Northeast
Vultures deemed 'too drunk to fly' after dumpster diving taken to 'rehab' center
Perhaps these solar eclipse spectators had a little bit too much fun preparing for the event — two black vultures found “drunk” inside a dumpster in Watertown, Connecticut.
The vultures were rescued by Watertown Animal Control the day before the eclipse on April 7, and transported to A Place Called Hope, a wildlife rehabilitation center just under an hour away in Killingworth.
“The most peculiar symptoms had to do with the fact that they were in and out of consciousness,” A Place Called Hope Director Christine Cummings shared in an interview with Fox News Digital.
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“One moment, [they] passed out, the next they were explosive and feisty. We had to run a battery of tests to eliminate our theories, and kept fearing the worst.”
The many tests determined that the dumpster-diving birds of prey were simply “too drunk to fly.”
Two black vultures were discovered in a Watertown, Conn., dumpster “drunk” off of fermented foods. They were then rehabilitated by A Place Called Hope, a rehabilitation center for wild birds. (A Place Called Hope)
According to Cummings, working with drunken birds is nothing new, as the two likely became intoxicated after feasting on fermented foods in the uncovered garbage bin.
“We have dealt with intoxicated songbirds from fermented berries in the fall, and drunken crows who also consumed fermented bar fruit from a dumpster behind an establishment,” she said.
However, these intoxicated vultures mark a first for the wildlife center, as birds of prey “eat [a] whole prey diet, whereas corvids and vultures are omnivores and take advantage of the foods they scavenge.”
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The two vultures required what any human would need after enjoying a raucous night out — plenty of rest, fluids, and a hearty breakfast.
A Place Called Hope released the birds back into the wild on April 9, where they immediately regrouped with their colony.
Two black vultures were discovered in a Watertown, Connecticut dumpster “drunk” off of fermented foods. They were then rehabilitated by A Place Called Hope, a rehabilitation center for wild birds. (A Place Called Hope)
Cummings offered an important reminder to folks eager to rescue an animal in distress: “For anyone who comes across a wild animal in distress, they should consider the dangers involved with the species and the way they defend themselves before attempting to contain,” she said.
“The predatory birds of prey species can be dangerous to handle due to their taloned feet, so some experience is necessary.”
Two black vultures were discovered in a Watertown, Conn., dumpster “drunk” off of fermented foods. They were then rehabilitated by A Place Called Hope, a rehabilitation center for wild birds. (A Place Called Hope)
It is recommended not to approach wild animals, but to swiftly call local animal control or relevant authorities instead.
While birds flying intoxicated may not be illegal in Connecticut, “These two [vultures] were underage!” Cummings said.
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Connecticut
New Haven asks for retrial after jury awards Connecticut man $38M in wrongful conviction lawsuit
NEW HAVEN, Conn. — The City of New Haven is asking for a retrial after a jury awarded a Connecticut man $38 million in May for being wrongfully convicted of murder and imprisoned for 21 years.
Stefon Morant was allegedly wrongfully convicted of a double homicide in 1994. According to the New York-based law firm of Neufeld Scheck Brustin Hoffmann & Freudenberger, LLP, the jury ruled New Haven police officers and the City of New Haven were liable for his wrongful imprisonment.
The jury found that New Haven police detectives made up false evidence to frame Morant and that the city was liable for suppressing evidence favorable to criminal defendants.
A judge has issued a temporary stay, pausing any payments until the motion is resolved.
PORTLAND (WGME) — The third annual Celebration of America 300 is set for Thursday night at Oxford Plains Speedway.
This race was a favorite of NASCAR star Kyle Busch, who tragically passed away back in May. He was just 41.
Now, a Maine-born driver who worked on Busch’s team is ready to take the 8 car into victory lane.
For the past five years, Windham native Derek Kneeland was Busch’s eye in the sky, working as a spotter for the cup star. Kneeland says his relationship with Busch was like a brotherhood.
“I was fortunate enough where I got to have a personal relationship with him,” Kneeland said. “He came up, and he ran several races with me in late models and stuff at Oxford and Lee Speedway, and we got to do a lot of cool things together.”
Kneeland says dealing with the sudden loss has been both painful and difficult.
“It’s still hard,” Kneeland said. “I’m having a hard time with it. The weekdays are the hardest. At the track is where I’m most comfortable.”
Kneeland will be at the track and behind the wheel Thursday night, competing in the Celebration of America 300, driving the number 8 car.
“You know, a few days after everything went down, his dad called me, and his dad is a man of very few words, and I said, ‘You know, I’m thinking about running the 8 or 51 as long as I have your guys’ blessing, I would like to do that.’ And he said, ‘Short track world knows him as 51, but the world knows him as 8,’” Kneeland said.
Kneeland says it will be an emotional race, but he’s confident he’ll have a special co-pilot leading the way.
“Hoping he’s going to be on my shoulder and give me the guiding way and but to win it for Kyle, I think that would put the stamp on it,” Kneeland said.
Approximately eight million gallons of wastewater are currently being discharged into the river per day.
HAVERHILL, Mass. (WWLP) – Those traveling for the Fourth of July weekend are being advised of a wastewater pipe break on the Merrimack River.
The Massachusetts Environmental Police stated that over the weekend, a major wastewater pipe in Haverhill broke, releasing millions of gallons of sewage into the river. The broken pipe was carrying wastewater from the main pumping station to the treatment plant.
Police estimate that approximately eight million gallons of wastewater are currently being discharged into the river per day.
At this time, fishing in the river is not prohibited, and the estuaries and beaches remain open. However, the information is being released to the public to help community members be aware of current conditions and use caution.
To access more information on water quality testing results, you can visit the official DPH website. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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