Latest news with #alligators
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists stunned by 'lethal' discovery made while studying popular swamp: 'We wonder what else is being affected'
Scientists stunned by 'lethal' discovery made while studying popular swamp: 'We wonder what else is being affected' Although swamps have garnered a reputation for being formidable locations with dangerous species and spooky visuals, they play a pivotal role in an ecosystem. That is why a recent discovery made in some swamps of Georgia and South Carolina has researchers worried. What's happening? According to a recent study published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, elevated levels of mercury have been detected in several swamps throughout the Deep South. The discovery was made when a team of researchers was conducting a study on alligators in the region. They selected Jekyll Island and the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia as well as the Yawkey Wildlife Center in South Carolina as their primary locations. While speaking to UGA Today, Kristen Zemaitis, lead author of the study and a graduate of the University of Georgia, noted the importance of alligators. "Alligators are very ancient creatures, and we can look at them in these areas as an indicator of what else might be happening in the ecosystem," Zemaitis said. "Studying them can relate to many different things in the food web." This is why the team of researchers was stunned when they began measuring mercury levels at the three research sites. Mercury exists naturally in the Earth's crust and can be released into the environment through natural processes. However, as noted in the study, mercury is a "potent neurotoxin, commonly assessed in contaminant body burdens." Why are elevated levels of mercury in swamps important? Oftentimes, human activities such as industrial pollution and urbanization can result in regional "hot spots" with elevated mercury concentrations. With this in mind, the research team spent several months analyzing blood samples from more than 100 alligators across the Okefenokee Swamp, Jekyll Island, and the Yawkey Wildlife Center. Their findings revealed that mercury concentrations were around eight times higher in alligators inhabiting the Okefenokee Swamp than at any of the other sites. "That's one of the results from the study that was most striking to me," said Jeb Byers, co-author of the study. "Mercury is a neurotoxin that is very lethal to organisms. If it builds up, it moves through the food web and creates the perfect storm. That's what we have in the Okefenokee," added Byers, a UGA professor. The researchers determined that mercury is perhaps moving up through the food chain at a faster rate than previously thought. When mercury enters marine environments from various sources, it can be absorbed by small organisms in the food chain. As larger species eat these smaller organisms, it can lead to higher levels in larger predators, such as alligators. What's being done about these high levels of mercury? High levels of mercury can prove to be problematic for local communities that rely on fishing industries for their food supply. "Mercury contamination can be a high concern for the people who can be consuming a lot of fish or game species from the rivers, swamps or oceans that have high mercury," Zemaitis noted. While the study has revealed alarming results, Zemaitis said that this can potentially help us learn more about which species are most affected in our environment. "Now that we know this about one of the apex predators in these systems, we wonder what else is being affected?" added Zemaitis. The researcher explained that further studies could better explain where the excess mercury levels are coming from and how prominent the neurotoxin is in the ecosystem. Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home? Majorly Sometimes Not really I don't know enough about them Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
The Independent
02-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Trump demonstrates how detained migrants can evade alligators
Donald Trump suggested teaching migrants how to evade alligators during a tour of a new detention center in Florida. The facility, known as "Alligator Alcaratz," is located in the remote Florida Everglades, an area populated by alligators. Trump's comments were made in response to a question about the dangers of escaping the camp, specifically from snakes or alligators. He demonstrated a zigzag running technique with his hand, claiming it would slightly increase chances of survival against an alligator. Watch the video in full above.
The Independent
02-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Trump suggests teaching migrants how to run away from alligators
Donald Trump has suggested teaching migrants how to run away from alligators as he toured a new migrant detention center in Florida known as 'Alligator Alcaratz'. The US president visited the facility, which is located in the remote Florida Everglades amongst alligator-filled swamps, on Tuesday (1 July). Speaking to reporters outside the camp, the US president was asked if those who tried to escape would be 'eaten by snakes or alligators', to which Mr Trump replied: 'I guess that's the concept. 'The snakes are fast, but alligators [are faster],' he said. 'We're going to teach them how to run away from an alligator. Don't run in a straight line, look, like this, and you know what? Your chances go up about 1 per cent. Not a good thing,' he said whilst making zigzag motions with his hands.
Washington Post
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
Trump to visit ‘Alligator Alcatraz,' sending a political message
As President Donald Trump heads to a new immigration detention center in the Everglades, the White House is celebrating the local alligators as a new kind of security force. 'There is only one road leading in and … the only way out is a one-way flight,' White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday, previewing the facility for reporters and describing the local reptiles as a feature to discourage detainees from attempting escapes.
The Sun
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Sue and Noel Radford shamed by animal lovers for ‘cruel' photo opportunity on latest family holiday
JUST one month after parents-of-22 Sue and Noel Radford flew to Florida for Sue's £50,000 bumper 50th birthday trip, and another Disney getaway - the family is back in Orlando once more. The Morecambe-based brood has shared an insight into their holiday, and this time they went all out at a National Park. 3 3 3 In the family's viral video, they showed themselves wandering around the sprawling park, even taking in the sights on a boat tour. But it was the meet and greet with baby alligators that caused a stir with viewers on YouTube. In the video, some of the kids can be seen posing with the animals, as well as Noel. "You're in your element aren't you," Sue said to daughter, Phoebe, as she proudly held onto the animal. But the chaotic clip, which also showed other youngsters clinging onto the alligators in a crowded space left a bad taste in some people's mouths. One person commented: "Poor bloody alligators with mouths taped up so humans can get photos. Cruel and sad." "That is so so cruel holding them while mouths are taped they are wild animals," a second agreed. "That's so cruel the way their mouths are taped up so they can be passed about and photographed. Don't agree with that crap," another commented on the video. And someone else chimed in: "Looks utter chaos when they're all holding the alligators. Crowded! "Better organisation is needed, poor gators and their mouths are taped. All for tourism and entertainment." Sophie Radford puts split behind her on day out with Millie, but it comes to a shocking end amid Liverpool parade panic The Radford family haven't responded to any of the comments on the video calling them out. But this isn't the first time the bumper brood has come under fire. £26,000 flights Sue and her husband Noel not only took their own children to Florida in April, but all of their grandchildren with them too - making the most of the Easter break from school. Sue, 50, and Noel, 54, are parents to Chris, 36, Sophie, 31, Chloe, 29, Jack, 28, Daniel, 26, Luke, 24, Millie, 23, Katie, 22, James, 21, Ellie, 20, Aimee, 19, Josh, 17, Max, 16, Tillie, 15, Oscar, 13, Casper, 12, Haillie, 10, Phoebe, 8, Archie, 7, Bonnie, 6, and Heidie, 5. Sadly the couple's 17th child Alfie was still born on July 6, 2014. All in, the family are thought to have sent a jaw-dropping £26,228 on flights - and that's before the excess charges or any extra baggage. It's not known if the whole family is back out for their second visit. £20k park tickets Based on the cost of a seven-day Disney visit, which would require each guest to hold a 7-Day Magic Ticket for entrance, Sue and Noel could have forked out £20,065 for each of their Florida trips this year. Luckily for Sue and Noel, children under the age of three go free. So some of the children on the trip won't cost a penny to get into the park. The tickets include access to the park and water parks with the eligibility to enter multiple parks per day. Holders will also have the 'memory maker' package which includes unlimited Disney photopass downloads - pictures taken by photographers around the park, on rides and in restaurants. £6k accommodation Sue and Noel have spoken about their approach to holiday accommodation previously, while appearing on the This Morning show - they revealed they usually opt for a villa to save costs and ensure the bunch can bunk close together. Last September, they shared an Orlando Villa Tour on their Facebook page to their 944,000 followers. One eagle-eyed viewer recognised the accommodation as similar to a property listed on rental site, Vrbo. The glam Vrbo house sleeps 15, so Sue and Noel will need to book 3 to comfortably house all 39 travellers. Q&A with Sue and Noel Radford With 22 kids, Sue and Noel have learnt a lot over the years. Who is the stricter parent? Sue Who is the naughtiest child? Archie Do you prefer being parents or grandparents? Grandparents, you can spoil them more, and give them back at the end of the day! What's one thing you can't teach your kids? Driving lessons, don't even attempt to do them with your kids, it's not worth it. What's something you've never told your children? We've never sat down with any of the kids and told them 'this is how babies are made'. We've never had that conversation. What's your best parenting hack? Turn chores into games - making them fun to get them involved and help out. How do you manage arguments and disagreements? There's always someone falling out with someone else. When they get older, they have their own own opinions, and arguments get heated and last longer. We try to listen to them both, be the reasonable one, and get them to see it from both sides.
