Latest news with #BigBadWolf
Los Angeles Times
7 days ago
- General
- Los Angeles Times
We know how to coexist with bears and wolves. Will we kill them instead?
Humans have always had an emotional relationship with predators. We both revere and demonize them. We buy more than 100 million teddy bears annually for our children, while 50,000 real bears are hunted yearly in North America. Cultural fables and fairy tales simultaneously vilify and celebrate predators — from 'The Lion King' to the Three Bears to the Big Bad Wolf. In elementary school, we teach kids about the food chain and how every animal is crucial in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Predators are often the entry point to understanding ecology for young minds, with an abundance of nature films about sharks, bald eagles, tigers and many more fascinating predators. Somewhere between elementary school and adulthood, we forget what predators teach us and how much we need them. And it is this nation's adults who need to reconcile their ideas about predators and decide if we truly want to live with the ones we once attempted to exterminate. Our capacity to erase predators is proven. Our ability to conserve and recover them is equally established. The fundamental question remains: Do we wish to live alongside them? This age-old conflict resurfaced in California recently, igniting modern tensions. This spring, the Los Angeles Times wrote several articles on predator tensions, including a suspected black bear attack in Sierra County, conflict between farmers and a handful of wolves, and ranchers pressuring legislators for permission to 'remove' wolves. Ranchers spotlighted these sparse examples by with an ominous, documentary-style video online likening the severity of the issue to investigative crime reporting. This reporting paints a picture of an intensifying war between predators and those who would hunt them, if not for California law. The reality is that these examples of predators affecting humans are extremely rare. However, these stories build up and fuel a societal bias known in psychology as the availability heuristic, whereby a person uses a mental shortcut to judge the likelihood of an event based on how easily examples come to mind. When our judgment is clouded in this way, we design wildlife policy driven by fear, not reason. Images of a calf mauled by a wolf are evocative and ignite emotional responses. The same is true of an image of a wolf caught in a snare trap slowly suffering as it struggles to free itself. The conflict among wolves, prey and people is real. The question is how to manage it responsibly. First, we need clarity on the actual harm done by predators, including wolves. Wolves do attack livestock, but statistically the risk of an individual cow being attacked by a wolf is less than 1 in 100,000 in any given year. In more than 125 years across North America, wolves have only ever killed two people. In contrast, Americans kill each other at an annual rate of 6.8 per 100,000 individuals. It is clearly safer to be cattle with wolves roaming about than it is to be a person in society. This is not to say a wolf mauling a calf is not a tragic loss for an individual rancher, but we need to reckon these sparse personal losses with the drastic ecological damage of hunting wolves to near extinction. Today, there are approximately 6,000 to 8,000 gray wolves remaining in the contiguous U.S. (down from approximately 2 million). Wolves are known as 'ecosystem guardians' or 'keystone species,' meaning they are critical to maintaining ecosystem balance. When they are systematically removed, we see increases in livestock diseases, land degradation and food chain destabilization. Given the rarity of actual wolf attacks, we must invest in solutions that protect both ranchers and predators. An example is Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers' proposal to include $3.7 million in the state budget for wolf monitoring and abatement projects. These nonlethal methods are the most effective way to ensure predators and humans coexist. According to U.S. Department of Agriculture data, nonlethal methods reduce wolf-livestock conflicts by an average of 91%. Yet in 2023, USDA's Wildlife Services devoted less than 1% of its $286-million budget to nonlethal efforts. Despite nearly equal preference among livestock producers for both approaches, the money overwhelmingly supports lethal control. It is possible to create a future in which wolves, cattle and ranchers coexist with minimal harm. However, it is not possible to imagine a world in which one side 'wins' outright without severe negative consequences. We have the resources to find a win for ranchers and a win for wolves — if the American people choose to do so. Peter Kareiva, a former chief executive of the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach and a former director of UCLA's Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, is a founding member of Team Wolf, an organization focused on the long-term protection and recovery of gray wolves.
Time Out
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
The world's biggest book sale returns to Muang Thong Thani
Even in the so-called digital age, our love for physical books isn't going anywhere. There's still something magical about the scent of paper, the feel of flipping pages and the charm of a beautifully designed cover. That's why book fairs continue to thrive in Bangkok and book lovers, literary thrill-seekers and bargain hunters are in for a treat. Big Bad Wolf is back and this year they're bringing over two million titles to the city. Running from August 7–17, the world's biggest book sale returns to its original venue at Muang Thong Thani, after years of holding city-centre editions. Exhibition Hall 4 will be overflowing with page-turners of every kind. Expect everything from children's titles and illustrated pop-up books to binge-worthy teen fiction, timeless literary classics and must-read novels. For the niche reader, you'll find gems in categories like science, history, wellbeing and travel. Design lovers, take note: the sale also includes a curated selection of graphic design, architecture and visual art books such as rare finds on home styling, landscaping and interior design that might just inspire your next makeover. If you've never been, this is the event where discounts go as high as 95 percent. So clear your shelves and get ready to restock. The fair is open daily from 10am to 10pm and admission is free. Join the wolf pack here.
Scottish Sun
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Classic nursery rhyme becomes latest victim of woke madness as it's slapped with bonkers trigger warning
It comes after a theatre production of the kids' classic Three Little Pigs was slammed for slapping on a trigger warning WOKE JOKE Classic nursery rhyme becomes latest victim of woke madness as it's slapped with bonkers trigger warning Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NURSERY rhyme Hickory Dickory Dock has been given a trigger warning after almost 300 years — as a cat chases a mouse. The latest woke madness is being spouted by bosses running a puppet show based on the children's poem, first published in 1744. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Hickory Dickory Dock has been given a trigger warning after almost 300 years — as a cat chases a mouse Credit: Supplied They warn over-protective parents bringing tots to the production of a 'scene with some tension where a cat chases a mouse'. It is being performed by Garlic Theatre for kids as young as three at Little Angel Theatre, Islington, North London, in August. Tim Scott, of the Freedom Association, said: 'In the latest example of trigger madness, we now find beloved children's nursery rhymes are the target. 'Certain adults seem determined to inflict their nonsense on children, who have coped perfectly well for generations with these educational rhymes. 'You do have to wonder what might be next?' It comes after a theatre production of the kids' classic Three Little Pigs was slammed for slapping on a trigger warning because the dad gets eaten by the Big Bad Wolf. The work of children's author Roald Dahl has also been given cautions, due to 'racist and sexist stereotypes, anti-Semitism, and the use of derogatory language'. Garlic Theatre was asked to comment.
The Irish Sun
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Classic nursery rhyme becomes latest victim of woke madness as it's slapped with bonkers trigger warning
NURSERY rhyme Hickory Dickory Dock has been given a trigger warning after almost 300 years — as a cat chases a mouse. The latest woke madness is being spouted by bosses running a puppet show based on the children's poem, first published in 1744. Advertisement 1 Hickory Dickory Dock has been given a trigger warning after almost 300 years — as a cat chases a mouse Credit: Supplied They warn over-protective parents bringing tots to the production of a 'scene with some tension where a cat chases a mouse'. It is being performed by Garlic Theatre for kids as young as three at Little Angel Theatre, Islington, North London, in August. Tim Scott, of the Freedom Association, said: 'In the latest example of trigger madness, we now find beloved children's nursery rhymes are the target. 'Certain adults seem determined to inflict their nonsense on children, who have coped perfectly well for generations with these educational rhymes. Advertisement Read More on UK News 'You do have to wonder what might be next?' It comes after a theatre production of the kids' classic Three Little Pigs was slammed for slapping on a trigger warning because the dad gets eaten by the Big Bad Wolf. Garlic Theatre was asked to comment. Advertisement Most read in The Sun People are only just realising that Humpty Dumpty isn't an egg & it's giving a whole new meaning to the nursery rhyme
Thrill Geek
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Thrill Geek
The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf's Revenge Opens at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is unleashing its newest and most immersive family attraction – The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf's Revenge – opening today to all guests. North America's longest family inverted coaster delivers a highly immersive and thematic experience, where families are swept into a world of unparalleled excitement. Set in a bustling Bavarian village, the celebration quickly turns into chaos as glowing red eyes and bone-chilling howls signal the return of a terrifying creature. Riders dash through more than 2,500 feet of track at speeds up to 40 miles per hour. With its thrilling yet accessible design, this ride is perfect for kids, with a minimum height of 42 inches when accompanied by a supervising companion and 48 inches without, ensuring everyone can enjoy this coaster together. Members had the exclusive opportunity to be the first to ride over this past week, and the reviews were enthusiastic, with many eager to ride again and share the experience. Now, the park is excited to open the ride to all guests so everyone can see what the buzz is about. The Virginia park celebrated with a Grand Opening Ceremony, complete with a ribbon cutting, ceremonial first ride, and a DJ dance party. Wolf Scouts from the Colonial Virginia Council of Scouting America joined local dignitaries and Busch Gardens leadership for the inaugural ride. 'Last weekend, we gave our Members the opportunity to preview The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf's Revenge during our 50th anniversary celebration, and they loved it,' said Kevin Lembke, President of Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA. 'The return of the iconic wolf, paired with the nostalgia of our park's history, struck a real chord with guests, and the early reactions have been enthusiastic across the board. It's the perfect opportunity for thrill seekers of all ages to create new memories together.' LIMITED-TIME MEMORIAL DAY SALE! For a limited time, save up to 35% on Fun Cards and Memberships: Fun Card : Unlimited visits to rides, shows, and seasonal events throughout 2025. : Unlimited visits to rides, shows, and seasonal events throughout 2025. Membership: Unlimited visits for 12 months, plus FREE parking, up to 8 FREE guest tickets, VIP events, and exclusive discounts on merchandise, Quick Queu,e and more! For more information on The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf's Revenge and Membership, visit Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter/X, Instagram @iamcg83
