Animals

SeaQuest Fort Worth closed following PETA's allegations of animal abuse, including shark deaths and unsanitary conditions. Despite Fort Worth authorities finding no issues, the USDA cited the facility for violations. Former CEO Vince Covino resigned, and other SeaQuest locations closed amidst criticism.

Texas prairie habitat is vanishing, but a nonprofit aims to restore it through the Pollinators and Prairies program. The initiative combines outreach, restoration, research, and partnerships, encouraging Texans to plant native flora and support pollinator research, aiding in reversing wildlife and habitat decline.

Rattlesnakes, viewed with both fear and fascination, have cultural significance but face misunderstanding and persecution. Their rattles serve as warnings, yet myths persist about their abilities and behaviors. Despite misconceptions, rattlesnakes are mostly non-aggressive and vital to ecosystems, necessitating cautious coexistence and conservation.

Black-tailed prairie dogs are back at the Fort Worth Nature Center after a decade. Rescued from imminent destruction, they were relocated by Nature Center staff and collaborators. Prairie dogs play vital roles in ecosystems, but have faced challenges due to past eradication efforts. The relocation uses improved techniques, maintaining their family groups to increase survival rates.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission banned canned hunting and limited trap holding times for mountain lions, aligning Texas with other states regulating mountain lion management. This decision followed a significant public response supporting protective measures. Future management may include mandatory harvest reporting to gather data on mountain lion populations.

The 2023 Green Gift Guide for Kids highlights eco-friendly gift ideas, including a Made in Texas onesie, bird workshops, gardening kits, and STEM toys. The guide features unique offerings like Lump of Coal products, dragon playsets, and recycled material toys, promoting sustainability and creativity for young eco-conscious gift recipients.

A group in Denton, including a UNT instructor and her students, works to relocate black-tailed jackrabbits. As the city expands, these hares face habitat loss. They aim to transport the jackrabbits to a more suitable area, preventing their decline due to urbanization and increasing genetic diversity.

The Trinity River Audubon Center is hosting a free "Swift Night Out" on September 7, offering birdwatching of chimney swifts and others to aid scientists in counting bird populations. The event highlights chimney swifts' decline due to habitat loss and their valuable role in consuming insects. Registration is required.

As weather warms, snake bites, though rare in fatalities, are a concern. To avoid bites, know snake behavior and species, and keep distance. First aid guidelines negate outdated practices like tourniquets. If bitten, stay calm, remove tight items, and seek hospital care. Antivenom may be needed based on symptoms.

A thriving rookery of herons and egrets resides in UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Birds exhibit "nest fidelity," returning annually to nest in wooded ravines amid urban bustle. This avian sanctuary, a recognized bird preserve since the 1960s, faces challenges but remains a vital ecological haven.