Latest news with #KeithPorteous
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Grim photos prompt warning over common backyard act: 'Completely preventable'
Grim photos of multiple magpies with severely broken beaks has triggered a warning to Aussies who have a habit of feeding the birds when they land in their backyard. It's not uncommon to see the animals eating mince or bread from the palm of someone's hand, and while they are not toxic, the food can still be incredibly deadly, according to wildlife experts. The three separate magpies each suffering from 'painful injuries' were found by Keith Porteous, a Sunshine Coast local otherwise known online as 'The Wildlife Rescuer', late last year. The 'heartbreaking' images went viral this week as Aussies shared their shock over the extreme damage. 'I received calls for from concerned members of the public,' he told Yahoo News. 'As the birds were flight capable, I had to capture them. All the birds were emaciated when I rescued them, showing their injuries were preventing them from feeding adequately.' When magpies suffer from a broken beak, it is often the result of metabolic bone disease (MBD) and oral infections from a lack of nutrition. 'MBD is caused by a lack of calcium in the bird's diet. The animal's response to the deficiency is to draw calcium from its own bone reserves, leading to soft or brittle bones that are susceptible to deformation and fracture,' Porteous said, adding rescuers 'see quite a number of cases over the year'. Bread and mince, which can also get stuck in the beak, do not contain the level of nutrients the birds require. 'The animal's response is to fill up on these easily available morsels literally handed to them and not eat the natural diet that contains the calcium and other vital nutrients they require for good health,' Porteous told Yahoo, noting it can also lead to other issues such as obesity. Birds with irreversible beak damage from MBD are invariably euthanised, he explained. 'This is completely preventable by simply not feeding wildlife and letting them consume their natural healthy diet.' The myriad of issues do not stop there, as feeding magpies can also cause the birds to gather in unnaturally large numbers, creating competition and spreading disease between flocks, Porteous said. 'This can also cause community issues with many regarding the feeding of wildlife to be creating mess or a health hazard to humans. I have many people asking me how they can stop their neighbour feeding wildlife as it makes their lives difficult.' 🏝️ Urgent $6.2 million plea to protect iconic island from invasive 'killer' 🍏 Footage captures 'nightmare' problem outside Aussie Apple store 🐦 Coles store outsmarted after magpie moves in for a month Meanwhile, wildlife researchers across the country in Western Australia are scratching their heads after reports of 'entire families' of magpies being wiped out due to unknown paralysing syndrome. The neurological condition is affecting magpies across Perth and the Southwest region, prompting researchers to collaborate to determine its cause. Common symptoms in the birds can include weakness and the inability to stand or co-ordinate movements. In severe cases, the birds may be unable to lift their heads or breathe. Murdoch University is working together with wildlife centres and organisations, including Wildlife Health Australia, to gather information about the affected birds, such as the geographic range, age and species, along with conducting tests to determine a diagnosis. Dunsborough Wildlife carer Chloe Field told the Busselton Dunsborough Times she had taken in 11 birds into care in the span of 48 hours. 'This summer, they've just started turning up in droves,' she told the outlet, adding a colleague had reported over 100 cases of the syndrome since the start of the year. Similar symptoms have appeared on magpies in the past, spanning back to 2018, however, the increased amount of birds affected has raised the alarm for researchers. Murdoch University researchers recommend avoiding contact with the sick birds, and contact a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitation centre. with NCA NewsWire Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Warning over 'well-meaning' Aussie craze causing more harm than good: 'Huge issue'
Australians are warned not to discard their freshly cut hair in the environment, despite claims on social media doing so can help birds build their nests. Keith Porteous, known as The Wildlife Rescuer online, said there's a current TikTok trend encouraging people to leave out human hair removed from brushes, for birds to use as nesting material. Speaking to Yahoo News, Keith said while it's clear the trend has good intentions, it's actually causing more harm than good in many cases. Sharing photos of a bird badly entangled in human hair, showing clearly visible injuries, Keith implored the public to think twice before leaving hair behind outdoors. The Sunshine Coast local explained that human hair is both incredibly strong and fine, making it especially dangerous. "I rescue all animals, but a huge amount of my work is birds entangled in fishing line, string, twine, plastics and hair," he told Yahoo News Australia. "I come across hair quite often and it is extremely damaging because it is fine and strong. Often it isn't spotted and the bird's issue may go unnoticed. But it's every bit as dangerous as line or string in terms of poor outcomes." Whilst fishing line and man-made fibres are the "most frequent entanglements", he said he's also seriously concerned about the series of viral TikTok videos. "It could be a huge issue if the practice were to become widespread," he warned. Everyday household items turning bird nests into 'death traps' Rare sight in the sky leaves beachgoers in total awe Aussie's sad discovery in bush sparks urgent warning Human hair is strong and durable, but unlike natural nesting materials, it doesn't break down easily in the wild. When birds incorporate it into their nests, it can pose significant risks. The hair's strength, while making it seem like a useful material, actually makes it similar to fishing line, which can entangle birds, small animals, or even insects. This can lead to injury, strangulation, or death. The chemicals often found in human hair from shampoos, dyes, and treatments can be toxic to wildlife. These substances can leach into the environment and contaminate water or soil, further threatening local ecosystems. Although it may seem like a harmless act, leaving hair behind can inadvertently contribute to long-term environmental harm and compromise the well-being of animals that rely on natural materials for survival. It's important to dispose of human hair properly, ensuring it doesn't end up causing harm to the creatures we aim to help. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
