‘Forever Chemicals’ Contaminate Every Continent, Endangering Wildlife Worldwide
The menace of “forever chemicals” is wreaking havok on our natural world. While the impact of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on human health is well-documented, a recent study has revealed the alarming toll these toxic compounds are taking on wildlife across the globe. Photo: PexelsPFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have profound effects on wildlife. PFAS: An Unseen Peril What are PFAS? PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic fluorinated chemicals that have been manufactured since the...
7 Dog Breeds Prone To Deafness
Deaf Dog Awareness week is always the last full week of September. Deafness in dogs is more common than you may realize, especially among certain breeds. Dr. George M. Strain, former veterinarian and researcher at the School of Veterinary Medicine at Louisiana State University, discovered, “8% of all dogs in the US are bilaterally deaf and 22% are unilaterally deaf”. Photo: Pixabay Any dog can have congenital deafness (present at birth or shortly after) but breeds with white pigmentations are at a higher risk. Multiple studies...
Nature’s Witnesses to Nuclear History: These Animals Still Carry Radiation
The echoes of humanity’s nuclear legacy resonate far and wide, leaving an indelible mark on some of the most unsuspecting creatures across the globe. From the lush Pacific waters of Enewetak Atoll to the dense forests of Bavaria, the chilling consequences of nuclear testing and disasters are surfacing in the animal kingdom. As National Geographic reports, four animals in particular—Sea Turtles of Enewetak Atoll, Wild Boars of Bavaria, Reindeer of Norway, and Macaques of Japan—carry a radioactive legacy. Photo:...
Husband and Wife Build Elaborate Catio, and Their Cats Can’t Get Enough of It
The following story was an entrant in the Tales of Summer Tails Photo and Story contest. The top three finishers received $500 in cash, as well as $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. To read more stories, click here! We have several kitties in our fur family who love the great outdoors, but we chose not to allow them to roam our neighborhood. Instead, my husband and I decided to add a “catio” to our backyard garden. PHOTO: JULIA VIGER We made short work of designing it. It has plenty of room for garden seating...
Kitten Has ‘Accident’ When She First Meets New Human, Who Takes Her Home Anyway
The following story was an entrant in the Tales of Summer Tails Photo and Story contest. The top three finishers received $500 in cash, as well as $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. To read more stories, click here! This is my special little tabby cat I named Little Shitz. You may be wondering why I named such a sweet, innocent-looking kitty that. PHOTO: ANGELA ARTHURS Well, she was brought home to me as a stray that had wandered into a tractor supply and repair shop. I couldn’t resist picking her up and holding...
Yellowstone Grizzly Bear Sprints Away From Charging Animal In Rare Footage Captured By Guide
Grizzly bears are fierce predators who rarely back down to another animal. However, there are instances when the bear’s survival instincts kick in and it realizes it is better to run than fight. Bo Welden, a guide for Jackson Hole EcoTour Adventures, witnessed a rare moment during one of his tours and captured it on video. He took to Instagram to share the amazing footage and asked, “What animal do grown grizzly bears run from?” Some of his followers guessed another grizzly bear, pack of wolves, wolverine, moose, and even...
What Causes Hearing Loss in Dogs?
The last full week of September is National Deaf Dog Awareness Week. Veterinarians shed light on the causes, challenges, benefits, and how to spot a dog experiencing hearing loss. Deaf dogs make great pets who are trainable through visual cues and some even compete in dog sports. Read on to learn what causes hearing loss and signs your dog may be experiencing it. Photo: Pixabay What Causes Deafness in Dogs? American Kennel Club shares that deafness in dogs is either inherited or acquired. “It is estimated that about 5 to 10 percent of...
USFWS Proposes Vital Protections for Imperiled Salamander Mussel
The United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) has proposed federal protections for the salamander mussel, a small freshwater bivalve facing challenges across its habitat range spanning 14 states, from New York to southwest Arkansas. While the salamander mussel may not capture headlines like other charismatic species, it plays a significant role in maintaining the health of our rivers and streams. Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Magnus HagdornThe salamander mussel is currently facing the risk of extinction. A Species in Peril The...
The Remarkable Rebound of Africa’s White Rhino Population
Africa’s iconic white rhino, facing the brink of extinction for years, is now staging a remarkable comeback. New data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reveal that the continent’s white rhino population has rebounded for the first time in a decade, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing battle to protect these majestic creatures. Photo: PexelsThe white rhino is one of the world’s largest land mammals. The Positive Numbers At the close of 2022, Africa was home to 23,290 rhinos in total,...
Dog Greets Everyone So Much, She’s Called The Neighborhood’s Norm From ‘Cheers’
The following story was an entrant in the Tales of Summer Tails Photo and Story contest. The top three finishers received $500 in cash, as well as $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. To read more stories, click here! Maya’s favorite part of summer was the sunshine and sunbathing. PHOTO: JOANN WILLIAMS Living in the northeast, we have only a few months of the warm weather, and Maya would take full advantage of every warm minute. SHARE YOUR OWN RESCUE STORY She’d lay in the sun at every opportunity. When outside,...
