Animals
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
Mountain Lion Sighting on Fickle Hill
Posted By Kimberly Wear on Tue, Jul 17, 2018 at 11:18 AM
The Arcata Police Department is reporting that a mountain lion has been spotted off Fickle Hill Road in the Arcata Community Forest area.
While noting that such sightings are not usual, the department is asking residents and forest visitors to be “aware and alert” and reissued advise on what to do should an encounter occur, warning people not to run or bend down and to do all they can to appear intimidating.
While noting that such sightings are not usual, the department is asking residents and forest visitors to be “aware and alert” and reissued advise on what to do should an encounter occur, warning people not to run or bend down and to do all they can to appear intimidating.
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Moses the Yak Dies at the Zoo
Posted By Kimberly Wear on Wed, Jul 11, 2018 at 12:33 PM
The Sequoia Park Zoo today announced via Facebook that Moses, a domestic yak, has died. He was estimated to be 15 and was suffering from age-related arthritis that increasing left him in pain.
According to the post, Moses was “a very sweet and endearing individual” that came to the zoo in 2012 with his sister Scarlett. Read more about the zoo’s history and how the end of the lives of other denizens have been chronicled here.
Facebook post from the Sequoia Park Zoo:
According to the post, Moses was “a very sweet and endearing individual” that came to the zoo in 2012 with his sister Scarlett. Read more about the zoo’s history and how the end of the lives of other denizens have been chronicled here.
Facebook post from the Sequoia Park Zoo:
Sequoia Park Zoo is saddened to announce the passing of Moses the domestic yak. Moses came to Sequoia Park Zoo in 2012 with his sister Scarlett. While many in Humboldt are used to seeing cattle, guests often rejoiced in trying to guess what Moses was - often exclaiming “Buffalo!” or “Ox!” before learning more about wild and domestic yak alike. He was a very sweet and endearing individual and will be missed by many.
At an estimated age of 15, Moses was in his twilight years and in February of this year began experiencing age related arthritis and joint issues. Staff worked with vets to establish a regimen and treatment plan, and kept Moses active and comfortable for many months. Ultimately, Moses began showing increasing signs of pain and an overall decrease in quality of life, with no further options for pain management – the much difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize him.
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Courts / Agriculture / Animals / Crime
Arcata Rancher Charged on 35 Counts Related to Animal Cruelty Investigation
Posted By Linda Stansberry on Tue, Jun 19, 2018 at 12:40 PM
UPDATE: According to Humboldt County Deputy District Attorney Adrian Kamada, at this morning’s arraignment on animal cruelty charges Raymond Christie waived his right to have a preliminary hearing within 60 days. A court date has been set for Aug. 14 and Christie is not currently in custody. The district attorney is filing a motion to increase bail, which should be heard sometime next week, according to Kamada.
PREVIOUSLY:
Raymond Christie, the Arcata rancher arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty on Mar. 19, has been formally charged by the Humboldt County District Attorney's office on 35 counts, mostly related to animal cruelty and neglect.
Included in the charges are seven counts of felony cruelty by "failing to provide sustenance, drink, shelter or subject any animal to needless suffering" to cattle, a goat and a pig across different Christie-owned properties in Orick, McKinleyville, Trinidad, Arcata and Eureka.
The remaining 28 charges are misdemeanors under California Fish and Game Code 5652(a) related to disposal of litter or carcasses "within 150 feet of a state waterway." Christie is charged with disposing multiple cattle carcasses near waterways on most of his properties. The complaint specifies that more than 200 cattle carcasses were dumped near waterways on his Jackson Ranch Road property in Arcata.
In March, the sheriff's office confirmed to the Journal that Christie had returned to the Humboldt County Auction and picked up more cattle after leaving jail. HCSO spokesperson Samantha Karges explained to the Journal that Christie had bid on the cattle prior to being arrested and — once he posted bail — he was able to pay for the animals.
If Christie is found guilty in the present case, the court will have the opportunity to mandate whether he can purchase or keep animals in the future, according to Karges.
According to Deputy District Attorney Adrian Kamada, if Christie is convicted of animal cruelty, the law allows for a person to be prohibited from "owning, possessing or having custody or control of any animals for a period of five years."
"Prior to a conviction, there are legal procedures that could allow authorities to seize a specific, individual animal from a person, albeit temporarily," Kamada told the Journal.
A felony conviction would also prohibit Christie from owning or purchasing firearms.
Christie's arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday, June 19.
PREVIOUSLY:
Raymond Christie, the Arcata rancher arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty on Mar. 19, has been formally charged by the Humboldt County District Attorney's office on 35 counts, mostly related to animal cruelty and neglect.
Included in the charges are seven counts of felony cruelty by "failing to provide sustenance, drink, shelter or subject any animal to needless suffering" to cattle, a goat and a pig across different Christie-owned properties in Orick, McKinleyville, Trinidad, Arcata and Eureka.
The remaining 28 charges are misdemeanors under California Fish and Game Code 5652(a) related to disposal of litter or carcasses "within 150 feet of a state waterway." Christie is charged with disposing multiple cattle carcasses near waterways on most of his properties. The complaint specifies that more than 200 cattle carcasses were dumped near waterways on his Jackson Ranch Road property in Arcata.
In March, the sheriff's office confirmed to the Journal that Christie had returned to the Humboldt County Auction and picked up more cattle after leaving jail. HCSO spokesperson Samantha Karges explained to the Journal that Christie had bid on the cattle prior to being arrested and — once he posted bail — he was able to pay for the animals.
If Christie is found guilty in the present case, the court will have the opportunity to mandate whether he can purchase or keep animals in the future, according to Karges.
According to Deputy District Attorney Adrian Kamada, if Christie is convicted of animal cruelty, the law allows for a person to be prohibited from "owning, possessing or having custody or control of any animals for a period of five years."
"Prior to a conviction, there are legal procedures that could allow authorities to seize a specific, individual animal from a person, albeit temporarily," Kamada told the Journal.
A felony conviction would also prohibit Christie from owning or purchasing firearms.
Christie's arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday, June 19.
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Is Bigfoot a Bear?
Posted By Kimberly Wear on Wed, Nov 29, 2017 at 2:26 PM
In a tough break for cryptozoologists, a team of scientists says their DNA analysis of hair samples, scat and a tooth purported to be from Bigfoot’s Tibetan cousin the Yeti are, in fact, from bears.
The findings — based on the analysis of mitochondrial DNA from 24 samples, including some collected in the 1930s on a Tibetan plateau — were published today in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
“This study represents the most rigorous analysis to date of samples suspected to derive from anomalous or mythical ‘hominid’-like creatures, strongly suggesting that the biological basis of the yeti legend is local brown and black bears,” the conclusion states.
Results from a similar study published in the same science journal back in 2014 also linked hair samples sent in from around the world — some as old as 50 years — back to known species.
But the lead scientist noted that true believers were not deterred by his research.
“I’ve had very good cooperation with the Bigfoot community, who are generally pleased that there is now a method of identifying their quarry in a way that would be universally accepted,” Oxford geneticist Bryan Sykes told Science magazine at the time. “They are returning to the forests with renewed enthusiasm in search of the ‘golden hair’ which proves their beliefs.”
The findings — based on the analysis of mitochondrial DNA from 24 samples, including some collected in the 1930s on a Tibetan plateau — were published today in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
“This study represents the most rigorous analysis to date of samples suspected to derive from anomalous or mythical ‘hominid’-like creatures, strongly suggesting that the biological basis of the yeti legend is local brown and black bears,” the conclusion states.
Results from a similar study published in the same science journal back in 2014 also linked hair samples sent in from around the world — some as old as 50 years — back to known species.
But the lead scientist noted that true believers were not deterred by his research.
“I’ve had very good cooperation with the Bigfoot community, who are generally pleased that there is now a method of identifying their quarry in a way that would be universally accepted,” Oxford geneticist Bryan Sykes told Science magazine at the time. “They are returning to the forests with renewed enthusiasm in search of the ‘golden hair’ which proves their beliefs.”
Thursday, September 21, 2017
You Otter be a Citizen Scientist
Posted By Mark Larson on Thu, Sep 21, 2017 at 1:44 PM
One doesn't have to go far to see local river otters in the wild. Just take a walk out on the Trinidad pier and you're likely to see one swimming in the harbor. But the best time is when local sport fishermen return to the floating dock below the pier to clean their catches. On Sunday, I spotted a group of five river otters swimming under the dock and climbing over the float looking for handouts.
Saturday, August 19, 2017
Making Time: More Moments from the Hoopa Rodeo
Posted By Linda Stansberry on Sat, Aug 19, 2017 at 10:01 AM
We hope you enjoyed this week's cover story "Holding On: A Day at the Hoopa Rodeo." Below you'll find a chunk of missing time from our hour-by-hour account of Saturday, Aug. 5, an interview that was cut for length from the cover, and a slideshow of photos taken during the day.
Monday, July 10, 2017
Silly Bear Locked in Car Freed by Deputies
Posted By Kimberly Wear on Mon, Jul 10, 2017 at 3:50 PM
A wayward — and apparently grumpy — bear that found itself locked inside a Kneeland neighborhood car was freed unharmed today after responding deputies were able to open the door from a safe distance by tying a rope around the handle.
In a video of the rescue posted to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, a voice can be heard urging, “come on bear,” before the animal jumps out of the four-door sedan and makes a run for it into an adjacent wooded area without a backward glance.
Still unknown is how the “gray faced adult black bear” got into the car in the first place.
Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:
To view a video of the bear rescue go to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office face book page located at www.facebook.com/humboldtcountysheriff .
In a video of the rescue posted to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, a voice can be heard urging, “come on bear,” before the animal jumps out of the four-door sedan and makes a run for it into an adjacent wooded area without a backward glance.
Still unknown is how the “gray faced adult black bear” got into the car in the first place.
Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:
On 07-10-17 Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a residence on Greenwood Heights for a call of a bear locked in a vehicle. Once on scene Corporal Borges, Deputy Crotty and Lieutenant Fridley found a gray faced adult black bear locked in a vehicle. The bear was very aggressive and snapped at the window anytime someone would get close to the vehicle. With the help of vehicle owner the vehicle was unlocked. Deputies tied a length of rope to the door handle, wrapped it around a tree and fed it back to a patrol vehicle. From a safe distance the rope was pulled which opened the door and allowed the bear to exit the vehicle. It is unknown how the bear was able to get into the vehicle. The bear was unharmed and last seen running into the brush.
To view a video of the bear rescue go to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office face book page located at www.facebook.com/humboldtcountysheriff .
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Hello, My Name is: Humboldt's Flying Squirrel
Posted By Jennifer Fumiko Cahill on Wed, May 31, 2017 at 11:20 AM
Say hello to Humboldt's flying squirrel, formerly known as the northern flying squirrel. Look into his black, marble-like eyes. Look at them. Smaller and darker than the northern variety, with which they share some territory, these little gliders have just been classified as a new species and named for our county's namesake, naturalist Alexander von Humboldt.
Monday, May 15, 2017
One of Petrolia's Zebras Fatally Shot
Posted By Thadeus Greenson on Mon, May 15, 2017 at 5:05 PM
The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office is investigating the shooting of one of the three famed zebras that lives on Mattole Road near Petrolia.
Sheriff William Honsal said his office received a report of the shooting Saturday morning, saying it appears someone used a small caliber rifle to fatally shoot the zebra sometime during the preceding night. He said the animal's owner went out to the pasture Saturday morning to find the animal lying down and, upon closer inspection, found a single bullet hole.
"It is currently being investigated," Honsal said, urging anyone with information to call the sheriff's office at 445-7251 or the crime tip line at 268-2539.
The zebra — known as "Randy" — is one of three that have long delighted passersby on the Lost Coast. According to our coverage in 2013, the animals were then owned by fashion designers based in Los Angeles but were being cared for by a father and son team, Luis Juarez Sr. and Jr., who made the drive from Ferndale several days a week to feed the animals and put them in at night. The animals reported came to the Lost Coast by way of a zebra ranch in Oroville.
Honsal said his office will issue a full press release in the morning. We'll update this post with more information as we receive it.
Sheriff William Honsal said his office received a report of the shooting Saturday morning, saying it appears someone used a small caliber rifle to fatally shoot the zebra sometime during the preceding night. He said the animal's owner went out to the pasture Saturday morning to find the animal lying down and, upon closer inspection, found a single bullet hole.
"It is currently being investigated," Honsal said, urging anyone with information to call the sheriff's office at 445-7251 or the crime tip line at 268-2539.
The zebra — known as "Randy" — is one of three that have long delighted passersby on the Lost Coast. According to our coverage in 2013, the animals were then owned by fashion designers based in Los Angeles but were being cared for by a father and son team, Luis Juarez Sr. and Jr., who made the drive from Ferndale several days a week to feed the animals and put them in at night. The animals reported came to the Lost Coast by way of a zebra ranch in Oroville.
Honsal said his office will issue a full press release in the morning. We'll update this post with more information as we receive it.
Thursday, May 4, 2017
Five Owlets Have Landed in Ferndale
Posted By Kimberly Wear on Thu, May 4, 2017 at 1:03 PM
Things are getting crowded in the barn owl nest in The Ferndale Music Company and the Old Steeple building.
The mother owl “Truman” appears to have now hatched five of her six eggs — with the first two debuting last week in the bell tower of the turn-of the-century former Ferndale church.
The Ferndale Music Company guitar salesman Anthony Taibi said his boss Paul Beatie — who set up the owl cam that gives an up-close view of Truman and her brood — believes the fifth owlet hatched Tuesday. “You can hear them making noise up there,” Taibi said.
The mother owl “Truman” appears to have now hatched five of her six eggs — with the first two debuting last week in the bell tower of the turn-of the-century former Ferndale church.
The Ferndale Music Company guitar salesman Anthony Taibi said his boss Paul Beatie — who set up the owl cam that gives an up-close view of Truman and her brood — believes the fifth owlet hatched Tuesday. “You can hear them making noise up there,” Taibi said.
