Wild Animal attacks will almost always make the news - after all it does affect our primal concern for safety. And, an attack on humans usually happens rarely - the other criteria for making the news. But, in 2010, I started noticing more stories of attacks on humans - and not just the "usual" stories of bear attacks, mountain lion attack or coyote attacks on people in forested areas. A year later, the number of those stories has gone up considerably. And it only seems to be getting worse. |
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In addition to that though, news stories about cougar attacks, fox attacks and coy-wolfs have also started appearing.
And that's just what's noticeable by the average North American spectator. Elsewhere, there are more reports of damaging elephant attacks, lion attacks, shark attacks, and even kangaroo attacks.
Even more strange, this year has also seen weird animal news from more familiar animals too: aggressive dog attacks, bird attack and even raccoon attacks are being reported too.
Some of it may be due to the increased use of social media. Friends and family of someone on the receiving end of a wild animal attack can broadcast the news within minutes. Same with strange attacks from more familiar animals.
But what I've also noticed is that in addition to the usual re-assurance provided by local wildlife control officers, the term "rare occurrence" is very often used as well. Way too often to maintain its credibility for long though.
Even more interesting are the comments along the lines of "I've never heard of this happening before".
So, is the increase just due to better reporting, a grab for animal attack lawsuit money, or is the more scary question applicable?
Animal News - Intro
Animal News Map
Mass Animal Deaths
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Wild Animals in Urban Areas
It's a scary, or maybe ridiculous thought to those of us firmly ensconced in our safe urban areas. But to people who live in rural areas, or at the edge of forests, the question may seem less absurd, and more obvious.
What do you think?
You can add your thoughts or your own reports of an attack below.
You'll find the latest headlines about attacks by animals to the right. From time to time, I'll add some news stories of attacks from wild animals, or weird animal news about more familiar animals that attack. Both of these stories are summarized below as well.
Let us know what you think!
Do you know someone that has been attacked by an animal? What happened?
Or, do you have comments or insights to offer on why there is an increase in the number of reports of attacks by animals?
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Click below to see news highlights and contributions from other visitors to this page...
Elephants attack cities in India Not rated yet
A pack of wild elephants caused severe damage to several cities in India. The residents were forced to find shelter on top of trees.
The residents …
Farmer eaten by pigs - near Bandon, Oregon, 26 Sept 2012 Not rated yet
Image Source: www.istockphoto.com
It's not often that you hear a farm animal attack story. Yet this bizarre news of farm pigs attacking, and then …
Cougar attack on toddler - Vancouver Island, Canada
(29 Aug 2011) Not rated yet
An 18 month old toddler was the victim of a cougar attack. The attack occurred about 6 pm, while the family was at a popular beach at Kennedy Lake , …
Polar Bear Attack on British Student (Norway, Aug 2011) Not rated yet
News Summary
Despite travelling with a group of experienced and prepared guides, a 17 year old student died as a result of a polar bear attack.
…
Cougar attack on 6 year old walking with family (Alberta, 31 Jul 2011) Not rated yet
News Summary
A six year old was enjoying an early evening hike with her parents and 9 year old brother on a trail in the Barrier Lake area of Bow Valley …
Wild Boars attacking livestock, pets and chasing humans in
New York State Not rated yet
A Reuters report in July 2011 tells of an increasing wild boar population that is appearing on farms in central New York State.
Here's the part of …
Kangaroo attacks woman in her backyard (Australia, July 2011) Not rated yet
You would think that hanging up laundry in your own backyard would be a pretty safe activity, wouldn't you?
But in the outback Queensland town of Charleville, …
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