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    Rescue dog helps scientists save orcas — by sniffing out their feces

    Many dog owners discourage their pets from sniffing poops they happen across, but Eba is no ordinary dog.

    Eba helps orca researchers study the whales by tracking down their feces floating on the water. Her sensitive nose can detect the scent from a mile away.

    Scientists who collect the scat sample are able to determine the whale’s individual DNA, recent meals, pregnancy, stress levels and pollutants, according to Wild Orca, a group dedicated to protecting a group of killer whales living in the northern Pacific Ocean off North America.

    WINNER OF ‘FAT BEAR WEEK’ COMPETITION CROWNED BY ALASKA NATIONAL PARK

    The dog wasn’t always destined for a life of science. She was abandoned outside a California animal shelter, and so cold and wet when staff there found her that they weren’t sure she’d survive, according to Wild Orca. But Eba did recover, and in 2017, Deborah Giles, a killer whale researcher at the University of Washington, adopted her.

    Giles told Today that she suspected Eba might be a good candidate for the university’s Conservation Canines program, which teaches dogs to locate wildlife scat for researchers studying different species.

    “By Eba’s second day on the water … she found her first wild whale scat by herself,” Giles told Today.

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    Despite the waves, currents and wind, Eba is able to signal a direction to Giles. She then uses signals to point the boat’s driver in the right direction, even if they have to change course a few times as they get closer, according to the report.

    “As we pass through the center of scent cone, which is the strongest portion of that smell, she’ll whip around to the side of the boat to tell us, ‘Hey, wait a minute – you’ve passed it.’ That’s when we turn into the wind,” Giles told Today. “Then it might be a series of zigzags back and forth. It’s amazing the dogs can do this work.”

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    Scat discovered by Eba has already been useful to the researchers. Within weeks of her first outings last year, the scientists were able to find that the orcas were less stressed by the presence of boats than they were by a lack of fish to eat, Q13 Fox in Seattle previously reported.

    “Being able to collect these fecal samples at a distance where we’re not stressing out the individuals is another really important part of this study,” Giles told the TV station.

    Eba’s unusual work has gotten her noticed. She appeared on an episode of the Disney+ series “It’s a Dogs Life with Bill Farmer” that debuted this past summer. She’s also set to appear in a PBS documentary series “The Age of Nature,” which is narrated by Uma Thurman. Eba’s episode will premiere on Oct. 21.

    Rescue dog helps scientists save orcas — by sniffing out their feces

    Many dog owners discourage their pets from sniffing poops they happen across, but Eba is no ordinary dog.

    Eba helps orca researchers study the whales by tracking down their feces floating on the water. Her sensitive nose can detect the scent from a mile away.

    Scientists who collect the scat sample are able to determine the whale’s individual DNA, recent meals, pregnancy, stress levels and pollutants, according to Wild Orca, a group dedicated to protecting a group of killer whales living in the northern Pacific Ocean off North America.

    WINNER OF ‘FAT BEAR WEEK’ COMPETITION CROWNED BY ALASKA NATIONAL PARK

    The dog wasn’t always destined for a life of science. She was abandoned outside a California animal shelter, and so cold and wet when staff there found her that they weren’t sure she’d survive, according to Wild Orca. But Eba did recover, and in 2017, Deborah Giles, a killer whale researcher at the University of Washington, adopted her.

    Giles told Today that she suspected Eba might be a good candidate for the university’s Conservation Canines program, which teaches dogs to locate wildlife scat for researchers studying different species.

    “By Eba’s second day on the water … she found her first wild whale scat by herself,” Giles told Today.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    Despite the waves, currents and wind, Eba is able to signal a direction to Giles. She then uses signals to point the boat’s driver in the right direction, even if they have to change course a few times as they get closer, according to the report.

    “As we pass through the center of scent cone, which is the strongest portion of that smell, she’ll whip around to the side of the boat to tell us, ‘Hey, wait a minute – you’ve passed it.’ That’s when we turn into the wind,” Giles told Today. “Then it might be a series of zigzags back and forth. It’s amazing the dogs can do this work.”

    CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

    Scat discovered by Eba has already been useful to the researchers. Within weeks of her first outings last year, the scientists were able to find that the orcas were less stressed by the presence of boats than they were by a lack of fish to eat, Q13 Fox in Seattle previously reported.

    “Being able to collect these fecal samples at a distance where we’re not stressing out the individuals is another really important part of this study,” Giles told the TV station.

    Eba’s unusual work has gotten her noticed. She appeared on an episode of the Disney+ series “It’s a Dogs Life with Bill Farmer” that debuted this past summer. She’s also set to appear in a PBS documentary series “The Age of Nature,” which is narrated by Uma Thurman. Eba’s episode will premiere on Oct. 21.

    Rescue dog helps scientists save orcas — by sniffing out their feces

    Many dog owners discourage their pets from sniffing poops they happen across, but Eba is no ordinary dog.

    Eba helps orca researchers study the whales by tracking down their feces floating on the water. Her sensitive nose can detect the scent from a mile away.

    Scientists who collect the scat sample are able to determine the whale’s individual DNA, recent meals, pregnancy, stress levels and pollutants, according to Wild Orca, a group dedicated to protecting a group of killer whales living in the northern Pacific Ocean off North America.

    WINNER OF ‘FAT BEAR WEEK’ COMPETITION CROWNED BY ALASKA NATIONAL PARK

    The dog wasn’t always destined for a life of science. She was abandoned outside a California animal shelter, and so cold and wet when staff there found her that they weren’t sure she’d survive, according to Wild Orca. But Eba did recover, and in 2017, Deborah Giles, a killer whale researcher at the University of Washington, adopted her.

    Giles told Today that she suspected Eba might be a good candidate for the university’s Conservation Canines program, which teaches dogs to locate wildlife scat for researchers studying different species.

    “By Eba’s second day on the water … she found her first wild whale scat by herself,” Giles told Today.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    Despite the waves, currents and wind, Eba is able to signal a direction to Giles. She then uses signals to point the boat’s driver in the right direction, even if they have to change course a few times as they get closer, according to the report.

    “As we pass through the center of scent cone, which is the strongest portion of that smell, she’ll whip around to the side of the boat to tell us, ‘Hey, wait a minute – you’ve passed it.’ That’s when we turn into the wind,” Giles told Today. “Then it might be a series of zigzags back and forth. It’s amazing the dogs can do this work.”

    CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

    Scat discovered by Eba has already been useful to the researchers. Within weeks of her first outings last year, the scientists were able to find that the orcas were less stressed by the presence of boats than they were by a lack of fish to eat, Q13 Fox in Seattle previously reported.

    “Being able to collect these fecal samples at a distance where we’re not stressing out the individuals is another really important part of this study,” Giles told the TV station.

    Eba’s unusual work has gotten her noticed. She appeared on an episode of the Disney+ series “It’s a Dogs Life with Bill Farmer” that debuted this past summer. She’s also set to appear in a PBS documentary series “The Age of Nature,” which is narrated by Uma Thurman. Eba’s episode will premiere on Oct. 21.

    Rescue dog helps scientists save orcas — by sniffing out their feces

    Many dog owners discourage their pets from sniffing poops they happen across, but Eba is no ordinary dog.

    Eba helps orca researchers study the whales by tracking down their feces floating on the water. Her sensitive nose can detect the scent from a mile away.

    Scientists who collect the scat sample are able to determine the whale’s individual DNA, recent meals, pregnancy, stress levels and pollutants, according to Wild Orca, a group dedicated to protecting a group of killer whales living in the northern Pacific Ocean off North America.

    WINNER OF ‘FAT BEAR WEEK’ COMPETITION CROWNED BY ALASKA NATIONAL PARK

    The dog wasn’t always destined for a life of science. She was abandoned outside a California animal shelter, and so cold and wet when staff there found her that they weren’t sure she’d survive, according to Wild Orca. But Eba did recover, and in 2017, Deborah Giles, a killer whale researcher at the University of Washington, adopted her.

    Giles told Today that she suspected Eba might be a good candidate for the university’s Conservation Canines program, which teaches dogs to locate wildlife scat for researchers studying different species.

    “By Eba’s second day on the water … she found her first wild whale scat by herself,” Giles told Today.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    Despite the waves, currents and wind, Eba is able to signal a direction to Giles. She then uses signals to point the boat’s driver in the right direction, even if they have to change course a few times as they get closer, according to the report.

    “As we pass through the center of scent cone, which is the strongest portion of that smell, she’ll whip around to the side of the boat to tell us, ‘Hey, wait a minute – you’ve passed it.’ That’s when we turn into the wind,” Giles told Today. “Then it might be a series of zigzags back and forth. It’s amazing the dogs can do this work.”

    CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

    Scat discovered by Eba has already been useful to the researchers. Within weeks of her first outings last year, the scientists were able to find that the orcas were less stressed by the presence of boats than they were by a lack of fish to eat, Q13 Fox in Seattle previously reported.

    “Being able to collect these fecal samples at a distance where we’re not stressing out the individuals is another really important part of this study,” Giles told the TV station.

    Eba’s unusual work has gotten her noticed. She appeared on an episode of the Disney+ series “It’s a Dogs Life with Bill Farmer” that debuted this past summer. She’s also set to appear in a PBS documentary series “The Age of Nature,” which is narrated by Uma Thurman. Eba’s episode will premiere on Oct. 21.

    Rescue dog helps scientists save orcas — by sniffing out their feces

    Many dog owners discourage their pets from sniffing poops they happen across, but Eba is no ordinary dog.

    Eba helps orca researchers study the whales by tracking down their feces floating on the water. Her sensitive nose can detect the scent from a mile away.

    Scientists who collect the scat sample are able to determine the whale’s individual DNA, recent meals, pregnancy, stress levels and pollutants, according to Wild Orca, a group dedicated to protecting a group of killer whales living in the northern Pacific Ocean off North America.

    WINNER OF ‘FAT BEAR WEEK’ COMPETITION CROWNED BY ALASKA NATIONAL PARK

    The dog wasn’t always destined for a life of science. She was abandoned outside a California animal shelter, and so cold and wet when staff there found her that they weren’t sure she’d survive, according to Wild Orca. But Eba did recover, and in 2017, Deborah Giles, a killer whale researcher at the University of Washington, adopted her.

    Giles told Today that she suspected Eba might be a good candidate for the university’s Conservation Canines program, which teaches dogs to locate wildlife scat for researchers studying different species.

    “By Eba’s second day on the water … she found her first wild whale scat by herself,” Giles told Today.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    Despite the waves, currents and wind, Eba is able to signal a direction to Giles. She then uses signals to point the boat’s driver in the right direction, even if they have to change course a few times as they get closer, according to the report.

    “As we pass through the center of scent cone, which is the strongest portion of that smell, she’ll whip around to the side of the boat to tell us, ‘Hey, wait a minute – you’ve passed it.’ That’s when we turn into the wind,” Giles told Today. “Then it might be a series of zigzags back and forth. It’s amazing the dogs can do this work.”

    CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

    Scat discovered by Eba has already been useful to the researchers. Within weeks of her first outings last year, the scientists were able to find that the orcas were less stressed by the presence of boats than they were by a lack of fish to eat, Q13 Fox in Seattle previously reported.

    “Being able to collect these fecal samples at a distance where we’re not stressing out the individuals is another really important part of this study,” Giles told the TV station.

    Eba’s unusual work has gotten her noticed. She appeared on an episode of the Disney+ series “It’s a Dogs Life with Bill Farmer” that debuted this past summer. She’s also set to appear in a PBS documentary series “The Age of Nature,” which is narrated by Uma Thurman. Eba’s episode will premiere on Oct. 21.

    Elusive Shetland Orcas captured on film, creating once-in-a-lifetime moment

    After nine long years, a photographer was able to capture the footage of a lifetime, getting the elusive orca whale on camera.

    Norman Watson spotted the pod of whales near UK’s Meal Beach while visiting his son, Sebastian, British news agency SWNS reports.

    “I was visiting my son Sebastian after the lockdown was eased,” Watson, 48, told the news outlet. “It had been six months since I saw him last! “ heard that Orca had been spotted heading North on the west side of Shetland so took my chances and headed there as it’s close to where my son lives.”

    A photographer had a nine-year-long dream of capturing the elusive Shetland Orcas on camera has finally come true. (Credit: SWNS)

    ORCA MOTHER WHO CARRIED HER DEAD CALF FOR WEEKS IS PREGNANT AGAIN, RESEARCHERS REVEAL

    “One of his friend’s fathers, Andrew Brown, had arranged to take us out on his boat to do some mackerel fishing and the Orca were passing at just the right time,” Watson said of the massive mammals.

    “They were hunting seals, which was apparent when we came across them,” Watson continued. “They were trying to scare the seals off the rocks.”

    Despite the fact he spent nearly one-fifth of his life without seeing them, Watson said he will forever treasure the moment.

    “I had been hoping to see the Orca for about nine years in Shetland, but never got lucky until that day,” the draughtsman and amateur photographer said. “It was one of the best wildlife spectacles I’d witnessed and I’ve seen a few things now.”

    Shetland Orcas captured on camera near Meal Beach, Shetland Islands, the culmination of photographer Norman Watson’s nine-year quest. (Credit: SWNS)

    HUMPBACK WHALE INJURES AUSTRALIAN SWIMMER AT NINGALOO REEF

    Orcas, which are apex predators, are typically spotted near the Shetland Islands between May and September, but can be spotted year-round, according to multiple sources.

    Also known as “killer whales,” orcas use their four-inch teeth to go after a variety of mammals and fish, including great white sharks. They can be found in a variety of locations on the planet, ranging from polar regions to the Equator, according to National Geographic.

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    Heartwarming pics show world’s rarest gorillas with babies, thrilling wildlife experts

    The world’s rarest gorillas have been caught on camera with babies for the first time, much to the delight of conservationists.

    A remote camera operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society captured the remarkable photos of the group of rare Cross River gorillas in Nigeria’s Mbe mountains.

    The most endangered gorilla subspecies, only around 300 Cross River gorillas are thought to exist, living in an isolated region along the border between Nigeria and Cameroon.

    FOUR AFRICAN MOUNTAIN GORILLAS, INCLUDING BABY, KILLED IN LIGHTNING STRIKE

    “Cross River gorillas are rarely seen, let alone photographed, even by remote cameras,” explained WCS in a statement.

    A group of Cross River gorillas, including a baby, photographed on June 22, 2020.
    (WCS Nigeria)

    The photos clearly show a number of gorillas of different ages, including infants.

    “It is extremely exciting to see so many young Cross River gorillas – an encouraging indication that these gorillas are now well protected and reproducing successfully, after previous decades of hunting,” said Inaoyom Imong, director of WCS Nigeria’s Cross River Landscape, in a statement. “While hunters in the region may no longer target gorillas, the threat of hunting remains, and we need to continue to improve the effectiveness of our protection efforts.”

    ‘CHEEKY’ GORILLAS POSE FOR STUNNING SELFIE WITH RANGERS

    The Cross River gorilla group, including adults and young of different ages, Mbe Mountains, Nigeria May 2020. (WCS Nigeria)

    Cross River gorillas are classified as “critically endangered” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Threats to the species’ habitat include logging and wood harvesting, according to the IUCN.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    The images of the group of Cross River gorillas have thrilled conservationists.
    (WCS Nigeria)

    The World Wildlife Fund also classifies Cross River gorillas as “critically endangered,” noting on its website that efforts to protect the animals are focused on securing their forests where they live.

    Follow James Rogers on Twitter @jamesjrogers

    Dog goes viral after pictures show it being inseparable from stuffed toy

    Dogs may be man’s best friend, but one cuddly canine in Colorado is swapping out her human for a stuffed toy.

    Pictures of Elliott Mae, a 3-year-old Merle Great Dane, have gone viral after they show the dazzling dog snuggling with a stuffed animal from the Disney movie “Pete’s Dragon,” British news agency SWNS reports.

    “I got Elliott from a breeder in May of 2017 when she was 8 weeks old,” Elliott’s owner, Mandy Helwege, said. ”I’d dreamed of owning a Great Dane growing up and waited over 15 years to finally be able to own one.”

    This heartwarming set of images shows an adorable Great Dane who has grown up with its faithful favorite toy by its side. (Credit: SWNS)

    VIRAL PICTURES SHOW LAST MOMENT PUPPY AND CAT BOND BEFORE PUPPY GETS ADOPTED

    Helwege continued: “I ordered the dragon toy off of Amazon so her breeder could use it in a photoshoot with her that I paid her to do when she was 4 weeks old. We have kept it with her old collars as a keepsake for close to three years.”

    Merle Great Danes are often recognized by their unique coats and often have “a lighter coat with darker grey spots or splotches all over,” according to GreatDane.com.

    Elliott was named after a character from the Disney film “Pete’s Dragon.” (Credit: SWNS)

    Mandy said she’s enjoyed every moment with her precious pup.

    Elliott Mae is “the best hiking partner,” Mandy said, adding she loves to explore the surrounding mountains, almost as much as she loves being in front of the camera and the center of attention.

    Elliott Mae throughout the years. (Credit: SWNS)

    Mandy admitted that Elliott is “not the brightest crayon in the box sometimes,” but her ability to make her laugh and her companionship are treasured to the utmost degree.

    ”I’d often heard the phrase of people referring to one of their dogs as their ‘heart dog’ and I can’t say I understood that sentiment until Elliott came into my life,” Mandy continued. “We have a connection unlike anything I’ve ever experienced or even could’ve imagined the first time I laid eyes on her.”

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    Third cougar captured amid city’s coronavirus lockdown

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    A third cougar has been captured in the Chilean capital Santiago amid the city’s coronavirus lockdown.

    In a Facebook post on Monday, Zoologico Nacional de Chile explained that the cougar was captured in a home.

    “The cougar is in good condition and is moved to our Rehabilitation Center for a medical assessment and subsequent release,” it said.

    PANGOLINS CAN CARRY CORONAVIRUS-RELATED STRAINS, SCIENTISTS SAY

    The BBC reports that the cougar is the third to have been captured in Santiago during a lockdown implemented to stop the spread of coronavirus. Experts have cited a severe drought in the foothills around Santiago that is causing the cougars to enter the quiet city, according to the news outlet.

    Reuters reports that another cougar was captured in Santiago last week, the second big cat to caught in the city of more than 6 million people in just over a week.

    Cougar file photo.
    (iStock)

    CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE  CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE

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    As of Tuesday afternoon, at least 1.38 million coronavirus cases have been diagnosed worldwide, at least 5,116 of which are in Chile. The disease has accounted for at least 78,269 deaths around the world, including 43 deaths in Chile.

    Follow James Rogers on Twitter @jamesjrogers

    Bronx Zoo tiger tests positive for coronavirus, officials say

    COVID-19 impact on national security

    Katie Bo Williams, Senior National Security Correspondent for Defense One joins Eric Shawn to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on national security.

    Get all the latest news on coronavirus and more delivered daily to your inbox. Sign up here.

    A tiger at the Bronx Zoo in New York City has tested positive for the coronavirus, in what may be the first confirmed case of an animal being infected with the virus in the U.S.

    The tiger is a 4-year-old female from Malaysia, officials said. Three other tigers and three African lions also have developed a dry cough and were expected to recover, according to the zoo, which has been closed to the public since March 16.

    A tiger at the Bronx Zoo in New York City tested positive for the coronavirus, officials said.
    (AP, File)

    The National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed the tiger’s positive COVID-19 test.

    “We tested the cat out of an abundance of caution” and aimed to “contribute to the world’s continuing understanding of this novel coronavirus,” Dr. Paul Calle, the zoo’s chief veterinarian, said.

    “Though they have experienced some decrease in appetite, the cats at the Bronx Zoo are otherwise doing well under veterinary care and are bright, alert, and interactive with their keepers,” Wildlife Conservation Society [WCS], which has managed the Bronx Zoo, announced in a statement. “It is not known how this disease will develop in big cats since different species can react differently to novel infections, but we will continue to monitor them closely and anticipate full recoveries.”

    WCS added that an employee who’d showed no symptoms while caring for the cats infected the tiger.

    “Appropriate preventive measures are now in place for all staff who are caring for them, and the other cats in our four WCS zoos, to prevent further exposure of any other of our zoo cats,” the organization added.

    WILD ANIMALS HAVE TAKEN OVER THE STREETS IN MAJOR CITIES BECAUSE OF THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

    U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA] officials have said there were no known cases of the virus in U.S. pets or livestock.

    “It’s important to assure pet owners and animal owners that at this time there isn’t any evidence that they can spread the virus,” Dr. Jane Rooney, a veterinarian and USDA official, said.

    Health experts said the coronavirus outbreaks around the world have been driven by person-to-person transmission.

    There have been some reports of pets outside the U.S. becoming infected after close contact with contagious people. In Hong Kong, a dog tested positive for a low level of the pathogen in February and early March. Hong Kong agriculture officials concluded that pet dogs and cats couldn’t pass the coronavirus to humans but could test positive if their owners exposed them to the virus.

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    Some researchers have been trying to understand the susceptibility of different animal species to the virus, and to determine how it spreads among animals, according to the Paris-based World Organization for Animal Health.

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.