Latest news with #ParksandWildlife
ABC News
06-05-2025
- General
- ABC News
False killer whale stranding reported near Bremer Bay in southern WA with four believed to have died
West Australian wildlife authorities are on their way to the state's southern coast following reports that seven false killer whales have been stranded. A spokesperson for Parks and Wildlife said it was believed they had stranded on House Beach, about 12 kilometres east of Bremer Bay and 540km south of Perth. It is believed the whales became stranded on Monday afternoon. The Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) confirmed four of the whales had died overnight, while three were still alive on the beach. Bremer Bay is known for whale spotting. ( ABC Great Southern: Andrew Chounding ) Remaining whales to be euthanased A spokesperson for the DBCA said staff were on the scene assessing the situation and would determine the most appropriate and humane course of action, likely to be euthanasia. A shark warning has also been issued for the area. False killer whales have been involved in recent mass strandings. In February, 157 whales became stranded on a beach near Arthur River The southern coast is known for whale migration with many tourists flocking to the area to watch the ocean mammals. Marine biologist Pia Markovic said false killer whale strandings were not as common as other whale species. "We had a mass stranding in Tasmania of about 150. Most of those had to be euthanased," she said. Marine biologist Piak Markovic says the whales may have followed a sick leader to the beach. ( ABC News: Jon Kerr ) Ms Markovic said the seven might be a sub-pod, as false killer whales often lived in groups in the hundreds. "One of the leaders, usually a female as they're a matriarchal society, may have gotten a bit sick … because their social structures are so well bonded, the rest may have followed her," she said. Ms Markovic said the species could grow up to 6 metres in length and weigh 1.5 tonnes. "Their name comes from their skeleton or skull structure, which is similar to killer whales," she said. ABC Great Southern — local news in your inbox Get our local newsletter, delivered free each Thursday Your information is being handled in accordance with the Email address Subscribe
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Aussies warned of snakes 'on the move' after rare and dangerous find in living room
Aussies are being reminded to look out for unwanted guests inside their home after a "beautiful" yet venomous critter was removed from a home in the 'Top End' – and it wasn't one of the usual suspects. Local man Rodney Fischer was called to a friend's home after they came across a brightly coloured snake in their living room last weekend. "Basically a friend called saying they have a snake in their living room, I went out and found the snake curled up under a piece of paper," he recalled to Yahoo News Australia. Rodney typically comes across pythons, whipsnakes and the odd brown snake, but this time he was surprised to find something quite different. "It was my first mangrove snake," he said of relocating the small yellow and black creature. "I've seen other Mangrove snakes but not so vibrant as this one," Rodney wrote online, with many Aussies calling it "gorgeous" and an absolute "beauty". Aussie property owners warned after 'very unusual' find in backyard tank Hidden danger at popular Aussie swimming spot: 'People would freak out' Tradie captures incredible scene on Aussie farm: 'Doing us a favour' The species was believed to be a Richardson's mangrove snake, with Rodney getting confirmation from a breeder in Darwin. The species (named after naturalist and collector Sir John Richardson) is a venomous snake native to the marine waters of northern Australia and eastern Indonesia. It feeds on fishes and typically grows from about 40cm to 60cms in length. "Even at this size, I wouldn't like a hit from one of these guys," Rodney said. It's certainly unusual to find one in someone's home, but speaking to Yahoo News, Rodney warned snakes are still very much "on the move" at this time of year. Living in the remote region of East Kimberley, in the very north of Western Australia, Rodney is no stranger to dangerous animals, often cruising the Ord River in his tinnie alongside the region's growing (in more ways than one) population of salt water crocodiles. While not a registered snake catcher, Rodney often helps relocate them with the blessing of Parks and Wildlife authorities. In this case, he was able to safely move the snake into nearby mangroves. He only regrets not having taken more photos of the rare encounter. "I'd rather relocate them as usually the home owners [will otherwise] kill them," he said. "I don't usually like relocating snakes unless they're actually inside the house, if outside and left alone they usually move on." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
