Wildlife/Marine Mammals
England’s action to ban glue traps is a stirring victory for animal protection
With the recent passage of a bill that gained unanimous support in the House of Lords, England has joined a handful of countries and a host of companies and institutions around the world that have banned glue traps. For mice and rats, the traps’ primary . . .
A Connecticut bear’s death underscores the urgent need to prevent human-wildlife conflicts
The fatal shooting on May 12 of a mother black bear in Newtown, Connecticut, leaving two cubs orphaned, has understandably sparked widespread outrage and grief. Local residents were familiar with the bear; they knew her as “Bobbi” and have launched Facebook pages in her honor. . . .
Two ‘big tusker’ elephants killed for the thrill by trophy hunters in Botswana
We learned last week about the outrageous killing of two iconic and rare “big tusker” male savanna elephants in an unpopulated corner of northern Botswana. “Big tusker” refers to an elephant with at least one tusk weighing 100 pounds but it effectively signifies an elephant . . .
In Canada, baby seals still face a cruel fate
Today I’m turning the blog over to my colleague Rebecca Aldworth, executive director of Humane Society International/Canada. For nearly two decades, Rebecca has been on the literal front lines of the fight to save animals, traveling to the ice floes of the Northwest Atlantic to . . .
If you found an ‘orphaned’ wild animal, would you know how to do the right thing?
For many years, the modest stretch of forested land surrounding our office in Maryland has offered a refuge to wild animals whose habitat is shrinking around them. Year after year, our staff members excitedly share sightings of our wild neighbors: the mama fox who births . . .
Decades-long persistence pays off as proposed federal regulations will protect captive birds
When Humane Society of the United States investigators go out to take a close look at facilities that keep captive birds—roadside zoos, animal markets and others—they almost always return with the same dispiriting reports of dismal treatment and living conditions. Owls and hawks tightly chained . . .
Our undercover investigation reveals why hippos desperately need federal protections under the Endangered Species Act
With their barrel shape, huge teeth and jaws that can open to almost 180 degrees, hippos are characteristically unique and one of the world’s most recognizable animals. Hippos are also a keystone species: As “ecosystem engineers,” their behavior helps shape and maintain landscapes and habitats . . .
Black bears get a spring reprieve in some states
Spring is a crucial time for black bears: After emerging from their dens following months in winter hibernation, many spend the first few weeks building up strength by eating mainly grasses and other plants. Mother bears are especially weak, having spent the last few months . . .
With respect to potential bear conflicts, the responsibility is ours
The black bear affectionately known as Hank the Tank, whom authorities once thought responsible for 28 home invasions and 152 reports of conflict behavior in South Lake Tahoe, will be spared. DNA analysis of the scenes showed that at least two other bears had broken . . .
When it comes to fur and foie gras, cruelty should not be a choice
Disturbing as it was to learn last week that the British government is wavering on proposed bans on imports of fur and foie gras, it was heartening to see the reaction of a caring public outraged by this news and the firm resistance of politicians . . .
Federal judge restores critical protections for many gray wolves, ending states’ cruel and irresponsible management
Wolves across most of the continental United States must have Endangered Species Act protections restored, a federal judge ruled yesterday, effectively prohibiting trophy hunting of the species across most of the country. This tremendous victory is the result of a lawsuit filed by the Humane . . .
During New York Fashion Week, look out for the innovative materials that have knocked fur off the runway
As fashion week begins tomorrow in New York City, and then in London, Milan and Paris, I’m reminded that not so long ago these weeks were a time of worry for our fur-free team and fellow advocates around the world. Not knowing how many models . . .
