State of Montana Sues Yellowstone and More Animal News

Spanish College Student Killed in Elephant Attack While Studying Abroad

A young Spanish tourist was killed at an elephant center in Thailand last Friday. Blanca Ojanguren García, a 22-year-old college student at the University of Navarra in Spain, was studying abroad at Thailand’s Tamkang University. When touring Koh Yao Elephant Care center, García had the opportunity to bathe an elephant, a popular tourist attraction. However, García’s experience quickly turned fatal when the elephant pushed her aggressively with its trunk. García was rushed to the hospital following the attack, where she later passed away.

Elephant attacks are rare but not unheard of in Thailand. Less than one month ago, a 49-year-old woman died after an elephant attacked in Phu Kradueng National Park. Another Spanish tourist met his fate only months ago when a herd of elephants trampled him to death. In the summer of 2022, a resident of India was also crushed by an elephant.

Tourists should be cautious when dealing with elephants, even those in captivity, and always follow posted rules or instructions.

More than 500 Exotic Pets Dead After Fire Sweeps Through Dallas Shopping Center

Over 500 animals were killed after a structure fire erupted in Plaza Latina Bazaar, a Dallas shopping center. Authorities are unsure of how the fire began and are investigating its cause. An exotic pet store primarily selling small birds and other common pets held a space in the plaza. While the fire never reached the pet store, its smoke did, and approximately 579 animals were inside the pet store at the time of the fire. All died due to smoke inhalation, including two dogs and two cats. Three people were inside when the fire broke out but escaped to safety.

Montana Sues Yellowstone National Park After Disregarding Bison Management Guidelines

The Governor of Montana and two government agencies are suing Yellowstone National Park, claiming its plan for bison herd management violates federal law. The Montana Department of Livestock and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks are joining Governor Greg Gianforte in criticizing the park’s plan for brucellosis transmission, a disease that can be passed from animal to human. The lawsuit argues that Yellowstone’s plan for managing bison doesn’t mitigate the disease’s spread.

An increase in the bison population in Yellowstone has spread brucellosis, threatening livestock in the area. While the park adopted population management plans as early as 2000, the State believes Yellowstone has disregarded these guidelines. While the bison population was not supposed to surpass 3,000, the current population is approximately 4,800. Discover more about bison population control and wildlife management here.