Latest news with #BearWeek
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
You're probably not going to get attacked by a shark, but being in the U.S. does make it more likely
There is something about sharks. Of all the massive, deadly, fascinating creatures that roam our planet, sharks stand out for how much they capture our imaginations and trigger our fears. There's no Bear Week or Snake Week or Elephant Week. There's only Shark Week. There's good eason for that. Sharks are remarkable animals. They've been around for hundreds of millions of years and have survived five mass extinction events. Their surprise attack hunting tactics and cold, expressionless faces make them ideal fodder for cinematic horror stories. It's no surprise, then, that a majority of Americans have a significant fear of sharks. In a recent poll by Chapman University, more people said they are afraid of sharks than said the same about earthquakes, hurricanes and even murder. Sharks do kill people, but the number of fatal attacks is much smaller than you might think. Only four people died from shark bites last year, according to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), a database of shark encounters maintained by researchers at the Florida Museum of Natural History for decades. Not all shark bites are deadly, of course. There were 47 unprovoked shark bites worldwide in 2024. Only one person in the U.S. was killed by a shark last year, an experienced surfer and lifeguard who died after being attacked while surfing in Hawaii last summer. But a majority of the world's sharks bites (60%) in 2024 occurred in U.S. waters. That's consistent with long-term trends. The United States consistently sees more shark bites than any other country. The researchers with the ISAF have tracked shark attacks all the way back to the 16th century. According to their database, there have been nearly 1,700 recorded shark attacks in the U.S. since the 1500s, more than double the number in any other nation and just under half of the total attacks worldwide. When it comes to deadly shark bites, though, the U.S. falls well behind Australia, which has seen more than 250 fatal attacks in its history. Why does the U.S. have so many shark attacks? The answer is more about circumstances than anything else. To put it simply, the U.S. has a whole lot of places where humans can come into contact with sharks and a whole lot of people for sharks to bite. The U.S. has nearly 100,000 miles of coastline (almost 70,000 if you don't include Alaska). Only a few countries have more and some of those, like Canada and Russia, bump up against frigid Arctic seas where you won't find many humans or sharks in the water. The U.S. also has a much larger population than other countries with large coastlines, which leads to many more opportunities for sharks and humans to come into contact. It's estimated that there are 3.4 billion trips made to American beaches every year. That's more than 100 times as many as Australia, the place with the second-largest number of shark attacks all time. Finally, the oceans surrounding the U.S. happen to be part of the habitat of the 'big three' sharks (great whites, tiger sharks and bull sharks) that are blamed for most deadly attacks. America's shark bite capital Shark bites aren't distributed evenly across the U.S. either. While California, Hawaii and the Carolinas see their share, Florida is unquestionably America's shark-attack capital. Half of all shark bites in the U.S. last year — more than a quarter of all bites worldwide — occurred in the Sunshine State. Over the past two centuries, Florida has seen four-and-a-half times as many shark attacks as any other state. If Florida were its own country, it would rank No. 1 on the list of nations with the most total shark attacks. Even within Florida, attacks are concentrated in certain areas. Volusia County, home to Daytona Beach, is where the bulk of the state's bites occur, thanks to its high population of sharks and popular surf spots. Fortunately the area is home mostly to spinner sharks and black tip reef sharks, which are much smaller and less dangerous than their deadlier relatives. How to make the risk even smaller The odds of any one person being killed by a shark are extraordinarily low, much lower than the odds of being killed by a dog, fireworks or lightning. But if the fear of being attacked still haunts you, there are things you can do to reduce your risk even further. Here are the top tips, according to Gavin Naylor, research director of the ISAF: Don't go in the water alone Don't go in the water at dawn or dusk Don't go in the water where there are a lot of fish Don't wear reflective jewelry in the water Try to avoid splashing at the surface
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
You're probably not going to get attacked by a shark, but being in the U.S. does make it more likely
There is something about sharks. Of all the massive, deadly, fascinating creatures that roam our planet, sharks stand out for how much they capture our imaginations and trigger our fears. There's no Bear Week or Snake Week or Elephant Week. There's only Shark Week. There's good eason for that. Sharks are remarkable animals. They've been around for hundreds of millions of years and have survived five mass extinction events. Their surprise attack hunting tactics and cold, expressionless faces make them ideal fodder for cinematic horror stories. It's no surprise, then, that a majority of Americans have a significant fear of sharks. In a recent poll by Chapman University, more people said they are afraid of sharks than said the same about earthquakes, hurricanes and even murder. Sharks do kill people, but the number of fatal attacks is much smaller than you might think. Only four people died from shark bites last year, according to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), a database of shark encounters maintained by researchers at the Florida Museum of Natural History for decades. Not all shark bites are deadly, of course. There were 47 unprovoked shark bites worldwide in 2024. Only one person in the U.S. was killed by a shark last year, an experienced surfer and lifeguard who died after being attacked while surfing in Hawaii last summer. But a majority of the world's sharks bites (60%) in 2024 occurred in U.S. waters. That's consistent with long-term trends. The United States consistently sees more shark bites than any other country. The researchers with the ISAF have tracked shark attacks all the way back to the 16th century. According to their database, there have been nearly 1,700 recorded shark attacks in the U.S. since the 1500s, more than double the number in any other nation and just under half of the total attacks worldwide. When it comes to deadly shark bites, though, the U.S. falls well behind Australia, which has seen more than 250 fatal attacks in its history. Why does the U.S. have so many shark attacks? The answer is more about circumstances than anything else. To put it simply, the U.S. has a whole lot of places where humans can come into contact with sharks and a whole lot of people for sharks to bite. The U.S. has nearly 100,000 miles of coastline (almost 70,000 if you don't include Alaska). Only a few countries have more and some of those, like Canada and Russia, bump up against frigid Arctic seas where you won't find many humans or sharks in the water. The U.S. also has a much larger population than other countries with large coastlines, which leads to many more opportunities for sharks and humans to come into contact. It's estimated that there are 3.4 billion trips made to American beaches every year. That's more than 100 times as many as Australia, the place with the second-largest number of shark attacks all time. Finally, the oceans surrounding the U.S. happen to be part of the habitat of the 'big three' sharks (great whites, tiger sharks and bull sharks) that are blamed for most deadly attacks. America's shark bite capital Shark bites aren't distributed evenly across the U.S. either. While California, Hawaii and the Carolinas see their share, Florida is unquestionably America's shark-attack capital. Half of all shark bites in the U.S. last year — more than a quarter of all bites worldwide — occurred in the Sunshine State. Over the past two centuries, Florida has seen four-and-a-half times as many shark attacks as any other state. If Florida were its own country, it would rank No. 1 on the list of nations with the most total shark attacks. Even within Florida, attacks are concentrated in certain areas. Volusia County, home to Daytona Beach, is where the bulk of the state's bites occur, thanks to its high population of sharks and popular surf spots. Fortunately the area is home mostly to spinner sharks and black tip reef sharks, which are much smaller and less dangerous than their deadlier relatives. How to make the risk even smaller The odds of any one person being killed by a shark are extraordinarily low, much lower than the odds of being killed by a dog, fireworks or lightning. But if the fear of being attacked still haunts you, there are things you can do to reduce your risk even further. Here are the top tips, according to Gavin Naylor, research director of the ISAF: Don't go in the water alone Don't go in the water at dawn or dusk Don't go in the water where there are a lot of fish Don't wear reflective jewelry in the water Try to avoid splashing at the surface
Miami Herald
20-06-2025
- Miami Herald
From coast to coast: LGBTQ-friendly places to visit this summer
From coast to coast: LGBTQ-friendly places to visit this summer It's nearly summer, which means vacation time for many LGBTQ+ Americans. But where are LGBTQ+ vacationers heading? From beach towns to big cities, News Is Out shares some of the top LGBTQ+-friendly destinations this summer. Provincetown, MA Often considered the ultimate gay beach town, Provincetown's population grows from around 3,500 to 60,000 during the summer months. This coastal town has been courting LGBTQ+ visitors for decades, and offers popular events like Bear Week, Girl Splash, LGBTQ+ Families Week, and more. While accommodations book up months in advance, visitors might still be able to score some last-minute deals. A stop by Atlantic House, one of the nation's oldest operating gay bars, is a must. Rehoboth Beach, DE Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, has long been a favorite LGBTQ+ vacation spot on the East Coast. With its charming boardwalk, inclusive atmosphere, and lively mix of LGBTQ+-owned and friendly restaurants, bars, and shops, it's a welcoming destination for queer travelers looking for sun, community, and coastal fun. Check out CAMP Rehoboth's popular Women's Fest and Summer Solstice – The Ultimate White Party when planning a trip. Fire Island, NY This iconic destination about two and a half hours by car or train from New York City offers beach culture mixed with a party atmosphere and a strong queer community. The island is divided into several communities, the most popular being Cherry Grove and The Pines. Vacation rental houses are available for those planning longer trips, while hotels right in the mix of the party scene are also available. Houses tend to book out months, if not years, in advance, but many guests make weekend trips via the Fire Island Ferry and stay in one of the island's many hotels. Ferries depart from three locations, with hourly options during peak times. Palm Springs, CA About a two-hour drive west of Los Angeles, Palm Springs is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly resort towns in the U.S. Once a bastion for Hollywood's biggest stars, Palm Springs combines a relaxing desert atmosphere and mid-century charm with an LGBTQ+ welcoming vibe. In 2017, the city made headlines for having the country's first all LGBTQ+ city council. Queer parties happen year round in Palm Springs, and while summer isn't peak tourist season (temperatures can top 109 degrees June-August), this town has its share of luxury resorts and a strong pool culture to cool things down. Fans of RuPaul's Drag Race won't want to miss a stop by for a drink at The Trixie Motel, renovated and owned by drag superstar Trixie Mattel. Key West, FL Famous for its laid-back, anything-goes attitude, Key West is home to drag shows, Pride events and a strong queer tourism economy. Once home to icons like Tennessee Williams and Gore Vidal, it grew into a haven for LGBTQ+ artists, writers, and travelers starting in the mid-20th century. By the '70s, the island had fully embraced its queer identity, becoming one of the country's most welcoming and affirming destinations. Today, events like Pride and Fantasy Fest keep that spirit alive. Head over to the 700 block of Duval Street, where rainbow crosswalks beckon and several LGBTQ+-owned establishments are located. Douglas and Saugatuck, Michigan On the coast of Lake Michigan, guests will find two LGBTQ+-friendly towns that come to life in the summer months. Douglas and Saugatuck are twin cities of a sort; these towns have welcomed LGBTQ+ visitors since the '50s. In Douglas, the famous Dunes Resort, has welcomed primarily gay and queer men since 1981. In Saugatuck, art galleries and LGBTQ+-owned businesses line the streets and visitors can even catch a show at the Mason Street Warehouse. San Diego, California San Diego has quietly become one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly vacation spots in the U.S., offering a mix of coastal charm, vibrant nightlife, and inclusive spaces. The Hillcrest neighborhood is the heart of queer San Diego, full of bars, cafes, and shops that cater to the community, including Gossip Grill. From beach days at Black's Beach (a clothing-optional beach popular with locals) to catching a performance at Diversionary Theatre, San Diego delivers a culturally rich, welcoming vibe. Portland, Oregon The Rose City is in bloom during the summer, as is the LGBTQ+ scene in this Pacific Northwest city. Portland has multiple LGBTQ+ bars but is so queer and trans-friendly that most places offer an enthusiastic LGBTQ+ welcoming atmosphere. Sporty queers will want to check out the Portland Thorns soccer team, stop by the queer-owned Sports Bra for snacks and drinks, and look into WNBA tickets for the Portland expansion team debuting in 2026. Don't miss a show at the famous Darcelle XV, which in 2020 became the first LGBTQ+ business in Oregon to receive designation as a national historic site. On any given night, visitors will find something queer-themed to do in Portland. This story was produced by News Is Out and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. © Stacker Media, LLC.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Jackson to repair Denver Street sinkhole, work starts this week
Editor's Note: Video above is from a previous story about the sinkhole. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Repairs will soon be made to a sinkhole in the City of Jackson. Jackson Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba announced crews will begin repairing the sinkhole on Denver Street this week. Mississippi's Bear Week aims to educate about black bears Small trees could be seen growing in the hole. Multiple pipes were exposed with water flowing from them. Officials with JXN Water said they received paperwork that verified they had completed the sewer work two years ago. They said the storm drain needs to be repaired, which is the City of Jackson's responsibility. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Mississippi's Bear Week aims to educate about black bears
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Officials with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) announced the return of Bear Week. Taking place April 27, 2025 until May 3, 2025, Bear Week aims to educate the public on facts, research, and science related to black bear management in Mississippi. Vicksburg police warn of wildlife as Mississippi River rises As Mississippi's black bear population continues to grow, officials said understanding bear behavior and adopting BearWise habits is essential. Through a week of engaging content, interactive activities, and educational resources, MDWFP will provide Mississippians with the tools they need to better understand the dynamics of the Mississippi black bear population and how to live responsibly alongside them. 'Mississippi's black bear population is growing, and it is more important than ever for the public to understand how to safely coexist with these animals,' said Anthony Ballard, MDWFP Black Bear Program Coordinator. 'Bear Week provides an opportunity to learn about these fascinating creatures while taking proactive steps to ensure a future where both bears and people can thrive.' Throughout the week, MDWFP will share educational videos, social media challenges, expert interviews, and fun, interactive content designed to make learning about black bears accessible and engaging for all ages. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
