A shark attack that involved multiple people July 4 at South Padre Island has been covered by dozens of media outlets with stories shared via thousands of social media accounts.
On Monday morning, as I got my day started, I searched for updates and came across one that had some “interesting” details.
The article said that, “South Padre Island and Cameron County Parks officials harnessed the shark in order to move it towards the sea, according to Captain Dowdy from Texas Parks and Wildlife.”
I have heard many things in relation to sharks and shark attacks over the years but never any agency able to capture, handle and “harness” a shark in open water to “move it toward the sea”.
I reached out to Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) officials, sending them a link to the story and asked if they could confirm or deny any such actions.
“I’m not sure where this article got that information from as we neither “harnessed” the shark nor were we able to identify the type of shark it was. I really don’t know where the “harness” comment came from,” said Meggie Berger,Public Information Officer for TPWD’s law enforcement division.
Besides the “harnessing” story, various outlets have reported TPWD have confirmed the attacking shark was a bull shark.
“My best guess on the identity of the shark is that one of our game wardens participated in a live interview on Friday alongside a shark expert. That shark expert, who is not affiliated with TPWD, identified the shark. We are unable to confirm if what he said is accurate or not.”
Moose are some of the most incredible animals in North America.
These massive creatures face numerous challenges, and it’s crucial to raise awareness about what’s going on with them.
While not anywhere near endangered or threatened there are issues that need a deeper examination.
Moose are primarily found in the northern parts of the United States, and Canada thriving in cold climates and forested areas. Warming temperatures, particularly in parts of their range, have disrupted their natural habitats.
Declining water sources in some areas are causing moose problems. (Photo by Caden)
This has manifested in an explosion of tick infestations. Warmer winters mean more ticks survive, leading to higher infestations. These parasites can weaken moose, making them more susceptible to diseases and reducing their chances of survival, especially in calves. One moose was verified to have more than 100,000 ticks on it.
Habitat loss is another pressing concern. As urban areas expand and forests are cleared for development, moose lose their natural habitats. This not only forces them into closer contact with humans, leading to more moose-human conflicts but also increases the likelihood of encounters with dogs, which can be dangerous for both the animals and humans involved.
Mule deer like moose which share much of the same habitat in Colorado have been impacted by increasing wolves and bears in certain areas. (Photo by Bellamy)
In regions like Yellowstone, the reintroduction of wolves has had a negative impact on moose numbers. While wolves play a role in ecosystems, their predation pressure on moose has contributed to declining populations in some areas.
In 2024, my wife, Lisa and I will lead an expedition in Colorado to give kids the opportunity to photograph wildlife and we had a great opportunity to photograph a bull moose.
Higher Calling Wildlife® aims to teach kids how to use photography as a tool for wildlife conservation, fostering a deeper connection with nature and raising awareness of conservation issues.
(Photo by Bode)
This expedition is also the launch of Lisa’s “Moose Mission” project. Inspired by a 2019 encounter with a moose in Colorado, Lisa developed a profound respect for the species and felt compelled to help them.
“That encounter made me realize just how majestic and vulnerable these animals are. I knew I had to find a way to contribute to their conservation.”
Through the Moose Mission, we hope to shed light on the various challenges moose face and encourage more people to get involved in conservation efforts. By educating the next generation about the importance of preserving wildlife, we can inspire them to take action and make a difference.
We enjoyed our time in the Colorado wild with a wonderful family who took to wildlife photography and we could tell had a deep appreciation for wildlife.
Their photographic efforts shown here are helping people learn more about moose conservation. We can’t thank them enough.
(Photo by Asher)
And thank you for joining us in this mission. Stay tuned for updates from the field and stories from the young photographers who are making a difference. Together, we can make a significant impact on wildlife conservation.
A legal toxicant for feral hogs has been given the green light in Texas for licensed applicators.
But there are stories of people using rat poison off the shelf to poison hogs. We talk with an expert on the hog issue and get her opinion on the dangers of this practice and the repercussions for anyone caught doing it.
Watch this video below to see this exclusive interview.
Dark Outdoors: The Man With the Paper Sack Mask & The Shack
In another edition of Dark Outdoors shorts we learn about creator Chester Moore’s encounter with a creepy shack in the woods and seeing a man wearing overalls with a paper sack on his head.
We also hear a story of a man who encountered a similar shack in his youth and encountering a “wild man” there.
Don’t miss our weekly Dark Outdoors shorts this summer.
Dark Outdoors is brought to you by Texas Fish & Game.
As a heavy rainstorm cleared away from the rocky landscape, the hillsides came to life.
Birds sounded in the distance as a light wind blew through the falling leaves, creating a sense of expectancy that is so familiar and exciting to hunters.
The sounds of hooves pounding rock echoed below me and soon after an Armenian mouflon ewe came running out of a small cluster of trees. Behind her was a massive ram with heart-shaped horns that swept farther back than typical mouflon horns, but looked equally impressive.
The beautiful white saddle patch highlighted a formidable frame on what is one of the world’s smallest wild sheep. However, they lack nothing in the beauty and strength department.
Listen to the two-part series on the full breeding program at the FTW Ranch at the links below on Higher Calling Wildlife the podcast.
This wasn’t in the Caucasus Mountains of the species’ native Azerbaijan, but at the FTW Ranch located near Barksdale, Texas in the southwestern corner of the Edwards Plateau.
Nestled at an elevation as high as 2,200 feet, this 12,000-acre ranch is stunningly beautiful and is widely known for its SAAM Hunter Training Program.
The FTW was founded in 1996 and according to owner Tim Fallon is dedicated to making hunters better, supporting our nation’s military, and preserving endangered species from around the world.
“Hunters have been at the forefront of conservation efforts all around the world,” Fallon said. “From the comeback of elk, bighorn sheep, and wild turkeys in America to restoring and conserving much of Africa’s great game herds, hunters have been leading the charge.”
So, instead of only offering standard exotic hunts at the FTW Ranch, Fallon said he wanted to “pay it forward.”
“There are species that are no longer huntable in their native lands because they are threatened or hunting is not allowed in those countries for various reasons. We wanted to create viable herds of these animals here in America and allow hunters an opportunity to pursue them, but most importantly make sure these species carry on.”
Chester Moore
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Higher Calling Wildlife® an outreach, founded by renowned wildlife journalist & conservationist Chester Moore, is thrilled to announce the launch of its “Summer of the Shark” program.
This exciting initiative aims to educate and inspire the next generation of wildlife conservationists by teaching kids about shark conservation.
The “Summer of the Shark” program is designed to provide young people with a deeper understanding of the vital role sharks play in marine ecosystems. Through engaging activities and mentorship, children will learn about the challenges sharks face and the importance of conservation efforts.
Chester Moore and Ericashea Borel from the Wild Wishes program in the cage at the Texas State Aquarium in 2023.
A highlight of the program will be the distribution of gifts to children on beaches this summer. These gifts, which include educational materials and conservation-themed items, aim to make learning about sharks fun and memorable.
Additionally, the program will extend its reach to shark-loving children facing special challenges, such as terminal illnesses, by sending these gifts to them across the country.
“It is exciting to help support a program that does so much in youth outreach within the context of marine conservation,” said CCA President Pat Murray.
“Chester’s vision and work are more than inspirational. He helps guide kids into natural resources conservation while also elevating the important and intricate issues in domestic and international shark management and conservation.”
The Higher Calling Wildlife® outreach has a long-standing commitment to wildlife education and conservation but especially in helping young people.
“CCA’s commitment to this program is enabling us to do some amazing things this summer. This will we’re taking three kids shark snorkeling at the Texas State Aquarium in their shark cage and kicking off the gift-giving part of the program. CCA is vital in making this happen,” Moore said.
“LeeBeth” photo courtesy Chip Michalove/Atlantic White Shark Conservancy
“The three awesome young people we have going with us are inspiring to me and I’m excited to take them out and give out shark education gifts to kick off our summer-long program.”
Moore said inspiration for the program came when “LeeBeth”, a great white shark fitted with a satellite tag by the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC) popped up on the Texas Coast at South Padre Island.
“When I saw the response to that shark showing up and even my own daughter more engaged than normal on sharks and ocean issues through AWSC’s Sharktivity app, I thought it would be a good time to focus our efforts working with kids on sharks this summer. We’ve done three shark expeditions since 2022 with kids in Texas and Florida and thought we would do something special this year, since we had a special visitor to our coast that got so many kids excited.”
For more information about the “Summer of the Shark” program and how to get involved or connect a kid with the program email chester@chestermoore.com. or text 409-920-2062.
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In the latest episode of the award-winning Dark Outdoors podcast, Chester Moore looks at the Zodiac Killer’s attack at Lake Berryessa and talk about how we should always be ready to defend our lives in the great outdoors.
We also talk about the identity of the Zodiac Killer and who host Chester Moore thinks is the controversial but likely candidate for the real killer.
We even have a clip of his voice at the end of the show.
Listen to this intense episode and share with others. We believe it is important to raise awareness to crimes happening in the outdoors so people can stay safe and ready.
The mysterious waters of the southern United States have always been a source of fascination and intrigue, especially when it comes to the tales of giant garfish sightings.
These elongated, prehistoric-looking fish have been a part of the region’s folklore for centuries, with old records, alleged sightings, and remarkable captures painting a picture of these freshwater giants.
My Dad had an encounter with a monster he snagged in a gillnet when that was still a legal fishing method in the late 1960s in the Sabine River. He was in a 14-foot aluminum boat and said the gar was 11-12 feet long and had a head nearly as long as his arm.
It finally tore through the net but it lingered in his memories his entire life.
Old Records and Early Accounts
The earliest records of giant garfish in the southern states trace back to the indigenous tribes, who revered these creatures as mystical beings. The Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes in Mississippi and Alabama shared stories of garfish so large they could easily capsize a canoe. In Louisiana, Cajun folklore spoke of garfish that lurked in the murky waters of the bayous, growing to lengths that exceeded the length of a pirogue.
Alleged Giant Gar Sightings
Over the years, there have been numerous alleged sightings of giant garfish that have captivated local communities. In Texas, a fisherman near the Trinity River once claimed to have seen a garfish that was as long as his 18-foot boat. Similarly, in the swamps of Florida, tales emerged of a monstrous gar, dubbed the “Okeechobee Ogre”, which was said to be over 15 feet long.
Record-Breaking Catches
While many of the stories about giant garfish are anecdotal, there have been some remarkable catches that have set records in each state.
Texas: The Lone Star State holds the record for one of the largest alligator gar ever caught. In 1953, a massive gar weighing 302 pounds was reeled in on the Rio Grande. This catch still stands as one of the heaviest verified garfish catches in the United States.
Louisiana: In the bayous of Louisiana, a legendary catch was made in 1991 when a fisherman hauled in a 279-pound alligator gar from the waters of Lake Pontchartrain. This gar measured over 8 feet in length and was considered a behemoth by local standards.
Oklahoma: The waters of Oklahoma’s Lake Texoma were home to a historic catch in 2012. A local angler caught an alligator gar that weighed 254 pounds, setting a state record.
Arkansas: The Arkansas River yielded a record-setting catch in 2004. An alligator gar weighing 240 pounds was caught, astonishing both local fishermen and wildlife officials.
Mississippi: In the deep waters of the Mississippi River, a fisherman caught a 327-pound alligator gar in 1935. This catch is often cited as one of the largest garfish ever caught in North America but like many old records its hard to verify.
Alabama: The Alabama River was the site of a notable catch in 2009, where a fisherman reeled in a 231-pound alligator gar, setting a state record.
Florida: Known for its rich fishing heritage, Florida recorded its largest gar catch in the St. Johns River in 1995, where an angler caught a 209-pound specimen.
Conservation Efforts
As impressive as these catches are, they also highlight the need for conservation efforts to protect these ancient fish. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the ecological role that garfish play in the aquatic ecosystem.
Several states, including Texas have implemented regulations to manage and protect garfish populations, ensuring that these living relics continue to thrive in their native waters.
Chester Moore, a renowned wildlife journalist and conservationist, has announced the launch of a new blog and website dedicated to great white sharks in the Gulf of Mexico.
The blog, titled “Gulf Great White Sharks,” aims to provide a comprehensive platform for the latest news, reports, and research on great white sharks in the Gulf region.
For over a decade, Chester Moore has been investigating and publishing articles and podcasts on great white sharks in the Gulf. Inspired by the groundbreaking work of organizations like the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC) and Ocearch, Moore decided to create the blog after witnessing the movements of a particular great white shark named “LeeBeth”.
Moore remarked, “LeeBeth’s movements, as tracked by the AWSC tag put on her by Capt. Chip Michalove in South Carolina, fascinated me. Seeing her presence near South Padre Island and then a few days later near Sabine Pass on the Texas-Louisiana border was truly remarkable. It highlighted the importance of understanding and conserving great white sharks in the Gulf of Mexico.”
Moore said the Sabine appearance in particular was interesting.
“A report from a very knowledgeable guide over a decade ago who was fishing 58 miles from the Sabine Jetties is what got me into researching white sharks in the Gulf. Incidentally, “LeeBeth” pinged very close to where he was fishing.”
The Gulf Great White Sharks blog is dedicated to the conservation of great white sharks and other apex predators in the Gulf of Mexico.
Visitors to the website,www.gulfgreatwhites.com, can expect to find a wealth of information on the behavior, ecology, and conservation efforts related to primarily to great whites but it will also deal with other sharks in Gulf waters.
Chester Moore is available for interviews to discuss his new project and the importance of conserving great white sharks in the Gulf of Mexico.
With the launch of this project, Chester Moore aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the marine ecosystem of the Gulf of Mexico and ensuring the continued survival of great white sharks and other apex predators.
For media inquiries or to schedule an interview with Chester Moore, please contact Chester Moore at Chester@chestermoore.com or 409-920-2062.
[About Chester Moore]
Chester Moore is an award-winning wildlife journalist and conservationist with a passion for marine life. He is Editor-In-Chief of Texas Fish & Game and founder of Higher Calling Wildlife®. He has dedicated his career to raising awareness about the importance of wildlife and marine conservation.
Through his writing, speaking engagements, and conservation efforts, Moore continues to inspire others to take action to conserve our natural resources.
Follow Chester Moore and Higher Calling Wildlife® on the following social media platforms
Deer massacres tied to poaching rings are happening in multiple states, yet they have had very little media attention.
The most concerning part is these massacres have been linked to teenagers. In a very special episode of Dark Outdoors, I dig into what I have been calling the teen poaching crisis.
I would love to hear your feedback on this poaching issue once you listen to the episode.
*What are your thoughts on the teen poaching issues I have identified?
*Is there an uptick in poaching where you live?
*Have you heard of these poaching incidents, in particular the deer massacres?
I have hunted my whole life. Hunting is conservation when done within legal standards but poaching is terrible. We need to do our best to address it especially as it pertains to our youth.
Designer Cats In The Wild
We get lots of reports of unusual cat spotted throughout the wilds of North America.
As I have written here before, I have discovered many of these are hybrid or designer cats. I go in-depth on this in the latest episode of Higher Calling Wildlife-the podcast.
The American bison, often referred to as buffalo, is an iconic symbol of the American West.
However, its history in the eastern United States is a lesser-known tale of perseverance, decline, and occasional surprises. While the western plains are more commonly associated with these majestic creatures, bison once roamed freely across much of the eastern United States, including the southern regions.
Native American Connection
Long before European settlers arrived in North America, bison were an integral part of the lives and cultures of indigenous peoples across the eastern United States. Native American tribes, such as the Cherokee, Shawnee, and Creek, relied on bison for food, clothing, tools, and spiritual significance. Bison hunting was a communal activity that played a vital role in the survival and sustenance of these tribes.
Eastern Bison Range
Historically, bison had a vast range that extended far beyond the Great Plains. In the eastern United States, bison populations could be found as far north as New York and as far south as Florida. Their habitats included grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands.
European Colonization and Bison Decline
The arrival of European settlers in the eastern United States marked the beginning of the decline of bison populations in the region. As settlers expanded westward, bison were hunted for their hides, meat, and bones. The construction of railways and the proliferation of firearms made it easier to hunt bison, resulting in a significant population decline. By the early 1800s, bison in the eastern United States had become increasingly rare.
Bison in the South
While bison populations in the southern regions of the eastern United States faced pressures from hunting and habitat loss like their northern counterparts, some areas managed to sustain small populations of these magnificent creatures. The southern range of bison included parts of Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia. Here, the bison found refuge in remote and less populated areas, often in rugged terrain that discouraged human settlement.Bison in Florida
Bison in Florida
One of the most surprising aspects of bison history in the eastern United States is their presence in the state of Florida. Bison sightings in Florida have been documented, and historical records confirm their existence in the state. These records often describe encounters between explorers, settlers, and indigenous people with bison herds in Florida’s wilderness.
One of the most well-documented accounts of bison in Florida comes from explorer William Bartram, who traveled through the southeastern United States in the late 18th century. In his book “Bartram’s Travels,” he mentions encountering bison in the vicinity of Paynes Prairie, near present-day Gainesville, Florida. He described the bison as “wild cattle” and recounted their impressive size and appearance.
Other historical records and diaries of early settlers in Florida also mention bison sightings, suggesting that these animals were not only present but at times relatively common in certain areas of the state. However, by the mid-19th century, these records became increasingly scarce as bison populations continued to dwindle.
Conservation Efforts
As bison populations across the United States neared the brink of extinction in the late 19th century, concerted conservation efforts were undertaken to save these iconic animals. The American Bison Society, founded in 1905, played a pivotal role in breeding and protecting bison herds. Bison from the western plains were used to bolster existing populations, and many of these efforts focused on western states.
While the conservation focus was primarily on the western plains, some efforts were also made to reintroduce bison to parts of the eastern United States, including the southern regions. Private landowners and conservation organizations worked together to establish small bison herds in states like Kentucky and Tennessee.
Present-Day Eastern Bison Populations
Today, bison have made a remarkable comeback in parts of the eastern United States, although their numbers remain relatively small compared to their western counterparts. Bison ranches and conservation areas in states like Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi now provide opportunities for people to observe and learn about these incredible creatures in a natural setting.
The history of bison in the eastern United States, with a special emphasis on their presence in the southern regions and Florida, is a fascinating and often overlooked chapter in American natural history. These majestic animals, once roaming freely across the eastern landscapes, played a significant role in the lives of indigenous peoples and early settlers. Despite the pressures of European colonization, hunting, and habitat loss, some bison populations persisted in remote corners of the South.
While bison in the eastern United States are no longer as numerous as they once were, they have not been forgotten. Conservation efforts have led to their gradual return, allowing people to reconnect with this iconic symbol of America’s past and appreciate the resilience of nature.
The presence of bison in Florida, as documented in historical records, serves as a reminder of the extraordinary stories that can be uncovered when we explore the rich natural history of our nation.
Chester Moore
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Did you know great white sharks are returning to the Gulf of Mexico in a big way?
We talk about a case of a great white off the Texas Coast a few years back as well as dig into the reason white sharks are returning to Gulf waters in the latest episode of Higher Calling Wildlife on YouTube.
New Great White Sharks Blog
I’m super excited to debut my new blog that’s all about great white sharks in the Gulf of Mexico. It’s over at www.gulfgreatwhites.com.
It’s the place to get up to date info on the return of great white sharks in the Gulf of Mexico as well as covering other large sharks in Gulf waters such as makos, porbeagles, tigers and bulls.
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