details would be released when they become available, and that the case was under investigation.

The agency cautioned anyone entering bear country to avoid hiking alone and to keep bear spray close at hand.

West Yellowstone is just outside the West Entrance of Yellowstone National Park.

–Generic grizzly bear image courtesy of the National Park Service

Catch of massive tarpon off Florida sparks controversy

The recent catch of a giant tarpon off Pensacola Beach, Fla., has sparked criticism regarding the manner by which the fish was handled.

The recent catch of a giant tarpon off Pensacola Beach, Fla., has sparked criticism regarding the manner by which the fish was handled.

The accompanying image, provided to WEAR ABC 3 News (and shared by other outlets), shows six young men hoisting or posing with the tarpon chest high while they stood knee-deep in water.

Tarpon fishing in Florida is restricted to catch-and-release with the following exception, as stated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC):

“One tarpon tag per person per year may be purchased when in pursuit of a Florida state or world record. Vessel, transport and shipment limited to one fish.”

The FWC adds: “Tarpon over 40 inches MUST remain in the water unless in pursuit of a state or world record using a tarpon tag. Keep tarpon, especially the gills, in as much water as is safely possible.”

It was not clear if the angler who reeled in the tarpon was in possession of a tarpon tag.

ALSO: Yellowstone bison fight shows why rut should be taken seriously; video

It’s obvious, however, that the tarpon was considerably longer than 40 inches.

Florida Sportsman Magazine commented beneath the WEAR post: “WEAR should probably delete this photo. It’s promoting taking tarpon this size out of the water, which is illegal. Please don’t encourage this type of behavior.”

Sport Fishing Magazine shared the WEAR post and several comments were congratulatory. However, most followers seemed to prefer that regulations are taken seriously.

Reads one comment: “Illegal. Young guys…. Need to keep fish lower. [Instagram] moment got the best of them. Hopefully they got [it] back in water quickly.”

The image was supplied to WEAR by a reader named Mary Enfinger, but catch details were sparse.

The Florida record for tarpon is 243 pounds, for a fish caught off Key West in 1975. The world record stands at 286 pounds, 9 ounces, for a catch off Guinea-Bissau in 2003.

–Image courtesy of Mary Enfinger, via WEAR ABC 3 News

Can you spot the rarely seen Iowa critter in striking image?

Can you spot the rarely seen barn owl in a striking image shared recently by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources?

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has shared a spectacular image showing an expansive view through rock walls.

The agency instructed Facebook followers: “If you think this photo can’t get any more impressive, look a little closer.”

The image was captured by Kaleb Osier at Blackhawk Point Wildlife Management Area. Bosier’s Instagram description reads, simply: “Walk away from my jeep and then walk back.”

Photo: Kaleb Osier via IDNR

But the image also shows a seldom-seen barn owl that appears to have been spooked and is prepared to fly.

ALSO: Yellowstone bison fight shows why rut should be taken seriously; video

“Spot the barn owl?” The IDNR asks. “It’s not often you get a glimpse of this state-endangered species.”

The owl is easy to spot upon casual inspection.

Barn owl facts: Stands about 16 inches tall, heart-shaped face, does not hoot and call is a “long, hissing shriek,” often found in vacant wooden barns.

The IDNR stated in the comments that barn owls have been endangered in Iowa since 1970.

Record python nest containing 111 eggs discovered in Florida

Just after the capture of a record-breaking 19-foot Burmese python in Florida, the state announced the shocking discovery of a record-breaking nest containing 111 python eggs.

Days after the capture of a record-breaking 19-foot Burmese python in Florida, the state announced the discovery of a record-breaking nest containing 111 python eggs.

Burmese pythons are an invasive species in Florida. They’re found in and beyond the Everglades and prey on native species such as mammals, birds, other reptiles, and even small alligators.

The shocking discovery of so many eggs in one nest helps illustrate the prolific nature of a species that has few natural predators.

ALSO: Video shows Yellowstone tourist trapped in restroom by giant bison

However, Florida is combating the spread of pythons through various programs, including the Python Action Team Removing Invasive Species, or PATRIC.

Photo: Brandon Rahe

The nest with 111 eggs was discovered in the Everglades and removed by contractors as part of the PATRIC program.

The 19-foot python – the longest ever recorded in the state, replacing an 18-foot python – was captured Monday by hunters in Big Cypress National Preserve.

Burmese pythons are not protected in Florida, except by anti-cruelty laws, and can be hunted year-round without a permit or license.

The annual Florida Python Challenge, with a grand prize worth $10,000, is scheduled Aug. 4-13.

–Image courtesy of Brandon Rahe

Watch: Yellowstone tourist trapped in restroom by huge bison

Footage captured recently in Yellowstone National Park shows a man trapped in a restroom while a massive bison grazes just outside.

It’s not often that a tourist inside a Yellowstone National Park restroom becomes the center of attention. But when a massive bison takes a position just outside the restroom, that becomes inevitable.

On Tuesday, footage of such an incident was shared to a Yellowstone-themed Facebook page. It shows the man looking through a slightly open door as the bison grazes outside, and amused tourists watching from the restroom lot.

ALSO: Brooks River brown bears break out all the moves to catch salmon

“Peeps the good guy in the bathroom and the folks that just couldn’t help themselves,” the author of the Reel stated.

Click here to view the Reel and consider yourself fortunate that you were not the subject of this type of attention.