Animals
Kharkiv groundhog Tymko IV saw his shadow during the traditional observation. This means that spring will come in approximately six weeks.
February 2nd marks Groundhog Day, where the animal's behavior determines the arrival of spring. This year, Timko the groundhog from Kharkiv region will predict spring remotely due to the security situation.
Scientists have recorded the second sighting of a Waved Albatross north of Central America. The bird, which breeds on the Galapagos Islands, was spotted off the coast of central California.
The WHO has expressed concern over the emergence of hybrid forms of schistosomiasis parasites, which affect internal organs and could spread globally. The waterborne disease has already been recorded in 78 countries.
The owner of an enclosure in Khmelnytskyi region has been found guilty of animal cruelty, which led to the escape of lionesses and the death of other animals. The court sentenced him to five years in prison, commuted to one year of probation.
A large oil slick and dozens of dead birds covered in fuel oil have been reported near Yalta. The occupation authorities deny the fact of pollution, despite satellite images.
Asia is experiencing outbreaks of the highly lethal Nipah virus. Experts note that the virus is transmitted from bats to animals, and then to humans through contact.
Kyiv customs officers handed over 62 items seized during customs control to the National Scientific and Natural History Museum of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Among them are a mammoth tooth, ancient eurypterids, Jurassic mollusks, and a stuffed rare bird.
Archaeologists have discovered two of the oldest wooden tools, created 430,000 years ago, in Greece. Among the finds are a fragment of an alder trunk and poplar or willow wood.
The police of Kyiv Oblast have launched a pre-trial investigation into possible violations of the conditions of keeping two bears in the Bila Tserkva district. Law enforcement officers learned about this from social media; the investigation is ongoing into the fact of cruel treatment of animals.
A number of Asian countries, including Thailand, Nepal, and Taiwan, are implementing medical screening for air passengers due to the Nipah virus outbreak in India. The virus is transmitted from bats and pigs, as well as between humans, causing severe complications.
Animal rights activists reported cruel treatment of horses at the "Koni Boikivshchyny" festival in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast. Police are investigating information regarding possible animal abuse.
The annual Zigong International Lantern Festival has kicked off in China, featuring over 200 handmade lanterns. This year's festival is dedicated to the Year of the Horse according to the Chinese zodiac.
12-year-old Nico Antic died in hospital from severe injuries after a shark bite in Sydney Harbour. The attack occurred during cliff jumping, leading to mass beach closures due to abnormal predator activity.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs recommends that citizens prepare a supply of water, food, medicines, and pack an emergency bag. It is also important to check the charge of power sources, the condition of transport, and take care of pets.
A 67,800-year-old human handprint, the oldest cave painting, has been found in Indonesia. This discovery changes perceptions of the development of human creativity and the migration of Homo sapiens.
In eastern India, a killer elephant killed 22 people in ten days, including an entire family and an expert. Authorities have lost control, residents are ordered to stay indoors.
Dozens of beaches in Australia have been closed after four shark attacks in 48 hours, the latest occurring near Point Plomer. Experts attribute the increased activity of predators to deteriorating water quality after heavy rains.
In Mariupol, the number of stray dog attacks is increasing, with two children hospitalized. The occupation administration is feigning a response without solving the problem.
The National Police of Ukraine has provided advice on how pet owners should act during explosions. Dog handler Pavlo Sadokhov advises against punishing an animal for fear, not pulling it out of its hiding place, and creating background noise.
A 27-year-old resident of Cherkasy region is accused of a robbery attack on a serviceman near the Kyiv railway station. The attacker beat the soldier, took his sneakers, after which the victim died in the hospital.
A Greenlandic tourism company has withdrawn an invitation to Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry after objections from a dog sled racing association. The association considers external political pressure and the participation of foreign politicians in traditional races unacceptable.
Scientists from the "Leonardo da Vinci Project" are collecting microscopic traces of DNA from the artist's manuscripts and works. The paint on the paintings could have preserved DNA for hundreds of years.
Authorities in Berkeley, California, have warned pet owners about an outbreak of leptospirosis, detected in rats and two dogs near a homeless encampment. The disease, transmitted through the urine of infected animals, poses a threat to dogs and can be fatal.
Law No. 4609-IX, which strengthens security measures in schools by introducing panic buttons and restricting access, has come into force in Ukraine. The document also establishes stricter requirements for educational institution employees.
Southern Africa is suffering from catastrophic rains and floods that have affected seven countries. In Mozambique, 103 people have died, in Zimbabwe – 70, in South Africa – 30, where the army is rescuing people from rooftops.
Greek farmers are pleading for sheep pox vaccines, which Brussels offers for free, but the Athens government refuses, preferring to cull infected animals. This decision threatens feta cheese production, as over 470,000 sheep and goats have already been culled.
Kruger National Park in South Africa has been temporarily closed to visitors due to persistent rains and overflowing rivers. The administration evacuated staff and guests and closed several gates, cutting off access to the northern part of the park.
Scientists have found mummified cheetah remains in caves near the city of Arar, indicating their presence in the region between 130 and 1800 years ago. The bodies were preserved due to the unique microclimate of the caves.
The Verkhovna Rada adopted bill No. 11328, which prohibits the use of pets in advertising and exhibitions without proper conditions. The document also prohibits surgical operations on animals not related to treatment.