Global Eco Watch: Major ecological happenings of the week (August 12 - August 18)

Trump Administration reverses decision to allow killing of coyotes using traps

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reversed its decision to allow the use of sodium cyanide traps for killing coyotes and other predators in the United States, according to a media report.

The traps, which are called ‘M-44’ traps, look like lawn sprinklers but spray deadly cyanide when triggered by animals attracted by bait.

The decision comes after a boy in Idaho was injured in 2017 when he encountered an M-44.

The traps are used by the US Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services to kill coyotes and other livestock predators.

Five sloth bears rescued in Jharkhand

Five sloth bears were rescued by forest officials from a village in Jharkhand’s Deoghar district, according to a media report.

However, the keepers of the animals managed to escape.

The officials had been informed that five sloth bears, a Schedule II animal under the Wildlife (Protection) Act were being kept in the village by some people. 

A team was formed, which then reached the Mahapur village under Sonaraithadi police station in Deoghar district. It seized the bears. The keepers of the animals however managed to escape before the team arrived.

The recovery of the bears has created another problem since Deoghar does not have a facility to keep such animals. The team has sought direction from the Jharkhand Chief Wildlife Warden in this regard.

All the bears have been found to be tame.

Subscribe to Daily Newsletter :

SUPPORT US

We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.