Latest news with #WetTropicsManagementAuthority
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Elderly man rushed to hospital after encounter with dangerous bird in backyard: 'They will come into people's yards and look for food'
The Australian cassowary is one of the most dangerous birds out there. An elderly man recently experienced this firsthand, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. A man in his 70s was relaxing in his backyard in the northern Australian town of Cardwell when a cassowary found its way in and attacked, leaving him bleeding from the back of his thigh. He was taken to a hospital in nearby Tully, treated, and released shortly thereafter. Agents from the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation were unable to track down the animal afterward, despite other encounters in the vicinity. The cassowary plays a vital role in rainforest ecosystems as the only long-distance dispersal animal for large-seeded fruits in the region, per the Wet Tropics Management Authority. Local experts suggest that cassowaries become comfortable around people only after receiving food from them. This leads to a shift in behavior where wild animals approach humans more routinely with the expectation of food, contributing to an increase in more dangerous encounters — a pattern observed in other animal species, such as bears in North America. "They will come into people's yards and look for food," said veterinarian Graham Lauridsen, per the ABC. "They become less scared of people and then they'll approach people and then dramas can happen." Lauridsen also said that recent floods in the encompassing Cassowary Coast region were likely a contributing factor. There is broad consensus among wildlife experts that feeding wild animals leads to negative and sometimes harmful outcomes. Food sources can significantly alter animal behavior, and the closer they are to humans, the greater the likelihood of injury. The Wet Tropics Management Authority has a robust conservation plan to keep cassowaries healthy and safe. This includes protecting habitats and migration corridors and educating locals on cassowary behavior. These efforts are vital, as the iconic bird is endangered. Do you worry about getting diseases from bug bites? Absolutely Only when I'm camping or hiking Not really Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Yahoo
Tourists stumble upon 'elusive' find along Aussie road: 'Moment of shock'
A group of tourists were lucky enough to spot an "elusive" Aussie animal while hiking in a popular national park this week, and even the tour guide was dumbfounded by how lucky they all were. Alex Lloyd was trekking with a group of international tourists when one of them spotted something rustling in the thick bush at Mount Hypipamee National Park in Far North Queensland. Initially startled, they stopped to figure out what it was and were quickly overcome with delight. "A moment of shock was closely followed by awe and admiration for this phenomenal native bird... we came across a male cassowary with a chick," he told Yahoo News. While Far North Queensland is known cassowary habitat, "it is not common to see one in the Atherton Tablelands so every sighting is extremely special," Lloyd said. He captured footage of the tourists standing metres away from the bird, who was partially hidden in shade from the thick bush it stood in, as the group excitedly snapped pictures and lapped up the experience. 🫣 Renewed plea to Aussies after 'terrifying' scene near caravan park 🏕️ Deadly tent intruder at Aussie campsite triggers stark warning 🧠 Outrage over 'stupid' act on water's edge: 'Have a brain' The experience is reminiscent of another recent sighting near Mission Beach where an Aussie dad spotted a male cassowary with two chicks crossing the road. It is the male bird's responsibility to incubate the eggs for roughly 50 days before the eggs hatch and the chicks are raised for nine months before parting way with their parents. Cassowaries are solitary birds, only coming together to mate or rear their young — making the sight even more special. It is believed there are only 4,000 of these native birds left in the country, according to the Wet Tropics Management Authority, with the species dating back to prehistoric times as one of the earliest birds to develop. They are an iconic Aussie figure and much is being done to aid their survival. "Thanks to the continued work of local tree planting groups, wildlife corridors have increased the movement of species such as the southern cassowary," Llyod said. The Queensland government continues to fund a recovery plan for the native birds currently listed as endangered under Commonwealth Law. Lloyd encourages Aussies to get out to the wet tropics and keep an eye out for the impressive birds. "Exploring the cloud forests, you never know what you will come across. Walk slowly, listen carefully and keep your eyes peeled, you might just get lucky," he said. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
