State agency safeguarding wildlife, habitats and public safety.
Recent weeks have seen a rise in rattlesnake bites and coyote attacks in Southern California. A woman was severely injured by a rattlesnake, while a boy was bitten by a coyote. Authorities warn outdoor enthusiasts to stay alert and take precautions.
Experts warn that rising ocean temperatures are increasing shark sightings along Southern California beaches. Recent encounters include sharks circling near surfers and drone sightings, but attacks remain rare. Warming waters and potential El Niño conditions are likely to make this summer more active for sharks, prompting increased vigilance.
Recent reports reveal labour abuses on vessels certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council, including forced labour and human trafficking. Meanwhile, fish stocks around the UK are exceeding scientific limits, risking long-term sustainability. These issues highlight gaps in certification and management practices, raising concerns about environmental and social standards in fisheries.
Conservationists have reported a fresh spate of wolf carcasses in an Italian national park, with authorities suspecting poison as the cause. The killings are part of a broader probe into wildlife crimes amid rising tensions between biodiversity goals and livestock protection.
The River Avon at Queen Elizabeth Gardens in Salisbury has been deemed unsafe for bathing after tests show sewage pollution from upstream works. The Environment Agency advised against swimming from May 28; the advisory remained until June 1 as residual contamination cleared. Wessex Water says the issue stems from a blocked sewer, with improvements planned, including near-real-time AI water monitors.
A spate of bear incidents across national parks and mountain towns has prompted renewed safety warnings. A cyclist was injured in a Pinecrest incident; a hiker in Glacier National Park survived a grizzly attack; a Mammoth Lakes couple killed a bear after it threatened their dogs. Park services urge vigilance, proper food storage and bear-aware practices.