See it: Injured seal pup attacked by shark found on New Jersey beach
A photo released this week shows a seal pup that was rescued after being attacked by a shark in southern New Jersey.
Officials with the Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) said they received a report of a badly injured seal pup on a Longport beach on Monday.
An MMSC team member was dispatched to the scene, where he found an emaciated, nearly 40-pound Grey seal pup that had a number of cuts roughly arranged in the size and shape of a dinner plate on his abdomen. The animal also had several small puncture wounds on the left side of his mouth, the team member saw.
The pup was then immediately transported for treatment at the MMSC, where his wounds were cleaned. He was also given supportive care and nutritional support, which involved feeding him a mixture of formula and electrolytes through a tube.
As of Wednesday, MMSC officials said oral and topical medication has been started to ward off infection. Plus, pain medication has been administered to help keep the seal pup comfortable during his recovery.
A veterinarian with the MMSC determined during his medical examination that, based on the seal pup's injuries, he was likely wounded during a predation attempt by a shark.
Three days after he was found, the pup appears to be making positive strides as he heals from the attack.
"We are very happy to report that this pup is already showing interest in his food and is starting to eat on his own!" officials with the MMSC said, noting that he is now resting comfortably in their facility.
Five sick or injured seals, including four Grey seals and one Harbor seal, are currently being cared for at MMSC.
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Grey seals are found along the New England and mid-Atlantic coastlines, according to Noaa. They noted that adult male Grey seals can grow to be 10 feet long and weigh approximately 880 pounds.Original article source: See it: Injured seal pup attacked by shark found on New Jersey beach
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USA Today
a day ago
- USA Today
Fire ants evolve into a fearsome hybrid: 'Anything can really happen'
Researchers thought colder temperatures and higher elevations could stop the march of invasive fire ants. Mother Nature had other ideas. Southern states familiar with an invasive, stinging ant are facing a new foe: A hybrid bug that combines the fierce red fire ant and the hardy black fire ant. Imported fire ants have spread from their native South America to the United States with help from accidental human transportation, a lack of predators and warming temperatures thanks to climate change – potentially bringing upper elevations in the Appalachians and colder Mid-Atlantic state areas into colonization danger. The invasive fire ants first hitched a boat ride to Alabama in 1918. Since then, they've marched into over a dozen states, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Now, experts say two species of invasive fire ants found in the United States are crossbreeding, creating an even nastier and hardier bug. The USA TODAY Network investigated the emerging threat this spring. Here's what to know: What are imported fire ants? Fire ants are famous for forming into large balls of living matter during flooding events, allowing them to literally float down to new locations. After Tropical Storm Helene dropped record-levels of rain across much of western North Carolina last fall, that ability has officials especially worried about how the natural disaster might have helped the invasive species spread to new areas, said Joy Goforth, plant pest administrator with the state agriculture department. Their venom, similar to a bee's or wasp's, results in a painful, itchy pustule or blister on the skin. A very small portion of the population are hypersensitive to ant venom and can experience lethal allergic reactions, according to the Texas Imported Fire Ant Research and Management Project at Texas A&M. Even healthy individuals, however, may experience severe reactions such as anaphylactic shock if they suffer from a multiple stinging incident. Treatments for stings are limited, with Texas A&M recommending stings be treated as you would stings of other insects. Keep them clean and intact to avoid secondary infections. Considering a mature colony can include up to 400,000 worker ants, a queen can lay up to 1,000 eggs a day, and that there can be several colonies per acre of land, fire ants can sometimes seem like the perfect pest. "Right now, it just seems they are very adaptable, and that includes moving their nests further underground in the higher elevations where the temperatures are more constant year-round, to some degree outsmarting the environment," said Amy Michael, entomological programs manager with N.C. Agriculture. Where have fire ants spread? They've spread across every county of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and South Carolina. They've reached across most of North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Arkansas, and have infiltrated parts of Virginia, Oklahoma and New Mexico, according to national data. "While eradicating them would be the goal in a perfect world, we really are at the point now where we are trying to manage their impacts and their spread," Michael said. Hybrid fire ants are bad news Mother Nature has thrown a new wrinkle into the mix − a new hybrid ant that's a merger of the two invasive fire ant species that have reached U.S. shores. Dr. Scotty Yang, assistant professor in the Virginia Tech Department of Entomology, said hybridized fire ants are the result of interbreeding between red and black fire ants. The outcome is a fire ant that has the strength and ornery disposition of the fiercer red fire ant with the better tolerance of colder temperatures found in black fire ants. Yang said the hybrid ants have become the explorers and front guard for the fire ant invasion into colder and more northerly areas, becoming the dominant fire ant species in the upper elevations of Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia. And they are proving to be very successful, with a dozen Virginia counties added to that's state fire ant quarantine map just last year. Yang said viruses that impact "normal" fire ants also have less of an impact on the hybrids, making them less likely to forage and thus less likely to carry poisoned bait back to their mounds. "In some respect, the viruses help them survive," he said. Researchers are still trying to determine why the ants decided to crossbreed. "But once you introduce a species to a new place, anything can really happen," Yang said. Living with fire ants After more than 60 years in North Carolina, officials in the state stress that it's no longer a question of eradicating the invaders. Michael said several fire ant control measures are available at garden and home improvement shops that target different stages of the ants' and colony's development. The best strategy involves treatments that allow bait to be brought back into the mound, Michael said. Treating mounds when they appear quickly, especially those near concrete and brick walls where heat radiating from those materials allows the ants to stay active longer, also is important for good control. Michael told USA TODAY that North Carolina's agriculture officials continue to conduct surveys in the counties outside the current quarantine area. "Yes, they are very adaptable, and yes, they can spread pretty quickly," Michael said. "But there are tools out there that are available to residents and businesses to help try and mitigate the impacts and their spread." As fire ants spread, watch out for stinging Asian needle ants, too Fire ants sound bad enough, but another invasive ant species with an ominous name are also spreading through the country: stinging Asian needle ants. "Asian needle ants" are small and difficult to spot, blending in until they make themselves known with a sharp sting that has led to life-threatening anaphylactic shock in some cases. They've been recorded in about 20 states and are widespread along the East Coast, experts say. "Imagine somebody inserting a needle directly into your flesh," said Benoit Guénard, a professor of ecology and entomology at the University of Hong Kong who studied the ants in North Carolina. "It's a very sharp, acute pain but it's quite local." Read more about Asian needle ants here. Reporter Gareth McGrath can be reached at GMcGrath@ or @GarethMcGrathSN on X/Twitter. This story was produced with financial support from the Green South Foundation and the Prentice Foundation. The USA TODAY Network maintains full editorial control of the work. Contributing: Jeanine Santucci and Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY
New York Post
2 days ago
- New York Post
Ticks are spreading disease to different US regions as experts sound the alarm
Ticks are spreading outside their comfort zone – and into ours, according to experts. As cooler regions experience milder winters, those areas are becoming more hospitable to many tick species, Ben Hottel, an Atlantic-based entomologist with Orkin, the pest control company, told Fox News Digital. This is because ticks prefer warmer climates. While the insects previously would go dormant in the cold — leaving them unable to travel very far — they're now able to stay active longer, clinging to hosts that carry them outside their typical regions. In recent years, experts at Binghamton University Tick-borne Disease Center in New York have reported that tick-borne illnesses – typically confined to specific regions – are beginning to show up in other parts of the country. 'Deer ticks are active any time it's over 39 degrees, so we have a lot longer active periods for ticks now, unfortunately,' Yetrib Hathout, professor of pharmaceutical sciences and director of the tick-born disease center, told Binghamton University previously. 5 As cooler regions experience milder winters, they are becoming more hospitable to tick species. meepoohyaphoto – The number of concerning tick species has risen from one to five in the last 15 years, according to experts at Ohio State University. Given the spread of ticks, Ohio State University's Buckeye Tick Test Lab is now identifying 'the most dangerous ticks that spread diseases.' Hottel of Orkin said it's important for people to stay vigilant as they're frequently outdoors at this time of year. 5 Ohio State University's Buckeye Tick Test Lab is now identifying 'the most dangerous ticks that spread diseases.' Chalabala – He said people need to exercise caution regarding certain species, the bites they can deliver and the disease they can cause. 'Tick surveillance and tick screening are important.' The blacklegged tick (or deer tick) is best known for transmitting Lyme disease, especially in the Northeast, Midwest, and Appalachian regions. While many people are aware of Lyme disease carried by the deer tick, fewer are aware of other dangerous diseases such as alpha-gal syndrome, which is spread by the lone star tick; it can trigger an allergy to red meat. 5 Ticks can be found in the Northeast, Midwest, and Appalachian regions. Mayo Clinic The American dog tick, found mostly east of the Rockies, can spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, and even cause tick paralysis. Its cousin, the Rocky Mountain wood tick, poses similar risks in high-elevation areas of the Rockies. 'Some of the pathogens that are only found in the South, like the Rickettsia species that causes spotted fever, are migrating up north,' according to Hathout. 5 'Tick surveillance and tick screening for other things are important. And I think it's important to do it regularly,' Ben Hottel, an entomologist, says. lordn – 'That's why tick surveillance and tick screening for other things are important. And I think it's important to do it regularly.' Hottel told Fox News Digital, 'Awareness is the first step in protecting yourself from tick-borne illness.' Among the precautionary steps to take, say experts: Wear long clothing, use tick repellents and check for ticks after outdoor activity. 5 Wearing long clothing, using tick repellents and checking for ticks after outdoor activity are precautionary steps to take to protect yourself from tick-borne illnesses. Volodymyr Shevchuk – Knowing which species to watch for can also help prevent serious tick-borne illness. 'Another reason for the spread of ticks is the expansion of human developments into wildlife habitats, which helps ticks more easily find human hosts,' said Hottel. Ticks find their hosts by detecting animals' breath and body odors, or by sensing body heat, moisture and vibrations, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). 'Some species can even recognize a shadow,' the CDC site says. In addition, ticks pick a place to wait by identifying well-used paths. Then they wait for a host, resting on the tips of grasses and shrubs. Ticks can't fly or jump — but many tick species wait in this position known as 'questing.'
Fox News
3 days ago
- Fox News
The fiery secret to a longer life might be hiding in your spice rack
Is spicy food healthy for you? Spicy foods can help with weight control, plus reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, studies have shown — and consuming more spices may also contribute to a longer lifespan. Bryan Quoc Le, Ph.D., a food scientist with Mendocino Food Consulting, spoke to Fox News Digital about the benefits of spice and how to incorporate more heat into your diet. The California-based expert cited studies that uncovered the ability of capsaicin — found in chili peppers — to alter mice's microbiomes by boosting beneficial bacteria while diminishing harmful bacteria. "This, in turn, results in a greater release of an amino acid called tryptophan, which these beneficial bacteria produce," he said. "Tryptophan is an important precursor to neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which [are] involved in mood, sleep and digestion." Capsaicin, the compound that causes heat in peppers, can also provide "serious benefits" when consumed at a low daily dose of 0.01%, the food scientist said. "A good quality hot sauce should add both flavor and heat and blend well with the flavors of the dish." "That's just enough heat to taste, but not so much to overwhelm your stomach," Le noted. What dishes taste best with spice? Le suggested meat-forward savory dishes, including stews, chilis, roast chicken and tacos. "A good quality hot sauce should add both flavor and heat and blend well with the flavors of the dish," he advised. For those who are completely unaccustomed to spice, Le suggested pickled pepperoncinis as an easy introduction to hotter foods. "They're mild, a bit acidic and pack bold flavor without leaving you with a heavy residue of spice that you need to rinse out with milk," Le said. "From there, you can venture into poblano, serrano or jalapeño peppers. These are great seared to tone down the heat, but still lend delicious flavor to a dish." The peppers that pack a serious punch include scotch bonnets, habaneros, ghost peppers and Carolina reapers, which are "not for the faint of heart," Le said. "Carolina reapers in particular have been bred with heat in mind and are some of the hottest peppers in the world," he warned. Fox News Digital also spoke with Ken Grey, an advanced practitioner (AP) and doctor of Oriental medicine (DOM). Grey of Jupiter, Florida, follows Eastern medicine practices and believes that spicy food has a direct impact on the small intestine and heart. "Foods that are naturally hot or spicy can help increase circulation and metabolism, thereby assisting with removing qi [energy] and blood flow blockages, improving heart health and digestion, while aiding in weight loss," Grey said. "Some helpful foods in this category are chili peppers, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, garlic and ginger." Grey also advised home cooks to pay attention to the Scoville scale, which measures how hot peppers are. Bell peppers typically clock 0 Scoville heat units (SHU) while jalapeños can be as high as 8000 SHUs, Grey said. Grey did note that "balance is key." "Hotter spices and peppers should be taken in moderation so as not to swing the pendulum too far in one direction." "Hotter spices and peppers should be taken in moderation so as not to swing the pendulum too far in one direction," Grey said. How do you know if you've eaten too much spice? Grey said if you overdo it, you may suffer from dry cough, heartburn and acid reflux, as well as stomach pain and cramping. Gastritis, diarrhea and headaches are also symptoms. Modern studies aren't the only source of wisdom about the health benefits of spice, said Grey. He pointed to "thousands of years of culinary evolution." "In Mexico and Guatemala, it is the magic of the chili pepper that unlocks iron found in their corn-rich diets," the expert said. "Throughout Asia and many cultures, it is the chili peppers and spices that are used for [their] anti-microbial properties, which help to kill parasites."
