https://www.sott.net/topic/4-Animals Signs of the Times: The World for People who Think. Featuring independent, unbiased, alternative news and commentary on world events. en-us Original content Copyright 2026 by Signs of the Times/Sott.net. For other content, see our Fair Use Policy at www.sott.net. Tue, 09 Jun 2026 16:09:00 +0000 https://www.sott.net/images/sottlogo_rss.jpg SOTT.net https://www.sott.net https://www.sott.net/article/506768-Teenager-attacked-by-3-coyotes-in-Orleans-Ontario The City of Ottawa is investigating after a teenager was attacked by several coyotes at Lalande Conservation Park in Orléans this week. The mother of a 14-year-old boy says her son was attacked by three coyotes in the park. CTV News Ottawa has agreed not to share her identity over privacy concerns. She says her son was biking home through the park at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Thursday when a coyote started charging at him without provocation. Two more then came from the side. "One of them was clamped to his shoe and then the other one got to his leg," she said. "There was three of them, one was pretty big. He said it pretty much at his waist, and the other one a little bit smaller, and the other one a little bit smaller than that." https://www.sott.net/article/506768-Teenager-attacked-by-3-coyotes-in-Orleans-Ontario Mon, 08 Jun 2026 14:47:38 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506767-Eight-dogs-euthanised-after-woman-mauled-to-death-in-Klerksdorp-South-Africa The SPCA has euthanised eight dogs after an unidentified woman was allegedly mauled to death by dogs in Klerksdorp, North West, in the early hours of Friday morning. The South African Police Service (Saps) has registered an inquest docket and is investigating the gruesome death of a woman believed to be in her 30s. Unidentified woman mauled to death North West police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the incident, which occurred on Magaretha Prinsloo Street, was reported on 5 June at around 5:45am. "It is alleged that the body of the deceased was discovered by a man from a nearby residence while on his way to work," Myburgh said. The man immediately reported the matter to the police, and Emergency and Medical Rescue Services declared the woman dead at the scene. https://www.sott.net/article/506767-Eight-dogs-euthanised-after-woman-mauled-to-death-in-Klerksdorp-South-Africa Mon, 08 Jun 2026 14:37:58 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506748-Infant-dies-after-reported-dog-attack-in-Augusta-Georgia A three-month-old child has died Saturday morning after an alleged dog attack inside a home, according to the Richmond County Sheriff's Office. Deputies said they were called to a residence in the 500 block of Hillwood Circle around 9:21 a.m., after receiving a report of a deceased infant who may have been attacked by a dog. When deputies arrived, they found the infant, Zamora Robinson, dead inside the home. Officials said the scene was secured, and everyone inside the residence was safely removed. Authorities say a Cane Corso was removed from the residence by Animal Services as part of the investigation. According to the Richmond County Coroner's Office, Zamora was pronounced dead at 11:00 a.m. An autopsy has been scheduled. The sheriff's office said the investigation remains active and ongoing. Investigators are continuing to conduct interviews and gather more information. https://www.sott.net/article/506748-Infant-dies-after-reported-dog-attack-in-Augusta-Georgia Sun, 07 Jun 2026 13:17:11 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506747-Millions-of-pink-sea-cucumbers-wash-ashore-in-Rayong-Thailand Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin ordered the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources to conduct an urgent investigation after millions of pink sea cucumbers washed ashore along Suan Son Beach in Tambon Phe, Mueang District, Rayong Province, on June 6, turning several hundred meters of coastline a vivid pink-red and drawing considerable attention from beachgoers. The Minister directed the Department's Director-General, Dr. Pinsak Suraswadi, to dispatch officials to the site immediately to investigate the situation. A joint survey team from Marine and Coastal Resources Regional Office 1 confirmed the organisms are sea cucumbers—specifically the pink sea cucumber with the scientific name Cercodemas anceps. The species is a soft-bodied, cylindrical invertebrate that inhabits the seabed, identifiable by small surface spines and a color range from vivid pink to red-orange. Marine experts explained that sea cucumbers play a vital role in marine ecosystems,... https://www.sott.net/article/506747-Millions-of-pink-sea-cucumbers-wash-ashore-in-Rayong-Thailand Sun, 07 Jun 2026 12:04:57 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506740-New-study-links-Gobekli-Tepes-vulture-stone-to-Europes-Trypillia-culture A new study compares the carved symbolism of Göbekli Tepe's Vulture Stone with ritual imagery from the Trypillia culture, suggesting that early farming societies in Anatolia and Eastern Europe may have shared cosmological ideas about time, death, sacred space and the movement of the heavens. At Göbekli Tepe, the famous Vulture Stone has never been easy to read. Its carved birds, snakes, scorpion, abstract signs and headless human figure have inspired competing interpretations for decades. Was it a scene of death ritual, an astronomical code, a mythic narrative, or something more complex? A new study argues that the answer may not lie in choosing one explanation over another, but in seeing the pillar as part of a wider symbolic system linking architecture, timekeeping and cosmology across early farming societies. A new reading of one of Göbekli Tepe's most debated pillars The study, published in the International Journal of Culture and History by Oleksandr Zavalii, focuses on the... https://www.sott.net/article/506740-New-study-links-Gobekli-Tepes-vulture-stone-to-Europes-Trypillia-culture Sun, 07 Jun 2026 03:57:27 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506726-Man-dies-in-Western-Australia-after-shark-attack-4th-such-death-in-the-country-this-year A man has died after he was bitten by a shark off the south coast of Michaelmas Island in Western Australia. The 35-year-old was attacked while spearfishing with his family close to the town of Albany, police said. The man was treated by paramedics but died of his wounds. Police said a 4.5metre (15ft) shark of an unknown species was spotted by a witness near Michaelmas Island, which does not receive many visitors. The state's Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development urged people to take "additional caution" in the area and to stay abreast of shark sightings. This is the fourth shark killing this year in Australia. https://www.sott.net/article/506726-Man-dies-in-Western-Australia-after-shark-attack-4th-such-death-in-the-country-this-year Sat, 06 Jun 2026 14:22:23 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506680-VIDEO-Bear-goes-on-rampage-in-Japan-injuring-four-people A bear attack left four people injured in two factories and a residential area in northern Japan's Fukushima on Tuesday, police and media reports said. A record 13 people were killed by bears in Japan last year, and there has been a jump in sightings as the animals emerge hungry from hibernation. "A bear-related human injury incident... occurred in Fukushima City, injuring four people," the prefectural police said in a statement. The bear was first spotted in a car parts factory, prompting an emergency call explaining that "employees had been bitten", the Yomiuri Shimbun daily reported citing police and fire department officials. https://www.sott.net/article/506680-VIDEO-Bear-goes-on-rampage-in-Japan-injuring-four-people Wed, 03 Jun 2026 14:23:53 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506586-Man-dies-in-buffalo-attack-in-Johor-Malaysia A man died after being attacked by a buffalo while preparing the animal for Hari Raya Haji sacrificial rites in Johor on Wednesday, 27 May According to Bernama, Seri Alam district police chief ACP Mohd Sohaimi Ishak said the incident occurred at about 10am in Kampung Tenang, Ulu Tiram. The victim, identified as Ahmad Shah Meerasa, 45, suffered severe injuries and was rushed to Sultanah Aminah Hospital for treatment. "However, he was confirmed dead at about 11pm on the same day," Mohd Sohaimi said in a statement on Thursday, 28 May. https://www.sott.net/article/506586-Man-dies-in-buffalo-attack-in-Johor-Malaysia Fri, 29 May 2026 14:39:01 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506537-Lightning-strike-kills-5-cattle-on-farm-in-Marion-County-Florida A lightning strike killed four cows and a calf on a Marion County farm during severe thunderstorms over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville and the farm owner. Lettelier Brangus, a private cattle breeding operation in northern Marion County, said the animals were found beneath a tree after storms moved through the area late Saturday night. What they're saying: The farm said the loss included several of its top-bred donor cows, identified as LB Ms. Stormi, LB Ms. Black Pearl and LB Ms. Jolene. "Today we woke up to a sight no cattle farmer ever wants to see," the farm said in a social media post. "While we are devastated to lose some of our top cattle, we know their genetics will continue to be represented in our herd for years to come." The National Weather Service shared condolences with the family and used the incident as a reminder about lightning safety. "No place outside is safe during a thunderstorm. That includes under a tree," the agency... https://www.sott.net/article/506537-Lightning-strike-kills-5-cattle-on-farm-in-Marion-County-Florida Tue, 26 May 2026 10:01:41 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506514-Shark-attack-kills-man-at-Australias-Great-Barrier-Reef-in-2nd-fatality-in-8-days A man has died after a shark attack off the north-east coast of Australia, the second fatal incident in the country in as many weeks, with beaches in the area closed as authorities assess safety conditions. Emergency services were called to Hull River Heads boat ramp near Tully on the Cassowary Coast, in Queensland, just before noon on Sunday after reports that a 39-year-old had been attacked while swimming at Kennedy Shoal, a shallow reef used for recreational fishing and diving lying about 45 kilometres off the coast. The man was retrieved from the water in a critical condition but died shortly after being met by an ambulance. The type of shark involved has not been confirmed, though bull sharks and tiger sharks are known to be prevalent along the Great Barrier Reef. Queensland Police said a report would be prepared for the coroner on the "sudden and non-suspicious" death, and did not release the victim's identity. The attack comes a week after Steven Mattaboni, 38, was killed... https://www.sott.net/article/506514-Shark-attack-kills-man-at-Australias-Great-Barrier-Reef-in-2nd-fatality-in-8-days Mon, 25 May 2026 10:57:52 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506486-Elephant-goes-on-rampage-in-Kerala-India-flips-car-with-people-inside An elephant went on a rampage in Thrissur on Saturday, causing damage to vehicles and houses and even flipping a car that had a woman inside. No one was fortunately injured. The elephant, Shivalakshmi Ayyappan, turned violent when it was stopped near the South Gopuram entrance of Vadakkumnathan Temple for photography. The animal ran amok from Kattapparam in Peringav, moved through Palace Road and finally reached Gandhi Nagar Street, a densely populated area with around 300 houses. It has now been chained to a part of a wall but remains agitated. According to Viyyur police, officials received an alert around 9.15 am. Police personnel, the elephant squad, and forest control officers arrived at the scene and are working to bring the situation under control. During the incident, the elephant damaged around six cars and the walls of two houses along its path. https://www.sott.net/article/506486-Elephant-goes-on-rampage-in-Kerala-India-flips-car-with-people-inside Sat, 23 May 2026 11:17:53 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506485-As-ocean-temperatures-spike-more-dead-sea-birds-are-washing-up-on-California-shores For the last several months, wildlife experts have been alarmed by a large influx of dead and emaciated seabirds washing up on California beaches. While experts had been recording high mortality rates for brown pelicans for several years now — the result of harmful algal blooms, or "red tides" — this die-off appears different. Now it's not just pelicans that are being impacted, but other water birds such as Brandt's cormorants, loons, common murres, and grebes. The suspected culprit in this case is subtler and more insidious than the algal neurotoxin known as domoic acid. Experts say these recent deaths are likely tied to an extreme marine heat wave that is causing deadly changes in food availability. Up and down the California coast this spring, ocean temperatures have skyrocketed. In some places, temperatures have climbed 4 to 8 degrees higher than average, breaking all kinds of historical records. For instance, in La Jolla, nearly 30% of the readings taken off the Scripps Pier... https://www.sott.net/article/506485-As-ocean-temperatures-spike-more-dead-sea-birds-are-washing-up-on-California-shores Sat, 23 May 2026 10:52:18 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506484-Bison-attacks-twice-and-kills-hiker-on-trail-in-Custer-State-Park-South-Dakota A 70-year-old woman from Canada is dead after being attacked by a bison on a popular hiking trail in Custer State Park in western South Dakota, marking the first fatal bison attack in the park in at least 21 years. The name of the woman has not been released at the family's request, Custer County Sheriff Marty Mechaley told Cowboy State Daily. She and her husband were on vacation in the park, the sheriff added. The attack happened Monday afternoon on the Grace Coolidge Trail, about 1½ miles from Center Lake. What Happened According to the sheriff, the woman and her husband saw five bull bison walking along the trail an estimated 1,500 feet ahead of them. The bulls continued down the trail and out of sight ahead of the couple. Mechaley said the couple stopped every now and then to give the bison space. https://www.sott.net/article/506484-Bison-attacks-twice-and-kills-hiker-on-trail-in-Custer-State-Park-South-Dakota Sat, 23 May 2026 10:34:56 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506477-4-women-tendu-leaf-collectors-mauled-to-death-by-tiger-in-single-attack-in-Maharashtra-India In one of the deadliest tiger attacks in recent years at India's densest tiger belt in eastern Maharashtra, four women collecting tendu leaves were mauled to death in a single strike in Sindewahi forest range of Chandrapur district and a 55-year-old man was killed in Adyal forest range in Bhandara, 88km away on Friday, said forest dept officials. The attacks intensified concerns over the escalating human-wildlife conflict in the region even as another woman collecting tendu leaves was critically injured in compartment 582 of Tadoba Andhari tiger reserve within a few hours. Tendu leaf collectors — Kavdabai Dadaji Mohurle, 45, Anita Dadaji Mohurle, 40, Sunita Kaushik Mohurle, 38, and Sangita Santosh Chaudhary, 50 — had entered the forest near Gunjewahi village when a crouching tiger pounced on them. All four women died, before villagers could intervene. The Bhandara tribal, Baburao Pillewan, of Katurli village, had gone to the forest to collect broomstick grass, when he was killed by... https://www.sott.net/article/506477-4-women-tendu-leaf-collectors-mauled-to-death-by-tiger-in-single-attack-in-Maharashtra-India Fri, 22 May 2026 21:08:01 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506476-Police-Dogs-attacked-and-killed-man-at-Topeka-Kansas-home A Kansas man died from injuries in a dog attack. Just after 12:30a.m. Thursday, police responded to a vicious animal call in the 2800 block of SE Wear Circle in Topeka, according to a statement from police. First responders learned that a homeowner and his adult male acquaintance had been bitten by multiple dogs. American Medical Response transported both men to a local hospital. The homeowner suffered minor injuries. The acquaintance, identified as Kevin L. Froelich, 38, of Topeka. sustained life-threatening injuries and was pronounced deceased Thursday afternoon. Topeka Police Animal Control officers have removed three dogs from the residence. Police did not report the breed of the animals. The incident remains under investigation. https://www.sott.net/article/506476-Police-Dogs-attacked-and-killed-man-at-Topeka-Kansas-home Fri, 22 May 2026 20:55:43 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506475-Dogs-in-deadly-attack-on-Cocoa-woman-now-in-custody-of-Brevard-County-Animal-Control-Florida A woman died after being mauled by two dogs while walking near her Cocoa home early Tuesday, according to neighbors and local authorities. Neighbors said the dogs had a history of aggressive behavior and that multiple complaints had been made to animal control and the sheriff's office before the attack. The backstory: Security video captured the attack on Jodi Cowan as she walked along Blue Bonnet Drive carrying her small dog. Neighbors said the dogs chased and attacked her before first responders arrived. Cohen was taken to a hospital, where she later died. Residents told FOX 35 the dogs were frequently left outside and had previously threatened or attacked people in the neighborhood. One neighbor said she was once trapped in her car for 30 minutes while the dogs surrounded her vehicle. Another said he recently bought pepper spray for protection and had contacted animal control twice in the past month. https://www.sott.net/article/506475-Dogs-in-deadly-attack-on-Cocoa-woman-now-in-custody-of-Brevard-County-Animal-Control-Florida Fri, 22 May 2026 20:51:30 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506463-5-horses-killed-in-lightning-strike-at-Texas-equine-rescue-nonprofit-says An equine rescue in Texas said five horses were killed in a lightning strike during a storm earlier this week. Hooker Ranch Equine Refuge on Wednesday shared emotional posts on social media, saying staff and volunteers are "heartbroken and devastated" following the deadly strike. One post included two photos of the horses being tended to. "The reality of death.," the rescue wrote. "Dealing with the aftermath of a lightning strike which killed 5 of our sweetest rescues -- I'm sorry if the pictures are not for you just keep scrolling, but I think it's important that people understand how things are done." The rescue, which is located in Winnsboro, said each horse was loaded onto a flatbed trailer and "respectfully" covered with tarps before being removed from the property. The nonprofit organization explained that horses are rarely buried onsite except in emergency situations because decomposing large animals can pose health and safety risks to humans, as well as other animals. https://www.sott.net/article/506463-5-horses-killed-in-lightning-strike-at-Texas-equine-rescue-nonprofit-says Fri, 22 May 2026 13:09:09 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506424-Mount-St-Helens-the-eruption-that-changed-the-US-in-1980-has-an-unexpected-culprit-and-no-it-is-not-a-volcano-it-is-animals-and-the-story-is-surreal What can a pocket gopher do against a volcano? At Mount St. Helens, the answer may be far more than anyone expected. A study of the mountain's recovering soils suggests that one brief gopher experiment in the early 1980s helped restart an underground recovery process after the famous 1980 eruption. The animals did not rebuild the landscape by themselves, but their digging appears to have moved fungi, bacteria, and older soil toward the surface, giving plants a better shot at coming back. A mountain changed in minutes On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted after an earthquake and a huge landslide tore open the volcano's north side. The disaster killed 57 people, leveled forests, and devastated about 230 square miles, leaving whole slopes coated with hot volcanic debris. For plants, the damage was not just what people could see from the air. In the Pumice Plain, a broad area made by fast-moving volcanic flows, fresh ash and broken rock covered the old ground so deeply that many... https://www.sott.net/article/506424-Mount-St-Helens-the-eruption-that-changed-the-US-in-1980-has-an-unexpected-culprit-and-no-it-is-not-a-volcano-it-is-animals-and-the-story-is-surreal Wed, 20 May 2026 12:54:54 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506421-Honey-badger-terrorises-village-in-Odisha-India-injures-5-in-repeated-attacks Panic gripped Khudputli village in Odisha's Udala forest range of Mayurbhanj district after a honey badger went on a rampage, repeatedly attacking villagers over the past 24 hours. The aggressive wild animal has left five people seriously injured, triggering fear among residents of the remote hamlet. According to locals on Tuesday, the honey badger entered the village on Monday night and attacked two people, biting them severely. The victims were immediately rushed to Udala Medical for treatment. On Tuesday morning, the animal struck again, injuring three more villagers in separate incidents. Eyewitnesses said the creature, which resembles a small bear, aggressively bites and mauls anyone it encounters before retreating into the nearby jungle. Villagers described the animal's behaviour as highly territorial and fearless. It only targets people and disappears into the forest after every attack. "We are living in constant fear," said a local. The honey badger, known for its bold and... https://www.sott.net/article/506421-Honey-badger-terrorises-village-in-Odisha-India-injures-5-in-repeated-attacks Wed, 20 May 2026 10:57:29 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506420-Investigation-underway-after-woman-killed-in-apparent-dog-attack-in-Chatham-County-North-Carolina A death Investigation is underway in Chatham County after family members say a woman was attacked by dogs. The Chatham County Sheriff's Office said the incident happened around 11 a.m. in the 200 block of Alston Road near Apex. The victim was identified as 85-year-old Betty Alston. Alston's daughter told ABC11 that Betty Alston was in her yard when three dogs attacked her. Deputies said a family member found the dogs near Alston's body and scared them off. https://www.sott.net/article/506420-Investigation-underway-after-woman-killed-in-apparent-dog-attack-in-Chatham-County-North-Carolina Wed, 20 May 2026 10:41:50 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506399-Russian-hiker-attacked-by-black-bear-in-Japan-amid-spike-in-incidents A Russian hiker has been mauled in a bear attack in Okutama, a mountainous town west of Tokyo, becoming the latest victim of intensifying human-animal conflict in Japan. Authorities said the man, reported to be in his 30s but not named, sustained serious injuries to his arm and face. He remained conscious and was airlifted to a local hospital. According to local media, emergency services received a call reporting the incident at around noon on Sunday. The man had been hiking alone when he came across the bear. He was not carrying a bear bell or other deterrent. In the wake of the attack, police and local hunters searched the area but could not find the bear, Kyodo News reported. https://www.sott.net/article/506399-Russian-hiker-attacked-by-black-bear-in-Japan-amid-spike-in-incidents Tue, 19 May 2026 11:11:11 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506385-Hiker-killed-in-attack-by-herd-of-cows-in-Austrian-Alps A 67-year-old hiker has died after being attacked by a herd of cows in Austria, authorities said, in the latest fatal incident involving livestock in the Alps. The woman was attacked by what police described as a "mid-double-digit number" of cows in a pasture in the alpine district of Lienz in East Tyrol on Sunday afternoon. Her 65-year-old husband was also seriously injured. Authorities said the reasons for the animals' aggressive behaviour remain unclear. The couple were not accompanied by a dog at the time, police said. Cows sometimes react to the approach of dogs - particularly when they want to protect their calves - by attacking the animal. In light of such incidents, authorities and farmers repeatedly advise caution when hiking in Alpine regions. In September 2025, an 85-year-old man died following a cow attack when he was out walking with his wife and a dog when he was attacked by a herd of cows in the Ramsau am Dachstein area of the Austrian Alps. https://www.sott.net/article/506385-Hiker-killed-in-attack-by-herd-of-cows-in-Austrian-Alps Mon, 18 May 2026 13:18:13 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506384-Man-mauled-to-death-by-bear-in-Bulgaria-in-first-fatal-attack-in-16-years A brown bear killed a man in the Vitosha mountains near Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, in the country's first fatal bear attack in sixteen years, police said on Sunday. The body of the man, reported by Bulgarian media to be in his 30s, was found on Saturday near a trail linking two mountain huts in the northwestern part of the Vitosha massif, a popular hiking destination about 30 minutes from central Sofia. Forensic experts and wildlife specialists concluded that the injuries were caused by a female bear accompanied by a cub, according to Sofia police. Witnesses cited in Bulgarian media said the man tried to fend off the animal with a stick but was unable to stop the attack. https://www.sott.net/article/506384-Man-mauled-to-death-by-bear-in-Bulgaria-in-first-fatal-attack-in-16-years Mon, 18 May 2026 13:11:43 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506365-5-month-old-child-dies-following-dog-attack-at-home-authorities-say-in-South-Carolina Authorities in South Carolina say a boy has died after the child was attacked by a dog earlier this week. According to Anderson County authorities, the reported dog attack occurred on Thursday afternoon. Deputies were called to a home on Wilson Street, where a 5-month-old child and an adult were seriously injured. Officials said the victims were treated at the AnMed Medical Center. However, the young boy had to be flown to Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital in Greenville due to the life-threatening injuries he sustained. Sadly, the child died on Friday afternoon. The Anderson County coroner said the boy died from multiple traumatic injuries, with his death being ruled accidental. The adult victim suffered serious injuries but was able to be released after receiving medical treatment. The Anderson County Sheriff's Office said the animal in question initially ran away from the house following the attack, but deputies were able to secure it later. The dog was taken to Anderson... https://www.sott.net/article/506365-5-month-old-child-dies-following-dog-attack-at-home-authorities-say-in-South-Carolina Sun, 17 May 2026 18:05:28 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506364-Lightning-kills-30-sheep-in-Telangana-India As many as 30 sheep were killed in a lightning strike on the outskirts of Enmanabetla village in Kollapur mandal of Nagarkurnool district on Saturday, while the shepherd narrowly escaped. The incident occurred around 4.30 pm when Magdham Chinna Venkataiah, a shepherd from the village, had taken his sheep out for grazing. "At around 4.30 pm, it started raining. To protect the sheep, Venkataiah guided them onto a big rock. However, since about 15 to 20 sheep had not climbed onto the rock, he went down to bring them up, leaving 30 sheep there. That was when the lightning struck, killing all 30 sheep instantly. He narrowly escaped as he had just stepped down," said Madhavi B, tahsildar of Kollapur mandal. She said officials prepared a report soon after being informed about the incident and submitted it, seeking compensation for the shepherd. On Sunday, tourism minister Jupally Krishna Rao, who was in the district reviewing the paddy situation, extended ₹50,000 as immediate financial... https://www.sott.net/article/506364-Lightning-kills-30-sheep-in-Telangana-India Sun, 17 May 2026 17:48:38 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506348-Man-dies-after-shark-attack-off-holiday-island-in-Australia A 38-year-old man has been killed in a shark attack at Rottnest Island, a popular holiday destination off Perth, Western Australia. Australia has seen a recent rise in shark attacks that scientists believe could be caused by a change in the animals' migratory patterns amid increasingly crowded waters and warming oceans. What do we know about the shark attack? Officials have said the attack occurred around 10:00 a.m. (0200 GMT) on Saturday in the water at the island's Horseshoe Reef. Police said the man was carried to the shore and was treated at the scene by paramedics from the St John ambulance service but could not be revived. https://www.sott.net/article/506348-Man-dies-after-shark-attack-off-holiday-island-in-Australia Sat, 16 May 2026 12:28:16 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506300-Second-sea-snake-from-warmer-tropical-waters-found-on-beach-in-Bay-of-Plenty-New-Zealand A Bay of Plenty man got a surprise on his morning dog walk after mistaking a live yellow-bellied sea snake - the second to wash up in the region this week - for an eel on the beach. Cre-amer Paul had been running his dogs between Hōkawai and Tīrahonga beaches near Ōpōtiki on Friday morning when he spotted what he thought was an eel lying near the shoreline. "I see it move a little bit. I went down the beach and I thought, 'I will try and flick it back in on my way back,'" he told 1News. "When I stopped and pulled up, I thought 'oh sh*t, that's not an eel, that's a sea snake." His dog Prince came dangerously close to the animal before Paul intervened. "He got pretty close to the bloody thing," he said. https://www.sott.net/article/506300-Second-sea-snake-from-warmer-tropical-waters-found-on-beach-in-Bay-of-Plenty-New-Zealand Thu, 14 May 2026 13:40:35 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506299-19th-gray-whale-death-reported-near-Whidbey-Island-Washington Yet another dead gray whale has washed ashore on the Washington coast, marking the 19th case this year. What we know: The latest discovery was on the northern end of Whidbey Island, specifically Sunset Beach near Oak Harbor. The Island County Sheriff's Office posted about the dead whale Wednesday afternoon. The NOAA Marine Mammal Stranding Network has been notified and will be responding to the latest whale death, according to the Island County Sheriff's Office. https://www.sott.net/article/506299-19th-gray-whale-death-reported-near-Whidbey-Island-Washington Thu, 14 May 2026 12:40:21 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506279-Black-bear-attack-leaves-man-dead-in-northern-Saskatchewan-Canada-2nd-such-death-in-North-America-within-a-week A 27-year-old man was fatally attacked by a black bear in northeastern Saskatchewan on Friday, according to the province's Ministry of Community Safety. Following the attack 85 kilometres northeast of Points North Landing, the province says the bear was euthanized by a civilian while waiting for officials to arrive at the scene. The bear's body was then transported hundreds of kilometres south to a Saskatoon veterinary college, where the bear was subject to a necropsy - a post-mortem exam. "The investigation is in its early stages and there is no further information available at this time," the ministry said in a statement for Global News. A wildlife human attack response team and conservation officer services are investigating the attack, alongside RCMP and the provincial coroners service, it added. https://www.sott.net/article/506279-Black-bear-attack-leaves-man-dead-in-northern-Saskatchewan-Canada-2nd-such-death-in-North-America-within-a-week Wed, 13 May 2026 11:35:18 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506254-He-was-a-warrior-South-Florida-man-killed-in-bear-attack-in-Montana-father-says A South Florida hiker was killed in an apparent bear attack in Montana, his father said. Arthur Pollio told NBC6 on Saturday that his son, 33-year-old Anthony Edward Pollio, was on a two-week trip with a friend when he went missing at Glacier National Park. "It was a road trip through central U.S., Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Wyoming to get to Montana, and I believe he pulled right into Glacier National Park," he said. Pollio said that his son went on an advanced trail before he disappeared. "And he texted me that evening, he says, 'Dad, I'm hiking up a mountain. It's wild out here,'" he said. "He says, 'I love you, dad,' and that was the last message I received from him." https://www.sott.net/article/506254-He-was-a-warrior-South-Florida-man-killed-in-bear-attack-in-Montana-father-says Tue, 12 May 2026 11:21:25 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506253-Japan-confirms-years-first-fatal-bear-attack-and-suspects-2-more Japan has confirmed its first fatal bear attack of 2026 after recording an unprecedented 13 casualties last year. Authorities said a 55-year-old woman found dead in the northern Iwate prefecture last month was killed by a bear. Two other bodies discovered in Iwate on 7 May and Yamagata prefecture on 5 May, respectively, were suspected to be linked to bear attacks as well. One of those victims was identified by NHK as 69-year-old Chiyoko Kumagai, who had disappeared after going into a mountain forest to collect edible wild plants. She was found with injuries to her face and head that appeared to have been caused by animal claws. Japan saw a surge in dangerous bear encounters in 2025, with the animals entering homes, schools, supermarkets, and hot spring resorts. https://www.sott.net/article/506253-Japan-confirms-years-first-fatal-bear-attack-and-suspects-2-more Tue, 12 May 2026 11:15:47 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506250-Lightning-strike-kills-90-sheep-in-Jammu-and-Kashmir-India At least 90 sheep were killed when lightning struck a grazing field in the upper reaches of Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Monday. Lightning struck a meadow in Poshkar, Kangan area of Ganderbal district on Sunday night, killing 90 sheep, officials said. The livestock belonged to a family of nomadic shepherds who were taking their animals toward the Sonamarg area for grazing, they said. Strong winds and intermittent rains caused damage to houses and crops in some areas of Kashmir on Sunday night. https://www.sott.net/article/506250-Lightning-strike-kills-90-sheep-in-Jammu-and-Kashmir-India Tue, 12 May 2026 09:42:21 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506214-8-year-old-mauled-to-death-by-stray-dog-in-Gujarat-India An eight-year-old boy was mauled to death by a stray dog in Gujarat's Morbi district. The victim, identified as Krunal Kripalbhai Malviya, was the son of a labourer working at the Titanium Vitrified factory. This death follows a series of aggressive dog attacks in the city over the last 48 hours. The incident occurred near the factory premises, where Krunal was targeted by a stray dog. The attack was so severe that the child died due to his injuries. His body was shifted to a local hospital for a post-mortem examination. The incident comes just two days after a rampage on Morbi's Sanala Road and GIDC area, where more than 20 people were bitten by a single stray dog in a residential society. Local residents and workers have expressed fierce resentment toward the municipal authorities, accusing them of negligence. Despite the reported surge in attacks in Chitrakut Society and nearby industrial zones, citizens claimed that the administration's response has been limited to paperwork... https://www.sott.net/article/506214-8-year-old-mauled-to-death-by-stray-dog-in-Gujarat-India Sun, 10 May 2026 14:17:19 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506213-Elderly-man-dies-in-buffalo-attack-in-Kerala-India An elderly man died after being attacked by a buffalo at Kaippadamughal here, police said on Sunday. The deceased was identified as Aboobacker N A (74), a resident of Vadacode, Kaippadamughal, Thrikkakara North. According to officials at the Kalamassery police station, a buffalo that had been grazing turned violent, damaging plants and trees around 7.45 pm on Saturday. When Aboobacker attempted to bring the buffalo under control, the animal attacked him, causing serious injuries, police said. https://www.sott.net/article/506213-Elderly-man-dies-in-buffalo-attack-in-Kerala-India Sun, 10 May 2026 14:11:54 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506198-Five-month-old-baby-dies-after-stray-dog-attack-in-Karnataka-India A five-month-old baby died at the Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences (BRIMS) on Saturday (May 9) after suffering severe injuries in a stray dog attack at Dubalgundi village in Humnabad taluk of Bidar district. The deceased infant was the daughter of Siddappa and Sudha, residents of the same village. According to family members, the incident occurred in the early hours of May 9 when the baby was sleeping in the verandah of the house while the mother was engaged in household chores. A stray dog reportedly entered the house premises and attacked the infant. Speaking to reporters, the mother said she rushed to the spot after hearing the baby cry loudly and found the dog biting the child repeatedly. "By the time I drove the dog away, the baby had sustained severe injuries on the head, face and other parts of the body," she said. The infant was immediately shifted to BRIMS for treatment, but succumbed to the injuries later in the day. Senior paediatrician Shanthala Koujalgi confirmed... https://www.sott.net/article/506198-Five-month-old-baby-dies-after-stray-dog-attack-in-Karnataka-India Sat, 09 May 2026 13:54:19 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506143-Rare-oarfish-has-been-registered-in-Denmark-for-the-fourth-time-ever-on-April-29 A Dutch family came across a special sight when they went for a walk on the beach in Løkken, North Jutland, last week. A two-meter-long fish lay in the sand, and it turned out to be a so-called herring king. This is only the fourth time that a herring king has been recorded in Denmark, explains Kristina Ydesen, chief biologist at Nordsøen Oceanarium. - It's a really exciting and unusual find. We don't know much about the species, and therefore every find is an incredibly valuable contribution to science. - Therefore, the herring king is now being sent for further investigation, and we look forward to seeing what answers it gives us, says Kristina Ydesen in a press release. The herring king is a long and narrow fish that lives in tropical and temperate areas in all seas, and it is therefore extremely rare in Danish waters. https://www.sott.net/article/506143-Rare-oarfish-has-been-registered-in-Denmark-for-the-fourth-time-ever-on-April-29 Wed, 06 May 2026 10:25:23 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506125-9-year-old-mauled-to-death-by-stray-dogs-in-Rajasthan-India The victim, identified as Rinku Bheel, a Class 3 student from Alkodia village under the Talera police jurisdiction, had stepped out of her home early in the morning when the attack occurred. A nine-year-old girl was tragically killed after being attacked by a pack of stray dogs in a village in Rajasthan's Bundi district, officials said on Tuesday. The incident has sparked outrage and renewed concerns over stray animal management in rural areas, reported PTI. Minor attacked while stepping out early morning The victim, identified as Rinku Bheel, a Class 3 student from Alkodia village under the Talera police jurisdiction, had stepped out of her home early in the morning when the attack occurred. According to police, the incident took place around 6 am when the child went towards nearby fields. During this time, she was surrounded and attacked by a group of stray dogs, reported PTI. https://www.sott.net/article/506125-9-year-old-mauled-to-death-by-stray-dogs-in-Rajasthan-India Tue, 05 May 2026 14:58:11 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506123-Lightning-kills-413-sheep-and-goats-in-Uttarakhand-India At least 413 sheep and goats were killed after lightning struck in the remote Nijmula valley of Chamoli district on Sunday, causing heavy losses to livestock rearers. Around 1,400 animals were being taken towards Niti valley by a group of 10 herders from Byara village. The livestock belonged to nearly 30 families from their village and nearby areas, said Dasholi block head Vinita Bedwal and Hema Negi from Nandanagar in Chamoli. The herders had halted for dinner at Gonna around 9.30pm on Sunday before resuming their journey. Soon after, lightning struck, killing hundreds of animals, according to those present. Officials said intermittent thunderstorms, accompanied by lightning, hail, heavy rain, and strong winds since Saturday night, have affected livestock owners in some other parts of the state too. https://www.sott.net/article/506123-Lightning-kills-413-sheep-and-goats-in-Uttarakhand-India Tue, 05 May 2026 13:45:39 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506120-The-mystery-of-the-dying-eels-in-New-Zealand-waterways Thousands of eels are found dead in dried up Manawatū lagoon as questions mount over water use and a vanishing ecosystem. A grim mystery has unfolded in New Zealand waterways, with thousands of eels - the long, snake-like ancient survivors of our rivers - washing up dead. And no one really knows why. In the latest event, mud-caked, lifeless bodies of the eels were found at the bottom of a Manawatū lagoon that disappeared. "This one remains a mystery," RNZ field journalist Jimmy Ellingham tells The Detail. "It could be something natural, or it could be something to do with land use, or a combination of both. "At this point, we simply don't know, so that's the mystery at the moment at Pukepuke Lagoon." He says local council officials discovered that the water at Pukepuke Lagoon was gone earlier this month. In its place: a wide, cracked basin of earth, and scattered across it, thousands of eels, which are typically among New Zealand's oldest survivors, living, sometimes, for more than... https://www.sott.net/article/506120-The-mystery-of-the-dying-eels-in-New-Zealand-waterways Tue, 05 May 2026 03:32:58 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506080-Rare-oarfish-returned-to-sea-after-stranding-in-County-Clare-Ireland-on-April-28 A rare deep‑sea fish often linked to impending doom was saved after washing up on a Co Clare beach this week. The oarfish, a long, ribbon‑like creature, was found on Tuesday evening on Fanore beach by a group of Brazilian visitors out enjoying the sunset. Guilherme Dantas de Oliveira (24), who lives in Gort, Co Galway, said he and a friend were running on the empty beach and decided to put their feet in the water to check the temperature. They looked into the water and "saw something shining very brightly" that appeared to be stuck, he said. They first thought it might be a "piece of plastic", but on closer inspection realised it was a fish, some 2.5m in length and with "red parts" they had never seen before. The friends feared it might be an electric eel and were reluctant to touch it. "We didn't know if it would shock us or not. It was kind of gelatinous. But we kept touching it and it was still alive, moving," de Oliveira said. https://www.sott.net/article/506080-Rare-oarfish-returned-to-sea-after-stranding-in-County-Clare-Ireland-on-April-28 Sun, 03 May 2026 14:21:42 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506076-Millions-of-dead-shrimp-and-krill-wash-ashore-in-Oman-turning-beach-pink-on-April-22 Enormous piles of dead red shrimp and krill washed ashore in Oman on April 22. A beachgoer filmed the incident on the coast of Mirbat, which scientists say was likely caused by natural temperature and oxygen level changes in the ocean. https://www.sott.net/article/506076-Millions-of-dead-shrimp-and-krill-wash-ashore-in-Oman-turning-beach-pink-on-April-22 Sun, 03 May 2026 10:41:47 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506029-Giant-hailstones-strike-near-Springfield-Missouri-smashing-up-cars-and-killing-an-emu-at-zoo Hail pellets the size of softballs pelted the area near Springfield, Mo., on Tuesday, reportedly damaging cars, homes, and gas meters and even killing a 21-year-old emu at a local zoo. Hail is basically made up of balls of frozen rain—during thunderstorms, as warm air carries rain droplets high up into the atmosphere, the rain freezes. As more water layers on top of a frozen droplet, it forms a hailstone. Some of the largest hailstones can fall as fast as 72 miles per hour, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This week's hailstorm was "unusual" but "not unheard of" in the region at this time of year, says Alan Gerard, a former NOAA meteorologist and founder of the newsletter Balanced Weather. https://www.sott.net/article/506029-Giant-hailstones-strike-near-Springfield-Missouri-smashing-up-cars-and-killing-an-emu-at-zoo Thu, 30 Apr 2026 19:07:07 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506028-4-year-old-killed-in-lion-attack-in-Gujarat-India-5th-such-attack-in-the-state-in-5-months A four-year-old girl was killed in a lion attack near Damasa village in Una taluka on Monday evening. The incident has left residents upset, with many questioning the forest department's vigilance in the area. According to locals, the child was sitting on the porch of her house when a lion suddenly entered the premises, picked her up, and ran towards nearby fields. Villagers raised an alarm and chased the animal, but the girl was later found dead a short distance away. Forest officials reached the spot and launched a search operation during the night. The lion was eventually tranquilised and captured within a few hours. The incident has once again highlighted the growing concern of human-wildlife conflict in the region, especially in areas where lion movement is frequently reported. https://www.sott.net/article/506028-4-year-old-killed-in-lion-attack-in-Gujarat-India-5th-such-attack-in-the-state-in-5-months Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:32:10 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505986-29-year-old-homoeopathic-doctor-killed-in-bull-attack-in-Rajasthan-India A case has emerged, where a 29-year-old homoeopathic doctor, who worked at an Ayurveda University, died after being attacked by a bull in Rajasthan's Jodhpur on Sunday night. The incident occurred in the Karwad police station area, where the doctor was returning home after completing her duty around 8.15 pm on Sunday. Near Tunt Bari, a bull suddenly attacked the doctor riding her scooter, knocking her off. The bull's horn struck her head, which caused a serious injury. She was rushed to MDM Hospital in critical condition. Due to excessive bleeding, she passed away late at night. Upon receiving the information, the police from the station arrived at the hospital. The woman hailed from Hindaun and worked at the Ayurveda University on contract. The university and her family were informed about the incident. According to Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Banshilal, a post-mortem was done in the morning after the family arrived, and the body was handed over to them. Horn Penetrated, Causing... https://www.sott.net/article/505986-29-year-old-homoeopathic-doctor-killed-in-bull-attack-in-Rajasthan-India Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:31:15 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505985-8-year-old-boy-mauled-to-death-by-stray-dogs-in-Uttar-Pradesh-India An eight-year-old boy was killed after being attacked by a pack of stray dogs in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur district, according to police on April 28. The incident occurred in the Fatehpur police station area and has renewed concerns over the growing threat posed by stray animals, particularly to children in semi-urban and rural regions, as reported by TOI. The victim, identified as an eight-year-old boy from Chaupur village, had gone to a nearby field on Monday evening when the attack took place. Reports indicate that the child was alone when a group of stray dogs suddenly attacked him. The dogs inflicted severe injuries, and the child died at the scene before help could arrive. Police confirmed the incident on Tuesday, stating that it occurred within the jurisdiction of the Fatehpur police station in Saharanpur. The incident has triggered anger and fear among local residents. Villagers have raised concerns about the increasing number of stray dogs in the area and their aggressive... https://www.sott.net/article/505985-8-year-old-boy-mauled-to-death-by-stray-dogs-in-Uttar-Pradesh-India Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:19:34 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505967-Man-killed-in-wild-boar-attack-in-Nepal A person was killed in an attack from a wild boar at Lalbandi of Sarlahi. The deceased has been identified as Prem Bahadur Thing (Dawa), 32, of Pidkhola of Lalbandi Municipality-15. Severely injured in the attack on Sunday, Thing breathed his last on the way to hospital in Lalbandi, according District Police Office, Sarlahi's spokesperson Deputy Superintendent of Police, Saroj Rai. The body has been taken to the Provincial Hospital Malangawa for post-mortem examinations. Thing was attacked by the animal that had entered his maize field. He had been staying at the farm since the past few days to protect the crops from animals. https://www.sott.net/article/505967-Man-killed-in-wild-boar-attack-in-Nepal Mon, 27 Apr 2026 12:33:45 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505961-Fatal-dog-attack-on-Molokai-Hawaii-claims-life-of-69-year-old-man A Kaunakakai man has died following a dog attack on Tuesday afternoon. On April 14, around noon, officers were dispatched to a home on Hoomalu Drive regarding an unconscious man, the Maui Police Department said. Upon arriving at the scene, the officers immediately initiated life-saving measures on a 69-year-old man who had sustained injuries from a dog attack. Fire and medical personnel were also on the scene with life-saving efforts. Authorities stated that the dog was euthanized according to Hawaii Revised Statutes regarding dangerous dogs. No signs of foul play were observed, but the investigation remains ongoing, MPD officials said. Source: KHON Honolulu https://www.sott.net/article/505961-Fatal-dog-attack-on-Molokai-Hawaii-claims-life-of-69-year-old-man Sun, 26 Apr 2026 20:37:01 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505960-Third-hiker-dead-as-snakebite-surge-sweeps-California-with-70-highly-unusual-rattlesnake-bites-between-January-and-March An "unusual" string of fatal snake bites has left three people dead in the US state of California in recent weeks, sparking concern among experts over a deadly spike in attacks. The latest victim, a 78-year-old woman, died after being struck three times while walking on a rural property in Redwood Valley earlier this month. Relatives rushed her to the hospital, but local authorities told Sky News that her health rapidly deteriorated and she passed away two days later. Officers said her cause of death was due to "snake envenomation from snake bites", and a blood complication likely caused by the poison. The tragedy follows the "rare" deaths of two other hikers in the region. While around 8000 people are bitten by venomous snakes across the US every year, the country's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that typically only five people die annually. https://www.sott.net/article/505960-Third-hiker-dead-as-snakebite-surge-sweeps-California-with-70-highly-unusual-rattlesnake-bites-between-January-and-March Sun, 26 Apr 2026 20:25:26 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505926-US-millionaire-big-game-hunter-dies-after-being-crushed-by-elephants An American millionaire big-game hunter has died after being crushed by a group of elephants during a hunting expedition in Gabon. Ernie Dosio, a 75-year-old vineyard owner, was hunting yellow-backed duiker, an antelope species, in the central African country of Gabon when the incident occurred last Friday. While in the Lope-Okanda rainforest, he and his guide unexpectedly came across five female elephants accompanied by a calf. Originally from Lodi, California, Dosio had built an extensive collection of hunting trophies over the years, including animals such as elephants and lions. He was reportedly a familiar name within the Sacramento Safari Club. According to the Daily Mail, safari operator Collect Africa confirmed the death of its client. The company also reported that the professional hunter guiding Dosio sustained serious injuries during the encounter. https://www.sott.net/article/505926-US-millionaire-big-game-hunter-dies-after-being-crushed-by-elephants Sat, 25 Apr 2026 11:08:53 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/505925-Womans-body-found-in-northeastern-Japan-after-bear-attacks-police-officer A woman's body was found by authorities in northeastern Japan's Iwate prefecture, shortly after a police officer was injured in a bear encounter while searching for a missing person in the area. The 56-year-old officer suffered wounds to his arm and face after coming across the animal near a stream on Tuesday. He remained conscious while being taken to the hospital, local authorities said on Tuesday. Authorities believe the bear was an adult. A short distance away, the search team later found the woman's body. A hunter accompanying the team shot and killed the bear, an adult measuring about 1.3m. Mainichi Shimbun reported that the police officers were searching for the driver of a vehicle found on a road with its engine running late Monday afternoon when the bear attacked the officer. https://www.sott.net/article/505925-Womans-body-found-in-northeastern-Japan-after-bear-attacks-police-officer Sat, 25 Apr 2026 10:47:40 +0000