Latest news with #wildlifeexpert
CBC
18-05-2025
- General
- CBC
Enjoy the fox pups this spring, but keep your distance, expert says
Social Sharing Fox pup season on Prince Edward Island can be an exciting time to observe the young animals, but it's important not to get too close while doing so, a wildlife expert says. "It is really important to not get too close because they're very protective of their pups," said Maureen Murray, a wildlife disease ecologist. Getting too close to a den might prompt a fox family to relocate, which can be stressful for them, Murray said. "Imagine moving and you have all these babies and you have to carry them in [your] mouth," she said. Murray said there are three things to remember as the pups begin to explore the Island. She said to enjoy them, give them their space and not to feed them. A pup's priorities Typically born in March, fox pups start to leave the den in May. The first order of business is to learn how to eat, Murray said. Foxes eat a variety of foods — from berries, plants and worms to small mammals and amphibians. "Letting the parents teach their young how to find food naturally is really important," she said. While foxes are smart, they can get into dangerous situations if they see roads, parking lots or cars as sources of food. "You want to make sure that they know that roads are dangerous," she said, noting that getting hit by cars is the most common cause of death for foxes. Play time When fox pups have learned how to eat, the next thing they learn how to do is play. "That's one of the most delightful things about young foxes," Murray said. Although the scene of pups at play is endearing, it's another example of when space is needed, she said. "It's really important that people can enjoy seeing aspects of nature — and there are few things more delightful than seeing young foxes playing — but that's why you've got to keep your distance," she said. "If you get too close, they're going to stop, they're going to get scared, they're going to run away." New neighbours? Foxes sometimes set up their dens in urban or residential areas. If you notice a fox den on your property, Murray said to leave it alone. She recommends using binoculars to look at them, noting that they can also be used to get better pictures with a cellphone camera. For anyone concerned about foxes on their property, the provincial government's fish and wildlife division can provide specific advice, Murray said. Fox droppings may be a less charming element of having a fox for a neighbour. When it comes to cleaning up droppings, Murray said it's best to use gloves and a bag, and to wash your hands afterwards.
BBC News
15-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Worcester cathedral livestream shut down as last chick falls ill
The parents of the final surviving peregrine chick born in a nest on top of Worcester Cathedral have stopped feeding birds Peter and Peggy had produced four eggs, with the first hatching on Easter Sunday. However, two chicks died last week, with the fourth failing to remaining chick became sick on Thursday, not calling for food and acting lethargically, which the parents noticed and made no attempt to feed - they will not normally feed ill chicks.A post on peregrine falcons in Worcester stated that it had been decided to shut down the livestream. The post said avian flu could be the cause of the bird's sudden sickness as it displayed three to four symptoms."No interest was shown when the adult female landed with prey and proceeded to eat it the box. "This would also explain why the chick stumbled backwards onto the ledge yesterday. "If by any chance there is a recovery we will restart, but highly unlikely," the Facebook post update comes days after the bird was reported to be doing fit and healthy."What tends to happen is, as the chicks get lower in number, one chick will get fed really well," Chris Dobbs, a wildlife expert at the cathedral previously in the nest has been livestreamed on YouTube, in a repeat of last year when nearly 500,000 people tuned in from across the world."A sad end to this year's season but looking for positive results next year," the post said. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
