Bear attacks and critically injures woman walking her dog in Slovenia forest
Bear that attacked multiple people in Slovakia seen running across yard
A woman was in critical condition on Wednesday after a bear attack in a forested area outside Slovenia's capital, Ljubljana, police said.
The attack on Tuesday occurred at the edge of the forest in Skofljica, some 6 miles southeast of the capital, as the woman was walking her dog, police said.
The bear retreated into the forest after the attack and police have advised local residents to stay away and be cautious.
"There are several hunters in the field at the same time, who are responsible for possibly deterring bears from points where contact with humans could occur," police said. "If it is necessary to increase the number of hunters in the field, we will do so."
The incident came just days after authorities approved the culling of 206 brown bears, whose population in the area has grown to around 1,000 bears.
The small Alpine nation of just over 2 million people is widely forested with many protected nature zones. Authorities occasionally approve bear or wolf culls despite strong opposition from animal rights groups.
Two bear attacks on people were recorded in 2022, according to Slovenia's official STA news agency.
European brown bear (Ursus arctos), in the Notranjska forest, Slovenia, in a 2021 file photo.
Sergio Pitamitz/VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
The nation of Slovakia, to the northeast, has also grappled with a surging brown bear population as well as attacks on humans.
Last month, lawmakers approved a plan to shoot about 350 brown bears in Slovakia after a man was mauled to death while walking in a forest there, the BBC reported.
In 2024, a woman died in Slovakia after being chased by a bear through dense forest and mountainous terrain.
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CNET
30 minutes ago
- CNET
Bird Feeder Tips From a Wildlife Expert: How to Set Up and Care for Your Bird Feeder
As a wellness writer and amateur birder, I appreciate the health benefits of listening to and watching birds. Studies show that hearing birdsong can boost our mental health, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression and lowering stress levels. Until recently, I lived in an apartment in the heart of a city. I had to actively seek nature and the advantages of being surrounded by our avian friends. I now live in a house with a backyard and mature trees, where birds flit among the bushes and bounce along the fence line. I dove headfirst into my long-held dream of having an outdoor space with bird feeders, quickly realizing I needed some guidance on choosing the right feeder, figuring out where to place it and which feed to use. Tru Hubbard, urban wildlife education coordinator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife, came to the rescue with expert insight. From feeders and seeds to bird safety tips, here's everything you need to know about placing and caring for your bird feeder. Where is the best place to put your bird feeder? Location, location, location -- it's not just an important term for real estate agents. Where and how you set up your bird feeder can impact the birds and other local wildlife. The main points to consider when picking the best spot for your bird feeder are proper coverage and proximity to trees, distance from windows and height off the ground. Coverage and proximity to trees Birds prefer to feed in areas with some coverage, allowing them to quickly escape to nearby trees or bushes if needed. Placing your feeder near trees or shrubbery increases their protection from predators and offers shelter from inclement weather like rain or wind -- but they shouldn't be too close. The standard guideline is to put your feeder between 10 and 15 feet from said bushes and trees. Hanging your feeder in a tree with easily accessible branches isn't advised. "We also want to reduce the ability of other animals to access the food, which is why sometimes hanging them in trees can be an invitation to our smaller mammals. Placing it about 10 feet away from any tree or structure squirrels or raccoons could use to jump off will help stop them from stealing food,' said Hubbard. A bird feeder hung close to branches or structures can be an easy target for squirrels, raccoons and other placement can also reduce the likelihood of birds being stalked by neighborhood cats from the bushes. This is important to consider because feral and domestic cat predation is the primary driver of bird mortality in the US. Distance from windows 'There are multiple factors to consider that can vary for each person and yard. Prioritizing the bird's safety should be number one; thus, avoiding spots that could increase the chance of bird strikes on windows should be at the top of the list," said Hubbard. There is a sweet spot regarding how far away your feeder should be from windows. One way to remember this is the Rule of 3 or 30, which suggests placing your bird feeder within three feet of a window or at least 30 feet away. If your feeder is less than three feet from a window, the chances of a bird getting injured are reduced since it won't be flying at high speed if it hits the window. The safest option is to position your feeder well away from windows to eliminate the risk of collisions entirely. 'Ideally, a bird feeder should be placed more than 30 feet away from any windows, allowing plenty of time for them to navigate around potential hazards, or within a few feet of a home, which doesn't allow birds to gain enough speed to injure themselves if they do contact a window," explained Hubbard. The US Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that over one billion birds collide with glass and windows in the United States annually. If birds are colliding with your windows at home, check out these tips for keeping them safe. Shade versus sun 'Hanging feeders in shaded areas is generally preferred because it will prevent food spoilage, provide some cover from the elements and keep birds out of the hot sun for a more comfortable feeding environment,' explained Hubbard. In addition to keeping them cooler during the warmer summer months, a shaded location can help reduce sun glare and prevent confusion for the birds flying in your yard. The height of your bird feeder will also play a role in the type of bird you off the ground The height of your feeder will also impact the species of birds that will hang out there. Ground-feeding birds, such as sparrows and towhees, naturally prefer to eat lower, while others, like woodpeckers, feed higher in trees. 'About five to six feet minimum is recommended due to other animals that will be trying to access the feed, including squirrels, raccoons and deer,' said Hubbard. You can certainly install a bird feeder above that five-to-six-foot sweet spot, just keep in mind that positioning it too high can make it less convenient for cleaning and refilling. What type of bird feeder should you use? Bird feeders come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from trays and platforms to hoppers and tubes. Browsing the many options at my local plant nursery was a little overwhelming. I spoke with a knowledgeable employee who explained that when it comes to deciding on the type of feeder, it ultimately boils down to the bird you hope to attract. Hubbard echoed this sentiment. 'Your bird feeder selection depends primarily on the species of bird you would like to feed. For instance, platform feeders tend to be better suited for larger songbirds like cardinals, while feeders with lots of little perches are better for small songbirds and can reduce competition for food. Things you can also consider are durability, how easy they are to clean and squirrel-proof features if you expect this to be an issue,' Hubbard explained. Unless you're trying to attract one specific type of bird, providing a combination of different feeder styles and foods in your yard will attract the greatest variety. For more, here's a breakdown of the types of bird feeders and the birds they're best for. It was three days before I saw the first visitor to my platform feeder. Aly Lopez/CNET The only visitor I saw for the first week after installing my hanging tray feeder was a California scrub jay. This species can be rather competitive and aggressive with other birds, and is sometimes called a "bully bird," so I hoped it wasn't hogging the feeder. However, I'm pleased to report that various other birds have been stopping by the feeder recently, including mountain chickadees, house finches and an American robin. What should you feed the birds? Similar to the type of feeder, the food you put out will determine which birds (and other animals) will visit. 'The type of birdseed used varies depending on what species you're hoping to attract to your backyard," Hubbard said, sharing research published by the National Audubon Society. Project Wildbird was an impressive study involving the observation of 1.2 million bird feeder visits to determine the top seed preferences of birds. The number-one choice? Black oil sunflower seeds. They're easy to crack open and provide a nutritious, high-oil snack, meaning less work and a greater reward. It's preferred by birds such as the black-capped chickadee, Cassin's finch, northern cardinal, house finch, tufted titmouse, red-breasted nuthatch and many more. The birding section at my local plant nursery displays signs showing which seed is best for attracting certain species of birds. Aly Lopez/CNET High-quality birdseed will increase the likelihood of birds flocking to your feeder. Cheap store-bought mixed bags often include fillers such as cracked corn and red milo. These low-quality alternatives to sunflower and other protein-rich seeds lack nutritional value, and birds often won't eat them. Smaller birds have a harder time eating these with their tiny beaks. An accumulation of leftovers can grow mold and attract unwanted wildlife or pests to your feeder, so it's best to avoid the cheap stuff at all costs. Mealworms and suet cakes are other great options for providing the birds with nutritious and energy-rich food. I chose a variety of birdseed mixes from Wild Birds Unlimited. Aly Lopez/CNET I opted for various birdseed mixes from the reputable brand Wild Birds Unlimited. The company offers an assortment of bird food ranging from suet cakes to high-quality seed blends. Large bulk bags of birdseed are available for purchase, but I chose to go with a few smaller bags first to see which is the most popular among the birds in my yard. Do not give them human food Avoid setting out human food or snacks to protect your wild bird visitors and their digestive health. Certain foods, including avocado, fruit seeds and pits, bread, milk, chocolate and foods high in sugar or salt, are toxic to birds. 'We do not recommend feeding any wild bird human food. An unnatural diet doesn't provide the required nutrients that wild birds need to be healthy, and it can also result in behavioral changes, increases in illnesses and disease spread," explains Hubbard. Is it OK to have a bird feeder in your yard? Generally, having a bird feeder in your yard is fine, but it depends on your situation. While bird feeders attract various birds, they may also draw in other animals, such as mice, squirrels, raccoons, deer and bears. The presence of rodents near your bird feeder can attract predators like snakes, coyotes, hawks and owls to your space. "Some instances where it may be a good idea to remove your feeder, at least for the time being, are when you're made aware of high wildlife activity in your area, including animals such as bears or coyotes. These animals are attracted to almost any food source they can find, especially when they are easily accessible. Securing food sources can be an easy adjustment to help keep wildlife from developing a habit of visiting your yard,' said Hubbard. If you live in bear country, it's important to secure any attractants when there are sightings in your area.'If you don't want to remove the bird feeder completely, try removing it overnight when a lot of wildlife is most active, then place it back out in the morning. You can also try scattering some small amounts of birdseed in your yard during the day, which will be easy for birds to pick through but not worth it for our larger animals. Keep in mind that this may also attract smaller rodents to your yard, which could, in turn, attract predators. It is good practice to keep up with sightings in your area, and you can start by removing and securing the feeders at night," Hubbard emphasized. How often should you clean your bird feeder? 'Generally, it is recommended that bird feeders be cleaned every other week or twice a month, but this frequency should be increased if sick birds or disease is suspected. Another option is to clean the feeder every time it is emptied," said Hubbard. The frequency also depends on the type of feeder and food involved, as well as the climate. For example, hummingbird feeders require more frequent cleanings (around every three to five days), as do feeders located in especially hot or humid weather. Most bird feeders can be cleaned by removing the old seed, taking them apart and placing them in a dishwasher on a hot setting or handwashing with soap or a diluted bleach solution. Properly rinse and thoroughly dry the bird feeder before refilling it with new seed. Cleaning the ground beneath your feeder is recommended to prevent the buildup of uneaten seed and bird waste. How long will it take for birds to find the feeder? I currently have two different types of feeders: a hanging tray and the Bird Buddy Smart Feeder. The latter has a classic hopper or house shape with a solar-powered roof for coverage and a camera for capturing photos and videos as they munch. I had to fend off disappointment when my little bird friends didn't immediately swarm around the new feeders, but it can take up to a few weeks before birds interact with a new one. They are creatures of habit, and testing a new food source and landing pattern takes time. The first bird to visit my platform feeder took about three days. It took 12 days for a bird to land on the Bird Buddy feeder. I was jumping for joy when I received the notification from the Bird Buddy app that I had a visitor -- a cute mountain chickadee coming to check things out for the first time. I am confident that with abundant patience and the right food, it's only a matter of time before this feeder becomes part of their routine. This little mountain chickadee was the first to check out the Bird Buddy feeder 12 days after installing it. Bird Buddy/Aly Lopez/CNET Too long; didn't read? The most important thing to consider is the health and safety of the wild birds in your area. The placement of your bird feeder impacts the number of birds that visit and the presence of other animals and predators. Ideally, you should position your bird feeder around 10 feet away from trees or shrubs to prevent squirrels from jumping onto it. It's best to keep your feeder at least 30 feet away from windows or glass to reduce the risk of collision, a leading cause of injury and death for birds. Use high-quality feed and avoid offering human food or snacks, as many are toxic to birds. If you live in an area where bears, coyotes or foxes are frequently spotted, securing your bird feeder and any other attractants is crucial to keep these animals safe and out of your yard. Additionally, cats pose another huge threat to bird populations. If you have a cat that roams outside, it's best not to use bird feeders in your yard to ensure the birds' safety and protection. Regular cleaning of your bird feeder is essential to prevent mold and bacteria growth, which can lead to the transmission of bird sickness and disease. As fun as it is to bring all the birds to your yard, being a responsible birder is key to ensuring the birds (and you) stay safe, healthy and happy. If you have questions regarding your birding journey, the National Audubon Society is an excellent resource for bird feeding and care. Your state's wildlife department is another fantastic source for inquiring about local guidelines and assistance. It's pretty simple -- the bird feeder and type of seed you set out will influence the birds that come to your yard. Ensuring their safety is the top priority.
Gizmodo
2 hours ago
- Gizmodo
Worms Caught Building Flesh Towers in the Wild
Scientists have just discovered something most of us probably would've been fine never knowing: wild nematodes—also known as roundworms—love to climb on top of each other to build fleshy, writhing towers. Researchers in Germany detailed their discovery in a new study published Thursday in Current Biology. They found and videotaped several nematode species, living out in the wild, organizing into these living worm towers—a phenomenon previously only seen in the lab. The findings also show that the microscopic worms use these structures to climb onto animals or objects that can bring them elsewhere, though there remain many other questions about the practice. According to senior study author Serena Ding, a researcher at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, the towers are hardly a secret among the worm science community. But the behavior had reached a sort of mythical status, since no one had ever documented it in wild nematodes. That could have meant the worms are only compelled to build towers under lab conditions, which might have limited the usefulness of any research on the behavior. 'It's just something that always bugged me. I mean, yes, we're studying nematode collective behavior in the tower context and other contexts, but is it real?' Ding, the leader of a lab focused on nematode research at Max Planck, told Gizmodo. 'So when I started my research program four years ago, I really dedicated a push towards just actually finding nematodes at a high density and high numbers doing this stuff out there. And then we were successful.' It ultimately took months for Ding's colleagues, particularly co-author Ryan Greenway, to find and record instances of natural worm tower building in the decaying fruits strewn across the orchards near the University of Konstanz (one of three locations where the Institute is based). Once the towers were found, the researchers brought some into the lab for further study. They also encouraged and studied the creation of worm towers in the lab with Caenorhabditis elegans, a species frequently used for research. 'There's the important finding of, 'Yes, they do exist.' But the second finding is that we actually confirm the towers can serve to disperse individuals at the same time,' Ding said. 'This [has] always been thought of as a dispersal behavior, but nobody's really confirmed it.' The researchers observed the worms in these towers latching onto animals like fruit flies passing them by, for instance, or using them as a sort of bridge to cross otherwise unreachable gaps. Moreover, the towers appeared to collectively respond to stimuli like being touched. The fruits contained loads of nematodes, but the towers themselves were always made of only one species at a time. All of this suggests that these living buildings should be seen as temporary 'superorganisms,' similar to slime molds or certain ants. Though Ding and her team did hope and expect to find the worm towers in nature, they were surprised in other ways. The researchers found no evidence of the lab worms taking on different roles inside the tower, for one. The worms were equally mobile, and none appeared to have an advantage over others in becoming the head of the tower (i.e. the part that most benefits from this behavior). These worms are clonal, however, meaning they're practically identical to each other genetically. And it's possible that things aren't quite so chummy among more distantly-related worms in the wild. 'These are active directions which we're trying to follow up on right now, because not everybody gets to disperse. So who gets to disperse? Are they helping each other? Are they cheating?' Ding said. There are other questions left to be answered about these towers. The team's lab experiments showed that C. elegans worms were capable of building towers throughout their lives, for instance, including adulthood. Previous research had suggested this behavior was only performed by dauer worms—a larval stage of life some worms adopt to survive harsher environments. At the same time, the natural towers they found were only made out of dauer worms, so maybe there's something else that makes the behavior more common during that stage of life. This research is only the start for Ding and her team, since they plan to pursue these mysteries further. But Ding hopes her team's work can already impart a valuable lesson, especially to other worm researchers. She notes worms like C. elegans are commonly altered in the lab so scientists can track how certain behaviors might work on the molecular level. But she argues that there's also still plenty more to be learned from studying them out in the real world. 'What I'm trying to do is to take really well-known organisms but study them from a more natural perspective. I want to understand not just how the behavior is generated, but also what the behavior means for the animal from a more ecological and evolutionarily relevant perspective,' she said. 'At least for me, this is an important study where as a worm person, I can publish a study without using a single mutant and we're just looking at the behavior, and what those behaviors say. For me, that's super exciting.' Personally, I'm just glad I now have more frightening trivia to bring up at my next party.
News24
5 hours ago
- News24
So help me guard: Armed robbers tie up Eastern Cape Treasury security officer, steal minibus
Two balaclava-clad men threatened a security guard with firearms and stole a minibus taxi from the Eastern Cape Treasury offices in Bhisho. The provincial treasury has condemned the incident and plans to enhance security measures, which include electric fencing and CCTV cameras. Police have launched an investigation and asked for public assistance to locate the stolen vehicle and the suspects. The Eastern Cape Treasury has condemned the brazen robbery on Monday at its offices in Bhisho. This after two armed men cornered and tied up a security guard before stealing the department's minibus taxi. The two men also made off with an occurrence book register. According to Eastern Cape police, the incident happened at around 02:45 on Monday. Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said: 'According to reports, two unidentified African male suspects, both armed and wearing balaclavas, entered the guard room where a security officer was on duty.' The first man, Gantana said, threatened the security officer with a firearm, demanding keys to a state-owned Toyota Quantum that was parked outside. The guard reportedly informed the man that he did not have the vehicle's keys. 'During this confrontation, a second suspect entered the guard room carrying a firearm and cable ties. The security officer was strapped [around] both his hands and feet with cable ties. Shortly after, the officer observed the second suspect driving away in the state vehicle. 'The first suspect then seized the occurrence book register from the scene before fleeing in the stolen [vehicle] with his accomplice,' Gantana said. The security guard was not injured during the incident. The vehicle is yet to be recovered. Provincial Treasury spokesperson Mamela Ndamase said the department was exploring ways to enhance the security of its car park 'as incidents relating to state vehicles are on the rise'. 'The interventions may include the installation of an electric fence and CCTV cameras,' Ndamase said. ALSO READ | 10 armed robbers storm Cape Town shopping centre, one suspect arrested She added: 'We condemn the incident in the strongest terms. This is a concerning and disturbing matter for the department, considering that it doesn't only violate the security of the department and our valuable resources, but it also poses a threat to the lives of the security personnel that is guarding our premises and resources.' Gantana said no arrests have been made. '[Police in] Bhisho [have] launched an intensive investigation and appeals to the public for assistance. Anyone with information regarding the suspects, the stolen Toyota Quantum (GGL 242 EC) is urged to contact the Bhisho SAPS or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.'
