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CT's Beardsley Zoo Confirms Avian Flu Case, Euthanizes Birds to Prevent Spread CT's Beardsley Zoo Confirms Avian Flu Case, Euthanizes Birds to Prevent Spread
CT's Beardsley Zoo Confirms Avian Flu Case, Euthanizes Birds to Prevent Spread A deadly strain of avian flu has been detected at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, forcing officials to euthanize birds and shut down exhibits in an effort to stop the spread. The virus, known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, was confirmed in a deceased Cotton Patch goose found on zoo grounds. In response, the zoo has ramped up safety measures to protect animals, staff, and visitors, working with state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, officials said.  Related: Avian Flu Found In Connecticut Backyard Flock Ou…

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by Josh Lanier
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First US Human Death From Bird Flu Reported First US Human Death From Bird Flu Reported
First US Human Death From Bird Flu Reported Authorities have confirmed the first human death in the United States caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or H5N1.  The announcement was made by the Louisiana Department of Health on Monday, Jan. 6.  Earlier Report: First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US The patient, a man over 65 with underlying health conditions, was hospitalized before succumbing to the illness after exposure to a non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds. The Louisiana Department of Health said it has conducted a public health investigation and found no additional cases or …

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by Joe Lombardi
Lifestyle
Melissa Joan Hart Shares Touching Connection To Late 'Cassius The Crocodile' Melissa Joan Hart Shares Touching Connection To Late 'Cassius The Crocodile'
Melissa Joan Hart Shares Touching Connection To Late 'Cassius The Crocodile' New York native Melissa Joan Hart revealed a special connection to the late Cassius the Crocodile. The saltwater croc, who measured 18 feet long and weighed nearly 2,870 pounds, died Saturday, Nov. 2, at an estimated age of 120, Marineland Melanesia in Australia announced on Facebook. Cassius received the Guinness World Record as the largest living captive crocodile in 2011. Marineland Melanesia said he was “very old and believed to be living beyond the years of a wild croc.” “It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our beloved mate Cassius,” the organization said. “He was mor…

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by Michael Mashburn
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Euthanasia Of 'Peanut The Squirrel' Sparks Viral Outrage; Lawmaker Demands Investigation Euthanasia Of 'Peanut The Squirrel' Sparks Viral Outrage; Lawmaker Demands Investigation
Euthanasia Of 'Peanut The Squirrel' Sparks Viral Outrage; Lawmaker Demands Investigation Outrage is swirling after New York wildlife officials seized and later euthanized beloved social media sensation “Peanut” the squirrel. Chemung County resident Mark Longo, of Elmira, took to Instagram Wednesday, Oct 30, telling his 581,000 followers that Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officers had seized the animal, which he rescued in 2017 after its mother was struck by a car. “Well internet, you WON. You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness,” he wrote. “To the people who called (DEC), there’s a special place in hell for you.” In a…

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by Michael Mashburn
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Did You Lose A Giant Snake At CT Landmark? Police Want A Word Did You Lose A Giant Snake At CT Landmark? Police Want A Word
Did You Lose A Giant Snake At CT Landmark? Police Want A Word Police in Connecticut are asking for the public's help to track down the people who left a ball python at a reservoir in Hartford County.  Video from the Nepaug Reservoir off Route 202 in Canton showed several people dumping the snake and running away just before 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13, Burlington and Canton Animal Control said in a Facebook post. There are several popular hiking and biking trails near the reservoir.  The snake was listed as "young," but was still much too large for this reporter's liking.  Police took the python into custody and are keeping it…

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by Josh Lanier
Lifestyle
New Lobster Tales: 2 More Rare Orange Crustaceans Found At NY Businesses New Lobster Tales: 2 More Rare Orange Crustaceans Found At NY Businesses
New Lobster Tales: 2 More Rare Orange Crustaceans Found At NY Businesses As families gathered over Labor Day weekend, these lucky crustaceans enjoyed a reunion of their own. Days after an ultra rare orange lobster was saved from a New York Stop & Shop, two of her siblings were rescued from businesses on Long Island. “Meet Tangerine and Navel, Clementine's sisters who were rescued and released this Labor Day following an influx of calls about orange lobsters turning up at the East Setauket Stop & Shop and Northport Fish & Lobster!” Humane Long Island announced on Facebook Tuesday, Sept. 3. Earlier Report: Ultra Rare Orange Lobster Rescued From…

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by Michael Mashburn
Lifestyle
400-Pound Turtle 'Phinney' Rescued On Cape Cod After Getting Tangled In Fishing Gear 400-Pound Turtle 'Phinney' Rescued On Cape Cod After Getting Tangled In Fishing Gear
400-Pound Turtle 'Phinney' Rescued On Cape Cod After Getting Tangled In Fishing Gear A nearly 400-pound, six-foot-long leatherback turtle nicknamed Phinney is back at sea following a harrowing ordeal with some fishing ropes on Cape Cod last week.  New England Aquarium Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life scientists and members of the Aquarium's Animal Health team and Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation team rescued the turtle on Thursday, July 18.  “The turtle had a rope entanglement around the shoulder region of its right front flipper, but fortunately it was detected quickly and the gear was still loose with minimal damage to the flipper,” said Dr. Melissa Jobl…

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by Josh Lanier
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Adult Male Bear Shot, Killed By CT Business Owner In Self-Defense Adult Male Bear Shot, Killed By CT Business Owner In Self-Defense
Adult Male Bear Shot, Killed By CT Business Owner In Self-Defense A Connecticut business owner who was cleaning up trash from around a garbage dumpster shot and killed a bear that approached him. The incident occurred in Hartford County early Monday, June 3, in Canton. Paul Copleman, spokesman for the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, said the bear, an adult male, had gotten into the "unsecured" dumpster. The business owner, who was not named, was cleaning up the mess when the bear returned.  Copleman said wildlife personnel and EnConn police responded to the scene.  He did not release details regarding the shootin…

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by Kathy Reakes