In the rural village of Levea, Greece, farmer Anastasios Kasparidis was met with a grim scene: three of his sheep lay dead, unmistakably mauled by a bear. The large paw prints in the soil confirmed the predator’s presence, a once-rare but now increasingly common occurrence in northwestern Greece. Kasparidis, who also reported losses of chickens and pigs among neighboring farmers, has since moved his remaining flock to a safer pen near his home. “The bears would eat them all,” he lamented. This incident underscores a growing tension in the region, where the resurgence of protected species like brown bears and wolves, celebrated by environmentalists, has sparked fears among rural residents for their livelihoods and safety. Brown bears, Greece’s largest predator, have seen their population quadruple since the 1990s, with an estimated 870 now roaming northern Greece, according to the environmental organization Arcturos. Wolves, too, have expanded their range, now found as far south as Athens and the Peloponnese. The recovery of these species has been bolstered by the increasing population of wild boars, whose numbers have surged due to reduced hunting, milder winters, and cross-breeding with domestic pigs. However, this wildlife rebound has led to more frequent human encounters, often resulting in fear and conflict. In Levea, residents report regular bear sightings, while wild boars frequently roam through the village. Similar stories emerge from nearby Valtonera, where community president Konstantinos Nikolaidis noted that wild animals now enter the village, making nighttime walks unsafe. The situation has prompted calls for extended hunting seasons and reduced protections for wolves, a move recently supported by EU lawmakers. Experts, however, caution against simplistic solutions. Panos Stefanou of Arcturos emphasized that habitat loss, food scarcity, and human depopulation in rural areas are key factors driving wildlife into human spaces. Measures like proper waste disposal, using deterrent lights, and avoiding feeding strays are recommended to mitigate conflicts. “Killing the animals is not what will solve the problem,” Stefanou stressed, advocating for a balanced approach to coexistence.
分类： society
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Coroner says Australian extremists who killed police officers had shared delusional disorder
In a tragic incident that unfolded three years ago in the remote Wieambilla region of Queensland, Australia, three Christian extremists—brothers Gareth and Nathaniel Train and Gareth’s wife, Stacey Train—opened fire on police officers they perceived as “demons intent on killing them.” The coroner’s report, released on Friday, revealed that the trio suffered from a shared delusional disorder, which drove their violent actions. The six-hour gunbattle on December 12, 2022, resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including two police officers, Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold, and a neighbor, Alan Dare, who had come to investigate scrub fires ignited by the Trains. The police had initially arrived at the property in response to a missing persons report for Nathaniel Train, a former school principal from New South Wales. State Coroner Terry Ryan concluded that the Trains’ psychotic illness, rooted in End of Times religious beliefs and broader persecutory delusions, led them to act defensively within their distorted worldview. The coroner dismissed claims that the incident was an act of terrorism, instead attributing the violence to their untreated mental illness. The Trains’ use of high-powered rifles from concealed positions gave them a lethal advantage over the officers’ Glock pistols, which were ill-suited for the confrontation. Coroner Ryan recommended several measures to prevent future tragedies, including mandatory mental health assessments for gun license applicants, the use of drones for risk assessments in remote areas, and increased funding for the Queensland Fixated Threat Assessment Center. He also highlighted the concerning lack of monitoring of Gareth Train’s online activities, which could have alerted authorities to his extremist beliefs.
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T rex fossils, moon rock: First look inside Abu Dhabi’s Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, set to open on November 22, 2025, promises an extraordinary journey through 13.8 billion years of life. Located in the Saadiyat Cultural District, the museum is a testament to rapid development, yet it houses specimens that span nearly the entire history of the universe. Among its many exhibits are a slice of the Moon, two real T. rex fossils locked in a deadly battle, and a 25-meter blue whale skull so large that a wall had to be cut to accommodate it. The museum’s director, Peter C. Kjærgaard, describes it as a ‘night sky of stars,’ with countless highlights that surpass visitor expectations. The museum’s exhibits range from ancient meteorites and fossils to dramatic recreations of Abu Dhabi’s savannah landscape seven million years ago. It also features a treasure hunt for children, with a supersized version of the microscopic tardigrade scattered throughout the displays. The museum aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and foster a sense of ownership among visitors. With a focus on community science and the sheer drama of standing beneath a blue whale, the museum seeks to bring people into the story of the natural world and the future of science in the UAE.
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‘Rental Family’ spotlights real-life Japanese businesses that offer fill-in relatives, friends
In Japan, a unique industry has emerged to address the growing issues of loneliness and societal pressures: the ‘rental family’ service. Ryuichi Ichinokawa, the founder of the Heart Project, has been at the forefront of this niche business for nearly two decades. His company provides surrogate family members and friends for clients who need to maintain appearances or fill emotional voids. From posing as a boyfriend during legal discussions to attending school events as a friendly uncle, Ichinokawa’s services have become a lifeline for many.
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Cuter and closer: Raccoons may be on their way to becoming America’s next pet
Raccoons, often affectionately dubbed ‘trash pandas’ for their notorious habit of scavenging through garbage, are showing signs of domestication, according to a groundbreaking study. The research, published in the journal Frontiers in Zoology, analyzed nearly 20,000 photographs and revealed a notable reduction in snout length among urban raccoons compared to their rural counterparts. This physical change mirrors the early stages of domestication observed in cats and dogs. The study suggests that these masked mammals are adapting to human environments, potentially dampening their innate fight-or-flight responses. Raffaela Lesch, a co-author from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, emphasized that trash plays a pivotal role in this urban domestication. ‘Trash is really the kickstarter,’ she told Scientific American. ‘Wherever humans go, there’s trash — and animals love our trash.’ The study also highlights the ‘domestication syndrome phenotype,’ which includes traits like curly tails, floppy ears, and reduced facial skeletons, commonly seen in domesticated animals. Interestingly, the authors argue that domestication might not always be initiated by humans but could begin naturally as animals adapt to human environments. This process, they suggest, is driven by natural selection, favoring animals with reduced flight responses. As raccoons continue to thrive in both wild and urban settings, they occupy a unique space in American life — cherished as pets in some neighborhoods and viewed as pests in others. Their increasing comfort around humans, coupled with their evolving physical traits, suggests that raccoons might be inching closer to becoming America’s next beloved pet.
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New images show engine flying off before UPS cargo plane crash
A recent federal investigation into the fatal UPS cargo plane crash on November 4 has unveiled startling details, supported by newly released images. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report highlights that the plane’s engine detached from its wing during takeoff, subsequently exploding into flames. The incident occurred as the aircraft, en route from Louisville, Kentucky, to Hawaii, barely cleared the runway before crashing into a nearby UPS warehouse. The crash claimed 14 lives, including three crew members and 11 individuals on the ground, while injuring 23 others. Preliminary findings indicate fatigue cracks and overstress failures around the left wing’s engine mount, compounded by a fractured bearing that secured the connection. The plane, which had logged approximately 92,992 flight hours and 21,043 cycles, was overdue for a detailed inspection at 29,200 cycles. The crash released tens of thousands of gallons of fuel, prompting a shelter-in-place order within a five-mile radius due to explosion and pollution risks. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency, mobilizing the Kentucky National Guard. The investigation continues, with the cockpit flight recorder and flight data recorder being analyzed at a secure facility.
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Friday-night drug deals helping Russian war machine, UK crime agency warns
The National Crime Agency (NCA) has revealed a shocking connection between cocaine purchases in the UK and the funding of Russian arms factories. A Russian-led money-laundering network operating in Britain has been using a Kyrgyzstan-based bank to facilitate payments for Russia’s military-industrial complex, including arms production for the Ukraine war. The NCA’s investigation, dubbed Operation Destabilise, has uncovered a sprawling criminal ecosystem that processes cash for drug gangs, illegal firearms suppliers, and people smugglers.
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Delhi teen’s suicide triggers uproar against school teachers’ alleged mental abuse
A tragic incident in Delhi has ignited widespread outrage after a 16-year-old student allegedly took his own life, citing severe mental distress caused by his school teachers. The teenager, a Class 10 student at St Columba’s School, reportedly jumped from the Rajendra Place Metro station on Tuesday. In a handwritten suicide note recovered by the Delhi Police, the boy explicitly blamed his teachers and the school principal for his decision, urging authorities to take action to prevent similar tragedies.
The note, found in the student’s school bag, revealed the depth of his anguish. He apologized to his family, expressed his desire to donate his organs, and reiterated that the relentless emotional abuse from his teachers had driven him to this extreme step. The boy’s father alleged that his son had been subjected to continuous harassment by several teachers, despite repeated verbal complaints to the school administration. ‘He used to tell us that teachers scolded him for every small thing and emotionally hurt him. We complained many times, but they never stopped,’ the father told PTI.
The incident has triggered a massive protest outside the school, with demands for accountability and systemic reforms to address mental health and bullying in educational institutions. The FIR filed by the Delhi Police highlighted the boy’s frequent complaints about the teachers’ behavior, including scolding, insulting, and mental torment over minor issues. The parents emphasized that their pleas for intervention were consistently ignored, leaving their son to suffer in silence.
The suicide note poignantly read, ‘I am very sorry I did this, but the school staff said so much that I had to do it. My last wish is that action be taken against them so that no other student does what I did.’ This heartbreaking case has reignited discussions about the need for stricter regulations and support systems to protect students from emotional abuse and ensure their mental well-being.
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Sharjah launches Human Development Forum highlighting Palestinian heritage
Sharjah has inaugurated its first-ever Human Development Forum, a groundbreaking initiative designed to foster humanitarian and cultural progress in the region. Hosted at the University of Sharjah (UOS) under the theme “Humanity and Heritage in Palestine,” the forum convened leaders, academics, and students to explore strategies for preserving Palestinian culture and supporting local communities. The event was attended by prominent figures, including Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of UOS, and Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Council. In his keynote address, Sheikh Sultan emphasized the importance of heritage preservation as a means to impart values, knowledge, and creativity to future generations. He highlighted the pivotal role of students in achieving the forum’s objectives, expressing confidence in their innovative ideas and proposals. Sheikha Jawaher announced the establishment of the Jawaher Al Qasimi Chair in Palestinian Studies and the Palestine Legacy Fund, initiatives aimed at safeguarding Palestinian heritage and providing scholarships for displaced students, particularly from Gaza. She underscored the forum’s commitment to combating efforts to erase Palestinian identity and heritage, stating that true belonging transcends geography and is rooted in values and history. The forum also featured discussions on protecting Palestinian history, arts, architecture, and social traditions, while encouraging research, student projects, and community engagement. By integrating academic research, humanitarian action, and cultural preservation, the forum has established a new model for advancing human development and reinforcing the UAE’s dedication to Palestine.
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South African women call purple protest over gender violence
South African women’s rights activists are mobilizing for nationwide protests to urge the government to declare gender-based violence (GBV) a national disaster. This call to action follows alarming statistics revealing South Africa as one of the most dangerous countries for women, with femicide rates five times higher than the global average. The movement, initiated online, has gained momentum with widespread support from celebrities, citizens, and international allies, symbolized by the adoption of purple—a color associated with GBV awareness—on social media profiles. The protests, organized by Women for Change, will culminate in a national ‘shutdown’ on Friday, coinciding with the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. Participants are encouraged to abstain from work or school, wear black as a sign of mourning, and observe a 15-minute silent tribute at noon local time. Despite the government’s 2019 declaration of GBV as a national crisis, activists argue that insufficient action has been taken. Women for Change spokesperson Cameron Kasambala criticized the lack of implementation of existing laws and called for greater transparency. Meanwhile, grassroots initiatives like Girls on Fire, founded by Lynette Oxeley, empower women through self-defense training and firearm ownership. However, the movement faces challenges, including employer backlash and systemic failures in the justice system. The protest underscores the urgent need for societal and governmental change to combat the pervasive culture of violence against women in South Africa.