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Cameras around popular hiking trail capture jaw-dropping moment that's leaving experts stumped: 'This is very unusual behavior'
Cameras around popular hiking trail capture jaw-dropping moment that's leaving experts stumped: 'This is very unusual behavior' Wildlife officials have been stumped by the odd behavior of a rare adult male bull moose caught on trail cameras in the Adirondacks region of upstate New York, according to the Associated Press. "This is very unusual behavior," said Dave Kramer, a research scientist for New York's Department of Environmental Conservation, per the AP. "Typically at this time of year, moose will have moved down into the lower elevations, where they're primarily browsing on aquatic vegetation." The moose, which experts estimate to be about 4 years old and weighs roughly 900 pounds, has been lingering around the Goodman Mountain trail in the Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest since May, prompting officials to temporarily close the popular hiking trail, per the AP. Using multiple trail cameras in the area, officials have been able to remotely monitor the animal in an attempt to determine the cause of the strange behavior. A team of experts has also made periodic in-person observations from a safe distance. While experts suspect that some sort of disease or parasite may be at play, they have not observed any visible signs of illness. The moose has not displayed any signs of aggression, officials said. "His body condition hasn't deteriorated to the point where we're concerned that he's struggling," said Kramer, according to the AP. "So right now we're just kind of monitoring periodically and assessing each time." The situation highlighted the important role that trail cameras play in allowing non-invasive observations of wildlife in their natural habitats. Trail cameras also allow researchers to safely collect a wide range of useful data. "For instance, information can be collected on animal movement and range size, minimum population size, demographic data … identifying nest predators, or cataloging vertebrate diversity," according to Texas A&M University. When combined with data from other sources, trail cameras help inform wildlife management decisions and identify rare or difficult-to-observe animals. Without the trail cameras that were already in place, wildlife experts in the Adirondacks would not be able to keep nearly as close an eye on the bull moose's behavior, particularly while also maintaining a safe distance from the animal. Do you worry about air pollution in your town? All the time Often Only sometimes Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. For the time being, the trail, which is in the town of Tupper Lake, will remain closed to hikers, as officials continue to observe the moose. In mid-July, a team of experts hiked to the animal's location to make in-person observations. They found the moose resting in the middle of the trail, and its behavior seemed "off," according to Adirondack Explorer. Still, Kramer cautioned that, while "the moose does appear a little thinner than we would expect this time of year," it is difficult to make any kind of diagnosis in the wild, per the AP. Though the moose's outlook remained unclear, one thing was certain: Wildlife officials would be able to monitor the animal's condition from a safe distance thanks to trail cameras. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
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2 hours ago
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Scientists raise red flag over effects of microscopic threat to vital organs: 'A potential health risk'
Scientists raise red flag over effects of microscopic threat to vital organs: 'A potential health risk' A new study on mice has highlighted the damage that ingested microplastics can cause to different organs. What's happening? Researchers assessed the toxicity of polystyrene microplastics to the gut and mammary glands in subject mice, according to the study, published in the journal Science of Food. The scientists found that the tiny plastic particles accumulated in various tissues, causing significant harm to the gut and mammary glands. Specifically, they found that microplastics could "disrupt the intestinal barrier" and lead to inflammation of the colon and an imbalance of the gut microbiome. They also observed that microplastics can accumulate in mammary tissue, causing inflammatory damage there, among other effects. "These findings indicate that ingestion of microplastics poses a potential health risk," the authors stated. "Further control of microplastics contamination in food is needed to promote public health and wellness." Why are microplastics concerning? The study added to a growing understanding and body of research about the health impacts of microplastics. For instance, a previous experiment on pigs discovered that microplastic exposure can trigger an inflammatory response in the enteric nervous system, which affects functions including immune responses. The effects of microplastics on human health are still being explored. But other studies have linked microplastic exposure to health problems such as cancer, dementia, and impaired blood flow in the brain. What's being done about microplastics? Though microplastics pollute soil, water, food, and air, scientists are discovering new ways to remove them from our environment. For instance, one team found a way to get them out of soil by using a type of processed farm waste. You can help reduce the amount of microplastics entering the environment, and reduce your own exposure, by opting for plastic-free alternatives to everyday products. Choose reusable bottles and containers instead of single-use varieties, for instance. Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home? Majorly Sometimes Not really I don't know enough about them Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
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8 hours ago
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Everyday household items elevated as 'threat to humanity'
Plastic is found in human breast milk, brains, lungs, and male genitals, but are everyday household items like containers, toys and clothing actually bad for our health? One of the world's oldest peer-reviewed medical journals is concerned enough to label it a 'threat to humanity'. Overnight, The Lancet launched the Countdown on Health and Plastic scheme to collate independent data to help inform decision-makers on these four topics: Health impacts Exposures Production and emissions Interventions and engagement The announcement was made late on Monday (Australian time), advancing the crisis to the same level as climate change. It came as delegates from around the world gather in Switzerland for the fifth session of negotiations on a Global Plastics Treaty. Related: What happens when you put plastic in your dishwasher? Funding for the program is principally funded by Australia's Minderoo Foundation, a philanthropic organisation set up by mining billionaire Andrew Forrest and his then-wife Nicola. The Foundation's head of plastics and human health, Professor Sarah Dunlop, said there is 'overwhelming' evidence highlighting the dangers associated with plastic use. 'Toxic chemicals in everyday plastic items leach into our bodies, and harm human health at every stage of our lives,' she said. As the treaty negotiations offered an opportunity to increase regulation around its use, she said the launch of the Countdown is something that 'negotiators in Geneva cannot ignore'. Grim studies point to worrying impacts of plastic use Until now, collating disparate research and making sure it reached decision-makers has been a challenge for scientists. Studies on the impact of plastic are frequently published, but they are quickly forgotten and don't often result in a direct impact on its manufacture or use. A French study published in July estimated humans are breathing in 68,000 tiny plastic particles a day. But it's not just in human bodies where plastic is found — the substance litters some of the deepest parts of the ocean and the most remote corners of Antarctica. There is growing evidence that it's causing harm to wildlife, and it's been linked to a respiratory disease in birds. Emerging research from the Plymouth Marine Laboratory has linked its use to antimicrobial resistance. As new types of plastic are created, researchers say their impact on humans is unknown as they're rolled out to market. Most contain a cocktail of chemicals, and a study, published in the prestigious journal Nature in July, argued 4,200 should be banned from use. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
