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Wildlife Conservation

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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
News
Wolf-Dog Captured In PA Using Soccer Net Taken To Jackson Sanctuary Wolf-Dog Captured In PA Using Soccer Net Taken To Jackson Sanctuary
Wolf-Dog Captured In PA Using Soccer Net Taken To Jackson Sanctuary A wolf-dog roaming in Pennsylvania was captured after a coordinated effort involving local authorities and animal recovery experts on Thanksgiving morning and taken to New Jersey. A high-content wolf-dog (estimated to be 80-90% wolf), caused a stir in Lower Bucks County as it wandered through Bristol Borough, Pennsylvania, around Thanksgiving. Named “Bristol” after the location where it was found, the hybrid animal—a cross between a domestic dog and a gray wolf—was safely captured and transported to a New Jersey wolfdog sanctuary. The borough’s animal control officer and the Pennsylvania Ga…

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by Jillian Pikora
News
Whale In 'Extremely Poor' Health Euthanized On NJ Beach, Marine Biologists Say (UPDATE) Whale In 'Extremely Poor' Health Euthanized On NJ Beach, Marine Biologists Say (UPDATE)
Whale In 'Extremely Poor' Health Euthanized On NJ Beach, Marine Biologists Say (Update) A minke whale that stranded itself on a Cape May Point beach needed to be euthanized, marine biologists said. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) said the animal was unlikely to survive, according to a Facebook update posted on Wednesday, Dec. 4. The whale was discovered on Sunset Beach in Lower Township at around 2:10 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3. The whale was first believed to be dead when it washed ashore. First responders discovered the whale was alive but stranded on dry sand as the tide receded. An MMSC team with a veterinarian soon arrived at the scene and iden…

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by Chris Spiker
News
Dolphin Found Butchered On Jersey Shore Beach, Marine Biologists Investigating Dolphin Found Butchered On Jersey Shore Beach, Marine Biologists Investigating
Dolphin Found Butchered On Jersey Shore Beach, Marine Biologists Investigating Authorities were investigating after a dolphin that appeared to be butchered washed up on a beach in Allenhurst, marine biologists said. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center said the common dolphin's body was discovered on the beach at Allen Avenue on Wednesday, Oct. 30. "The animal’s flesh had been completely removed with clean cuts from a sharp instrument, leaving only the head, dorsal fin, and flukes," MMSC said in a Facebook post. "The animal’s organs, except for the heart and lungs, had been removed." MMSC received a report that a dolphin was seen struggling in the surf about a blo…

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by Chris Spiker
News
Euthanasia Of NY's 'Peanut The Squirrel' Sparks Viral Outrage; Lawmaker Demands Investigation Euthanasia Of NY's 'Peanut The Squirrel' Sparks Viral Outrage; Lawmaker Demands Investigation
Euthanasia Of NY's '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
News
Dead Whale That Washed Ashore In Lavallette Had Infectious Disease, Necropsy Says Dead Whale That Washed Ashore In Lavallette Had Infectious Disease, Necropsy Says
Dead Whale That Washed Ashore In Lavallette Had Infectious Disease, Necropsy Says Two whales found dead along the Jersey Shore suffered from infectious diseases, marine biologists said. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) posted on Facebook to release the necropsy findings for the 17-and-a-half-foot minke whale discovered in Lavallette on Friday, Oct. 4. The animal's body was found near Trenton Avenue at around 6:30 a.m. The male was considered thin and had no food in its digestive tract. "Evidence of inflammation in multiple organs consistent with infectious disease was documented," MMSC posted. "Biological samples were col…

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by Chris Spiker
News
Dead Whale Found In Lavallette, Second Spotted Off Sandy Hook Coast: Marine Biologists Dead Whale Found In Lavallette, Second Spotted Off Sandy Hook Coast: Marine Biologists
Dead Whale Found In Lavallette, Second Spotted Off Sandy Hook Coast: Marine Biologists Two whales were found dead along the Jersey Shore about 24 hours apart, officials said. A dead minke whale was found off the coast of Sandy Hook in the Raritan and Lower bays on Thursday, Oct. 3, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) said in a news release. The whale was estimated to be between 16 and 18 feet long. The Coast Guard first notified the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS) and MMSC about the whale. Officers from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation found the animal, took pictures, and attached a tracking tag to it. New Je…

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by Chris Spiker
News
Chunk Of Flesh Ripped From Head Of 350-Pound Dead Dolphin By Shark In NJ, Officials Say Chunk Of Flesh Ripped From Head Of 350-Pound Dead Dolphin By Shark In NJ, Officials Say
Chunk Of Flesh Ripped From Head Of 350-Pound Dead Dolphin By Shark In NJ, Officials Say A 350-pound bottlenose dolphin was found entangled in a net floating close to the New Jersey shoreline this week, officials said. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center said that a shark had ripped a chunk of flesh from the 7.6-foot, 350-pound dolphin's head after it had died. On Thursday August 29th the Marine Mammal Stranding Center responded to a report of a deceased dolphin entangled in a... Posted by Marine Mammal Stranding Center on Friday, August 30, 2024 The MMSC responded to reports of the dead dolphin entangled in a net floating close to shore in Long Branch on Thursday,…

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by Cecilia Levine
Police & Fire
Intruder Breaks Into Tiger Enclosure, Nearly Gets Bitten At South Jersey Zoo (VIDEO) Intruder Breaks Into Tiger Enclosure, Nearly Gets Bitten At South Jersey Zoo (VIDEO)
Intruder Breaks Into Tiger Enclosure, Nearly Gets Bitten At South Jersey Zoo (Video) Police in South Jersey are seeking the public's help in identifying and locating a woman who hopped the fence at a local zoo to interact with a tiger. Video shared by Bridgeton police on Tuesday, Aug. 20 shows the incident from the tiger exhibit at the Cohanzick Zoo. Officers didn't say when the incident happened. The 16-second clip shows the female putting her hand through wire fencing and trying to pet the tiger. The big cat then appears to try biting the female's hand and starts frantically pacing. The female then backs away from the wiring and climbs back over the wooden fence on the o…

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by Chris Spiker
News
Beloved Lion With 'Majestic Roar' Dies After 10 Years At South Jersey Animal Refuge Beloved Lion With 'Majestic Roar' Dies After 10 Years At South Jersey Animal Refuge
Beloved Lion With 'Majestic Roar' Dies After 10 Years At South Jersey Animal Refuge A beloved lion has died after spending a decade in the care of an Ocean County animal refuge. Simba died "after a very long and full life" at Popcorn Park Animal Refuge, the Lacey Township sanctuary announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday, Apr. 30. He was brought to the park with three other big cats in 2014. Popcorn Park said Simba was among several animals that needed care after their owner in Alabama became sick and could no longer help them. "Simba was very personable and when we'd walk by he'd always get up to greet us," Popcorn Park executive director John Bergmann said in a sta…

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by Chris Spiker
News
Blind 'One-Of-A-Kind' Kangaroo At Popcorn Park Animal Refuge Dies Blind 'One-Of-A-Kind' Kangaroo At Popcorn Park Animal Refuge Dies
Blind 'One-Of-a-kind' Kangaroo At Popcorn Park Animal Refuge Dies A blind kangaroo who was beloved at an Ocean County animal refuge has died, officials said. The red kangaroo named Winnie died after receiving care for "a myriad of health issues" at Popcorn Park Animal Refuge, the park said in a Facebook post on Wednesday, Apr. 18. Winnie arrived at the Lacey Township sanctuary in June 2022. Popcorn Park caretakers gave Winnie daily medicine and special veterinary visits so she could have "a peaceful, loving home." "However, throughout the past few weeks, her health began to decline, and unfortunately she was not responding to any medications or…

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by Chris Spiker
News
Humpback Whale Found Along Jersey Shore Died From Blunt Force Trauma, Autopsy Shows Humpback Whale Found Along Jersey Shore Died From Blunt Force Trauma, Autopsy Shows
Humpback Whale Found Along Jersey Shore Died From Blunt Force Trauma, Autopsy Shows The first whale found dead along the Jersey Shore in 2024 was killed by blunt force trauma, according to a marine animal rehabilitation center. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) released the humpback whale's autopsy findings in a Facebook post on Friday, Apr. 12. The whale was found in the surf near 51st Street in Long Beach at around 6:45 a.m. on Thursday, Apr. 11. MMSC said the whale was a one-year-old male that was 24 feet 10 inches long. The initial findings showed the whale's head had bruises, several skull fractures, and a hematoma. The autopsy also showed the whale suf…

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by Chris Spiker
News
'Majestic And Beautiful' Tiger At South Jersey Animal Refuge Dies 'Majestic And Beautiful' Tiger At South Jersey Animal Refuge Dies
'Majestic And Beautiful' Tiger At South Jersey Animal Refuge Dies A beloved tiger has died after spending eight years at an Ocean County animal sanctuary, officials said. Eli the tiger died after his health declined in recent weeks, Popcorn Park Animal Refuge announced in a Facebook post on Wednesday, Mar. 6. The tiger experienced "discomfort and decreased mobility" despite the efforts of the veterinarians at the Lacey Township sanctuary. Eli and his sister Jess arrived at Popcorn Park in December 2016. "After exhausting all options and considering his quality of life, we made the difficult decision to say goodbye," Popcorn Park's post said. "His days we…

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by Chris Spiker
News
NJ Waging War Against Spotted Lanternflies — With Cash NJ Waging War Against Spotted Lanternflies — With Cash
NJ Spotted Lanternfly Grant Communities across New Jersey can get help from the state to squash the invasive spotted lanternfly. The state's agriculture department says counties can apply for up to $50,000 to battle spotted lanternflies from 2024 to 2026. Municipalities can receive up to $20,000. Counties and municipalities can be paid back for chemical treatment activities to kill the invasive insects. Spotted lanternflies don't harm humans or animals but can hurt about 70 types of trees and plants. The agriculture department says many local governments took advantage of this grant program in 2023. “The expand…

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by Chris Spiker
News
‘This Is Our Legacy:’ 1,150-Acre Nature Preserve Debuts In New Jersey ‘This Is Our Legacy:’ 1,150-Acre Nature Preserve Debuts In New Jersey
‘This Is Our Legacy:’ 1,150-Acre Nature Preserve Debuts In New Jersey Rainbow Hill, a pristine nature preserve featuring an 8-acre lake, hiking trails, and farm fields nestled between Hunterdon and Somerset County, is officially open to the public. The New Jersey Conservation Foundation (NJ Conservation) held the grand opening for Rainbow Hill at Sourland Mountain Preserve — located just 30 miles east of Bucks County, PA — on Friday, Nov. 3. The site spans 1,150 acres and includes woodlands, fields, and several freshwater tributaries of the Neshanic River. Meanwhile, there are plenty of opportunities for passive recreational activities like hiking, horseback…

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by Valerie Musson
News
Why Drones Are Putting Robots On Power Lines Across South Jersey Why Drones Are Putting Robots On Power Lines Across South Jersey
Why Drones Are Putting Robots On Power Lines Across South Jersey Have you wondered what those tiny UFOs are doing along South Jersey power lines? "Bird mitigation." In other words, setting up a system for scaring off birds that would otherwise be killed striking into or landing on the lines. The drones place tiny robotic devices on the lines. In the past, utility workers used to dangerously dangle from helicopters to accomplish the same tasks, according to the Wetlands Institute.  The "bird diverters" were most recently placed along the north side of Stone Harbor Boulevard, according to the Institute. In addition to sparing the birds from electroc…

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by Jon Craig
News
NJ Closes These Wildlife Areas To Block Partiers, ATVs, Illegal Swimmers: Report NJ Closes These Wildlife Areas To Block Partiers, ATVs, Illegal Swimmers: Report
NJ Closes These Wildlife Areas To Block Partiers, ATVs, Illegal Swimmers: Report Six New Jersey wildlife areas are being closed to the public for the summer to limit illegal behavior, NJ Advance Media reports. They have become problem areas for partying, all-terrain vehicles and illegal swimming, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation. The following state-owned land will be off-limits beginning Wednesday through Labor Day: Cedar Lake Wildlife Management Area in Monroe Township, Gloucester County; Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area (Two spots: Parker's Pit and Clay Holes, both in Ocean County);  Manantico Ponds Wildlife Management A…

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by Jon Craig
News
Boaters Urged To Avoid Portion Of NJ River Where Humpback Whale Spotted Swimming Boaters Urged To Avoid Portion Of NJ River Where Humpback Whale Spotted Swimming
Boaters Urged To Avoid Portion Of NJ River Where Humpback Whale Spotted Swimming Boaters are urged to avoid a portion of the Shrewsbury River where a humpback whale was spotted Friday morning. New Jersey State Troopers from the Marine Services Bureau responded to the Route 36 bridge over the Shrewsbury River for the report of the whale around 9:25 a.m., police said. Additional NJSP officials arrived to assess the whale's condition. "Preliminarily, the whale appears to be healthy and feeding," state police said. "We understand it may be tempting to get close for a better look or picture, but at this time, we are advising boaters to avoid the area." Additional boat…

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by Cecilia Levine