Week 33: Animals Among Us

"Ignore your instincts at your peril."

Animals are always around us, whether we choose to have them there or not. They often impact our lives just as much as we impact theirs. However, because of human's unique existence, different scenarios arise that cause unexpected outcomes. In this week's Tuesday Fix, we will explore 3 different animals, where they can be found, and the current interactions we humans are having with them.

1. The Bounty Hunters Catching Pythons In Florida: "The Everglades in Florida are plagued with dozens of invasive species, top among them is the Burmese Python. A pet sold in stores throughout the US, when it gets too big or too old for its owner it typically gets released into the wild. When this happens in Florida, where the Everglades tall grasses are identical to Southeast Asia, the animal thrives, breeding in huge numbers and eating whatever it wants thanks to a complete absence of natural predators. On the heels of a viral video showing a Burmese python wrestling and killing an alligator, the director of the South Florida Water Management District launched a program to hunt snakes throughout his district."

Watch The Bounty Hunters Catching Pythons In Florida by Vice

2. Why parrots can talk like humans: "Monkeys are our closest biological relatives, and they can't speak. But parrots don’t seem to have a problem at all. In 2016 researchers released a study with an incredible headline: monkey vocal tracts are speech-ready. It showed that monkeys are held back from speech not by their bodies, but by their brains. But if that’s the case, what’s the deal with birds?"

Watch Why parrots can talk like humans by Vox

3. Feral Hogs Are Tearing Up Texas: "“Legit question for rural Americans,” Twitter user William McNabb asked in August in response to a question about assault weapon use, “How do I kill the 30-50 feral hogs that run into my yard within 3-5 mins while my small kids play?” Texans, in particular, come face-to-face with a lot more than 30 to 50 feral hogs, but it's no laughing matter. That's why they're dealing with the crisis in a very Texas way, Helicopter Hunting."

Watch Feral Hogs Are Tearing Up Texas, So Tourists Are Shooting Them from Helicopters by Vice

Call to Action! Take some time this week to visit a local zoo or park, and see the animals that live near you. You may learn of a new or existing animal that is causing a nuisance in your area, or a new animal that may be a great pet for you!

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