The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : 2021 The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : 2021

Friday, October 29, 2021

The owner of three escaped zebras in Maryland has been charged with animal cruelty


The owner of three escaped zebras in Maryland has been charged with three counts of animal cruelty after one of the zebras was reported last week to have been discovered dead in a snare trap.

Jerry Holly, the owner of an exotic animal breeding business in Upper Marlboro, Md., about 20 miles southeast of Washington, D.C., is accused of inflicting and authorizing "unnecessary suffering or pain on a Zebra," according to court documents obtained by NPR. Holly was also charged with not providing adequate shelter or food.

To read more on this story, click here: The owner of three escaped zebras in Maryland has been charged with animal cruelty

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Woman Cuddles Large Ostrich in Incredible Viral Video


The best friendships are the ones that transcend our differences, and no pairing could illustrate this more than the closeness between one woman and her ostrich.

Posting to TikTok, Wendy Adriaens, known on the app as wendy_adriaens shared a clip of herself and one of her pet ostich's locked in an embrace.

The video begins with the Adriaens, who calls herself "The Ostrich Whisperer" standing in a muddy enclosure, holding aloft a large white blanket.

To see the video, click here: Woman Cuddles Large Ostrich in Incredible Viral Video




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Maryland couple taking care of escaped zebras starts foundation aiming to help


The zebras that escaped from an Upper Marlboro farm have evaded capture for nearly two months, but a couple tells 7News they have been caring for the large mammals.

“All of a sudden I’m in the middle of trying to save zebras. I would never in a million years think I’d be here," Theodore McKenzie stated.

McKenzie is a groundskeeper on a large, private property that backs to the zebra farm.

"We reached out to the farm owner and that didn’t really go anywhere.”

In fact, McKenzie is the person who found one of the three zebras caught in a snare trap, dead from dehydration.

To read more on this story, click here: Maryland couple taking care of escaped zebras starts foundation aiming to help


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Hansel the Pit Bull Barely Escaped Euthanasia. Now, He's Investigating Arson Cases With His Partner


The fact Hansel the pit bull is still alive is a minor miracle, but the hero dog is doing more than just living—he's working to help his local fire department save lives all while chipping away at the stereotype surrounding his breed.

Hansel was rescued from an alleged Canadian dog fighting ring when he was just 7 weeks old. He'd never fought, but he was still scheduled to be euthanized. Thankfully, a shelter in Florida took him in before he was plucked by the Throw Away Dogs Project, which trains dogs to become K-9 officers in the Philadelphia area.

To read more on this story, click here: Hansel the Pit Bull Barely Escaped Euthanasia. Now, He's Investigating Arson Cases With His Partner


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Escaped Zebra in Prince George's County found dead in illegal snare trap


UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (7News) — One of the zebras that escaped from a farm in Prince George's County was found dead Thursday in a snare trap. The Maryland Natural Resources Police responded to private property in Upper Marlboro in Prince George's County and found the deceased zebra in a snare trap near a field.

The animal is believed to be among the zebras that previously escaped from a farm in Prince George's County.

Police say it is illegal to set snare traps in Maryland. At this time, the police do not have any information on who placed the trap.

To read more on this story, click here: Escaped Zebra in Prince George's County found dead in illegal snare trap


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National Cat Day – October 29, 2021


National Cat Day is celebrated on October 29. It was created by Colleen Paige to bring awareness to the number of cats that need to be rescued each year. Cats remind us that just when you think they’ve lost interest in you, they’ll turn around and melt your hearts. When it appears they’re too busy staring out at passing cars, chasing nylon mice, and sending tiny multi-colored balls to their under-the-refrigerator graves, they’ll somehow let you know that their very world revolves around you. Just wait. It’ll happen when you least expect it. Cats have their own timetable.

To read more on this story, click here: National Cat Day – October 29, 2021


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Thursday, October 14, 2021

Narwhals inspired many a seafaring legend and their tusks were once sold as unicorn horns


With an enormous spiralled tusk protruding from their head you’re not going to mistake a male narwhal if you see one, and you won’t be surprised to learn that they’re known as the unicorns of the sea.

What doe a narwhal look like?

The most obvious thing to say is that males have a massive tusk which can grow up to 10 feet long. Most females don’t have a tusk and they look a bit like mottled grey beluga whales. Narwhals have a blotchy sausage-shaped body, a rounded head with no beak, a ridge on their backs rather than a fin and short blunt flippers with upcurled edges. They have odd-shaped tail flukes that look as though they have been put on backwards.

To read more on this story, click here: Narwhals inspired many a seafaring legend and their tusks were once sold as unicorn horns



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Farewell old friend: Mountain gorilla who became a worldwide sensation after appearing in a selfie with a ranger dies cradled in the arms of man who rescued her as an infant


Orphaned mountain gorilla Ndakasi died at the age of 14 in the arms of park ranger Andre Bauma at the Virunga National Park in eastern Congo

She was saved by Virunga park rangers when she was two-months-old after she was found clinging to her lifeless mother

Ndakasi was cared for by Bauma who held her as an infant after her mother was gunned down by armed militia

The gorilla rose to fame after she was pictured with fellow orphan Ndeze in a selfie with park ranger Mathieu Shamavu in 

To read more on this story, click here: Farewell old friend: Mountain gorilla who became a worldwide sensation after appearing in a selfie with a ranger dies cradled in the arms of man who rescued her as an infant


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Bi-partisan bill introduced to change animal testing mandates


WASHINGTON – U.S. senators Rand Paul and Cory Booker introduced the FDA Modernization Act on Thursday to end animal testing mandates.

The bill would end an outdated FDA mandate that experimental drugs must be tested on animals before they are tested on humans in clinical trials. The bill would not ban animal testing outright, but would allow the option for drug sponsors to use alternative methods.

Current mandates were passed in 1938, but since then, research has proven that animal testing is highly inconsistent at predicting toxic responses in humans. Senator Rand Paul says he believes the bill can pass both the House and the Senate without being challenged.

To read more on this story, click here: Bi-partisan bill introduced to change animal testing mandates


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Feline okay? The app that tells you if your cat's happy


July 27 (Reuters) - Cat owners who love to take pictures of their furry friends now have a new excuse to pull out their smartphones and take a snapshot: it may actually help the cat.

A Calgary, Alberta, animal health technology company, Sylvester.ai, has developed an app called Tably that uses the phone's camera to tell whether a feline is feeling pain.

The app looks at ear and head position, eye-narrowing, muzzle tension, and how whiskers change, to detect distress. A 2019 study published in peer-reviewed journal Scientific Reports found that the so-called 'feline grimace scale,' or FGS, is a valid and reliable tool for acute pain assessment in cats.

To read more on this story, click here: Feline okay? The app that tells you if your cat's happy


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Wednesday, October 6, 2021

These Are the 15 Longest Living Dog Breeds, Because You Want as Much Time as Possible with Fido


Dogs live forever, right? Right!? Unfortunately, like humans, dogs are mortals. Anyone who has lost a pet knows how heartbreaking it is to say goodbye. They are truly family members. If you’re someone who hates goodbyes or simply wants a companion for as long as possible, look into the longest-living dog breeds. On average, domesticated dogs live about ten years, but the dogs on our list have been known to live well into their teens. You’ll notice most of these pups are on the smaller side. While breed alone isn’t going to tell you how long your dog will live, it can give you a pretty good idea.

To read more on this story, click here: These Are the 15 Longest Living Dog Breeds, Because You Want as Much Time as Possible with Fido


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8 Common Bird Feeder Mistakes You Might Be Making (And How to Fix Them)


Wild birds, such as finches, robins, and cardinals, are a fascinating part of many gardens and landscapes. They're so much fun to watch, especially when you draw them to your yard with feeders so you can get a closer look. The cast of birds you'll see gathering at feeders changes with the seasons, but their lively antics will be a constant delight. Attracting wild birds is usually quite easy. There are, however, a few common mistakes that can repel, injure, or even kill birds, spoiling your well-intended efforts. Make sure to avoid the following bird-feeding pitfall so you can keep your winged visitors healthy and happy year-round.

To read more on this story, click here: 8 Common Bird Feeder Mistakes You Might Be Making (And How to Fix Them)


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Woman fed bears 180 eggs a week — and now she’ll pay for it, Canadian officials say


Every week during the summer of 2018, a woman bought 10 cases of apples, 50 pounds of carrots and dozens of eggs.

The food was for bears, Canada authorities said.

A woman from Whistler was ordered to pay $60,000 after officials said she violated the Wildlife Act in British Columbia.

In July 2018, the Conservation Officer Service, a public safety agency that focuses on human-wildlife conflict prevention, received a complaint that someone was feeding black bears in the neighborhood.

To read more on this story, click here: Woman fed bears 180 eggs a week — and now she’ll pay for it, Canadian officials say


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Monday, September 27, 2021

The Capitals have a new team dog. His name is Biscuit and he’s freaking adorable!


Popular Capitals’ team dog, Captain, officially graduated from training earlier in the year and was matched with retired U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Mark Gwathmey to be a service dog. Selfishly, that made us sad because that meant there’d be no more pups around the rink.

To read more on this story, click here: The Capitals have a new team dog. His name is Biscuit and he’s freaking adorable!


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'Goodbye kisses': Alabama animal hospital gives dogs taste of chocolate before euthanasia


(Meredith) – A bittersweet photo from an Alabama veterinary hospital has gone viral amongst animal lovers on Facebook.

The photo from Smiths Station Animal Hospital in Smiths Station, Alabama shows a jar of Hershey’s kisses with the words "goodbye kisses" labeled on the jar. The photo's caption reads, "This jar is reserved for our euthanasia appointments...because no dog should go to Heaven without tasting chocolate."

To read more on this story, click here: 'Goodbye kisses': Alabama animal hospital gives dogs taste of chocolate before euthanasia


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When Squirrels Were One of America’s Most Popular Pets



Benjamin Franklin even wrote an ode to a fallen one.

IN 1722, A PET SQUIRREL named Mungo passed away. It was a tragedy: Mungo escaped its confines and met its fate at the teeth of a dog. Benjamin Franklin, friend of the owner, immortalized the squirrel with a tribute.

“Few squirrels were better accomplished, for he had a good education, had traveled far, and seen much of the world.” Franklin wrote, adding, “Thou art fallen by the fangs of wanton, cruel Ranger!”

To read more on this story, click here: When Squirrels Were One of America’s Most Popular Pets


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Recent discoveries reveal how dogs are hardwired to understand and communicate with people - even at birth



  • Recent findings reveal that dogs are born ready to communicate with and understand people.
  • Studies show puppies can reciprocate human eye contact and follow gestures to locate food.

  • Research also suggests puppies raised with little human contact can understand gestures without training.

Dogs often seem uncannily shrewd about what we're trying to tell them.

A handful of recent studies offer surprising insights into the ways our canine companions are hardwired to communicate with people.

To read more on this story, click here: Recent discoveries reveal how dogs are hardwired to understand and communicate with people - even at birth


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Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Do Dogs and Cats Recognize their Owners? The Many Ways Pets Tell Us Apart


Dogs and cats have many cues to help them recognize us. Learn about all the different ways our pets know who we are.

When you watch your dog bounding across the dog park, or when you see your cat perched atop her scratching post, you recognize your pet by her shape, the color of her coat, and the way she moves. You may find yourself wondering, “Does my cat know me?” or, “Can my dog tell me apart from everyone else?” Our pets certainly know who we are, but they often know us in ways that humans, with our different set of senses, can only imagine: scent, sound, and subtle cues of movement and touch.

To read more on this story, click here: Do Dogs and Cats Recognize their Owners? The Many Ways Pets Tell Us Apart



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Arabian Horse: Breed Profile


The Arabian horse breed goes back thousands of years. Its striking beauty and even temperament have made it a popular breeding horse throughout the ages. Arabians have contributed their elegance, spirit, and intelligence to almost every light horse breed that exists. Many pony and warmblood breeds also count the athletic Arabian among their ancestors.

To read more on this story, click here: Arabian Horse: Breed Profile



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Monday, September 13, 2021

A Pair of Barn Owls Have Been Snapped Sharing a Kiss before Snuggling Together in the Fork of a Tree


A pair of barn owls have been snapped sharing a kiss before snuggling together in the fork of a tree. The birds stayed close to each other as they preened, 'kissed' and flew together in woodland in Lea Marston, Warwickshire.

The barn owls, who found a spot in the trees where they began showing their affections to each other, are not a mating pair but sisters. The moment was captured by Leslie Arnott. 'They are quite hard conditions in the dark woodland and the pair flew for a while before sharing their special moment.' said Leslie. 'They started rubbing heads and getting quite affectionate. Then came the moment they appeared to kiss each other.

'They 'kissed' twice. 'They certainly looked like they tried to kiss but I guess we will never know for sure. 'These owls are very affectionate towards each other and work well together however they are not a breeding pair they are actually sisters. 'They continued their tender behaviour towards one another for around three minutes but the kissing happened twice within that period. 'It was luck as much as skill to catch the split second moment and I'm very glad I did.' said photographer.

Ghostly pale and normally strictly nocturnal, Barn Owls are silent predators of the night world. Lanky, with a whitish face, chest, and belly, and buffy upperparts, this owl roosts in hidden, quiet places during the day. By night, they hunt on buoyant wingbeats in open fields and meadows. You can find them by listening for their eerie, raspy calls, quite unlike the hoots of other owls. Despite a worldwide distribution, Barn Owls are declining in parts of their range due to habitat loss.

Barn Owls swallow their prey whole—skin, bones, and all. About twice a day, they cough up pellets instead of passing all that material through their digestive tracts. The pellets make a great record of what the owls have eaten, and scientists study them to learn more about the owls and the ecosystems they live in. Up to 46 different races of the Barn Owl have been described worldwide. The North American form is the largest, weighing more than twice as much as the smallest race from the Galapagos Islands.

Barn Owl females are somewhat showier than males. She has a more reddish and more heavily spotted chest. The spots may indicate the quality of the female. Heavily spotted females get fewer parasitic flies and may be more resistant to parasites and diseases. The spots may also stimulate the male to help more at the nest. In an experiment where some females' spots were removed, their mates fed their nestlings less often than for females whose spots were left alone. The Barn Owl has excellent low-light vision, and can easily find prey at night by sight. But its ability to locate prey by sound alone is the best of any animal that has ever been tested. It can catch mice in complete darkness in the lab, or hidden by vegetation or snow out in the real world. The oldest known North American Barn Owl lived in Ohio and was at least 15 years, 5 months old.






Video: An Introduction to the Barn Owl



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Pet Food Express removes toy from shelves after East Bay couple says needle found


CONCORD, Calif. (KRON) — Pet Food Express is removing a certain brand of dog toys from their shelves after a couple in the East Bay says they found a needle in their pets brand new toy.

Isreal Saucedo says he found the needle as he was playing with his dog Oliver at their Concord home.

“I started to squeeze it to get the squeaky noise because Oliver goes crazy over it,” Saucedo said. “And then I pinch myself really hard on my fingers and I was like ‘ouch it really hurt.'”

To read more on this story, click here:  Pet Food Express removes toy from shelves after East Bay couple says needle found


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Remembering the Hero Dogs of 9/11


When the World Trade Center collapsed on September 11, 2001, nearly 10,000 emergency rescue workers joined in the efforts to help. More than 300 of those heroes were dogs.

We remember and honor the Hero Dogs of 9/11 along with the countless people who had their lives irrevocably changed by man’s best friend. From search and rescue dogs to comfort dogs to bomb detection dogs, these canines’ stories of courage and healing are a long-lasting legacy that must never be forgotten.

Always remember.

To read more on this story, click here: Remembering the Hero Dogs of 9/11


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Sunday, September 12, 2021

A group of gorillas is being treated for covid. The great apes will soon get their shots, too, zoo says.


Gorillas at Zoo Atlanta are being treated after initial tests showed they were positive for the coronavirus — and the zoo plans to vaccinate them once they recover.

A care team recently noticed telltale signs: Several members of the zoo’s western lowland gorilla population were coughing, had runny noses and showed minor changes in their appetites.

After nasal, oral and fecal samples were sent for testing, the zoo received presumptive positive results indicating that several gorillas had been infected by the virus that causes covid-19, the zoo said in a statement Friday.

To read more on this story, click here: A group of gorillas is being treated for covid. The great apes will soon get their shots, too, zoo says.


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Man Grabs Crab Before Realizing What It Really Is


Huge Discovery

His eyes grew wide as he stammered his word, “Don’t move.” He then slowly backed away from the scene unfolding before his eyes.

Mark didn’t understand what his friend was talking about, then noticed claws, and many legs. He felt his pulse quicken and his legs freeze in place.

To read more on this story, click here: Man Grabs Crab Before Realizing What It Really Is


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Maryland Zoo prepares to vaccinate animals against COVID-19


As COVID-19 cases surge nationwide, veterinarians are racing to vaccinate vulnerable animals in zoos around the country.

BALTIMORE — As the nation continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, veterinarians are looking to protect a vulnerable group that’s often overlooked: zoo animals. But just like their human counterparts, it's taking some effort to get the animals comfortable with the medicine. 

Trainers at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore are performing regular exercises with certain animals to prepare them for their future shots.

To read more on this story, click here: Maryland Zoo prepares to vaccinate animals against COVID-19


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Saturday, September 11, 2021

The benefits of owning a pet -- and the surprsing science behind it


(CNN)Snuggling next to my kitties while their furry chests softly rumble is a proven antidote to the day's stress.

For me and millions more, having a pet brings a circle of love into our lives -- they give affection, we give it back and all of us are the better for it.

Science agrees.

"I have a list of 10 health benefits [that] studies have shown pet owners have," said psychologist Harold Herzog, a pet-loving professor at Western Carolina University who has long studied the human-animal connection.

To read more on this story, click here: The benefits of owning a pet -- and the surprsing science behind it


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Dog trainer Cesar Millan’s pit bull killed Queen Latifah’s dog, tried to cover it up: lawsuit


A young gymnast’s suit claims a dog owned by famed canine trainer Cesar Millan attacked one owned by the rapper-actress.

The details of a lawsuit from a young woman named Lidia Matiss allege that a dog owned by famed canine trainer Cesar Millan previously attacked another.

The lawsuit claims that Junior, Millan’s pit bull, attacked and killed a dog owned by Queen Latifah, and Millan lied to cover it up.

To read more on this story, click here: Dog trainer Cesar Millan’s pit bull killed Queen Latifah’s dog, tried to cover it up: lawsuit


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Friday, September 10, 2021

10 Common Tabby Cat Health Problems (With Prevention Tips)


If there’s one thing any tabby cat owner wants it’s for their cat to be healthy and safe.  The reality though is that almost any cat breed or coat type can still sometimes face some health concerns. With a proper understanding of what issues a cat can face, you can take some preventative measures so they can always feel their best. Below is a list of the 10 most common tabby cat health problems along with helpful prevention tips!

To read more on this story, click here: 10 Common Tabby Cat Health Problems (With Prevention Tips)



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Selecting a pet bird


Humans have been fascinated by birds for centuries, with a variety of species kept as companion animals in cultures around the world. They can make wonderful additions to households, especially if there is limited space or family members are allergic to other animals.

What are you looking for in a bird? Your choice of bird will be affected by your preferences for appearance, personality, companionship or ability to talk.

Appearance

Pet birds come in many sizes and colors — ranging from finches with a wing span of just a few inches, to macaws whose wing span can be up to four feet. Bird feather hues range from natural greys, yellows, reds, and greens to unusual color combinations resulting from selective breeding.

To read more on this story, click here: Selecting a pet bird


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HOW TO KEEP LADYBUGS AS PETS


Ladybugs are cute little creatures that you can keep at home. It is even possible to breed them if you want. Let’s see how can you keep ladybugs as pets.

To keep ladybugs, put the adult ladybugs in a small container. You can decorate the container with some small plants, twigs, and miniature figurines or toys. Cover the container with a mesh lid or a solid lid with ventilation holes. The mesh/vent opening should be small enough so that the ladybugs do not escape. Alternatively, you can also use a commercially available DIY terrarium. Feed the ladybugs with 10% syrup solution or raisin. Feed your ladybugs with aphids or mealybug if you want to keep them healthy. The female ladybugs need to feed on aphids or other prey in order to produce viable eggs. The larvae of ladybugs also require prey as part of their diet to turn into adults.

To read more on this story, click here: HOW TO KEEP LADYBUGS AS PETS


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Grandma Adopts A Puppy For Her Grandson Who Was Saving Up To Buy One


This story speaks about a six-year-old boy called Xander Mellor, whose dream was to buy a pup. So, he’d been saving up for the past 18 months for that. The smart boy from Springfield, Illinois, would always ask his mama Natalie Ellenburg for the change to put it in his savings jar whenever she’d return home from work.

Can you imagine a kid stops buying goodies and sweets? Xander did that as he really wanted a pup! But his dream came true when his grandparents heard about his endearing struggle! So, they visited him with a big surprise!

To read more on this story, click here: Grandma Adopts A Puppy For Her Grandson Who Was Saving Up To Buy One







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Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Beautiful New Species of Jellyfish Photographed 2,300 Feet Under the Sea


 

As part of a 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition, what is called a potentially “unknown” or “undescribed” red jellyfish in the genus Poralia was captured on camera. The disk-shaped red jellyfish was found floating nearly 2,300 feet below the surface.

An “undescribed” species is the term scientists use to classify a creature that has never received a specific name in a formal scientific publication and is, therefore, previously unknown to scientists.

To read more on this story, click here: Beautiful New Species of Jellyfish Photographed 2,300 Feet Under the Sea


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Zao Fox Village, a Sanctuary in Japan Where Foxes Roam Freely


Located near the city Shiroishi in the mountains of Miyagi, Japan, the Zao Fox Village (Zao Kitsune Mura) is a paradise for fox lovers. Open since 1990, the village is a sanctuary for over a hundred animals, including six different breeds of foxes who roam freely.

After paying a small admission fee, visitors can take a tour of a bunny petting zoo, horse stables, and an enclosed area where injured and young foxes are kept for their own safety. The main attraction, however, is the large, open preserve where foxes scamper, play, eat, and sleep. Many of the foxes approach humans with curiosity, eager to be fed or petted, but visitors should be mindful that the adorable creatures are still semi-wild, and so may bite if provoked.

To read more on this story, click here: Zao Fox Village, a Sanctuary in Japan Where Foxes Roam Freely


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Maybe It’s Time to Take Animal Feelings Seriously


Dogs can read human emotions. So, it appears, can horses. Whales have regional accents. Ravens have demonstrated that they might be able to guess at the thoughts of other ravens — something scientists call “theory of mind,” which has long been considered a uniquely human ability. All of these findings have been published within the past several weeks, and taken together they suggest that many of the traits and abilities we believe are “uniquely human” are, in fact, not so unique to us.

To read more on this story, click here: Maybe It’s Time to Take Animal Feelings Seriously


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Tuesday, September 7, 2021

Zebras Run Wild in Upper Marlboro, Maryland


Chopper4 flew over a pack of zebras that were spotted running wild on Tuesday in Maryland.

To see video, click here: Zebras Run Wild in Upper Marlboro, Maryland




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How To Get Your Cat To Take A Pill


Getting your cat to take a pill can be a real pain!

Have you ever tried to stick a pill down kitty’s throat, only to have them immediately spit the pill out on the floor, right in front of your feet? When that happens, you know that you might be in for a “special time” with your cat.

In fact, most people refer to the whole process as “pilling your cat,” which has a bit of a negative connotation to it.

If you’re experiencing problems getting your cat to take their pills, don’t despair just yet. By following a few simple tips and tricks, you might make pill time a lot less traumatic for both of you.

To read more on this story, click here: How To Get Your Cat To Take A Pill



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6 Tips for Giving Your Dog Pills


A spoonful of sugar might help our medicine go down, but dogs typically pose a bit more of a challenge. While some canine companions dutifully eat their pills with dinner, most tend to need a little encouragement. These tips for giving your dog a pill will make the process more pleasant for everyone involved.

Pill Pockets

Not all medication can be given with food. But if it can, putting the pill in a pill pocket or wrapping it in a piece of cheese makes it easy to slip into your dog’s system. Keep in mind that this approach works best for dogs that wolf down treats without chewing. Dogs that chew soft treats may bite into the unpleasant-tasting medicine, making them harder to trick next time. It should be noted that dogs with food sensitivities or allergies might have issues with the ingredients in pill pockets, so consult your veterinarian if your canine companion has had problems with food in the past.

To read more on this story, click here: 6 Tips for Giving Your Dog Pills



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Monday, September 6, 2021

23 of the Funniest Finalists in the 2021 Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards


 

The Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards has announced the finalists for its 2021 contest, which honors the funniest wildlife photographs captured over the past year.

Launched in 2015 by a pair of professional photographers who wished to promote wildlife conservation through humor, the Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards received over 7,000 entries from around the world this year, and 42 of those submissions have been selected as finalists. 10% of the net revenue from this year’s awards will be donated to the charity Save Wild Orangutans.

To read more on this story, click here:  23 of the Funniest Finalists in the 2021 Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards


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What to Do If Another Dog Bites Your Dog


Whether your dog got himself into a fight or was attacked out of the blue, he will need prompt care. Learn how to check for damage, clean the wound, and assess the need for veterinary attention.

Most dogs go through their lives without ever being involved in a real fight, but others are not so lucky. Maybe there was a disagreement over a toy at the dog park, or a loose dog went after yours while out on a walk. Whether your dog was the troublemaker or an innocent victim, here’s what to do if a dog bite occurs.

To read more on this story, click here: What to Do If Another Dog Bites Your Dog


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Saturday, September 4, 2021

Beginner’s Guide to Set Up a Freshwater Aquarium


For many, fishkeeping looks like an easy enough hobby, but hear me out when I tell you that there’s more to it than meets the eyes.

If you’re serious about setting up an aquarium, you’ll find that there are many things to consider like fish compatibility, tank size, water chemistry, and tank maintenance.

In this guide to freshwater aquariums, I’ll walk you through the steps to set up your first freshwater tank.

By the end of my beginner-friendly guide, you’ll know:

To read more on this story, click here: Beginner’s Guide to Set Up a Freshwater Aquariu


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Pet Ownership Statistics by State, And So Much More (Updated 2020)


If you’re a pet owner, it should be no secret that Americans are crazy about their pets. The word on the street is that ownership has increased in recent years and people are spending more time and money on their pets than ever before. But what do the numbers say?

Here, we’ll explore where pet ownership and the pet population stand in the U.S. and how it differs across states and demographics. (If you're interested in facisinating statistical data from pet owners who are specifically interested in pet insurance, check out our free 2019-2020 report covering breeds, pre-existing conditions, pet names, and more.)

To read more on this story, click here: Pet Ownership Statistics by State, And So Much More (Updated 2020)



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Saltwater Aquarium – Setup and Tips for Beginners


Here at Reef Tank Resource, we would be remiss if we didn’t provide information about starting a new saltwater aquarium setup with marine fish only and live rock – no corals. Heresy you say? That’s no reef tank!

Not so fast buckaroo. Live rock is typically made up of coral, just not live coral. Semantics? Fair enough. But reef tanks typically start out as FOWLR (Fish Only With Live Rock) tanks prior to adding live corals. Also, a FOWLR saltwater aquarium is a great place to start as a beginner.

Additionally, it’s great for advanced reefers too. What’s nice about a FOWLR is you can keep saltwater fish in your aquarium that normally wouldn’t work with a reef tank. The rockscape can be quite attractive in and of itself.

To read more on this story, click here: Saltwater Aquarium – Setup and Tips for Beginners



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Acrobatic Spotted Skunks: Known to Experts as the "Acrobats" of Their Species


These feisty little creatures do handstands as a unique warning to potential predators before releasing the foul-smelling spray skunks are known for

There's something special about spotted skunks — and it's not their smell.

Known to experts as the "acrobats" of their species, these cute little critters utilize a unique defense mechanism to protect themselves from suspected predators: a handstand.

"When they're stressed, they bounce up onto their forelimbs and then kick out their hind limbs, puff their tail up, and they actually can walk towards the predator, like basically making them look bigger and scarier," Adam Ferguson, the Negaunee Collections Manager of Mammals at the Field Museum in Chicago, told CNN.

Once locked on to their target, the skunks typically return to their normal stature before releasing their foul-smelling spray.

Spotted skunks are more carnivorous than their cousins, seeking prey like bird eggs, lizards, snakes, and rodents. They are solid climbers as well.

A new study published Wednesday in Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution suggests that seven spotted skunk species currently roam the Earth. The most recent agreed-upon number, however, is four.

Ferguson, who authored the study, called the opportunity to "redraw" the skunk family tree "very exciting."

"Everyone thinks we know everything about mammalian carnivore systematics," said Ferguson.

In addition to skunks trapped in Mexico by Ferguson, researchers relied on specimens in museums to conduct the study. 

Fellow study author Molly McDonough, a biology professor at Chicago State University and research associate at the Field Museum, told CNN in a statement that she managed to extract DNA from museum samples from over 100 years ago.

"The study wouldn't have been possible without the museum specimens we had," Ferguson told the outlet. "The only reason we were able to get sequences from the Yucatan were museum specimens that were collected 60 or 70 years ago."

Next, researchers plan to look into spotted skunks' reproductive habits. Though they tend to breed in the fall, the mammals typically give birth in the spring.

"It just sits in suspension for a while," Ferguson said. "We want to know why some species have delayed implantation, and others don't, and figuring out how these different species of skunks evolved can help us do that."

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Morgan Freeman’s Concern About Bees Led Him to Convert His 124-Acre Ranch in Mississippi Into a Sanctuary for Wild Bees


Morgan Freeman is one of those famous people that is adored by both the young and the old. He is an actor, filmmaker, as well as director and he, is known for a lot of different roles that he played during his long Hollywood career, so it is difficult to keep track, but his newest role may prove to be his most important one.

Now, he is celebrated for his participation in helping, as well as investing to revive the bee population. According to statistics, one in three bites of food that you put into your mouth today is the result of the hard-working, yet humble honeybee. The sad thing is that bees are dying off at a rather alarming rate.

People around the world have done what they can, from planting flowers which bees like to visit, petitioning their governments to stop the use of pesticides which kill bees, and even keeping bees themselves. Morgan Freeman is no different. His concern about the bees led him to convert his 124-acre ranch in Mississippi into a sanctuary for wild bees with bee-friendly plants such as fruit trees and clover, magnolia trees and lavender, all spanning over many acres.

His effort was to help support population growth for the little pollinators. Back in 2014, he talked to Jimmy Fallon about his new hobby during an appearance on "The Tonight Show." As he took beekeeping just two weeks before the interview, the actor described how well he and his bees get along. He told Fallon that he does not even need to wear a protective beekeeper's suit or veil when tending to his precious pollinators, suggesting that he has reached a level of skill, as well as ease akin to his on-screen performances.

He explained: There is a concerted effort for bringing bees back onto the planet…We do not realize that they are the foundation, I think, of the growth of the planet, the vegetation…I have a lot of flowering things, and I have a gardener too. As she takes care of the bees too, all she does is figure out, 'OK, what would they like to have?', so we have got acres and acres of clover, and we have some planting stuff like lavender, I have got like, maybe 140 magnolia trees, big blossoms.

Freeman said that he did not start keeping bees as of the sweet tooth, but it was a direct response to the mass bee die-offs which was threatening the survival of wild bees for the past several years. The actor also recognized the chances of making a difference through personal action, so he imported 26 hives full of bees from Arkansas and started feeding them sugar water.

It is quite difficult to measure what kind of an effect the efforts of Freeman will have on the larger bee populations in North America, but his hobby is an inspiring gesture of goodwill toward those tiny living creatures which are usually taken for granted.

He said: I have not ever used the beekeeping hat with my bees. They haven't stung me yet, as right now I am not trying to harvest honey or anything, but I just feed them…I also think that they understand, 'Hey, don't bother this guy, he's got sugar water here.





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