WILDLIFE NEWS OF THE DAY - 070609

We lead off wildlife news today with a story about how seal hunters in southern Africa are gearing up to harvest 90,000 seals despite protests by animal welfare groups. Some information on rabid wildlife in a Maryland county and in Central Kentucky is provided by the next two stories. A New York resident tells of how a raccoon struck by a car was saved; while Ohio wildlife officials received reports of a bear near a Franciscan college in Steubenville; and a Pennsylvania town had a furry visitor show up. A conference to discuss the fate of polar bears has concluded in Copenhagen, Denmark. A bear that was hanging around some Utah campsites was euthanized due to fear it might attack campers; and a pair of bears have been seen in a Southern California neighborhood. A bear ran into a moving automobile in Connecticut late last week and a deer-motorcycle accident is also noted in the same article. A team at a Georgia college is conducting a seven-year study into better ways to prevent deer-auto collisions; followed by a detailed look at the reasons for Arkansas deer hunts, including cost-effectiveness issues. A year-old cougar was captured in a Washington state neighborhood and released back into the wild Sunday; while the owner of an Arizona petting zoo faces a no-win situation: allow a cougar to kill off the rest of his petting zoo or kill the cougar, earning the wrath of neighbors. A Central California columnist dispenses advice about the dangers of letting dogs run free in coyote country. And finally, a very small species of wildlife is being reintroduced into a California region.

Namibian seal hunt to go on, 90,000 to be clubbed

Worcester notes surge in rabies cases

Rabies up, especially in skunks

If you hit an animal, here's how to save it

Bear roaming city

Bear spotted in Tylersport

Climate change impacts polar bears

Bear shot, killed at campground

Bears making themselves at home in San Antonio Heights

Accident with bear reported

Berry professor, team working to keep area deer from colliding with vehicles

Four towns plan urban hunts to help thin growing deer population

Young cougar treed in Manson

Mountain lion wipes out farm's petting zoo

Gary Bogue: When walking dogs in open spaces, watch out for coyotes

Big plans for a little butterfly