Tag Archives: die

Over 1 Billion Birds Die Annually in the U.S. Due to Building Collisions: Here’s Why

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Birds often struggle to distinguish between the outdoors and reflective glass surfaces, leading to collisions with buildings when they mistake reflections of the sky and surrounding vegetation for the natural environment.

Moreover, urban lighting attracts migratory birds at night, increasing the risk of these dangerous encounters.







According to a 2024 study, over 1 billion birds are estimated to perish each year in the United States due to collisions with buildings.

This alarming number exceeds previous estimates, as it includes not only those found deceased at the crash site but also birds that succumbed to injuries while receiving care post-collision.

Researchers are advocating for the construction of bird-friendly buildings, suggesting the addition of visual markers on windows to help reduce these incidents.

This article addresses the question: “How many birds fly into buildings?” (asked by Barry Megan via email).

For any inquiries, feel free to reach out via email at: questions@sciencefocus.com or contact us through Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (please include your name and location).

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Two People Die from Rabies in Idaho After Skunk Scratch, Including Organ Recipient from Michigan

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An Idaho resident was scratched by a rabid skunk, triggering an exceptionally rare and fatal chain of events that resulted in the deaths of two individuals, including the initial bite victim and an organ transplant recipient, as announced by federal authorities.

This incident marks the fourth case of rabies transmission via organ transplant in the U.S. since 1978, according to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC reported, “Our investigation indicates a possible three-step infection chain where a rabid silver bat infected the skunk, which subsequently infected the donor, and then the kidney recipient.”

The agency noted that the Michigan man “underwent a left kidney transplant from an Idaho donor at an Ohio hospital” in December and passed away approximately six weeks later.

The CDC confirmed that “viral RNA was found in the saliva, nuchal skin, and brain tissue samples” of those affected by rabies.

New interviews with the families of Idaho organ donors revealed “information not captured in the DRAI questionnaire,” referring to the “Donor Risk Assessment Interviews.”

Investigators determined that, in late October 2024, a skunk “approached and scratched a donor who was holding a kitten in a rural outbuilding” in Idaho.

The donor died roughly six weeks later, exhibiting symptoms such as “confusion, difficulty swallowing and walking,” along with “hallucinations,” as reported by the CDC.

Officials indicated that the Idaho man’s corneas were extracted and “three patients, one each from California, Idaho, and New Mexico,” received transplants in December and January.

As investigations proceed, three “corneal recipients underwent preventive graft removal,” and “plans for a fourth corneal graft for a patient in Missouri have been halted,” according to the CDC.

All three patients are currently reported to be asymptomatic.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

One hundred elephants die in drought-stricken park in Zimbabwe

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Zimbabwe’s largest national park has seen the death of at least 100 elephants in recent weeks due to drought, a grim indication of the impact of climate change and the El Niño phenomenon.

Wildlife officials and conservation groups fear more deaths as parts of southern Africa, including Hwange National Park, anticipate decreased rainfall and warmer temperatures. The International Fund for Animal Welfare has labeled this a crisis for elephants and other wildlife.

Tinashe Farawo, spokesperson for the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, stated, “El Niño conditions are exacerbating an already dire situation.”

El Niño is a natural weather event that warms parts of the Pacific Ocean and affects global weather patterns. This year’s El Niño has also brought about deadly flooding. Forecasters expect below-average rainfall across southern Africa into East Africa.

Zimbabwe has already experienced a delayed start to the rainy season, with below-average rainfall predicted for the summer. Experts believe climate change has strengthened the El Niño phenomenon, resulting in more severe consequences.

Authorities are worried about a repeat of 2019 when over 200 elephants died in Hwange due to severe drought.

Philippe Kwawoga, program director at the International Fund for Animal Welfare, alerted authorities to the situation in Hwange in a recent report.

According to research, longer and more severe dry periods have become more frequent in Zimbabwe in recent years. Trevor Lane of the B-Jane Trust, a conservation organization, stated, “El Niño could soon bring back sunshine as rainfall in our region has significantly reduced.”

The B-Jane Trust has been working to help by pumping 1.5 million liters of water per day to the Hwange waterhole from more than 50 wells it manages in partnership with the Parks Department.

Conservationists emphasize that saving elephants is not only about the animals themselves. They play a crucial role in forest regeneration and are key allies in the fight against climate change through their impact on ecosystems.

“They play a much bigger role in forest regeneration than humans,” Lane says, “That’s one of the reasons we fight to keep elephants alive.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com