Leopard strikes up friendship with mare at Gujarat farmhouse

A young leopard has forged an unlikely bond with a mare at a farmhouse in Gujarat.

The one-year-old leopard has been visiting the farmhouse, located near a forest at Virod village on Vadodara’s outskirts, for the past four to five days apparently after taking a liking to the mare kept tied there to a tree.

The farmhouse and the mare belong to villager Jagdishbhai Patel, who said the leopard had been coming to his field everyday during the night time.

“The leopard rolls on the grass and plays near the mare, who has not resisted the big cat’s move and keeps standing near the tree without any sign of panic,” he told PTI over phone on Wednesday.

He said while his family was worried about the unusual visitor in their field, the other villagers were flocking to the place to catch a glimpse of the camaraderie between the two animals.

“The leopard has been coming to the farmhouse, located just about 25 metres from my house, after sunset and sits near the mare for some hours before disappearing. The carnivore has not attacked any human being though it bit a dog a couple of days back,” Patel said.

He said his farm labourers were scared of going near the mare to feed it and as a precaution he has shifted his other cattle behind the house.

He also requested the forest department to catch the spotted animal.

Arvind Pawar of the city-based NGO Wildlife Rescue Trust said they had installed two night vision cameras to capture the leopard’s images.

The district forest department’s rescue team member, Nitin Patel, said the young leopard’s mother was also seen near the farmhouse in a video footage.

“While the young feline sits in a water pit dug up near the spot where the mare is tied, its mother was seen climbing a nearby tree,” he said.

A cage along with a bait was placed nearby, but the leopard was yet to be caught, he added.

A red fox family in Yellowstone

Many of the stories I write in this space come from my background in biology, generally information about a specific species. But occasionally I want to share what I've learned about individual animals I've gotten to know. Because I am both a wildlife scientist and a filmmaker, I spend hours and hours in the field watching animals, sometimes the same individuals for days. Over the years I have come to realize how unique animals are, with their own distinctive personalities, likes, dislikes, and quirks.

One such example is a red fox family I got to know fairly well several years ago when they decided to build their den and have their kits,  in a very public place: under a large Douglas fir tree right next to the Yellowstone Picnic Area on the north side of Yellowstone National Park. From a photographer's view point, it was almost as if we had put up a sign in fox language reading, "Free home to any fox family who doesn't mind having us photograph their every move"! A pair of foxes took us up on that offer and moved in.

You might think that since there were right next to a picnic area they would become habituated to humans and learn to beg for food. Surprisingly that didn't happen, but we never had the foresight to see was what actually did happen. They knew we were there, but they went about their foxy business as if we didn't exist. We kept a respectful distance from them, they understood we meant them no harm, and everyone was happy, especially the 50+ photographers that snapped their pictures every day for about ten days.

We first became aware of their presence when we saw the male digging for a ground squirrel across the road from their den site. That fox knew exactly where the squirrel was. It would repeatedly dig furiously, stop, listen carefully, and then dig some more. At one point it tore a large sagebrush out of the ground, tossed it aside and kept digging. He was on a mission. He finally emerged from the hole, looking quite proud, with a mouth full of ground squirrel and triumphantly crossed the road. It was then that we saw his mate and two of the cutest little kits I've ever seen.

From that moment on we were there every day for hours recording their every move like proud grandparents. They had a routine. The vixen and the month-old kits hung around the den while the male went hunting. Every few hours he came back with a mouth full of several ground squirrels and gave them to the female.

The kits were still nursing but they used the squirrels in their tug-of-war games. Occasionally the female left for a little while, presumably to go hunt, but only when the male was there to babysit. The kits didn't care whether their mom or their dad was there, although they did seem more respectful of their dad. They climbed all over their mom, but they usually kept a little distance between themselves and their dad, who was rather aloof.

On the tenth day a badger suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Badgers have a reputation for being fairly tough, and this one probably had kits to feed as well. The male was out hunting but the female was there. She and the badger fought. The kits went into their den and it was obvious the female was trying to keep the badger away from the den. Every time she lunged and bit, the badger lowered its head and took the brunt of the bites on the back of its head. A little blood was visible, but the badger was determined. The fox fought hard but the badger got into their den. The vixen stared down into the den and dug around the opening, but it was obvious she didn't know how to get the badger out, and the male wasn't there to help. We all had visions of the badger down there killing the kits.

We stood there quietly for about 20 minutes and hoped for the best. After what seemed like hours, the badger came out and then, miracle of miracles, the kits emerged untouched. We don't know this for a fact, but we believe the badger was down there eating their stash of ground squirrels. The female fox and the badger fought again, and again the badger went into their den, but this time the kits stayed above ground.

That evening the female dug a new den about 50 yards to the west of the old one. The old one had at least two exit holes; the new one was shallow, and only had one opening. The next day, when the female had been without food for over 24 hours she left to go hunt. She had never left the kits alone, but I assume her hunger overcame her caution. As soon as she left the kits went into the new den. Then a few minutes later the badger emerged from their old den and went to the new one, silently disappearing down the only entrance/exit hole. There was suddenly dead silence from all the photographers. We knew a second miracle wasn't likely. After what seemed like a long time the female fox returned. She immediately knew the badger was in the new den with her kits and she began to dig, and dig, and dig. The badger finally came out and quickly disappeared. There was no fighting. It just left. The female went down the hole and after a minute or so came out with the small remains of one of the kits.

Then she did the most remarkable thing. She put the remains on the ground and slowly walked around in a circle pushing dirt over them. She was burying her kit.

That's when I lost it.

She did such an unbelievably human-like act. I'm purposely avoiding the use of the word "anthropomorphic" because I don't believe in that word. Of course, humans do things similar to other animals, especially other mammals who we are most closely related to. If we all evolved from common ancestors, it makes sense that we have a bunch of things in common, including the way our brains function. I've watched wolves mourn the loss of one of their pack, bison females mourn when their baby is stillborn, and many other examples of animal feelings. Do I think they grieve the way we do? I don't know. But I do know they show some of the same behaviors we would exhibit in similar situations.

Here Are the Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants and Bars in Dallas

In May 2008, Parigi’s chef/owner Janice Provost led the charge to legalize dogs on patios in the city of Dallas. Today, it’s hard to imagine dining without doggies. It’s practically an American right. Just don’t let them off-leash: restaurants and dog owners have a list of simple rules they must follow, but your best dog won’t care as long as they’re leashed and by your side.

With patio season upon us, here’s a list of top dog-friendly spots for Spot within the Dallas city limits—sorry greater DFW—where people and their furry friends alike can sit, stay, and play all day.

Parigi

The mutt movement all started here, so there’s no way this Oak Lawn bistro wasn’t going to make the list. Dogs of all shapes and sizes can be found mingling with their humans at lunch, brunch, and dinner under the bright yellow umbrellas on the friendly patio for the laid-back vibe of a Parisian sidewalk cafe.

Perfect patio pairing: Escargot and a Veuve Clicquot French 75

Wild Salsa

This mural-clad downtown patio has a colorful Mexican flair (perfect for selfies with your pup) that’s semi-enclosed so the little furry ones won’t be distracted by everything that walks by. Another plus among the city’s dog-friendly restaurants: it’s right across the street from Main Street Garden if he needs a little exercise and potty break.

Perfect patio pairing: Gulf shrimp taquitos and an avocado margarita

Mutts Canine Cantina

It’s not unusual for dogs to outnumber people at this Uptown dog park/outdoor eatery. If you needed to know how this ranks among our pet-friendly bars and restaurants, there are three separate areas for big dogs, small dogs, and well-behaved homo sapiens. In addition to being able to run free and splash around in pools with fellow four-legged friends, dogs have the added perk of their own menu items, including pupsicles and mini beef franks.

Perfect patio pairing: Original chicken sandwich and a bourbon-spiked pecan praline milkshake

Trinity Groves

In addition to offering more than a dozen culinary options, this ever-popular restaurant incubator complex features a massive covered dog-friendly patio shared by all the Singleton Boulevard-facing eateries. So not only can you pop back and forth between restaurants, so can your dog. And you can both log plenty of steps across the street on the Ronald Kirk Pedestrian Bridge.

20 Feet Seafood Joint
The name may sound like some sort of nautical depth to fit the seafood theme, but it’s actually a nod to the owners and their four dogs for the most fun algebra equation of your day: (4 dogs x 4 feet) + (2 people x 2 feet) = 20 feet!) The picnic-table clad patio even features pics of pooches on the napkin holders, so they’ll feel extra welcome. Cold water and roasted salmon skin doggie treats take the hound hospitality one step further.

Perfect patio pairing: Fried Ipswich whole belly clams and 16 bottles of wine (it’s BYOB, so why not?)

Royal Blue Grocery
Get Fifi in her classiest canine couture for a stint on the cozy sidewalk patio of this Highland Park Village market under the shade of blue-and-white striped umbrellas.

Perfect patio pairing: A turkey Reuben (with a side of habanero sauce for a little kick) and an Arnold Palmer from the coffee bar

 Kozy Kitchen

The early bird may get the worm, but early visitors also get the best patio seats at this new addition Lakewood with great big breakfasts to start the day. The wrap-around covered patio makes it a welcoming respite from the heat any time of day.

Perfect patio pairing: The four-egg-and-venison-sausage “Monster” omelet with a spicy Bloody Mary

Truck Yard

Everyone loves to frolic around in the great outdoors at this Lower Greenville beer garden and hangout that’s almost one big outdoor patio entirely. With old truck beds turned into seating, occasional live music, a bar made out of an Airstream trailer, a cheesesteak kitchen, happy hour specials, and an ever-rotating parade of food trucks, this destination just off Greenville Ave. couldn’t be more perfect for pets.

Perfect patio pairing: A loaded Wagyu cheesesteak and a frozen trash can punch

Cane Rosso

Cane Rosso may mean “great pizza” to many in Dallas, but it literally translates to “red dog” in Italian. Founder/owner Jay Jerrier’s first dog was a red-haired Hungarian Vizsla and became the restaurant’s namesake and also the inspiration for Cane Rosso Rescue, which translates to lots of extra dogs at Jerrier’s home while they await adoption. Each location’s patio has a different vibe, but the common theme is a lively place for people of all ages and their mutts to hang out over a shared meal. Visit the Deep Ellum original and take a walk around the neighborhood afterward.

Perfect patio pairing: The signature Cane Rosso pie with an ice-cold Miller Lite draft

Wheelhouse

Dog lovers have it made in the shade in the Design District at this massive covered patio highlighted by artist Daniel Arsham’s “Moving Figure” sculpture. Dogs are so welcome here that “Bark and Brunch” happens regularly (the next edition is this Saturday, April 13 from noon to 3:00 p.m.) with cold water and treats for the well-behaved K-9 set. Help yourself to a few craft beers.

Perfect patio pairing: A house-made, quinoa-based veggie burger with a Salty Dog (natch)

La La Land Kind Cafe
Everything’s feel-good about this coffee shop & cafe in an old house, from the employment of older foster kids to the “dog parking” area in the backyard, which features string lights and plenty of comfy furnishings.

Perfect patio pairing: Honey strawberry toast and an iced strawberry fields matcha latte

Eno’s Pizza Tavern

The infinitely walkable Bishop Arts District is a dog owner’s dream, but when it’s time to take a load off, the sidewalk patio makes a great place for the pups to nap under the canopy of trees while you fuel up on food and quench your thirst with a variety of beverage options.

Perfect patio pairing: Arthichoke fonduta and a seasonal cider from local Bishop Cider Company

Flora Street Cafe

Chef Stephan Pyles’ fine-dining gem in the Dallas Arts District has gone to the dogs—but only at Sunday brunch. The newly expanded patio will feature a champagne and oyster cart, as well as “pooches on the patio” programming during brunch with snacks and water bowls for the dogs. There’s always plenty to do nearby on Sunday afternoons, including the Klyde Warren dog park that only takes a few minutes to reach.

Perfect patio pairing: Pulled pork BBQ eggs Benedict and a spicy blood orange mimosa

Bonus classics: You can’t go wrong with Lee Harvey’s in the Cedars or the Katy Trail Ice House in Uptown. They’re two of the city’s most prominent patios, so they probably need no introduction. We just felt like we couldn’t leave them off.

Celebrities urge the Government to protect animal rights post-Brexit

Celebrities including Jilly Cooper, Joanna Lumley and Mel C of the Spice Girls have backed a campaign demanding the Government strengthens animal rights laws post-Brexit.

More than 20 well-known figures including Bill Oddie and Ben Fogle called for existing EU laws to be maintained and built upon in a letter to The Sunday Telegraph.

Under the Lisbon Treaty, animals are recognised as sentient beings that can feel and understand pain.

The Better Deal For Animals campaign, run by 36 prominent animal charities, wants the Government to keep this legislation within a new act, which also eliminates some practices currently allowed by the EU.

“The welfare of billions of animals is at risk if the Government does not put in place a new law to replicate current EU animal protections,” the group wrote.

“Losing these would mean that British governments would no longer be bound to ensure good standards of animal welfare when creating laws and policies.”

Environment Secretary Michael Gove, who is set to attend an event at Parliament hosted by the campaign group on Tuesday, insisted animal sentience would be recognised.

He said: “Animals are sentient beings who feel pain and suffering, so it is absolutely right that we recognise this in UK law after we leave the EU.

“Our plans to increase protections for animals include raising the maximum sentence for animal cruelty from six months to five years and banning third-party sales of puppies and kittens.

“I will continue to make sure we have the strongest legal protections in place for our animals.”

Vigilantes kill Africa Civet in Benin

A wild African Civet locally known as ‘Edi’ has been killed vigilante at Fanalou Street, Off Country Home Motel Road, Ugbor in Benin City.

Details of how the Civet was killed was sketchy as at press time but pictures of the Civet was posted on Facebook by one Hon Tony Osazuwa.

A Benin based lawyer, Jefferson Uwoghiren, who shared the story and pictures on his facebook page described it as a daredevil leopard but was corrected that the animal was a Civet.

A post by Jefferson reads, “My brother, Hon Tony Osazuwa few minutes ago posted Images of a dare devil leopard killed early this morning by the local vigilante in his area Nigeria. Leopards in Benin?”

However, the killing of the Civet caused outrage online as commentators condemned by some facebook users who preferred that it would have been sent to the Zoo.

Others said it was a mere bush meat that should be consumed.

Abdul Malik in his comment said, “Was it disturbing or attacking the community and if it was, after the capture why was it not taken to a zoo or somewhere safe. Hope say the bush meat belle full una.”

To Bright Edward, “Now that the hungry, lazy and criminal CDA chairmen and their hungry, lazy and criminal followers destroyed their natural habitat selling the land, the poor animals are now everywhere seeking shelter and food. The other day dem turn Bush Baby (Galagos) to witch for Benin city, killed and burn the poor animal for nothing, This is a Civet cat bro. If dem see Leopard the size alone and the looks in its eyes the whole area for don vamoose.”

Aguinede Oghogho said she was traumatised by the killing. “Where are the animals right activist? Am traumatized by a human killing an innocent animal.”

Darlington Ehondor said, “This beautiful cat shouldn’t have been killed, it should have been shot with tranquilizers and, when revived, housed in a zoo or some wildlife facility. So sad we blissfully destroy items of great potential tourist and economic value.”

Norfolk Wind once sought to erect turbines near Bird Island

EDP Renewables' proposal to build a wind farm near Bird Island is not the first time this area in Renville County has been considered for a renewable energy project.

One decade ago, a group of local investors known as Norfolk Wind Energy LLC was very interested in developing what would have been a 40-megawatt wind farm just south of the community. The proximity to a major transmission line and a substation that can serve as the on-ramp to it attracted the group's attention.

The group had to abandon its plans after spending about $750,000 toward the project, with about $500,000 of that amount coming from a large company interested in the renewable energy it would produce, according to David Scheibel of Bird Island, the group's former president.

"A matter of timing," said Scheibel, explaining that challenges that existed at that point in time worked against the investors.

When the group looked to develop its project, demand by prospective wind developers to transmit power basically overwhelmed the entity that oversees the regional transmission grid, according to Scheibel. Known as the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, or MISO, it wanted project developers to contribute toward the costs for upgrades to the transmission system, including a line running from Rochester to LaCrosse, Wisconsin, Scheibel said.

MISO initially proposed an interconnection fee for Norfolk Wind that exceeded any potential payout available through a power purchase agreement, he said.

Norfolk Wind was also looking to sell power at a time when major utilities were looking to buy electricity in larger blocks than the 40 megawatts it could offer, he added.

Norfolk also looked at a potential solar power project in the area, but without success. "We chased a lot of avenues trying to get a project together," he said.