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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Experience true "Southern hospitality" at one of Louisiana's 11 most hospitable towns
The South is well-known for its charm and good manners, hence the term "Southern hospitality." When visiting the South, guests are sure to be welcomed with open arms. Whether visitors stay in a big city or small town, guests will be able to easily find hospitable service. Like other states in the South, Louisiana fosters a sense of community and is full of "Southern charm." In order to help tourists and residents alike find these Louisiana communities with the utmost hospitality, WorldAtlas contrived a list of the 11 most hospitable towns in Louisiana. Minden, Louisiana was founded in the 1830s by a group of Utopian settlers from Germany. The town's well-preserved history can be explored in depth at the Germantown Colony Museum and the Dorcheat Historical Museum. Visitors can find welcoming accommodations at The Villas at Spanish Court or at Huffman House Bed and Breakfast. Leesville, once known to be a lawless land where outlaws clashed, now is a popular destination for its natural beauty. Plenty of outdoor adventures are to be had at South Toledo Bend State Park and Sabine National Forest. Leesville is home to the largest military base in the state, Fort Polk, and the surrounding area is a hub for shopping and dining. Breaux Bridge, also known as the "Crawfish Capital of the World," is a charming small town in South Louisiana. Breaux Bridge hosts an annual Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival in may, where visitors enjoy crawfish, Cajun music, crafts and a carnival. In this town, there is a landmark bridge with a crawfish painted on the top that leads to downtown. Historically, Abita Springs was home to a Choctaw Native American community who named the region's springs "fountain" because of their medicinal properties. In the 1800s, Abita Springs began attracting visitors as a health and recreational destination. Now, the town appeals to those seeking fresh water, natural beauty, culture and the 'quiet life.' Bastrop was once a settlement that began, in 1796, as a modest and struggling frontier community. Now, Bastrop is a thriving community, with plenty of events and festivals occurring around the courthouse square. Nearby attractions like the Georgia Pacific Wildlife Management Area and the Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge are perfect for visitors who enjoy outdoor activities. Natchitoches is the oldest town in Louisiana, and is considered the oldest permanent settlement within the borders of the Louisiana Purchase. Natchitoches' National Historic Landmark District features French Creole townhouses, the 19th-century Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile and the Minor Basilica. There is also the Cane River Creole National Historical Park, which includes the 18th-century Oakland Plantation. Farmerville is a rural community that's best known for Lake D'Arbonne State Park, where visitors find great opportunities for fishing, kayaking and relaxing within nature. Throughout the year, various fishing tournaments are held at Lake D'Arbonne, where anglers of all levels have the chance to compete. Additionally, during the summer, Farmerville hosts its Louisiana Watermelon Festival, where attendees can sample Louisiana crops and produce. Opelousas, also known as the "Zydeco Music Capital of the World," is the third oldest town in Louisiana. Zydeco's Louisiana Creole roots and influence can be explored at Opelousas' Zydeco Music Exhibit at Le Vieux Village Heritage Park, or visitors can see Zydeco music live on Friday nights during the Music & Market series. Historic architectures can also be found throughout Opelousas, with structures from the antebellum and Victorian periods. St. Francisville is a picturesque destination in Louisiana, with its numerous historic sites and well-preserved architecture. Antebellum structures in the Greek Revival and Southern Gothic styles can be found throughout St. Francisville. Visitors can also indulge in shopping and dining opportunities within historic downtown. St. Martinville has a rich history, as the area was founded in the 1760s by Acadian exiles who were forced out Nova Scotia, Canada by the British Empire. Additionally, after the French Revolution, the town became a safe haven for Royalist immigrants who escapes the guillotines in France, which is how St. Martinville got the nickname "Le Petit Paris," or "Little Paris." St. Martinville's expansive history can be explored at the Longfellow-Evangeline State Commemorative Area. Grand Isle is a town in Louisiana located on a narrow barrier island on the Gulf Coast that's known for its beaches, especially those within the Grand Isle State Park. This park is full of trails, campsites, a fishing pier, the Grand Isle Birding Trail and the Butterfly Dome. Additionally, the Wake Side Cable Park attracts water sports enthusiasts with its jumps and obstacles. Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@ This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: What are the most hospitable places to visit in Louisiana?
Motor Trend
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
Driven: Bug Out in Ex-Military Style with the Hunter RMV Acela Sherpa X
Military surplus tech is a fantastic foundation to get premiere expedition-truck capability. That's why the folks at Hunter RMV chose the Acela Monterra GL 4x4 platform as the basis for this Sherpa X overlanding rig. While visiting the builder's headquarters in Minden, Nevada, we sampled what the Acela Sherpa X is capable of in its element. As Solid a Platform as You Can Get Hunter RMV uses the Acela Monterra GL 4x4 platform for good reason. These light medium tactical vehicles, or LMTVs for short, are repurposed for extreme-duty commercial-fleet use. Hunter RMV further modifies the trucks, which measure 12 feet, 2 inches to 12 feet, 10 inches tall depending on the size of the habitat affixed to the rear, to serve as the ultimate overlanding rigs. Powertrain specs are as burly as you expect, with a Caterpillar 7.2-liter turbodiesel I-6 engine developing 330 hp and 860 lb-ft of torque. An Allison seven-speed automatic transmission with an integral transfer case sends power to the full-time four-wheel-drive system. Although it's an industrial-feeling setup, the powertrain is about as smooth and refined as an enormous diesel mill can be. The Acela isn't very quick even with so much torque. The Sherpa X package tips the scales at a total of 20,600 pounds as equipped, though its GVWR ensures it can accommodate more than 5,000 additional pounds of cargo. While heavy, the Acela moves with purpose when you push the throttle and is geared for a top speed of up to 74 mph, but the company tests the truck as fast as 80 mph for safety. The dual-circuit four-channel air brakes provide good feedback and allow you to bring what would otherwise be an intimidating vehicle to drive to a stop with little effort. Riding on air springs in the front and rear, the Acela is remarkably comfortable on the road. You never forget how large the truck is, but driving this rig with confidence comes easy due to a slow but deliberate steering rack. The tiller sits in your lap like the frame of a paella pan, allowing you to get a good grip on the rim and maintain control over the expedition truck's every move. You don't have to sit up in the cab alone, either. A three-seat layout allows for a third passenger to sit between and above the driver and whoever rides shotgun. When you get to the end of the pavement and need to go off-road, a button on the console to the right of the steering wheel has four options for varying degrees of tire inflation, including one that's ideal for driving on trails. The central tire inflation system gets the pressure sorted in a matter of minutes and comes with the benefit of allowing you to remain comfortable in the cab. This rig also has a backup camera with predictive lines, which helps you reverse the truck without a spotter. Feasibility as an Overlanding Rig We drove Hunter RMV's Acela back to back with the larger Isuzu FTR 4x4 Predator XLE build, which measures 30 feet stretched over a wheelbase of 188 inches. The Acela feels more manageable on the trail at 26 feet, 3 inches long over a 153.5-inch wheelbase. If you plan to go deep into the wilderness on off-road trails, the Acela's dimensions are a bit more manageable than Hunter RMV's bigger offering. With the Acela's smaller dimensions comes a smaller living space—a 15-foot habitation box with 2.25-inch-thick composite walls. If interior space is a must-have, Hunter RMV's 22-foot Predator box offered with the Isuzu chassis is a better choice, but the Acela's Sherpa X offers much of the same comfort. In either case, a four-point articulating subframe improves stability when Hunter RMV's rigs are off-road. Quality of life inside Hunter RMV's Sherpa X box is as good as it is inside a small apartment. This model comes standard with heating, air conditioning, a skylight, and an exhaust fan. The interior is outfitted with an electronically lifting queen bed over a leather dinette that converts into a second bed. There's a kitchen with a fridge, freezer, induction cooktop, and a microwave oven, as well. A bathroom with a toilet and a sink is situated in one compartment while a separate shower is isolated to help cordon off water into one area of the camper. The Acela Sherpa X's electronics are powered by a Victron Smart Energy system that uses a 1,200-watt rooftop solar panel array, an 800-Ah lithium battery bank, and a 3,000-watt inverter. To help you stay off the grid for extended stints, Hunter RMV outfits a clean water storage tank with a capacity of more than 100 gallons as well as a 35-gallon gray-water tank with a secret dump valve. We got a taste of camping, overlanding style, with the Hunter RMV crew, taking advantage of its vehicles' various exterior features. The slide-out kitchen with a Traeger grill is good for preparing a tasty steak dinner, and the extendable overhead canopy provides shelter from the sun and traps heat from a portable propane fire at night. Should you want to clean off mud and dirt after a day in the wilderness, an outdoor shower is present, as well. As far as mobile basecamps go, the Hunter RMV Acela Sherpa X is the complete package. Sounds Great. How Much? Hunter RMV offers its customers a lot of customization and modulatory, which all allow for a flexible pricing model. Its Sherpa box rigs, like this one, range from $200,000 to $300,000. Hunter RMV hasn't finalized exactly what additional equipment will be included with this Acela Sherpa X, but it's reasonable to expect the final cost to rise to the upper reaches of that ballpark. If you want a fully customized build, pricing will likely climb to the half-million-dollar mark. In a world where expedition trucks can chart deep into the seven-figure realm, the Acela Sherpa X represents something of a bargain, especially when you consider it can be used as a full-time residence for those who are sufficiently adventurous. Its blend of military ruggedness and civilian creature comforts make it a common-sense choice for folks who wade deep into the hardcore overlanding water.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Yahoo
This Quaint Louisiana Town Is A Paradise For Antiques Lovers
Each state has its hidden gems—places beloved by locals but often overlooked by those beyond its borders. Louisiana has plenty of them, including the charming northern part of the state. Often bypassed for New Orleans and Lafayette, northern Louisiana remains underexplored. But for towns like Minden, it's well worth a detour. Founded in 1836 as a stagecoach stop along early trade routes, Minden has grown into a small town known for its charm, character, and tight-knit community. Its downtown is a portrait of preserved brick facades and storied storefronts. Locally owned shops are filled with antiques and handmade goods, while restaurants and cafés serve up a true sense of Southern comfort. You'll find natural beauty, too—from scenic bayous to quiet lakeside corners. Nicknamed "The Friendliest City in the South"—a title proudly painted across a welcome mural—Minden wears its hospitality with ease. This is the kind of place where a weekend away can feel like a return home. Whether you're here for the food, the history, or some of the best antiquing in the state, here are 12 things to do in Minden, Louisiana. Related: 15 Most Beautiful Places In Louisiana, According To Locals Louisiana is known for its scenic waterways, and Webster Parish is home to some of the best water adventures in the state. Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard from Pleasure Point Bayou Dorcheat Rentals, and spend a sunny afternoon surrounded by the moss-covered trees and peaceful waters of Lake Bistineau, Caney Lake, or the Dorcheat Bayou. 318-245-4809 The fun doesn't stop at kayaking. Take full advantage of the day-use spots at Caney Lakes Recreation Area, located inside Kisatchie National Forest, where activities include camping, fishing, waterskiing, and more. Hike along the 6-mile Sugar Cane Trail, or go for a swim at the sandy beach shoreline. If you want to venture out a tad bit further, Lake Bistineau State Park offers five trails, great fishing, and an 18-basket disc golf course—all framed by majestic cypress trees. 1163 Par Rd 116 Minden, LA; 318-927-2061 103 State Park Rd, Doyline, LA 71023; 318-745-3503 Founded by German settlers in the 1830s, Minden has plenty of unique history up its sleeve. Learn all about the town's roots at the Germantown Colony Museum, where three buildings from the original colony still stand. Then, dive into more of the region's rich past at the Dorcheat Historical Museum, home to a large collection of artifacts and interactive exhibits. True-crime fanatics will want to visit the Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum, just 20 minutes away in the neighboring town of Gibsland. It's not every day that you get to cast a line alongside one of the world's top competitive fishermen, but on the waters near Minden, anything is possible. Book a trip through Red River Guide Service and spend the day fishing with Homer Humphreys, a local with over 40 years of tournament bass fishing under his belt. 122 Monarch Ln, Minden LA 71055; 318-371-1411 Take in the beauty of over 70 historic buildings, from quaint cottages to large Greek Revival homes. Then, embark on a mini mural tour, starting with the welcome mural that proudly proclaims the area as the 'Friendliest City in the South.' Don't forget to snap a photo by the vintage Coca-Cola mural—funded by the soda company in the '90s—and the colorful 'Love Over Everything' artwork located just across from Geaux Fresh Bistro & Bakery. Minden is an antique lover's dream. Whether you're on the hunt for a dazzling brooch or a charming piece of Southern decor, your options will be plentiful. Start your adventure at Heavenly Treasures antique mall, where you can browse over 50 booths filled with collectibles, decor, and furniture. Then, make your way to Possibilities Antiques and Collectibles—not only known for its great deals but also its meaningful mission, providing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities a chance to gain skills and contribute to the community. Uncover even more gems at Kim's Attic and FlipFlop Resale. If you're a thrift connoisseur, you won't want to miss Mercy's Closet. A hearty breakfast and a strong cup of coffee are always a good idea, and in Minden, you have two great spots to choose from. The Broken Bean offers build-your-own breakfast sandwiches to pair with a specialty drink and a side of beignets. Over at Brick Street Coffee, housed inside a renovated hardware store, the menu features breakfast sandwiches, loaded toasts, sweet and savory sandwiches, waffles, smoothie bowls, and plenty more. 107 McDonald St, Minden, LA 71055; 318-639-9540 509 Main St, Minden, LA 71055; 318-639-9076 For a wholesome lunch that contributes to a meaningful cause, locals point to this faith-based bistro in downtown Minden that serves salads, sandwiches, and more. The eatery is part of owner Jodie Martin's larger mission to nourish both body and spirit, partnering with recovery programs to offer work opportunities for women overcoming addiction. You might have even seen this spot on HGTV, when Home Town Kickstart gave it a stylish makeover in 2022. 801 Broadway St, Minden, LA 71055; 318-299-2359 If authentic Louisiana-style seafood is what you're after, head to this beloved spot owned by local councilman Buddy Myles. Go for the fried shrimp, fried oysters, crab legs, and of course, the boiled crawfish (when in season). Other customer favorites include the crawfish cheese nachos and the jambalaya dog. 302 E Union St, Minden, LA 71055; 318-639-9020 Don't let the modest exterior fool you—this no-frills roadside spot has been dishing up some of the best barbecue in the area since 1955. At Neta's Bar-B-Q, you can order by the pound or even have your protein custom smoked. The chopped beef sandwich is a must, piled high with tender, smoky meat and just the right amount of sauce. Make sure to pair it with curly fries and the house-made root beer. 1433 Shreveport Rd, Minden, LA 71055; 318-377-5675 Situated just beyond the edge of downtown Minden, these eight boutique-style rental units feel like pages from a design magazine brought to life. Each villa is uniquely styled and thoughtfully named by Minden Stays host Sara McDaniel. In the evening, unwind on the shared patio, where string lights and wooden porch chairs invite lingering conversations with fellow guests. 224 W Union St, Minden, LA 71055; 318-299-0274 Beyond the Villas, McDaniel offers a collection of equally charming rentals with walking distance to the downtown district. For larger groups, consider The Cottage on Fort, a mid-century modern oasis ideal for a family getaway. This four-bedroom, five-bed retreat is available on Airbnb and accommodates up to eight guests. Meanwhile, history lovers will appreciate The Fuller House Upper Room, a renovated 1905 loft originally found on the National Register of Historic Places. Decked out in soft pink and vintage accents, this cozy one-bedroom escape is perfect for a girls' weekend or solo retreat. 519 Fort Ave, Minden, LA 71055; 318-299-0274 Read the original article on Southern Living
National Geographic
24-04-2025
- Science
- National Geographic
Whales could one day defend themselves in court—and in their own words
Scientists are closer than ever to deciphering sperm whale communication. Their breakthroughs could open the door to expanded whale rights and even legal personhood. A pod of sperm whales swims off the coast of Dominica, where researchers continue to make significant progress in their efforts to understand how the creatures converse amongst themselves. Photograph By Tony Wu, Minden Two summers ago, in the turquoise waters off the coast of a small Caribbean island called Dominica, a sperm whale named Rounder began to give birth. Eleven members of her clan slowly gathered around to support her, converging from miles away in their home waters. They called to one another in choruses of Morse code-like clicks as they waited for the baby to arrive and in the hours that followed, when they held the calf above water so that she could breathe, only lowering her when her fins finished unfurling. Soon after, they departed. Scientists are developing innovations in recording and analyzing sperm whale communications that could someday make it possible to understand at least some of what whales say to each other in these extraordinary moments. People might translate what they only now surmise: expressions of care and joy, arrangements of duties, cries of pain and discomfort. With those translations would come profound and surprising legal questions. Might a richer understanding of what sperm whales say breathe new life into laws that presently offer only incomplete, often-unenforced protections? Could legal systems recognize whales as persons, their interests so important as to be accorded formal rights? 'I think we're just now on the cusp of this immense legal world,' says David Gruber, a marine biologist and National Geographic Explorer. Scientists with Project CETI use machine learning software to find patterns within the rapid clicks that comprise sperm whale vocalizations. This research may lead to a deeper understanding of their language. Photograph By Franco Banfi, Nature Picture Library Gruber is the founder and president of Project CETI (Cetacean Translation Initiative), which has gathered dozens of linguists, biologists, roboticists, and experts in artificial intelligence to document the lives and communications of Dominica's sperm whales. Their work builds on several decades of findings in the field of animal communication—not only in sperm whales but throughout the animal world, from songbird syntax to chimpanzee gestures and river turtle repertoires. Gruber's team is working to translate whale conversation with an unprecedented richness and detail. They hope to eventually develop a quasi–Google Translate for cetaceans, which would convert sperm whale sounds into human language and vice versa. Already, Gruber and his colleagues are beginning to anticipate some of the legal implications of this work. In a new working paper that is expected to be published later this fall in the journal Ecology Law Quarterly, they note that one result might be a world in which humans 'undeniably understand' these creatures' experience from their own perspective. 'Such insights could provide a groundwork for new laws and inform how existing laws regulate actions that impact cetaceans.' To explore what might become possible, Gruber tapped a leading team of experts, including César Rodríguez-Garavito, director of the More-than-Human Rights Project at New York University; Ashley Otilia Nemeth, an attorney at NYU's TERRA Clinic; and CETI linguistics lead Gašper Beguš of the University of California, Berkeley. They offer a new framework for thinking about the law that is rooted in the way whales experience the world. Discover More, Spend Less With new subscriber-exclusive stories published daily and complete archive access, your opportunities to explore are endless! Consider, for instance, the problem of ocean noise pollution. For creatures like sperm whales, who rely upon echolocation to find food and to navigate, and who remain in near-constant vocal contact with family and friends, sound is paramount. Humanity's growing aquatic din—oil and gas exploration, construction, military sonar, and most of all ship engine noise—is a clear harm, disrupting the basic activities of sperm whale life. Project CETI lead David Gruber, left, has brought together a world class team of experts in marine biology, robotics, artificial intelligence, and linguistics to better understand sperm whale communication. Photograph By Michael Lees, CETI Project 'We have very good evidence of the impacts,' says Rodríguez-Garavito, yet that evidence has yielded piecemeal progress. The federal Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act—the bedrock of cetacean protections in the United States—provide a legal framework for preventing harms, but government agencies have mostly neglected to apply rules against harming cetaceans to cases of noise-induced harm. The same toothlessness holds for other attempts to curb underwater noise, such as new regulations passed in the European Union and by the International Maritime Organization. But what if whales were documented not only straining to make themselves heard above the racket, but actually talking about it? Were a sperm whale heard articulating the pain and difficulty caused by a ship's eardrum-rattling, echolocation-scrambling engine noise, their words would likely carry more weight in a court of law than do human descriptions of the problem. Being able to present the whales' own testimony, so to speak, might move—or shame—government agencies and judges to action. It 'would help us make more of a convincing case,' says Rodríguez-Garavito, and a deeper understanding of sperm whale communication could inspire even farther-reaching legal claims. Animal advocates and conservationists might be able to argue that near-constant physical and psychological stress caused by chronic noise pollution actually violate the spirit of international prohibitions against torture. Sensory deprivation and overstimulation are already recognized as torturous for humans; recognizing the same for whales could lead to new, more urgent protections. Advocates could also assert that by disrupting communication and social activities, noise pollution interferes with sperm whale culture—and that the whales should qualify, again in spirit if not in letter, for recognitions afforded by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which enshrines a right to participation in cultural life. After all, culture—socially transmitted information that is passed between generations—is already known to be a significant feature of sperm whale life. Different clans have different dialects, lifestyles, and social customs. Even when their waters overlap, clan members often keep to themselves, and their structure resembles that of human tribes. But those are coarse descriptions; to learn about the whales' cultures through their own words would provide a finer understanding of them. It would put a sharper point on what is lost when humans destroy those cultures or remove individuals from them—by hitting them with ships, hunting them for profit, or capturing them for entertainment. Perhaps that deeper, first-person understanding could again lead to new protections or reinforce existing ones. Maybe advocates will be able to call not merely for protections, but true rights: the explicit legal recognition of an interest as profoundly, inviolably important. That leads to the topic of legal personhood, defined by the late Steven Wise, founder of the Nonhuman Rights Project, as the capacity to have any rights at all. In the United States, rights are exclusively human. No animal has ever been accorded a full legal right; although laws against cruelty and the mistreatment of animals provide some protections, they have neither the force nor versatility offered by rights. A sperm whale socializes with its pod in the Caribbean Sea. In the near future, researchers may be able to gain a deeper understanding of these behaviors by being able to communicate directly with the animals, which could lend support to new forms of legal protection. Photograph By Franco Banfi, Nature Picture Library The Nonhuman Rights Project has tried to cross that legal divide by filing lawsuits seeking the release of captive chimpanzees and elephants. The lawsuits draw on scientific research showing how those species share the mental capacities—including rich forms of self-awareness, emotions, and society, and the ability to plan for the future and make choices—that in humans give rise to autonomy and thus underlie our right to be free from arbitrary imprisonment. As a matter of equality, Nonhuman Rights Project lawyers argue this right should be extended to chimpanzees and elephants as well. Courts have so far rejected that argument, and among their stated justifications is the idea that in order to have rights, one must also be able to bear social responsibilities and legal duties: the right to liberty comes with a duty not to break the law. Rodríguez-Garavito and his co-authors suggest that Project CETI's work could illuminate how sperm whales negotiate their own social responsibilities, such as helping mothers deliver and protect their babies, thus establishing them as duty-bearers in the law's eyes. Project CETI teams members Darren Gibbons, Yaniv Aluma, and Odel Harve work from a Whale Listening Station floating in the Caribbean Sea. Such outposts are one of the innovations Project CETI has developed to help capture and analyze whale sounds. Photograph By CETI Project Translating the caregiving arrangements whales make with each other will not likely satisfy reluctant judges, though. Spencer Lo, an attorney with the Nonhuman Rights Project, noted that judges already dismiss scientific evidence of social responsibilities fulfilled by chimpanzees and elephants. Instead those animals are found wanting in their inability to explicitly understand human legal codes—an expectation that is not applied to babies or people with severe dementia, who are similarly unable to understand laws but still have rights. That double standard speaks to the essential discomfort most judges have with the idea of animal personhood. And even when courts don't cite the 'rights and duties' standard, they have found other rationales. Those rejections are ultimately rooted in the belief that 'humans are qualitatively—and thus morally and legally—distinct from all nonhuman animals,' says Lo. He thinks that Project CETI's work, and that of other researchers deciphering complex animal communication, has 'transformative potential,' but not because it will reinforce any particular legal argument. Rather, that potential resides in its power 'to undermine human exceptionalism and thereby bolster the case for personhood.' Yet despite their courtroom struggles, the Nonhuman Rights Project has arguably triumphed in the court of public opinion. Understanding sperm whale communication may not lead directly to new laws or precedents—but it should still nourish empathy and care. A young calf swims alongside two adults off the coast of Dominica, where, in 2023, Gruber and his team became the first research group to document the birth of a sperm whale in the region. From that encounter, they hope to gain a richer understanding of pivotal moments in these animals' lives. Photograph By Brian Skerry, Nat Geo Image Collection Even as U.S. courts have refused to recognize animals as persons, however, jurisdictions elsewhere have been more open-minded. In recent years, judges in several countries have declared that some animals should be considered persons; in Panama, for example, sea turtles now have a federally recognized right to freedom from human harm, and Ecuador's highest court took the extraordinary step of declaring that all animals are legal persons. Discussion is now ongoing about the rights that each species deserves. Kristen Stilt, faculty director of Harvard University's animal law program, used the analogy of fluid flowing through pipes to illustrate how better understandings of animal communication could lead to legal change. In the United States, she says, new information flows through 'a couple little straws,' but in places that are open-minded to animal rights, 'it's like you've got this massive pipe, and all this [information] can flow in all these different directions.' Leading scientists and legal scholars are already considering the potential harms of this technology. 'In the miraculous event that we do eventually 'crack the code,'' says Philippa Brakes, a behavioral ecologist at Massey University in Australia, 'there are issues such as the potential for communications with wildlife to be used for nefarious purposes.' Gruber agrees and adds that technology developed by Project CETI and other researchers could be turned to ill not only by people who want to harm whales, but by well-intentioned yet careless people. He is especially troubled by the thought of people 'racing to try some of these fancy new AI tools"—tools that not only translate whale communication but mimic it—without fully understanding what is being communicated. 'We must still grapple with the potential impacts of its research and what its findings may equip others to do,' write Gruber's team. The possibility should be 'understood as a clarion call for ethical and legal safeguards.' A sperm whale calf swims near the surface of the Caribbean Sea. Translating the conversations of such animals may not immediately lead to new legal protections, but it shed light on challenges they may face. Photogrpah By Brian Skerry, Nat Geo Image Collection Stilt has even more fundamental reservations. If complex animal communication and our ability to translate it becomes the basis for ethical regard, a bar that animals must clear for their interests to be recognized, it would 'take us backwards,' she says. That would give people an excuse for failing to act on what is already known about animals, the harms we cause, and how we should treat them, regardless of whether they speak in a suitably human-like way. The Project CETI team shares those reservations too. 'Why must nonhuman animals resemble humans for us to empathize with their pain and safeguard their well-being?' they write. 'Must they articulate their suffering when we already possess a clear understanding of the injuries we cause?' The quest to find and translate complex animal communication should not diminish the worth of creatures who don't appear to have those capacities, says Rodríguez-Garavito. We may simply fail to appreciate their intelligence; and the lack of rich communication does not make any life less special. But it would still be incredible, and perhaps transformative, to know what sperm whales say—and this could be seen as an entry point, a beginning rather than a destination, on the journey to appreciating all creatures.
National Geographic
21-03-2025
- National Geographic
7 places to see wildlife in the U.S. this spring
Spring is a magical time to witness wildlife in action, as animals emerge from winter and migratory birds return. From paddling alongside wild ponies on Virginia's Eastern Shore to spotting baby bison in Yellowstone National Park, here are seven unforgettable adventures that will take you to wildlife-rich spots across the U.S. Keep in mind, however, that the best wildlife encounters happen when you keep a respectful distance and observe responsible practices, so grab your binoculars and get ready for a spring wildlife safari. Kayak to see wild ponies on Chincoteague Island, Virginia On the left, two colts play in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Chincoteague Island, Va. On the right, Chincoteague Island's salt marshes, sandy beaches, and quiet coves of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge are ideal for grazing and wading ponies. Photograph By Kristel Richard/ Nature Picture Library Located on Virginia's Eastern Shore, Chincoteague is a pristine barrier island known for its iconic wild ponies, which were made famous by the 1961 film Misty of Chincoteague. The island's salt marshes, sandy beaches, and quiet coves of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge are ideal for grazing and wading ponies. To truly experience them, paddle the island's waterways. 'The thing about kayaking is that you can go much further up these shallow, narrow creeks,' says Laura Scharle, an avid kayaker and certified ecotour guide based in Ocean Pines, Maryland. 'When you paddle, you have a better chance of getting a closer look at the ponies.' Scharle recommends paddling at high tide to access more remote areas of the refuge. For guided kayak tours, do your research and choose a responsible local outfitter that prioritizes respectful wildlife viewing practices, allowing you to observe the ponies from a safe distance–at least 50 feet–without disturbing them in their natural environs. The best paddling season is from April to October. (Related: The story of the mythical origins of Chincoteague ponies may actually be real.) Go birdwatching in Everglades National Park, Florida Birdwatchers may spot wood storks (Mycteria americana) in addition to other bird species when visiting Everglades National Park, Fla. Photograph By Scott Leslie/ Minden Florida's Everglades National Park is a bird watcher's paradise, home to more than 360 species of birds, including herons, egrets, wood storks, and roseate spoonbills. This vast subtropical wetland spans 1.5 million acres, offering plenty of opportunities to spot wading and migratory birds. Respect natural surroundings by staying quiet and giving birds space, especially during nesting season, from March to September. The Anhinga Trail, a short boardwalk loop that starts at the Royal Palm Visitor Center, is a favorite among birders, as is the open-air Shark Valley Tram, which rewards visitors with sweeping views across the lush wetlands. The Guy Bradley Visitor Center in Flamingo offers daily ranger-guided bird walks from mid-December to mid-April. Spring migration is a wonderful time to witness migratory birds pass through the park. Tod Dahlke, owner of a wildlife eco-tour company in Everglades City, Florida, notes that birding is good in the spring due to 'lower water levels, which make it desirable for many wading birds.' He adds that early morning is the best time to see birds when they are most active and vocal. (Related: Going birding for the first time? Here's what you need to get started.) Spot baby bison at Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming American Bison—a mother and calf—walk and graze as the sun rises over Yellowstone National Park, Wyo. Photograph By Sean Crane, Nat Geo Image Collection Yellowstone National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, especially in spring when bison calves—nicknamed 'red dogs' for their orange-red coats—make their debut in the park. The Lamar Valley is a prime location to see baby bison, often alongside elk, bighorn sheep, and even brown and black bears. Keep your eyes peeled, but observe silently and avoid sudden movements so as not to startle wildlife. New bison arrivals can appear as early as late April. 'Yellowstone is a must-see destination for megafauna, like elk and bison. It's just an incredible experience to see a bison in the wild,' says Todd Walton of Yellowstone National Park Lodges, which offers a Wake Up to Wildlife guided tour from mid-May to early October. 'Springtime is incredibly unique because you do have the bison babies and the elk babies.' For prime viewing, start at Mammoth Hot Springs, then head east to Lamar Valley, where pull-offs provide excellent wildlife-watching opportunities. Never approach or feed wildlife, and always stay at least 25 yards away from a bison. Bison may look slow, but they can run up to 35 mph. Use binoculars or a zoom lens for viewing. (Related: Birds, bison, and bears—learn how to see wildlife from your car.) Take a wildlife cruise at Channel Islands National Park, California California sea lions play in the safety of shallow water off the coast of Santa Barbara Island, part of the Channel Islands National Park. Photograph Alex Mustard/Nature Picture Library Off the Southern California coast, Channel Islands National Park, an eight-island archipelago, is a haven for marine life, from sea lions and dolphins to whales and seabirds. Spring marks the arrival of California sea lions and northern fur seals at their rookery sites. With pupping season beginning as early as May, you may see playful pups basking in the sun, but keep your voices low to minimize stress or disruption to their natural behaviors. Early spring marks the end of whale-watching season, when gray whales may be seen breaching or slapping their tails. The park is only accessible by boat, so plan ahead and book a wildlife-watching cruise with Island Packers, the park's official boat concessionaire, which offers cruises to five of the park's islands. They also offer non-landing cruises along the Santa Barbara Channel, where you might encounter sea lions, dolphins, and off-shore birds, like sooty shearwaters and black-footed albatrosses. As you cruise, help keep the ocean clean by securing your belongings to prevent waste from unintentionally going overboard. (Related: Whale watching is booming. Here's how to do it responsibly.) Paddle with manatees at Silver Springs State Park, Florida A paddleboarder enjoys the serene, navigable waterways at Silver Springs State Park near Ocala, Fla. Because of their portability and quiet approach, paddleboards are the perfect mode of transport to explore the park and wildlife, from a safe distance. Photograph By Todd Anderson/The New York Times/Redux In Central Florida, Silver Springs State Park caters to nature lovers, especially during manatee season from mid-November to late March. The park's crystal-clear, spring-fed waters allow visitors to quietly and respectfully observe these gentle sea cows, free from motorized disturbances as gas- and electric-powered boats are prohibited. An easy paddle in a canoe or kayak gets you up close to manatees. Consider a guided clear kayak tour with a responsible local outfitter for a unique viewing experience. 'To see them swim under the kayaks was incredible. There were so many manatees, too,' says Max Gifford, who visited the park during a road trip across Florida. As you paddle, give manatees space and avoid splashing, poking, or disturbing manatees as they swim. Beyond manatees, keep your eyes open for turtles, wading birds, and even wild monkeys. (Related: There have never been more manatees in Florida than there are now.) Watch brown bears at Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska A brown bear roams along a creek in Geographic Harbor, Alaska. Photograph By Acacia Johnson, Nat Geo Image Collection Home to 2,200 brown bears, Alaska's Katmai National Park and Preserve is a sought-after bear-viewing destination. Situated along the Brooks River and Naknek Lake, the park offers numerous ways to witness these powerful animals in the wild responsibly. Start at Brooks Camp, where brown bears gather to feast on sockeye salmon. From early June to mid-September, the visitor center hosts ranger-led programs. Three viewing platforms offer prime spots to watch bears from a safe distance, ensuring their normal behaviors remain undisturbed. 'Watching bears in their natural habitat is just an awesome experience,' says Jillian Simpson, Alaska Travel Industry Association President and CEO. 'It's an adventure you must have in your lifetime.' Local outfitters offer guided trips, including full-day excursions to Brooks Falls. Don't forget that bears are predators and should never be approached. Always maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from a grizzly bear, which can run up to 35 miles an hour. (Related: How to see Katmai's famous brown bears up close—and stay safe.) Witness free-roaming elk herds in Benezette, Pennsylvania An elk bull searches for a 'companion' by bugling—or produces a loud mating call—in Benezette, Pa. Photograph By iStock / Getty Images Benezette, known as the 'Elk Capital of Pennsylvania,' is home to one of the largest free-roaming elk herds in the eastern United States. Spring is a great time to observe these majestic creatures as they graze in the meadows from a respectful distance of at least 50 yards. Binoculars or a spotting scope can provide up-close views. To increase your chances of seeing elk, visit in the early morning or late afternoon—about an hour after dawn or an hour before dusk. Elk are most active at these times and move between feeding areas and sheltered woodlands. Top viewing spots include the Elk Country Visitor Center, as well as wildlife viewing areas at Hicks Run, Winslow Hill, and Dents Run. The 127-mile Elk Scenic Drive features 23 designated elk viewing sites as well as stunning vistas and scenic hiking trails. Keep in mind that if an elk stops feeding or changes direction, it's a sign you're too close. (Related: Read why you should never pick up a wild animal. Especially a baby wombat.) Erin Gifford is a travel and outdoor writer based in Northern Virginia. 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