Wisconsin Town is Being Attacked by Wild Turkeys

Wild turkeys are chasing postal workers, blocking traffic, and attacking adults and children in the town of Janesville, Wisc. At first, the residents thought the turkeys were fun to watch, but now they’ve become not only a nuisance, but scary. So far, they’ve chased after the mailman, blocked traffic, and have become downright aggressive. Jason Cotter, a wildlife biologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources said the situation is unusual. While wild turkeys flock together during the winter, Cotter says this group is more aggressive than usual. He went on to explain that birds naturally gravitate toward urban areas because it’s easier for them to get food, and aggressive behavior is how they assert their dominance. He recommends residents make themselves look bigger to assert dominance and combat the aggressive turkeys. The Department of Natural Resources said it has contacted USDA Wildlife Services about the situation, and if it doesn't get better, they can remove the birds and relocate them.

 

 

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Jaguars Recorded Meowing for the First Time Ever

While searching for their cubs, the females of the world’s third-largest feline will make a sound that’s strikingly similar to what you’ve heard your own cat make. Weighing in excess of 300 lbs., the jaguar is a ferocious predator that can take down large caiman and even cattle, but recent video camera trap footage has revealed that they possess a softer side as well. In Brazil’s Iguaçu National Park, a team of British and Brazilian ecologists made this discovery during a camera trap survey, along with that of two other abnormal vocalizations, all of which were documented in two female cats on three separate occasions. The panthera species can’t purr like a house cat because of larger vocal cords and an ossified bone in their necks, but they can produce a sound that’s very close to a “meow.” In contrast to other big cat species around the world, the jaguar isn’t endangered, maintains widespread habitat connectivity, and is resilient in the face of human intrusion. Biologists monitoring these cats use cameras to be their eyes and ears. Every six seconds, the traps record audio and video for 15 seconds. Several instances of jaguar meows were recorded, two of which featured an adult female that appeared to be searching for her cub, while the third captured a one-year-old female cub that was possibly looking for her mother. This is the first time jaguars have ever been recorded using this kind of communication. “This research really deepens our knowledge of how big cats can communicate. We think they are making these sounds to help locate their young, but they could also be using them for reproductive purposes too, to find a mate perhaps. It does sound very cute to our ears,” said Vania Foster, Head of Research of the Project Jaguars of Iguaçu.

 

 

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Hobbit Home Hits the Market for $6.1 Million

A stunning hobbit home, once voted property of the year, has hit the market for $6.1 million. Overlooking Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in West Wales, the home enjoys the sounds of the sea and a horizon painted by breathtaking sunsets. The 4-bedroom home has a living grass roof and light-filled interior, giving the impression of a hobbit-style home. The property boasts carefully designed wildlife-friendly gardens, beautiful ponds and water features, an established vegetable garden, private entertainment areas and a deck with a pizza oven. Perched in an elevated position, it commands sweeping views over rugged cliffs, open fields, and the endless blue of St. Brides Bay. The living area is anchored by a central fireplace or feature wall, complemented by built-in bookshelves and gallery lighting for art. Hidden coves and some of the most beautiful walking trails in Wales are right at the property's doorstep. Whether you want a permanent residence, a luxurious holiday retreat, or an income-generating coastal escape, this home is perfect for those who want to get away from it all.

 

 

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Mother-of-Four Who Moved to Rural Alaska Points to Downsides of New Life

After years of yearning for a slower pace, Olivia Jones, her husband and their four children decided to leave their home in St. Louis, Missouri, behind to move to the small town of Eagle, Alaska. The family now spends their days mushing, skiing and sledding. Constantly surrounded by nature, the family is enjoying their new adventure. Olivia says that while moving to the remote village — which has less 100 residents — has its upsides, it also comes with a slew of challenges. From having to do immense planning to make sure they don’t run out of food to constantly battling -50º temperatures, life in Alaska is far from a walk in the park. Olivia says the hardest part for her is having to travel nine hours to the nearest Costco when they want to stock up on food. The road leading to and from their town closes for the winter, which means they’re basically on their own until spring. When they do go shopping, they take a 14-foot trailer loaded with coolers and tubs to buy what they need for the months ahead. They can, however, order groceries from the supermarket chain Fred Meyer, which is then delivered by plane. They pay 78¢ per pound for the food to be flown in. The closest medical facility is a small clinic staffed by a health aide who is capable of handling typical urgent care situations, but major health concerns require calling a medevac, which is a plane or helicopter based out of Fairbanks, an hour away by air. One medevac flight can cost $60,000, which is why the Jones family carries supplemental air ambulance insurance, which costs them $200 a year. In the end, the Joneses say moving to Alaska was the right decision for them, as it has made them much more intentional about how they spend their time.

 

 

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