All food establishments are required to follow minimum health standards to prevent the risks of foodborne illness. The guidelines include proper storage of food items at required temperatures, maintaining cleanliness at the premises, staff training, personal hygiene, and safe food handling, the article explains. Non-compliance with these standards may attract penalties such as fines, license revocation, closure of establishments, and…
There is debate over hunting laws concerning wolf populations, with some arguing that hunting is the only way to control the population and minimise the risk of attacks. Others claim that better education and management of the population can solve the problem without killing the wolves. Critics of hunting argue that it is cruel, inhumane and unnecessary. While the legalities…
Coyote attacks on domestic pets are becoming more common due to increasing urbanization and habitat destruction, according to experts. Pet owners can take steps to protect their pets by keeping them indoors or leashed when outside, removing potential food sources from their property, and being aware of the signs of a coyote attack. Although coyote attacks on domestic pets remain…
Researchers have discovered that porcupines were crucial in shaping the landscape of the Badlands region of North America millions of years ago, according to paleontologist Dr. David Fox. The animals aerated the soil, enabling plants to grow more easily, while also serving as food sources for other animals. Dr. Fox reflects that studying the behaviours of modern animals like porcupines…
Climate change is affecting beaver habitats in Alaska, with warmer temperatures causing water levels to drop, making dam and lodge-building difficult for the animals. Beavers are ecosystem engineers and their activities create habitats for a range of other species, as they build ponds and wetlands. Without subsistence infrastructure, the beavers are unable to regulate water levels leading to reduced habitats…
A new study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has found that skunk spray can deter predators for hours, offering a reliable defence mechanism for other animals. Researchers sprayed the odour onto cotton balls and placed them in areas inhabited by predators such as coyotes, foxes and badgers. The study found that the predators avoided the areas where the skunk spray…
Residents of a suburban neighborhood were amazed by the sighting of a rare albino raccoon in a backyard. Albino raccoons are rare as they have a genetic mutation that prevents them from producing melanin that gives animals their color. Their unique coloration makes them more susceptible to predators in the wild as their white coat makes them more visible. Albino…
A recent study on weasels has found that these small carnivorous mammals have surprising hunting habits. Weasels use a combination of stealth, speed, and intelligence to catch their prey, often spending long periods hidden in vegetation waiting for their target. They are also known to use their sense of smell to locate prey from long distances, and can create false…
A new study by the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna has found that hedgehogs have higher levels of intelligence than previously believed. Researchers trained the animals to navigate a Y-shaped maze and made food available at the end of one path, while the other led to a dead end. When the maze was covered with a black sheet, the hedgehogs…
Moles are causing homeowners in California a lot of problems as the creatures invade their gardens and lawns. Several factors are contributing to the increase in activity, including drought and increased construction in California, which destroys natural habitats. To identify a mole infestation, homeowners should look for raised mounds, with no visible entrances or exits, as well as see raised…