Ep. 48: The Likelihood Of Being Attacked By A Walrus Is Never 0

Explicit content warning

03/15/23 • 53 min

Our patrons voted: Walruses!
Walruses (Odobenus rosmarus) are large pinnipeds that can be up to 11 feet long and weigh nearly 2 tons, with tusks up to a meter long extending from their mouths. They typically live in the arctic, meaning their interactions with humans are limited...
But there are early accounts of walruses attacking humans, and even captive walruses are known to attack humans. We cover some attack stories, along with why and how walruses play with dead birds, and how some transient walruses have been causing trouble in the last few years.
Visit the US Fish and Wildlife Service's website to find out more ways you can stay safe around wild walruses while keeping them safe too.
If you observe someone harassing or injuring a walrus in the U.S., please contact their Office of Law Enforcement at (877) 535-1795 or (800) 858-7621
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Previous Episode

Ep. 47: The Animal Most Likely to Kill a Human

Why does National Geographic call the Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) the animal most likely to kill a human? And why do they claim the Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) is a "vicious man-eater"? In this episode, we dive deeper into why certain crocodiles are considered more aggressive than others, while looking at two case studies of killer crocodiles.
If you're in Australia and see a Saltwater crocodile, please report it to 1300 130 372 [select option 1] or report it online or on their QWildlife App. You can also check out their BeachSafe website to find a safe beach near you.
You can also check out the CrocBite Database.
Studies mentioned in episode:
Patterns Pertaining to Crocodile Attacks on Humans in Tanzania: Baseline Data to Support Mitigation Measures by Eustace et al.
A Diagnosis of Crocodile Feeding Traces on Larger Mammal Bone, with Fossil Examples from the Plio-Pleistocene Olduvai Basin, Tanzania by Jackson Njau and Robert Blumenschine
Management of Human-Crocodile Conflict in the Northern Territory, Australia: Review of crocodile Attacks and removal of Problem Crocodiles by Fukuda, Manolis and Appel
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Agonistic Behavior in Juvenile Crocodilians by Brien et al.
Support the show for free by leaving a 5-star review wherever you're listening, or on GoodPods or Podchaser (where we can respond to your comments).
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, check out our website GetOutAlivePodcast.com and join us on Patreon (where you can now follow us for free)!
Support the show by shopping at www.getoutalivepodcast.com/shop
You can find Ashley @TheAngryOlogist on Twitter

Next Episode

Ep. 49: The War on Rhinos

This week we're talking about all things Rhino, including rhinos attacking people and people attacking rhinos.
We cannot talk about rhinos without talking about the incredible people who risk and sometimes give their lives in the name of rhino conservation, especially Anton Mzimba. You can learn more about the documentary he stars in, Rhino Man, here.
We highly encourage you to follow @TheBlackMambas (the world's first all-women anti-poaching initiative) on Instagram and @olpejeta (Ol Pejeta Conservancy) on Instagram to learn more about and stay involved in conservation efforts.
What can you do to support rhinos?

Don’t support illegal trade - Don’t purchase anything made from rhino horn
Consider supporting conservation organizations and programs
Use and support sustainable wood, paper and palm oil. By purchasing certified sustainable palm oil and FSC-certified forest products, retailers and manufacturers help protect Sumatran and Javan rhino habitat by limiting illegal logging and forest conversion. Consumers can help by demanding certified products
Spread the word about rhino conservation!

Study mentioned in ep: Renegotiating citizenship: stories of young rhinos in Nepal
Support the show for free by leaving a 5-star review wherever you're listening, or on GoodPods or Podchaser (where we can respond to your comments).
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, check out our website GetOutAlivePodcast.com and join us on Patreon (where you can now follow us for free)!
Support the show by shopping at www.getoutalivepodcast.com/shop
You can find Ashley @TheAngryOlogist on Twitter