Thursday, April 09, 2015
Authorities request that well-meaning people stop accidentally drowning tortoises
People in Florida are accidentally drowning baby tortoises by mistaking them for turtle hatchlings and "releasing" them into the water.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) says it knows of three "well-intentioned good Samaritans" who have made the error.
It is now giving advice to help people spot the difference between sea turtles and gopher tortoises."Gopher tortoises cannot swim well and can easily drown," it says. "Because gopher tortoises often nest in dunes adjacent to sea turtle nesting beaches, correct identification of these terrestrial animals is important before deciding what action, if any, is necessary."
You can tell whether you are looking at a tortoise or a turtle, by just looking at their limbs from a distance - and the conservation group has released some photos to help. "Gopher tortoises have toes, with claws on each toe. Sea turtles have flippers with only one or two claws present on each foreflipper," says the commission.
They say it is important that people do not touch or handle the animals. "All five species of sea turtles found in Florida are federally endangered or threatened and managed under the Endangered Species Act as well as under Florida Statutes. The gopher tortoise is listed under state law," the commission explains. "If you spot any of these species in danger on the beach, please do not disturb the animal."
It is now giving advice to help people spot the difference between sea turtles and gopher tortoises."Gopher tortoises cannot swim well and can easily drown," it says. "Because gopher tortoises often nest in dunes adjacent to sea turtle nesting beaches, correct identification of these terrestrial animals is important before deciding what action, if any, is necessary."
You can tell whether you are looking at a tortoise or a turtle, by just looking at their limbs from a distance - and the conservation group has released some photos to help. "Gopher tortoises have toes, with claws on each toe. Sea turtles have flippers with only one or two claws present on each foreflipper," says the commission.
They say it is important that people do not touch or handle the animals. "All five species of sea turtles found in Florida are federally endangered or threatened and managed under the Endangered Species Act as well as under Florida Statutes. The gopher tortoise is listed under state law," the commission explains. "If you spot any of these species in danger on the beach, please do not disturb the animal."
Bobcat catching shark photographed on Florida beach
John Bailey photographed a bobcat dragging a 4-foot-shark from the water at Sebastian Inlet State Park on Monday.
He says the cat leapt into the water, caught the shark, and dragged it to shore.
The photographer thinks he ended up getting too close and may have caused the cat to drop the shark and run off into the forest. Wildlife experts say it’s not uncommon for bobcats to be wandering Florida beaches.
They say it’s possible the cat is a female and might have been trying to catch food for its babies. “My first reaction was amazement that somebody actually took that picture because bobcats are generally very, very reclusive.
YouTube link.
“You don't really see them out and about too often,” said Busch Wildlife Sanctuary Animal Care Director Amy Kight. Bobcats are normally not considered aggressive.
The photographer thinks he ended up getting too close and may have caused the cat to drop the shark and run off into the forest. Wildlife experts say it’s not uncommon for bobcats to be wandering Florida beaches.
They say it’s possible the cat is a female and might have been trying to catch food for its babies. “My first reaction was amazement that somebody actually took that picture because bobcats are generally very, very reclusive.
YouTube link.
“You don't really see them out and about too often,” said Busch Wildlife Sanctuary Animal Care Director Amy Kight. Bobcats are normally not considered aggressive.
Man accused of pointing laser at motorists had marijuana in his rectum
A man accused of pointing a laser at drivers in Florida was later found with marijuana in his rectum, according to police.
Jesse Roepcke, 27, was arrested in Ormond Beach on Sunday on charges of pointing a laser at a driver or pilot, possession or use of narcotic paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and smuggling contraband into a prison.
According to Ormond Beach police, officers received a call from a woman who said someone shined a laser in her face while she was driving. Police said the man, later identified as Roepcke, also shone the light at other drivers as his girlfriend drove him around the city.
Roepcke was located and pulled over, said he was just having some fun, according to police, who added that a smoking device that reeked of marijuana was found on him. Roepcke was taken to jail and a bag of a green leafy substance that smelled like marijuana fell out of his rectum during a strip search, according to police. Roepcke is being held on $4,250 bond in the Volusia County Jail.
Jesse Roepcke, 27, was arrested in Ormond Beach on Sunday on charges of pointing a laser at a driver or pilot, possession or use of narcotic paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and smuggling contraband into a prison.
According to Ormond Beach police, officers received a call from a woman who said someone shined a laser in her face while she was driving. Police said the man, later identified as Roepcke, also shone the light at other drivers as his girlfriend drove him around the city.
Roepcke was located and pulled over, said he was just having some fun, according to police, who added that a smoking device that reeked of marijuana was found on him. Roepcke was taken to jail and a bag of a green leafy substance that smelled like marijuana fell out of his rectum during a strip search, according to police. Roepcke is being held on $4,250 bond in the Volusia County Jail.
Town re-elects mayor who died last month
Frank Roland Jr., who died on March 9 aged 81, was elected to another term as mayor of Hillsboro, eastern Missouri, in the election on Tuesday.
Roland, who had been mayor since 1995, had been seeking re-election and was unopposed on the ballot before his death.
Roland got seven more votes than write-in candidates garnered, according to unofficial results. Jim Gowan, president of the board of aldermen, had registered as a write-in candidate.
He has been serving as interim mayor since Roland's death. Now the the board will decide whether Gowan will continue in that role or whether to appoint someone else to fill out the term.
Roland, who had been mayor since 1995, had been seeking re-election and was unopposed on the ballot before his death.
Roland got seven more votes than write-in candidates garnered, according to unofficial results. Jim Gowan, president of the board of aldermen, had registered as a write-in candidate.
He has been serving as interim mayor since Roland's death. Now the the board will decide whether Gowan will continue in that role or whether to appoint someone else to fill out the term.
Search for man who abducted wild peacock
Bloodcurdling screams are fairly routine in the Beckley Club Estates neighbourhood of east Oak Cliff in Dallas, Texas.
That’s because the area is home to a large flock, or ostentation, of peacocks, whose mating call sounds vaguely like a human scream.
But the commotion Saturday evening was enough to alarm even longtime resident Tisha Crear. She ran out onto her porch just in time to see a man slam the door of his vehicle on some tail feathers and drive away with a peacock.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Crear said. “I was screaming.”
She wasn’t the only one screaming. A stream of peacocks ran after the man’s black Chevy Tahoe, yelling in futility after the alpha male of the group. The peacock was taken at about 7pm from a flock that has roamed the neighbourhood for more than 20 years. The stolen bird was the largest and oldest male of the group. Crear said the birds have lived in the neighbourhood ever since one of her neighbours bought two peafowl and a few other wild birds, Crear said. The whole community feeds them and looks after them.
Raw video.
YouTube link.
But on Saturday night, someone else was watching them. Lisa Solis’ home security system recorded the bird being snatched. She said the video shows the man stalking the birds for about 20 minutes before making his move. The man approaches the bird just as it fanned its feathers and began calling for mates. “That’s part of what makes this so sickening,” said Solis, noting that the peacock was at its most vulnerable. Crear said the man clearly knew what he was doing, grabbing the peacock by its feet and quickly lifting it upside down.
News video.
YouTube link.
“Who knows how to capture a peacock?” she said. “I sure don’t.” The suspect was described as a Hispanic man wearing a white T-shirt and a baseball cap, and the surveillance video also captured images of his black Chevrolet Tahoe. Solis filed a report with Dallas police and planned to call animal control, too. “We just want him to see that we know what he did,” Solis said, “and that we care.” She said she’s concerned that the male won’t be around to fertilize any eggs this season, possibly throwing off the flock’s dynamic. “We all think of the peacocks as our own,” Crear said. “They grow up in the neighbourhood and we hope to keep the generations coming.”
She wasn’t the only one screaming. A stream of peacocks ran after the man’s black Chevy Tahoe, yelling in futility after the alpha male of the group. The peacock was taken at about 7pm from a flock that has roamed the neighbourhood for more than 20 years. The stolen bird was the largest and oldest male of the group. Crear said the birds have lived in the neighbourhood ever since one of her neighbours bought two peafowl and a few other wild birds, Crear said. The whole community feeds them and looks after them.
Raw video.
YouTube link.
But on Saturday night, someone else was watching them. Lisa Solis’ home security system recorded the bird being snatched. She said the video shows the man stalking the birds for about 20 minutes before making his move. The man approaches the bird just as it fanned its feathers and began calling for mates. “That’s part of what makes this so sickening,” said Solis, noting that the peacock was at its most vulnerable. Crear said the man clearly knew what he was doing, grabbing the peacock by its feet and quickly lifting it upside down.
News video.
YouTube link.
“Who knows how to capture a peacock?” she said. “I sure don’t.” The suspect was described as a Hispanic man wearing a white T-shirt and a baseball cap, and the surveillance video also captured images of his black Chevrolet Tahoe. Solis filed a report with Dallas police and planned to call animal control, too. “We just want him to see that we know what he did,” Solis said, “and that we care.” She said she’s concerned that the male won’t be around to fertilize any eggs this season, possibly throwing off the flock’s dynamic. “We all think of the peacocks as our own,” Crear said. “They grow up in the neighbourhood and we hope to keep the generations coming.”
Cafe want to reunite teeth with rightful owner
The lost property basket at a cafe in Marlborough, New Zealand, has received an unusual addition after a diner left their teeth behind.
The Vines Village is offering an ice-cream reward to anyone who can help track down the owner of the dentures that were left on a table at the Old Orchard Cafe on Monday.
Vines Village owner Jeff Fulton said cafe proprietor Mark Murphy got a shock when he was clearing a table and found the dentures. Murphy quickly put them in a plastic bag and handed them over to Fulton. "Mark came to me and said 'you will never guess what I have'. He was clearly in shock.
"You would think someone would notice if they were missing teeth." Fulton is desperate to find the owner. "They are probably racking their brain where they have left their teeth." Fulton said the teeth were probably worth at least $100. "I am scared there will be a rush on to snap up the teeth.
"The owner needs to prove they are the rightful owner. I urge everyone to check their mouths and check their bathrooms and their parent's bathrooms." He was considering having a dentist on standby for official verification. The teeth are under Fulton's protection in a sealable bag, locked in a safe place.
Vines Village owner Jeff Fulton said cafe proprietor Mark Murphy got a shock when he was clearing a table and found the dentures. Murphy quickly put them in a plastic bag and handed them over to Fulton. "Mark came to me and said 'you will never guess what I have'. He was clearly in shock.
"You would think someone would notice if they were missing teeth." Fulton is desperate to find the owner. "They are probably racking their brain where they have left their teeth." Fulton said the teeth were probably worth at least $100. "I am scared there will be a rush on to snap up the teeth.
"The owner needs to prove they are the rightful owner. I urge everyone to check their mouths and check their bathrooms and their parent's bathrooms." He was considering having a dentist on standby for official verification. The teeth are under Fulton's protection in a sealable bag, locked in a safe place.
Firefighters called out to rescue dog stuck in tree
Tippi the dog climbed 5 metres up a tree and needed to be rescued by volunteer firefighters.
The 11-year-old canine tree climber clawed her way up a tree in Northland, New Zealand, at about 11.30am on Sunday, leaving herself stranded and perched on a branch.
Owner Robyn Martinovich said it was too high for her to climb as she had just been released from hospital and her husband was away working. "I didn't have any other options so I rang 111. It was really embarrassing telling the operator I had a dog stuck in a tree." After confirming that yes it was a dog stuck in a tree the volunteer firefighters from Dargaville were alerted.
"The firemen all turned up smiling and were really awesome. I don't think they get to many callouts like that." On arrival a ladder was extended into the branches with one firefighter climbing high. He was able to tuck the tan-and-white coloured Jack Russell cross under his arm and safely deliver her to the ground again. Ms Martinovich said she suspected Tippi had been hunting for birds when she got stuck.
Tippi has history of tree climbing. Last year she also ascended a tree. Ms Martinovich said on that occasion she was able to climb the tree herself and reach Tippi but then found herself stuck and had to wait in the branches for about 20 minutes until her husband returned home and the duo could both be rescued. She said tree climbing wasn't something she could stop her dog from doing. "Hopefully if it happens again I'll be in a state to rescue her."
Owner Robyn Martinovich said it was too high for her to climb as she had just been released from hospital and her husband was away working. "I didn't have any other options so I rang 111. It was really embarrassing telling the operator I had a dog stuck in a tree." After confirming that yes it was a dog stuck in a tree the volunteer firefighters from Dargaville were alerted.
"The firemen all turned up smiling and were really awesome. I don't think they get to many callouts like that." On arrival a ladder was extended into the branches with one firefighter climbing high. He was able to tuck the tan-and-white coloured Jack Russell cross under his arm and safely deliver her to the ground again. Ms Martinovich said she suspected Tippi had been hunting for birds when she got stuck.
Tippi has history of tree climbing. Last year she also ascended a tree. Ms Martinovich said on that occasion she was able to climb the tree herself and reach Tippi but then found herself stuck and had to wait in the branches for about 20 minutes until her husband returned home and the duo could both be rescued. She said tree climbing wasn't something she could stop her dog from doing. "Hopefully if it happens again I'll be in a state to rescue her."
Surprise as six-foot long snake found on top of bathroom radiator in Rochdale home
A huge snake discovered by a terrified teenager in a bathroom was recovered by a real-life pet detective.
Karen Marriott dialed 999 after her daughter Hannah, 16, spotted the six foot-long reptile curled up on a bath mat on top of a radiator.
Craig Wallace, a detective based at Rochdale police station, overheard the control room call and offered to help as he has experience with keeping snakes.
Det Con Wallace raced to the family’s home in Littleborough, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, and managed to capture the snake in a pillow slip.
It was taken back to the station before being transferred into the care of the RSPCA. The reptile, white with black eyes, is believed to be a northern pine snake - and Det Con Wallace believes it may be a missing or escaped family pet which slithered into the house on Halifax Road during the recent warm weather. Mum Karen, 40, said she was forced to dial police for help at 7am on Tuesday morning as she couldn’t get hold of the RSPCA. She said: “Hannah was calm at first. She can’t even deal with spiders, but I don’t think she thought it was real.
“She’d been looking at it for a few minutes until it moved. She thought I was having a joke. I felt like a wally dialling 999 but I didn’t know what to do. I’m frightened because I don’t know how it got in. It was like something out of a film. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Everybody needed a wee, but we couldn’t go.” Det Con Wallace said that although it wasn’t a police matter, he was concerned for the family who were too scared to use their own bathroom. He said: “I keep snakes so I know a lot about them. It was a northern pine snake.
“They can give a nasty bite, but they’re not venomous. If it did bite you, you would struggle to get it off. I put my hand through a pillow slip then got the back of it’s head and wrapped it up.” He believes the snake is a pet and had either escaped or been set free. DC Wallace added: “It’s been a nice few days with people leaving doors and windows open. It isn’t uncommon for them to go through the loft space or floorboards. He added: “I wanted to keep it as a station pet, but no-one would sit near me.” The RSPCA later attended Rochdale police station and the snake is now being cared for by the animal charity.
It was taken back to the station before being transferred into the care of the RSPCA. The reptile, white with black eyes, is believed to be a northern pine snake - and Det Con Wallace believes it may be a missing or escaped family pet which slithered into the house on Halifax Road during the recent warm weather. Mum Karen, 40, said she was forced to dial police for help at 7am on Tuesday morning as she couldn’t get hold of the RSPCA. She said: “Hannah was calm at first. She can’t even deal with spiders, but I don’t think she thought it was real.
“She’d been looking at it for a few minutes until it moved. She thought I was having a joke. I felt like a wally dialling 999 but I didn’t know what to do. I’m frightened because I don’t know how it got in. It was like something out of a film. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Everybody needed a wee, but we couldn’t go.” Det Con Wallace said that although it wasn’t a police matter, he was concerned for the family who were too scared to use their own bathroom. He said: “I keep snakes so I know a lot about them. It was a northern pine snake.
“They can give a nasty bite, but they’re not venomous. If it did bite you, you would struggle to get it off. I put my hand through a pillow slip then got the back of it’s head and wrapped it up.” He believes the snake is a pet and had either escaped or been set free. DC Wallace added: “It’s been a nice few days with people leaving doors and windows open. It isn’t uncommon for them to go through the loft space or floorboards. He added: “I wanted to keep it as a station pet, but no-one would sit near me.” The RSPCA later attended Rochdale police station and the snake is now being cared for by the animal charity.
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