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Animal Behavior

Bear Euthanized After Biting Woman At Vernon Dollar General: Authorities Bear Euthanized After Biting Woman At Vernon Dollar General: Authorities
Bear Euthanized After Biting Woman At Vernon Dollar General: Authorities A bear was euthanized on Tuesday, Sept. 16, after it entered a Dollar General in Vernon Township and bit a woman's leg, authorities said. Vernon Food Business dumpsters left open everyday for the bear to feed. No food today so the bear went shopping in the... Posted by Bring Change to Vernon Township on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 The woman was transported to a local hospital for treatment, and township police euthanized the bear after it exited the store, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection said. The 175-pound sow had previously been seen on the roadside of Rou…
Can Dogs Understand Human Thoughts? The Answer May Come As A Surprise Can Dogs Understand Human Thoughts? The Answer May Come As A Surprise
Can Dogs Understand Human Thoughts? The Answer May Come As A Surprise Your dog doesn’t need words to know when something’s wrong. Science now shows it’s not just coincidence. A growing body of research reveals that dogs are neurologically wired to tune into human emotions through tone of voice, facial expression, scent, and even eye contact. This sensitivity didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of thousands of years of co-evolution that made dogs better attuned to our moods than even our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. Brain scans show that dogs have specialized regions for processing human speech and vocal emotion, especially intense sounds lik…
VIDEO: Bear Caught Digging Through Dumpster On Street In Monsey VIDEO: Bear Caught Digging Through Dumpster On Street In Monsey
Video: Bear Caught Digging Through Dumpster On Street In Monsey A bear was caught on video trying to find its lunch inside a Rockland County dumpster.  The sighting happened on Tuesday, Aug. 5, when a hungry black bear was seen fishing through the contents of a dumpster on Highview Road in Monsey.  A video of the encounter was posted online by The Monsey Scoop.  The bear is seen grabbing a bag in its teeth and walking off with it before the video ends.  According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, residents should take preventative measures to avoid attracting bears, including never feeding them or leaving food outdoors, o…
1-Year-Old Flown To Hershey Medical Center After Dog Attack In York County: Police 1-Year-Old Flown To Hershey Medical Center After Dog Attack In York County: Police
1-Year-Old Flown To Hershey Medical Center After Dog Attack In York County: Police A 1-year-old child is recovering after being airlifted to Hershey Medical Center following a dog attack in Windsor Township, York County Regional Police announced on Thursday, July 31. The incident happened on Saturday, July 26 around 7:22 p.m. in the 600 block of Springvale Road, Deputy Chief Bryan J. Rizzo told Daily Voice. The child sustained two puncture wounds and was flown to Hershey Medical Center, where they received stitches, Rizzo explained. The child was expected to remain hospitalized for several days. Authorities confirmed the child and their mother had been staying in the dog…
Raccoon Bites Two People In Westfield, Rabies Alert Issued Raccoon Bites Two People In Westfield, Rabies Alert Issued
Raccoon Bites Two People In Westfield, Rabies Alert Issued A racoon bit two people in Westfield, authorities announced Tuesday, July 22. The incidents occurred on the 400 block of 1st Avenue and the 700 block of Scotch Plains Avenue, the Westfield Health Department said in a public health alert. The raccoon may be infected with rabies, and officials urge residents in this area to stay alert. Suspicious animal behavior includes any animal that appears disoriented and confused, has difficulty walking, or is aggressive. If residents observe any animal with these behaviors, it should immediately be reported to the Westfield Police Department at 908-7…
Black Bear Spotted Roaming Pleasantville Neighborhoods: Here's Where Black Bear Spotted Roaming Pleasantville Neighborhoods: Here's Where
Black Bear Spotted Roaming Pleasantville Neighborhoods: Here's Where A black bear was spotted wandering through parts of Westchester, prompting a safety advisory from police.  According to an announcement from the Mount Pleasant Police Department on Sunday night, July 6, the bear was first seen around 4:20 p.m. on Stanley Street in Pleasantville and then again shortly afterward near Locust Road. The animal appeared to be heading toward Graham Hills Park.   Authorities said the bear looked healthy and was not behaving aggressively. Still, residents are urged to take precautions to avoid attracting wildlife. “Please be sure to cover garbage can…
Sixth Rabid Raccoon Found In Amityville This Year: Here's How To Protect Yourself, Pets Sixth Rabid Raccoon Found In Amityville This Year: Here's How To Protect Yourself, Pets
Sixth Rabid Raccoon Found In Amityville This Year: Here's How To Protect Yourself, Pets Health officials in Suffolk County are urging residents to take precautions after a sixth raccoon tested positive for rabies in the area this year. The raccoon, found dead in Amityville on Saturday, May 10, tested positive for rabies, with results confirmed by New York State Department of Health’s Wadsworth Center. There were no known human or pet exposures linked to this incident, Suffolk County Health Department officials said. It marks the sixth locally acquired case of rabid raccoons in Amityville in 2025. Prior to this year, Suffolk County had not reported a rabid raccoon since 2009. …
Bear Cub Spotted Near Central Park Bridge In Doylestown, Game Commission Called Bear Cub Spotted Near Central Park Bridge In Doylestown, Game Commission Called
Bear Cub Spotted Near Central Park Bridge In Doylestown, Game Commission Called A bear cub may be roaming near a popular bridge in Central Park, prompting a wildlife warning from Doylestown Township staff on Monday, May 5. Officials say they were alerted to the possible sighting earlier in the day and immediately notified the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The animal was reportedly seen near the bridge in the heart of the park—a spot frequented by families, joggers, and dog walkers. If you see the cub or notice any bear activity, authorities ask you to call the Game Commission at 1-833-742-4868. No aggressive behavior has been reported, but wildlife experts caution aga…
Dog Owned By Secaucus Cop Attacks Man, Pet; Chief Responds To Social Media Backlash Dog Owned By Secaucus Cop Attacks Man, Pet; Chief Responds To Social Media Backlash
Dog Owned By Secaucus Cop Attacks Man, Pet; Chief Responds To Social Media Backlash A dog owned by a New Jersey police officer attacked another dog and its owner on Saturday, April 19, sparking a wave of criticism online. The incident happened around 1:33 p.m. in the north end of town, police said. According to Secaucus Police Chief Dennis Miller, the officer's privately-owned dog broke loose from the officer’s home before the attack. “Within a few minutes police officers responded to the area,” Miller said in a public statement. “It then became known a dog, who is privately owned by a member of the Secaucus Police Department, got loose from his residence and attacked anot…
Fourth Rabid Raccoon Found In Amityville This Year: Here's How To Protect Yourself, Pets Fourth Rabid Raccoon Found In Amityville This Year: Here's How To Protect Yourself, Pets
Fourth Rabid Raccoon Found In Amityville This Year: Here's How To Protect Yourself, Pets Health officials in Suffolk County are urging residents to take precautions after a fourth raccoon tested positive for rabies in the area this year. The raccoon, found dead in Amityville on Friday, April 4, tested positive for rabies, with results confirmed by New York State Department of Health’s Wadsworth Center a week later. There were no known human or pet exposures linked to this incident. It marks the fourth locally acquired case of rabid raccoons in Amityville in 2025, according to Suffolk County health officials. Prior to this year, Suffolk County had not reported a rabid raccoon si…
Rabies Alert Issued After New Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Harford County Neighborhood Rabies Alert Issued After New Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Harford County Neighborhood
Rabies Alert Issued After New Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Harford County Neighborhood A fresh alert has been issued in Harford County after another raccoon tested positive for rabies. The Harford County Health Department issued an alert cautioning that on Monday that, the agency received confirmation from the Maryland Department of Health that a raccoon tested positive for the virus in Forest Hill. While the raccoon was found near the 2200 block of Melrose Lane, and may have exposed other people or pets in the surrounding area, they said. The positive test was confirmed on Monday, March 31.  "It may seem like there have been a lot of rabies exposure alerts lately, but…
North Haven Shelter Euthanizes Dog That Mauled Volunteer; Animal Deemed 'Untreatable' North Haven Shelter Euthanizes Dog That Mauled Volunteer; Animal Deemed 'Untreatable'
North Haven Shelter Euthanizes Dog That Mauled Volunteer; Animal Deemed 'Untreatable' A Connecticut animal shelter said it euthanized a dog after it mauled a volunteer, leaving her in need of reconstructive facial surgery. The Animal Haven in North Haven had previously stated it would not put down the animal after protests erupted to save the dog, named Sarge. However, after veterinarians deemed the dog "untreatable and unrehabilitatable," the group said it had no choice, according to a Facebook post. After consulting with veterinarians, animal behaviorists, and animal control, we concluded euthanasia was necessary. Sarge’s unprovoked attack on our volunteer resulted in leve…
Rabid Raccoon Found In North Stonington: Officials Urge Precautions To Protect Pets, Residents Rabid Raccoon Found In North Stonington: Officials Urge Precautions To Protect Pets, Residents
Rabid Raccoon Found In North Stonington: Officials Urge Precautions To Protect Pets, Residents A week after a fox tested positive, a raccoon in Connecticut also tested positive for the fatal virus and experts are warning caution around unfamiliar animals and extra protection for pets.  The Ledge Light Health District announced on Monday, Dec. 9, that the stray animal had tested positive for rabies in North Stonington. Related: Rabid Coyote Attacks Three Workers in Wallingford Last Week Rabies spreads through an infected animal's saliva, usually via bites or scratches, according to the Ledge Light Health District in a Facebook post. It can also be transmitted when infecte…
Deer Crashes Into Washington Twp. Business, Topples Christmas Tree In Festive Frenzy (VIDEO) Deer Crashes Into Washington Twp. Business, Topples Christmas Tree In Festive Frenzy (VIDEO)
Deer Crashes Into Washington Twp. Business, Topples Christmas Tree In Festive Frenzy (Video) Forget Santa and his sleigh—one deer made its own dramatic entrance!  A curious visitor smashed through the door of a Gloucester County plumbing and HVAC company, the Washington Township Police Department said in a Facebook post on Tuesday, Dec. 10. A.M Botte Mechanical posted a Facebook reel on Sunday, Dec. 8 of the holiday season break-in set to the song "Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree". Surveillance video captured the moment a deer climbed into the Delsea Drive business. The unexpected guest burst through the glass door and kicked over a lit Christmas tree in a corner.…
Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Fallston Area Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Fallston Area
Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Fallston Area A fresh alert has been issued in Harford County after another raccoon tested positive for rabies. The Harford County Health Department issued an alert cautioning that on Thursday, the agency received confirmation from the Maryland Department of Health that a raccoon tested positive for the virus in Street. While the raccoon was found near the 1200 block of Boyd Road, and may have exposed other people or pets in the surrounding area., they said. "It may seem like there have been a lot of rabies exposure alerts lately, but the number of positive rabid animals that the Harford County Health D…
Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Anne Arundel County Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Anne Arundel County
Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Anne Arundel County A new alert has been issued in Anne Arundel County after a raccoon tested positive for rabies. The county's Department of Health issued an alert on Friday, Nov. 15 advising that a raccoon that was trapped in the area of Seamore Street and Marco Drive in the Cedarwood Cove Community in Pasadena tested positive on Thursday for the virus. It is the second such alert in a week. Rabies is a viral disease that mainly infects mammals (warm-blooded animals who nurse their young) and is spread through the saliva of the infected animal, usually by a bite or scratch, officials said. Symptoms of rabi…
Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Harford County Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Harford County
Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Harford County A fresh alert has been issued in Harford County after a raccoon tested positive for rabies. The Harford County Health Department issued an alert warning that on Friday, Sept. 6, anyone who came into contact with a raccoon in the Whiteford area may have been exposed to the virus. Officials say that on Friday, the raccoon was found in the 2900 block of Whiteford Road, though it may have spread to other people and pets in the surrounding area. "Witnessing a raccoon is not cause for alarm, but if you or your pets have had contact with a raccoon, please contact the Harford County Departmen…
Dog Killed After Attacking 8-Year-Old, Woman In High Falls Dog Killed After Attacking 8-Year-Old, Woman In High Falls
Dog Killed After Attacking 8-Year-Old, Woman In High Falls A dog was shot and killed after attacking an 8-year-old girl, critically injuring her and a 39-year-old woman in the Hudson Valley. The incident occurred in Ulster County around 6 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 28, on Kyserike Road in High Falls. According to Trooper Steven Nevel of the New York State Police, troopers responded to a dog attack call. A preliminary investigation revealed that a 2-year-old pit bull attacked an 8-year-old girl and a 39-year-old woman. The 8-year-old suffered head and neck injuries. The woman sustained serious injuries to her right hand, Nevel said. While investigating…
Millville Woman Charged For Breaking Into Tiger Enclosure At Cohanzick Zoo, Police Say Millville Woman Charged For Breaking Into Tiger Enclosure At Cohanzick Zoo, Police Say
Millville Woman Charged For Breaking Into Tiger Enclosure At Cohanzick Zoo, Police Say A Millville woman was accused of hopping a fence at a Bridgeton zoo and trying to pet a Bengal tiger, authorities said. Zyair Dennis, 24, was charged with one count of defiant trespassing, the Bridgeton Police Department said in a news release on Monday, Aug. 26. She was also cited for two violations of city ordinances about people climbing fences at Cohanzick Zoo. Investigators said Dennis went into the restricted area near the zoo's tiger and bear enclosures on Sunday, Aug. 18. Police began investigating after the city's recreation department received video from other …
Bear Takes Stroll On Porch At Bedford Home: Photos Bear Takes Stroll On Porch At Bedford Home: Photos
Bear Takes Stroll On Porch At Bedford Home: Photos A Northern Westchester resident was lucky enough to get a surprise visit from a black bear at her home.  The bear was seen on the porch of a Bedford residence on Hissarlik Way on Saturday, July 27, according to the home's resident.  In photos of the sighting provided to Daily Voice, the bear is seen approaching the homeowner's glass door and peering inside the home.  Daily Voice According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, those who encounter bears should not approach them and should stay inside or in a safe location until it leaves the ar…
Cheetah Dies At Jersey Shore Zoo, Remembered For 'Sass' And Boldness Cheetah Dies At Jersey Shore Zoo, Remembered For 'Sass' And Boldness
Cheetah Dies At Jersey Shore Zoo, Remembered For 'Sass' And Boldness A cheetah has died after living at the Cape May County Park and Zoo for more than a decade, officials said. Buju, a 12-year-old cheetah, died from kidney disease, the zoo said in a Facebook post on Monday, July 29. He and his brother Beenie arrived at the Cape May Court House park in November 2013. The zoo said staff members will miss Buju's "sass." "Buju’s favorite activity was lying in the shade in the middle of the yard with his brother, Beenie," the zoo posted. "They often mirrored each other, looking like bookends. As the bolder cheetah brother, he would often be first to investigate …
Aggressive, Hungry Black Bear Returns To NY Home Shortly After Destroying Kitchen Aggressive, Hungry Black Bear Returns To NY Home Shortly After Destroying Kitchen
Aggressive, Hungry Black Bear Returns To NY Home Shortly After Destroying Kitchen An aggressive black bear apparently searching for food destroyed the kitchen of an upstate New York home and then returned to the residence shortly after the break in. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said an officer received a report of the incident in  Washington County on Friday, June 21 in the town of White Creek, located about halfway between Saratoga Springs and Albany. While the officer was at the residence reviewing photos of the bear, the animal returned to the yard and became aggressive.  DEC wildlife experts provided technical …
Increase In Bear Sightings Reported In Croton-On-Hudson: 'Do Not Approach' Increase In Bear Sightings Reported In Croton-On-Hudson: 'Do Not Approach'
Increase In Bear Sightings Reported In Croton-On-Hudson: 'Do Not Approach' Officials in a Northern Westchester village are advising residents to be wary of bears following an increase in sightings.  In an announcement on Wednesday, June 12, Croton-on-Hudson village officials said they have received "an increasing number" of black bear sighting reports in the last few weeks. Officials did not specify where the sightings occurred.  According to officials, this is likely because bears' movements increase in June as breeding season begins and young bears disperse to find their own space. The animals are usually not dangerous to people, but can become so if t…
Large Black Bear Spotted Near North County Trailway In Millwood Large Black Bear Spotted Near North County Trailway In Millwood
Large Black Bear Spotted Near North County Trailway In Millwood Authorities are warning residents to take precautions after a large black bear was seen near a popular trailway in Northern Westchester.  In an announcement on Monday, June 3, the New Castle Police Department said the bear was seen in the area of the North County Trailway in Millwood.  Despite the sighting, the bear will only be encouraged to leave the area if it creates a public disturbance, acts aggressively toward a human or pet, tries to enter a home, or is injured and cannot move to escape, according to New York State Environmental Conservation guidelines. Thus, if the bear …
Black Bear Spotted In Doylestown Backyard: Officials Black Bear Spotted In Doylestown Backyard: Officials
Black Bear Spotted In Doylestown Backyard: Officials A black bear was seen in the backyard of a Doylestown home, police said Thursday, May 23.  Authorities said the bear was spotted near Ferry Road and Iron Hill Road.  "The Pennsylvania Game Commission has been notified and is formulating a game plan," township police said.  According to the PGC, black bears are the only species of bear to call Pennsylvania home. They are most active at dusk and dawn and will eat human food, garbage, bird feed, pet foods, fruits from trees or gardens, and livestock feed. "Once bears find easily accessible food sources, whether on a farm or i…
Homeowner Shoots Black Bear Who Entered Residence In Hudson Valley Homeowner Shoots Black Bear Who Entered Residence In Hudson Valley
Homeowner Shoots Black Bear Who Entered Residence In Hudson Valley A black bear is still on the loose after breaking into a Hudson Valley home and being shot by the homeowner. The incident occurred in Orange County on Thursday, March 28 in Greenwood Lake. According to the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), a department police officer responded to the residence after a homeowner called 911 to report a black bear broke into an enclosed front porch.  The homeowner reported shooting the black bear once with a handgun and the bear ran off into the woods, DEC officials said. Attempts to locate the bear were unsuccessful. DEC’s investiga…
2 People Exposed To Rabid Cow In Upstate NY 2 People Exposed To Rabid Cow In Upstate NY
2 People Exposed To Rabid Cow In Upstate NY A rare case of people being exposed to a cow with rabies occurred in a hamlet in upstate New York. It happened late last week in Lee Center, located near the city of Rome in Oneida County. The cow was sent to a New York State Department of Health center for testing and the test results came back positive, the Oneida County Health Department said.  Two people were exposed to the cow and have received post-exposure prophylaxis, the department said. Signs of rabies include: Animal acting strangely Animal acting mad Animal acting shy The animal may get unusually close Drooling or…
Tree-Climbing Bear Spotted Taking In The Sights In MD Tree-Climbing Bear Spotted Taking In The Sights In MD
Tree-Climbing Bear Spotted Taking In The Sights In MD Some Rockville residents got a beary special surprise on Tuesday morning. Black bears continue to make the rounds across Maryland, with the latest being spotted up in a Rockville tree at approximately 6 a.m. in the area of West Kersey Lane, Sunrise Drive, and Bent Pine Court. Members of the City Police Department are now working with the Department of Natural Resources to track the bear before it can be returned to the wild. The Rockville sightings come on the heels of similar incidents in Frederick, Hyattsville, and Washington, DC as the bears begin their typical mating period. According…
Here’s How A ‘Curious Kitty Cat’ Prompted A Fire Department Response In Morris County Here’s How A ‘Curious Kitty Cat’ Prompted A Fire Department Response In Morris County
Here’s How A ‘Curious Kitty Cat’ Prompted A Fire Department Response In Morris County No, we’re not kidding! Emergency crews blamed (well, let’s say attributed) the cause of an early morning call regarding a gaseous odor in Morris County to a “curious kitty cat” — here’s how. The cat managed to jump onto the counter of an apartment on Harry and Judy Drive in Parsippany and activate the gas stovetop, said the Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire Department, which responded to the “feline fiasco” around 7:20 a.m. Friday. Fortunately, it didn’t take long for crews to secure the stove and ventilate the area. “Thankfully, the cat still has 8 lives left,” MTVFD said. Crews then cleared t…
Disturbing Footage Shows Officer Shooting Barking Dog Whose NJ Owner Says Is 'Not Dangerous' Disturbing Footage Shows Officer Shooting Barking Dog Whose NJ Owner Says Is 'Not Dangerous'
Disturbing Footage Shows Officer Shooting Barking Dog Whose NJ Owner Says Is 'Not Dangerous' A Monmouth County couple is facing charges after their dog allegedly acted aggressively toward a resident and prompted an officer to shoot the dog, authorities said (scroll for video). Alexyss Ferrara, 29, and Angel Velez Jr, 34, both of Keyport, have been charged with possessing a dangerous dog and multiple violations of local ordinances in regards to an incident Saturday, Oct. 22 involving their dog Blaze, according to Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. Video footage shows the dog, identified in social media posts as "Blaze," barking and running toward police. An offi…
Dog Attacked By Coyote In Mount Vernon, Police Say Dog Attacked By Coyote In Mount Vernon, Police Say
Dog Attacked By Coyote In Mount Vernon, Police Say Residents in Westchester have been advised to be on alert after a coyote attacked a dog in the area. In Mount Vernon, the police department issued an advisory cautioning that a small dog was recently attacked near North Columbus Avenue and California Road by what was reported to be a coyote. It is the latest sighting in the area, and the first reported attack. Earlier story - Coyote Advisory Issued In Westchester After Multiple Sightings “Please remember that we share our environment with wild animals, so while it is rare that they appear in Mount Vernon, they do appear from time to time…