Earlier this year, experts warned that Joro spiders could start showing up in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware this summer, spreading up from the southeastern U.S., where they have been proliferating.

critter corner Jun 5

Giant, parachuting Joro spiders could arrive in Pa., NJ and Del. this summer

Nature Nov 9, 2023

These giant, parachuting spiders are spreading rapidly in the US, study shows

Joro spiders spotted in suburbs of Philadelphia

Now, there is a report of six of the creepy invasive crawlers in southeastern Pennsylvania on JoroWatch.com. (Yes, that’s a real website powered by the University of Georgia and other academic and environmental entities.)

Someone spotted the group of a half dozen or so colorful arachnids in the yard of a home in Warminster, Bucks County, on Sept. 5, 2024, JoroWatch said.

What is a Joro spider?

The yellow and black arachnids are native to East Asia, but the invasive arachnids have been around in Georgia for about a decade. A fall of 2023 peer-reviewed study conducted by David Coyle, a scientist and assistant professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation at Clemson University, found that the species is “here to stay” in the U.S. as it spreads rapidly around the country.

As of October 2022, the species’ range spanned at least 120,000 square kilometers across Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee, according to the study. There were also reports of Joro spiders in Alabama, Maryland, Oklahoma and West Virginia. And the spiders are expected to make more East Coast states their home in the future.

“(The data from the study shows) that this spider is going to be able to inhabit most of the eastern U.S.,” Coyle said. “It shows that their comfort area in their native range matches up very well with much of North America.

“Barring some unforeseen circumstance, we expect the range of these things to continue expanding, likely to the north, and we’ve already seen that with some populations in Maryland.”

Nature Mar 17, 2022

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Nature Nov 9, 2023

These giant, parachuting spiders are spreading rapidly in the US, study shows

Adding to nightmares, the spiders are light enough to travel through the air by a process called “ballooning,” making it even easier for them to spread. The “spiders move through the air by releasing gossamer threads to catch the wind and go airborne, at the mercy of air currents and electric fields, although human-mediated transport cannot be discounted,” Coyle wrote.

What does a Joro spider look like, how big is it?

Female Joro spiders, a.k.a. Trichonephila clavata, can have a body about 1 inch long and legs that span up to 4 inches, according to a 2022 Penn State Extension article. The females are brightly colored, whereas the males are brown.

But there is good news: Even though its palm of your hand size tends to freak people out, the species is relatively harmless to humans and pets.

Are Joro spiders dangerous?

While Joro spiders may appear frightening to some, they are relatively harmless to people and pets, a University of Georgia study from last year said. In fact, that study found that Joro spiders “may be the shyest spider ever documented.”

The spiders will only bite if they’re cornered and even then their fangs likely wouldn’t be large enough to pierce human skin, according to the University of Georgia study.

“Our paper shows that these spiders are really more afraid of you than the reverse,” said Andy Davis, lead author of the study and a research scientist in UGA’s Odum School of Ecology.

Another positive about the spiders: they don’t want to go inside homes, according to Coyle. They will instead spin webs on the outside of houses or other structures. If a Joro spider needs to be moved, Coyle suggests using a broom or stick to place it elsewhere.

Might Joro spiders spread further in the Delaware Valley soon?

The simple answer is maybe, but not to worry too much.

“In their native range, Jorō spiders can be found in relatively cold areas – the average January temperature of northern Honshu, Japan is 25–32 °F, similar to most of Pennsylvania,” the Penn State article said. “So it is likely that they will be able to spread throughout eastern North America at least as far north as Pennsylvania and possibly further in warmer, coastal areas.”

“Between 2014–22, Jorō spiders spread outward in all directions from the location they were initially found by 50–80 miles, or about 10 miles per year. At that rate, they may reach southeastern Pennsylvania in 35 years and northwestern Pennsylvania in 60 years. However, spiderlings are capable of moving tens to hundreds of miles via ballooning,” Penn State said. “Additionally, as they increase in numbers, the risk of human-mediated transport to new areas also increases. This means that the immediate risk of Jorō spiders appearing in Pennsylvania is relatively small but will increase year over year as they spread naturally, via high wind events, and through accidental human transport.”

University of Delaware’s Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology entomologist Dr. Doug Tallamy has been downplaying a potential Joro invasion.

“It’s possible but very low on the list of things we should be worried about,” he wrote earlier this year. Reached on Wednesday by NBC10, he wrote: “I think it’s a non issue that should not be blown out of proportion.”

How did Joro spiders get to the U.S. to begin with?

Joro spiders are native to East Asia. It’s believed the species likely made its way to the U.S. via a shipping container.

Are Joro spiders orb-weavers?

Joro spiders are in the family of orb-weavers, which spin large, orb-shaped webs. They look similar to garden spiders and banana spiders.

Do Joro spiders fly?

The pattern in which Joro spiders have spread “suggests it is primarily driven by natural dispersal mechanisms, such as ballooning,” according to Coyle’s study. Ballooning is when spiders move through the air like a parachute by releasing “sail-like trails of silk that lift them up and off into the wind,” per National Geographic. (Want to get a bit freaked out? Read the full Nat Geo story.)

The study said human-mediated transport can’t be discounted, either, in regard to the spread of the species.

What do Joro spiders eat?

Joro spiders aren’t exactly picky eaters. Coyle said they “don’t seem to care what gets in their web.” The spiders eat mosquitoes, yellowjackets, stink bugs and even spotted lanternflies — another invasive pest.

“They’re just as likely to eat brown marmorated stink bugs as they are to eat a Monarch butterfly,” he added. “To say they’re more beneficial than another spider is just simply wrong — they’re a spider — and if something gets caught in their web, it’s going to get eaten. And they don’t care if it’s a rare native pollinator and there are only a few of them left in the world or if it’s a brown marmorated stink bug.”

An interesting find from Coyle’s study is that Joro spiders are displacing native species, along with having other negative impacts. But it’s unclear exactly why other species are being negatively impacted by Joro spiders.

“These are not just benign spiders coming to catch and kill bad things; these are pushing out native species and catching and killing whatever happens to get in their webs,” Coyle said. “Are they bad or good? It’s very nuanced depending on your perspective.”

The Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) is expanding to South Jersey to become the first Animal Welfare Organization in the country to operate in three states: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

The shelter has partnered with the Animal Adoption Center (ACC) in Lindenwold “to expand life-saving initiatives in a unified effort and create positive change for animals in need across the tri-state area.”

Currently, BVSPCA operates and cares for more than 17,000 lost, stray, owner-surrendered, abused, and neglected animals in Chester, Delaware, Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania, and the entire state of Delaware, all while maintaining a 93% live release rate.

The organization’s no-kill initiatives will continue with the new affiliation with AAC.

“We’re excited for the future, as we enter into this partnership to join the efforts of our dedicated staff and volunteers with the expertise of the Brandywine Valley SPCA to elevate our level of care for the animals we serve,” Kathryn Lambert, AAC Board Chair said.

“We see a real opportunity for growth and a need in this area of South Jersey, and we are committed to taking the steps necessary to bring our proven track record as a leader in animal welfare, and progressive programs and services into this community where there is still work to be done,” BVSPCA and AAC Chief Executive Officer Adam Lamb added.

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Earlier this year, BVSPCA extended its life-saving initiative into Central Pennsylvania with a new partnership with the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area (HSHA), which serves Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry counties.

Since the affiliation, officials from BVSPCA said HSHA has met the no-kill benchmark of more than 90% save rate for eight months in a row. BVSPCA’s work in Delaware also helped create the first no-skill state in the country.

Find the nearest location to support all the adoptable animals at theaacnj.org and bvspca.org.

The City of Coatesville Police Department shared in a Facebook post that they are looking for the owner of a ball python found in the area of 5th Ave. and Oak St.

Léelo en español aquí.

Police believe the snake may be a pet that escaped, and the owner is probably looking for it.

If the snake belongs to you or someone you know, contact the police at 610-384-2300.

Just last month, in Delaware County, the Radnor Township Police Department shared a similar message after a 3-4 foot long ball python was found slithering in the community.

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The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals — a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing animal cruelty — said more than 100 cats were found at a residential property belonging to a self-described animal rescue organization in Lackawanna County.

With the help of the Humane Society of Lackawanna County and support from local law enforcement, ASPCA officials said all of the cats were removed from the property after they were found living in unsanitary conditions among their own feces and urine.

Officials said many of the cats appeared to be suffering from untreated medical conditions.

According to officials, most of the cats were transported safely to the ASPCA’s Cruelty Recovery Center in Columbus, Ohio, a center dedicated to treating animals recused from emergency situations.

“The ASPCA is grateful to be in a position where we have the expertise and resources to assist local law enforcement and animal welfare agencies with the rescue of at-risk animals from situations of suspected cruelty,” said Teresa Ladner, senior director of investigations for the ASPCA. “As a result of close collaboration across the ASPCA and our partners, these cats will receive the care they deserve, and we thank the Humane Society of Lackawanna County for pursuing this case.”

The ASPCA is also assisting with operational planning, evidence collection, crime scene processing, and investigative and legal assistance in this case, including conducting veterinary forensic exams on the cats, according to officials.

Animal cruelty charges are pending, officials said.

Zoo officials said the baby boy — whose name is Khari — was born to mom Lulu and dad Ahnmom on Aug. 8.

Officials said red-tailed monkeys and black and white colobus are two species the zoo actively works to conserve in nature through their partnership with the New Nature Foundation (NNF).

NNF protects habitats for countless species like red-tailed monkeys in Western Uganda, according to officials.

“The baby continues to look healthy, and we’re thankful for our animal and vet team for providing exceptional care.” the zoo said in a social media post.

Khari is now visible to guests and can be seen daily at the zoo’s Primate Passage.

For more information about Khari and other animals, visit philadelphiazoo.org.

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Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Jeffrey Finlay, 56, of Brick Township, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on 149 counts of Animal Cruelty.

On May 4, 2023, officials said officers of the Brick Township Police Department responded to a residence on Mantoloking Road after Finlay himself requested assistance with removing an excessive number of animals from his home.

Officers found approximately 157 cats and three dogs inside the home, officials said. Over the course of 24 hours, the animals were removed and transferred for treatment and evaluation at Northern and Southern Ocean County Animal Facilities.

Then, on June 5, 2023, officials said the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and Brick Township Police Department received the final veterinary reports from the Ocean County Health Department regarding the animals and it was reported that 25 cats needed to be euthanized and 4 cats suffered serious bodily injury as a result of Finlay’s failure to provide necessary care for them.

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Finlay was charged with animal cruelty on June 11, 2023, and a warrant was issued for his arrest, according to officials. Days later, on June 14, he surrendered himself to Brick Township Police Headquarters.

Officials said Finlay was processed, transported to the Ocean County Jail, and released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.

A swarm of honey bees took over two classrooms inside a Montgomery County high school forcing students to relocate from the rooms.

Officials with North Penn High School in Montgomery County told NBC10 that the honey bees were found in two classrooms on Aug. 26.

During a school board meeting, officials said that about 10,000 bees were in the classrooms.

“We always get one or two bees or one or two wasps in a classroom at a time but this was unprecedented. When you were standing inside the room prior to removing all the bees in the room you could just hear all the bees buzzing. It sounded like a beehive. So very interesting,” director of facilities and operations Tom Scheider explained in the meeting.

The bees are thought to have entered the walls of the high school through what officials called “exterior weep holes” before building a hive.

“This was a pretty large colony. We are getting a substantial heat signature through that brick. Fortunately, we are able to find exactly where those bees are and then adjust our removal process accordingly,” Craig McCorkle with Liberty Bell Beekeepers said.

McCorkle has been tasked with removing the beehive. He estimates that there are more than 50,000 honey bees in a hive about the size of a large cooler inside the school’s walls.

Officials said that they believe the queen bee is in the hive that’s located between the block wall and the brick with up to 60,000 other bees.

“We are going to have to cut open the brick and remove the brick,” McCorkle said. “We use a safe collection vacuum to gather all the bees and then we remove the comb, the honey and any by product that [is] inside of the space. We are going to fill that space to prevent any bees from coming back.”

Officials said that the bees that were found in the classrooms were removed, but eventually returned to one of the rooms. The class assigned to the room was temporarily relocated.

The hive is scheduled to be removed from the school on Friday, Aug. 30. McCorkle says the process will take at least six hours.

He plans to take the bees back to his facility in Tacony where they will live on.

In a social media post, the aquarium said Anchor, the great hammerhead shark, was a tremendous ambassador for his species for 20 years.

They said he taught all who met him about shark conservation and the hammerhead’s vital role in the health of coastal marine ecosystems.

“Our thoughts are with the animal care and guest experience teams who knew him best, as they’ve lost a close friend,” the aquarium said.

Officials did not release how Anchor passed away but asked the public to share their favorite memories of him on their social media channels.

Adventure Aquarium is home to the largest collection of sharks in the Northeast, including Pacific blacktip reef sharks, silky sharks, sandbar sharks, sand tiger sharks, nurse sharks, bamboo sharks and epaulette sharks. 

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The event at Philadelphia International Airport marked five years since the 23 members of the Wagging Tails Brigade began greeting people and serving as therapy dogs.

Several of them were presented with birthday presents and a customized cake while passersby were invited to eat cupcakes and sign an oversized birthday card.

Members of the brigade and their volunteer human handlers are at the airport for at least two hours a week, impressing people with their tricks and doing what they can to raise the spirits of road-weary passengers. Dogs wear vests asking people to “pet me.”

Alan Gurvitz, a volunteer with Hope, a Labrador retriever, said their goal is to make travel a bit more pleasant.

“I like to refer to the airport as the land of cancellations and delays. So people tend to be very stressed out here,” Gurvitz said.

Jamie and Victoria Hill, on their way to their honeymoon in the Dominican Republic, turned to pet Bella while trying to stay positive after their flight was delayed.

“It’s reminded us of our dog back at home,” Jamie Hill said. “We miss him.”

Back in June, Nancy Mittleman recalled, she was at the airport with her German shepherd Tarik while bad weather snarled air traffic. The two of them spent several hours entertaining stranded children and their parents.

“Soon enough, I had an entire crowd around me,” Mittleman said. “There must have been 10 kids sitting around him and they were talking to each other. And the beauty of it was before that, there were a lot of stressed out parents and a lot of unhappy children.”

Volunteers try to coordinate to have at least one brigade member at the airport to greet travelers, especially on days with significant delays or disruptions.

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Charlotte Farms Animal Sanctuary in Berkely Township is a safe haven away from harm caused by humans.

Rescued goats, cows and emus are among the 200 formerly abused, neglected, or abandoned animals living at the farm.

Now Charlotte Farms managing member David Battat says the sanctuary is fighting to survive after a township zoning issue recently came to light.

“They have every ability to shut us down. And if they do shut us down, these animals really have nowhere to go,” Battat told NBC10.

The non-profit bought the site of a former farm and moved here from Toms River in April of last year, but in June, Battat said they learned the property is actually in a residential zone and got this summons for failing to get zoning approval for a change of use. The township is now forcing them to seek a variance to stay put.

“It’s really just frustrating, like, what, what we’re going through,” said Battat.

Battat added that the sanctuary would have to spend more than 20,000 dollars on a lawyer and engineer, adding mounting expenses to the already high cost of caring for a growing number of residents.

“It’s really become a huge, huge expense for us…at this point, we needed to reach out to the public to help support us,” Battat said.

Those who run the sanctuary said their decision to purchase the property was partially based on the township’s tax map which labeled it as farmland.

Current tax records show the site has a farm facility in a residential zone. The sanctuary’s status is expected to come before the zoning board in the next few months.

“We’re worried that when we do go down there and spend that money, they’re going to tell us we need something else,” Battat said.

For more information about Charlotte Farms, visit charlottefarms.org.

A Pennsylvania groundhog is making a name for himself for something other than predicting an early or late spring.

An intrepid varmint dubbed Colonel Custard — so named for the frozen custard shop and mini-golf outlet where he was discovered — was found stowed away with a passel of stuffed animals prizes in an arcade game two weeks ago. Players were maneuvering a mechanical claw to pluck toys from the glass game case when they suddenly realized a real live groundhog was blinking back at them.

The newly named colonel was found in Hollidaysburg, a good hour’s drive from Pennsylvania’s far more famous groundhog town, Punxsutawney, home to the weather-predicting groundhog Phil.

The owners and staff at The Meadows frozen custard shop aren’t being shy about promoting their own furry friend.

Staff and owners made T-shirts that read “Respect the Groundhog,” held the online naming campaign that drew an avalanche of responses and are working on more promotional ideas, such as naming one of their frozen treat flavors for Colonel Custard.

Meadows manager Lynn Castle said no one is sure how the groundhog got in the building, but he must have clambered up the game chute into the machine.

“They were just staring at the stuffed animals in there getting ready to decide what to pick and saw the groundhog’s eyes blinking and realized there was something alive in there,” Castle said.

It took a village to set the varmint free. Employees first called the claw machine owners, who were too skittish to take the colonel on. Next came the police, who called the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Game wardens opened up the claw machine and released the groundhog into a nearby field, Castle said.

“It’s a good story that ended well,” Castle said. “He got set free. No one got bit.”

The zoo shared that the baby is a boy and has been named Jambi after the city on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia.

Jambi was born to the zoo’s 31-year-old female, Tua, and 28-year-old male, Sugi, on June 26. It was the first birth of the species at the zoo in 15 years.

Léelo en español aquí.

Zookeepers said Tua continues to be an excellent mother, nursing and holding Jambi at all times as they explore their outdoor habitat at PECO Primate Reserve.

If you are thinking about taking a trip to see them, the zoo notes that mom and baby continue to set their own schedule for when they will be visible to guests. They have access to their indoor and outdoor habitats where visitors may get a glimpse of them but they also have access to their bedroom space to spend time alone.

Jambi’s birth was a part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan breeding program to ensure the survival of Sumatran orangutans and maintain a genetically diverse population.

Sumatran orangutans are listed as critically endangered, and only approximately 14,000 remain on the island of Sumatra. Primary threats include deforestation and population fragmentation.

Orangutan babies are born after an 8-month gestation and are dependent on their mothers. Babies will nurse from their mothers for up to 6 years, but can start eating solid foods at 4 months old.

Offspring will stay with their moms until they reach adolescence at 7 to 10 years old.

For more on the zoo’s hours, tickets, and other animals, visit philadelphiazoo.org.

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The Radnor Township Police Department shared in a Facebook post that they are looking for the owner of a 3-4 foot long ball python that was found near Strathmore and Conestoga Roads.

Police said if this is your snake or if you know the owner, give police a call.

Ball pythons are not venomous and are normally docile but can bite if provoked.

Léelo en español aquí.

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The first sighting was Sunday, according to the Erie Times-News, and since then animal rescue specialists have been scouring the area. There are reports of possible footprints and other sightings this week.

It is unclear how the gator ended up in the freshwater lake, but officials suspect it may have been a pet.

“We are aware of it,” Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission spokesman Mike Parker said Thursday. “If in the course of other duties one of our officers saw the alligator they could become involved. But we don’t have anyone actively searching.”

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Parker said releasing an alligator, a nonnative species, into the wild is a violation of Pennsylvania law. His agency sometimes does investigate how such animals end up being released.

“In many cases, that animal has been released, typically by a pet owner who no longer wanted it, could no longer afford it or is unable to deal with the size,” Parker said.

Trisha Volz with the Erie Reptile Expo said people have been flocking to the area to search for the alligator. She estimated it is about 3 feet (just under 1 meter) in length and will likely find plenty to eat among the lake’s fish.

“I have been searching for him almost daily,” Volz said. “It’s really tough because there’s so many people searching for him.”

This week, the South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter—located at 1244 N. Delsea Dr. in Vineland—announced that all adoption fees for cats and dogs aged six months and older will be waived through Aug. 10.

“This urgent initiative comes as the shelter has reached critical capacity, and we need to find loving homes for our animals immediately,” the shelter said in a news release.

The shelter hopes that waiving adoption fees expedites the adoption process and alleviates the strain on their resources.

“We are at a critical point where we must act swiftly to find homes for our animals,” Executive Director Jessica Morrison-Weiss said. “We encourage anyone considering adoption to take this opportunity to make a difference in an animal’s life. These pets are waiting for loving homes and have so much love to give in return.”

If you are interested in adopting a furry friend, you must complete a brief adoption questionnaire available on the shelter’s website at SJRAS.org.

Once the questionnaire is completed, prospective adopters can visit the shelter to meet the animals and find their perfect match.

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According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission-Southcentral Region, they received a call after employees at the Meadows Family Fun Mini Golf in Duncansville, Blair County found an “unusual prize” inside one of their game machines.

Officials said State Game Warden Salvadore Zaffuto responded to the scene and found that a groundhog had made its way into one of the claw machines.

Zaffuto was unable to get the groundhog out, so the vending machine company was contacted to unlock the machine.

After, officials said Zaffuto was able to safely capture the groundhog and release it unharmed.

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The Bucks County SPCA Humane Law Enforcement Team, with assistance from Newtown Township Police, removed several sick animals from Narrow Way Farm, located on Worthington Mill Road in Newtown on Tuesday.

According to the SPCA, they had conducted an animal cruelty investigation at the farm after receiving complaints including photos and videos of sick animals and reports of animals dying.

The SPCA said the farm owner, Abigail O’Keefe, had reportedly left the country and never said when or if she planned to return. The agency’s law enforcement team was able to contact O’Keefe, and she gave them permission to remove the animals.

At the farm – which advertised “sip and snuggle” afternoons with baby goats – the SPCA said they found animals living in filthy conditions, dead animals, and reports from caretakers of young animals suddenly dying.

Officials said on Tuesday, 25 of the sickest animals were transported to the BCSPCA’s Quakertown Shelter and barn to receive care.

Then, early Wednesday morning, BCSPCA said they were notified by farm staff that another goat had died overnight.

A veterinarian from the state investigated the farm and determined that the suspected cause of death for multiple sheep and goats was heavy parasite load, which is largely a problem of the environment and the thin animals had been fed a poor diet.

According to the SPCA, some of the lame had been found to have a contagious but treatable condition known as food scald, and some of the goats appeared to have respiratory symptoms.

Due to the number of animals, The Bucks County SPCA is asking individuals and groups who are able and willing to adopt to contact them through their website. Adopters must be located in Pennsylvania and have experience providing care for farm animals.

Anyone with information about this case or any other case of cruelty and neglect in Bucks County should report what they know at 844-SPCA-Tip (844-772-2847) or reportcruelty@buckscountyspca.org.

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According to the humane society, Ocean City Police found a dog tied to a bench in front of the shelter shortly after midnight on Thursday, Aug. 1 with a note.

The note read in part:

“The dog tied to the fence is a 1 year old pit, named Mello. She needs a new home, we can no longer take care of her. She is trained and lovable. She doesn’t bite.”

As the shelter continues to search for Mello’s owner they have released surveillance video showing someone tying her up to the bench and leaving her behind.

The organization said this is the fourth dog abandoned outside their shelter in just the past month.

“Our story is not very unique. Just talk to anyone at shelters in Atlantic, Cape May, Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem,etc, etc, Counties,” the organization wrote in a social media post. “People are dumping these animals like never has been seen before and we think WE as a society need to try to wrap our heads around it and figure out what the heck is going on.”

The organization added they are bringing awareness to this situation not to shame the person but to share how impactful and sad it is to see a dog being abandoned.

This comes just weeks after the Humane Society of Atlantic County shared a video of a man picking up a dog and tossing it over their fence. The organization claimed it was the fourth time the same man has dumped a dog at their facility.

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According to U.S. News and World Report, Philadelphia is the sixth most popular city in America to be a cat owner.

Researchers studied local pet insurance prices, the area’s cost of living, and the lifestyle options available for people living in the city. These factors seem to make Philadelphia the purrfect place for humans and their furry friends.

“To help give you an idea of the popularity of cat ownership in different areas, we analyzed a database of registered cats across the U.S. to determine which cities have the most cats,” the report said.

Very densely populated cities such as Los Angeles, New York City, and Chicago came in the top spots.

“This could be because apartments, which are common in these cities, may be seen by some as better suited to cats than dogs due to size constraints,” the study said. “Some apartment dwellers may be more likely to adopt a cat — though of course, many people simply prefer feline companions.”

The report also claims over 28 million people across the U.S. have at least one cat.

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Walter is trained as an electronic detection dog, the fifth to work in New Jersey. He can sniff out electronic devices that could be holding critical evidence for investigators.

Detective Dan Farid, Walter’s handler, said electronic devices have gotten smaller and easier to hide. If critical evidence is being held on an SD card, for example, investigators might have trouble finding the SD card in a search.

“Our offenders know that these items shouldn’t be found by us so they do their best to find them and obscure them from our view,” said Det. Farid. “Walter’s innate sense of smell has the ability to get those devices in our field of view faster.”

Walter will be working out of the county’s Child Advocacy Center. He will also work as a therapy dog there, trained to comfort children at the center.

“Whether they are here to be interviewed or whatever process they are in the criminal justice system, they may be preparing for testimony,” said acting Gloucester County prosecutor Elizabeth Parvin. “He will be able to just alleviate some of their anxiety.”

From Saturday, Aug. 10 through Sunday, Aug. 11 you will have the chance to be up close and personal with scientist, artists, educators and of course the main attraction – bugs.

Organizers said this year’s Bug Fest will feature roach races, live bug displays, hands on education stations and make and take crafts, guided outdoor bug walks and the return of Zack Lemann the Cajun Bug Chef.

Guests will also have the chance to see the screening of “Microcosmos,” a documentary that takes a look at the hidden lives of invertebrates.

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This year’s festival will also feature food trucks, the Now and Then local artisans’ market, artist Jerrell Adams onsite drawing extraordinary bugs and so much more.

“Bugs are a part of our everyday life and play a major part in our biodiversity, but we don’t always stop to think about the many ways they impact us and our ecosystem,” said Jon Gelhaus, PhD, curator of Entomology at the Academy. “Bug Fest is a time that we put a spotlight on insects, so guests have a chance to learn about and celebrate the creatures that make up 80 percent of the earth’s species and explore the Academy’s world-class Entomology collection.” 

To purchase tickets and check out the full schedule for Bug Fest 2024 visit ansp.org/bugfest.

The Brandywine Valley SPCA announced Tuesday they will be offering free canine influenza and distemper vaccines in response to the canine respiratory disease outbreak across the state.

The organization said the vaccines will be given at Brandywine Valley SPCA Animal Health Centers in New Castle, Dover, and Georgetown, Delaware.

Back on Friday, July 12, the State of Delaware Department of Agriculture had placed restrictions regarding the movement of shelter and rescue dogs due to a canine respiratory disease outbreak.

Since, multiple dogs in the Delaware community have tested positive for canine influenza. Dogs were showing up to shelters with symptoms of sneezing, coughing and runny noses.

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The Brandywine Valley SPCA said they began taking drastic measure to stop the virus last week by vaccinating all dogs in – and who ever enters – for canine influenza.

The free canine influenza vaccines are made possible through local support from longtime supporters of BVSPCA and animal welfare advocates Tatiana and Gerret Copeland through Reggie’s Fund, according to the organization.

“While this action goes above our usual intake protocols, and has meant a significant financial investment in the dogs who come into our care, we felt this was a necessary step to protect them and the community from further spread,” BVSPCA CEO Adam Lamb said in a news release. “We are grateful, now with the support of Tatiana Copeland, to be able to provide even further protection to the pet community with these free vaccines for owned dogs.”

If you are interested in vaccinating your pup, you can register for a appointment at one of the three locations through Friday, August 9 at BVSPCA.org/flu.

Each person can register up to two dogs per appointment, according to the organization.

“Participants will bring their dogs to the Animal Health Center for the free vaccines. They will be scheduled at the time of the first vaccine for the required second booster canine influenza vaccine appointment at the same location,” the shelter said in a statement.

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According to police, officials were contacted after seven dead puppies, described as pit bull terriers, were found dumped on the 9th hole, about 130 yards off of the U.S. Route 30 bypass, at the Ingleside Golf Course on Monday.

Law enforcement officials with the Caln Township Police Department said that the puppies were all believed to be between six and eight weeks old and appeared to be from the same litter.

“I’m sure someone would want to love them and care for them and adopt them. This is no way to dispose of seven six to eight week old puppies,” Caln Township Police Department Chief Joseph Elias said.

Officials did not say how the dogs died.

The remains of the animals, police believe, were left at the golf course within 12 and 18 hours of being discovered.

Law enforcement officials said that the Brandywine Valley SPCA is assisting with the investigation.

A representative of the BVSPCA told NBC10 that this incident was a “really sad situation.”

“This is a really sad situation, but all we can hope is someone may know something. These animals deserved better than to be treated like trash,” the representative said.

People living along the golf course say they are sad and frustrated about what happened.

“Extremely senseless and sad. Everyone here is saddened. Very disappointing to see relatively healthy puppies just left to die,” Ingleside Golf Club general manager Nicole Shannon said.

Neither the golf course nor the people who play here likely had anything to do with the death of the litter, and if you think local police are taking this lightly…think again.

“We are in the process of interviewing neighbors. Officers have done grid searches of the course, but at this point we are really hoping someone from the public comes forward and provides information that can help us find the person or people responsible,” Police Chief Elias said.

Whatever the situation might have been with the owners of the puppies, the SPCA and police say this was absolutely the wrong way to handle it.

“We have intake processes for people who need to surrender. We have low-cost spay, neuter, low-cost vet care, sometimes free vet care, free pet food, free vaccine clinics. We have so many resources for the community available to help avoid situations like this,” Sara Smith of the SPCA told NBC10.

If you want to help make a slight silver lining to this story, you can play Ingleside now through the weekend. They are taking $5 from every greens fee and donating it to the Brandywine Valley SPCA.

BVSPCA has an anonymous tip line available for anyone who may know something: https://bvspca.org/need-help/reporting-cruelty

Anyone with information is asked to call Caln Township Police at 610-383-1821 or 610-383-7000.

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Worker Mark Motta saw the kitten covered in oil inside his waste compactor while on his normal route with the Regional Recycling Program in Burlington County, officials said.

Thankfully, he was able to jump into action and grabbed her before she got hurt inside the truck’s compactor blades.

The kitten was named Squishy and was taken to a local veterinarian for treatment before going into a foster home.

Squishy is recovering well and got to meet Motta officially on Thursday who was all smiles.

If you would like to donate to help with Squishy’s care, click here.

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Video posted to the organization’s Facebook page shows a man picking up a dog and tossing it over their fence early Monday morning.

Léelo en español aquí.

The organization claims it’s the fourth time the same man has dumped a dog at their facility located on Absecon Avenue in Atlantic City. The man reportedly can be seen each time driving a black Cadillac sedan.

Executive Director of the Humane Society Steven Dash said not much is known of the dog the man left behind but the fact that she is a four to five year Pit bull with very distinct scarring on her back.

Dash adds that the man had dumped three other Pit bulls at their facility back in April.

”We weren’t able to identify him at the time but now with this video, it’s the same car, the same person,” Dash said.

The Atlantic City Police Department is currently investigating this incident. Anyone with information is urged to contact the department’s criminal investigation unit at 609-247-5766 or submit a text anonymously to tip411 (84741) and begin the text with ACPD.

The Health Department said this month alone they discovered and treated four pools of standing water containing mosquitos infected with the virus.

The first discovery was made in Concord Township, followed by positive test results in Yeadon, Haverford Township and Brookhaven.

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne sickness that may cause encephalitis, a brain infection. Officials said cases occur primary in the summer to late fall.

Those who are infected by the virus can experience symptoms such as severe headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis.

However, officials said most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms.

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Delaware County health officials said finding infected mosquitos is something that is expected every summer and no human cases have been reported.

“Preventing the spread of West Nile virus is up to everyone in Delaware County,” Delaware County Health Department Director Melissa Lyon said in a news release. “Routinely checking for standing water sources and discarding potential breeding areas on your property can help reduce the chance for your family and neighbors of getting sick.”

Officials said the most effective way to prevent the spread of West Nile virus is to keep mosquitoes from breeding on your property.

If you would like to report mosquito problem you can call the Delaware County Health Department Wellness Line at 484-276-2100.

Back in June 2024, the first few cases popped up at Faithful Friends Animal Society, an animal shelter in New Castle, Delaware. Dogs were showing signs of sneezing, coughing and runny noses. From there, the illness rapidly spread to a majority of their animals, creating an urgent situation that required immediate attention.

The issue began to affect shelters across Delaware, one of three states that does not allow the killing of animals. However, for now, the Department of Agriculture says shelter dogs cannot be moved into or out of the state. This means that southern states that rely on sending their animals to be adopted in Delaware can’t send them there, and Delaware shelters can’t offer as many walk-in services for animals either.

“Unfortunately, we had to hold on public veterinary care, which is not only a service that supports our mission but that also helps us generate revenue for the shelter as well,” said Shannon O’Neill, Director of Public Relations for the Faithful Friends Animal Society.

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is requesting the public’s cooperation in making all efforts to reunite stray dogs with their owners before contacting the Office of Animal Welfare’s Delaware Animal Service for pickup or taking them to the state’s connected animal shelter, the Brandywine Valley SPCA.

“Stray dogs are usually found very close to home and by walking the dog around the neighborhood or checking with neighbors, the dog can often be reunited with their owner(s) with no need for impoundment,” said OAW Executive Director Christina Motoyoshi. This proactive approach is crucial in limiting the number of impounded dogs and reuniting every lost dog with their owner.

Faithful Friends also seeks foster families to keep their healthy dogs safe. Experts also shared the following safety tips for dog owners.

• Consider keeping your dogs away from any animal with a cough or other symptoms.
• If you find a stray dog, try hard to find its owner yourself. Attempt to walk the dog around your area, scour social media, and use the Nextdoor app.
• If you notice symptoms in your dogs, don’t ignore them, but also don’t panic. Call your veterinarian to let them know your pet has respiratory symptoms. Some places may have a special room, while others will ask you to wait in your vehicle.

Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center – located in Blackwood – announced they are overcrowded and adopters and fosters are urgently needed.

The center has waived all dog adoption fees from now until Sunday, July 21 in an effort to find homes for all the furry friends.

“This is our worst nightmare and is something that we have narrowly avoided all year while combating severe overcrowding. We are currently caring for over 200 dogs, and we have 25 more dogs than we have kennels in our shelter building,” the center said in a social media post.

The center said they have seven dogs in their shelter that have been there for a long time and are most at risk for euthanasia.

The adoption center is open Tuesday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

If you would like to see the dogs that are up for adoption you can visit Homeward Bound’s website.

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Zookeepers said the baby – who’s sex and name has not be determined – was born to the zoo’s 31-year-old female Tua and 28-year-old male, Sugi, on June 26.

The baby’s birth was a part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan breeding program to ensure the survival of Sumatran orangutans and maintain a genetically diverse population.

Sumatran orangutans are listed as critically endangered and there are only approximately 14,000 left on the island of Sumatra.

Primary threats include deforestation and population fragmentation.

Zookeepers said Tua has been an excellent mother, nursing and holding the baby all the time.

Orangutan babies are born after an 8-month gestation and are dependent on their mothers. Babies will nurse from their mothers for up to 6 years, but can start eating solid foods at 4 months old.

Offspring will stay with their moms until they reach adolescence at 7 to 10 years old.

“It is a joy to be able to share this wonderful news with the greater Philadelphia region and the world,” said Vice President of Animal Well-Being and Conservation Rachel Metz. “This critically endangered species is rapidly losing habitat largely due to deforestation as a result of an increased demand for logging, palm oil, and other natural resources located in their habitats. Working with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to maintain a genetically healthy population in human care is vital to the survival of this species.”

The zoo is planning to have a public debut of the baby sometime in mid-August but for now visitors might be able to catch a glimpse of mom and baby inside their indoor habitat.

For more information visit philadelphiazoo.org.

“Patrol has encountered an Emu wandering in the area of Stoopville Road / Rosefield Drive,” Newtown Township police wrote in a July 4th Facebook post.

Police shared a photo showing the emu standing on a lawn near a driveway in front of what appears to be the garage of a house.

Newtown Township Police shared that the emu was reunited with its owner on Friday.

No word yet on what the emu’s name is.

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The shelter says many pets tend to run away scared during fireworks displays and end up at animal shelters

From now through Sunday, the shelter is offering $7 adoptions for dogs and cats this week so they can free up space.

Kittens are not included in the adoption special. 

If you would like to see the animals that are up for adoption you can visit Homeward Bound’s website.

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Earlier this year, experts warned that Joro spiders could start showing up in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware this summer, spreading up from the southeastern U.S., where they have been proliferating.

critter corner Jun 5

Giant, parachuting Joro spiders could arrive in Pa., NJ and Del. this summer

Nature Nov 9, 2023

These giant, parachuting spiders are spreading rapidly in the US, study shows

Joro spiders spotted in suburbs of Philadelphia

Now, there is a report of six of the creepy invasive crawlers in southeastern Pennsylvania on JoroWatch.com. (Yes, that’s a real website powered by the University of Georgia and other academic and environmental entities.)

Someone spotted the group of a half dozen or so colorful arachnids in the yard of a home in Warminster, Bucks County, on Sept. 5, 2024, JoroWatch said.

What is a Joro spider?

The yellow and black arachnids are native to East Asia, but the invasive arachnids have been around in Georgia for about a decade. A fall of 2023 peer-reviewed study conducted by David Coyle, a scientist and assistant professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation at Clemson University, found that the species is “here to stay” in the U.S. as it spreads rapidly around the country.

As of October 2022, the species’ range spanned at least 120,000 square kilometers across Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee, according to the study. There were also reports of Joro spiders in Alabama, Maryland, Oklahoma and West Virginia. And the spiders are expected to make more East Coast states their home in the future.

“(The data from the study shows) that this spider is going to be able to inhabit most of the eastern U.S.,” Coyle said. “It shows that their comfort area in their native range matches up very well with much of North America.

“Barring some unforeseen circumstance, we expect the range of these things to continue expanding, likely to the north, and we’ve already seen that with some populations in Maryland.”

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This College Student Has Held Hundreds of Joro Spiders. Here's What He Wants You To Know

Nature Nov 9, 2023

These giant, parachuting spiders are spreading rapidly in the US, study shows

Adding to nightmares, the spiders are light enough to travel through the air by a process called “ballooning,” making it even easier for them to spread. The “spiders move through the air by releasing gossamer threads to catch the wind and go airborne, at the mercy of air currents and electric fields, although human-mediated transport cannot be discounted,” Coyle wrote.

What does a Joro spider look like, how big is it?

Female Joro spiders, a.k.a. Trichonephila clavata, can have a body about 1 inch long and legs that span up to 4 inches, according to a 2022 Penn State Extension article. The females are brightly colored, whereas the males are brown.

But there is good news: Even though its palm of your hand size tends to freak people out, the species is relatively harmless to humans and pets.

Are Joro spiders dangerous?

While Joro spiders may appear frightening to some, they are relatively harmless to people and pets, a University of Georgia study from last year said. In fact, that study found that Joro spiders “may be the shyest spider ever documented.”

The spiders will only bite if they’re cornered and even then their fangs likely wouldn’t be large enough to pierce human skin, according to the University of Georgia study.

“Our paper shows that these spiders are really more afraid of you than the reverse,” said Andy Davis, lead author of the study and a research scientist in UGA’s Odum School of Ecology.

Another positive about the spiders: they don’t want to go inside homes, according to Coyle. They will instead spin webs on the outside of houses or other structures. If a Joro spider needs to be moved, Coyle suggests using a broom or stick to place it elsewhere.

Might Joro spiders spread further in the Delaware Valley soon?

The simple answer is maybe, but not to worry too much.

“In their native range, Jorō spiders can be found in relatively cold areas – the average January temperature of northern Honshu, Japan is 25–32 °F, similar to most of Pennsylvania,” the Penn State article said. “So it is likely that they will be able to spread throughout eastern North America at least as far north as Pennsylvania and possibly further in warmer, coastal areas.”

“Between 2014–22, Jorō spiders spread outward in all directions from the location they were initially found by 50–80 miles, or about 10 miles per year. At that rate, they may reach southeastern Pennsylvania in 35 years and northwestern Pennsylvania in 60 years. However, spiderlings are capable of moving tens to hundreds of miles via ballooning,” Penn State said. “Additionally, as they increase in numbers, the risk of human-mediated transport to new areas also increases. This means that the immediate risk of Jorō spiders appearing in Pennsylvania is relatively small but will increase year over year as they spread naturally, via high wind events, and through accidental human transport.”

University of Delaware’s Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology entomologist Dr. Doug Tallamy has been downplaying a potential Joro invasion.

“It’s possible but very low on the list of things we should be worried about,” he wrote earlier this year. Reached on Wednesday by NBC10, he wrote: “I think it’s a non issue that should not be blown out of proportion.”

How did Joro spiders get to the U.S. to begin with?

Joro spiders are native to East Asia. It’s believed the species likely made its way to the U.S. via a shipping container.

Are Joro spiders orb-weavers?

Joro spiders are in the family of orb-weavers, which spin large, orb-shaped webs. They look similar to garden spiders and banana spiders.

Do Joro spiders fly?

The pattern in which Joro spiders have spread “suggests it is primarily driven by natural dispersal mechanisms, such as ballooning,” according to Coyle’s study. Ballooning is when spiders move through the air like a parachute by releasing “sail-like trails of silk that lift them up and off into the wind,” per National Geographic. (Want to get a bit freaked out? Read the full Nat Geo story.)

The study said human-mediated transport can’t be discounted, either, in regard to the spread of the species.

What do Joro spiders eat?

Joro spiders aren’t exactly picky eaters. Coyle said they “don’t seem to care what gets in their web.” The spiders eat mosquitoes, yellowjackets, stink bugs and even spotted lanternflies — another invasive pest.

“They’re just as likely to eat brown marmorated stink bugs as they are to eat a Monarch butterfly,” he added. “To say they’re more beneficial than another spider is just simply wrong — they’re a spider — and if something gets caught in their web, it’s going to get eaten. And they don’t care if it’s a rare native pollinator and there are only a few of them left in the world or if it’s a brown marmorated stink bug.”

An interesting find from Coyle’s study is that Joro spiders are displacing native species, along with having other negative impacts. But it’s unclear exactly why other species are being negatively impacted by Joro spiders.

“These are not just benign spiders coming to catch and kill bad things; these are pushing out native species and catching and killing whatever happens to get in their webs,” Coyle said. “Are they bad or good? It’s very nuanced depending on your perspective.”

The bear, who police named “Delabear”, was hit while on Route 1 near School Bell road in New Castle County, according to police.

DelDOT removed the bear’s body from the roadway and the driver of the vehicle was not injured, police said.

Police warn residents to stay cautious and keep an eye out for wildlife when driving.

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Lt. Andrew Rubin of the Newark City Police Department issued the following statement on social media:

“There have been multiple sightings of a bear in west Newark in the area of Julie Lane. Use caution in the area.”

A viewer shared surveillance video of a black bear wandering in the backyard of their home on Julie Lane.

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Police said there have been several reports from other residents who claim they have seen a bear in the same area.

The last reported sighting of the bear was near the Pennsylvania State Line in New Castle County, police said.

The Brandywine Valley SPCA announced a brand new program that aims to enrich the lives of shelter dogs, and expand their chances of finding a new family outside the shelter walls.

Animal lovers in the community are encourage take part in the new “Shelter Skip Day” program and volunteer their time to take an adoptable dog out on a fun outing.

Program organizers say participants can stop by BVSPCA Campuses in West Chester, New Castle, Dover, and Georgetown, and the Animal Rescue Center in Sussex County to choose and sign a dog out for an hour, an afternoon, or the whole day.

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Once participants sign up they will be given a packet of supplies, information and a list of dog-friendly places to visit on their day out.

Shelter Skip Day pick-ups can be made Tuesday through Friday noon to 4 p.m. or Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All dogs must be returned to the originating location an hour before closing time.

“We are so excited to offer this fun opportunity for dog lovers who want to spend time helping homeless animals, but may not be ready to adopt,” BVSPCA Chief Executive Officer Adam Lamb said in a statement. “We know that when dogs spend time out of the shelter, even for short periods, they are more likely to be adopted, and this program gives our communities a new way to engage with the dogs in our care.”

For more information about the program visit bvspca.org/shelter-skip-day.

Brandywine Valley SPCA hosted its annual mega adoption event at the Bob Carpenter Center at the University of Delaware over the weekend of June 15-16, finding homes for more than 700 dogs and 400 cats.

This annual week long adoption event partners with 11 shelters to make an impact across the tri-state area.

For just $35 in fees, you can adopt a dog or cat to take home the day of. All animals are previously sprayed/neutered, microchipped and vaccinated.

The Mega Love Adoption Event has been extended through June 23, 2024, in hopes of finding home for even more animals.

Visit the animal shelter’s adoption event website to find your new furry friend.

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Faithful Friends Animal Society (FFAS) shared that on Friday morning the Minquas Fire Company in Newport found a kitten inside the hood of a car.

The firefighters carefully rescued the tiny kitten – now named Blaze – from the vehicle and brought it to FFAS for a full examination.

Blaze got the full VIP treatment as he rode in the firetruck to the organization’s new animal adoption and community center on Airport Road in New Castle.

After being examined, the shelter said Blaze is in good health and will soon be available for adoption.

“FFAS is so grateful for the heroic efforts of the Minquas Fire Company and is thrilled to welcome Blaze into their care,” the shelter said in a news release. “Blaze’s journey from under a car hood to the safety of FFAS highlights the extraordinary efforts of our community’s first responders and the importance of animal rescue.”

If you want to learn more about Blaze and the other animals up for adoption visit faithfulfriends.us.

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Earlier this year, experts warned that Joro spiders could start showing up in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware this summer, spreading up from the southeastern U.S., where they have been proliferating.

critter corner Jun 5

Giant, parachuting Joro spiders could arrive in Pa., NJ and Del. this summer

Nature Nov 9, 2023

These giant, parachuting spiders are spreading rapidly in the US, study shows

Joro spiders spotted in suburbs of Philadelphia

Now, there is a report of six of the creepy invasive crawlers in southeastern Pennsylvania on JoroWatch.com. (Yes, that’s a real website powered by the University of Georgia and other academic and environmental entities.)

Someone spotted the group of a half dozen or so colorful arachnids in the yard of a home in Warminster, Bucks County, on Sept. 5, 2024, JoroWatch said.

What is a Joro spider?

The yellow and black arachnids are native to East Asia, but the invasive arachnids have been around in Georgia for about a decade. A fall of 2023 peer-reviewed study conducted by David Coyle, a scientist and assistant professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation at Clemson University, found that the species is “here to stay” in the U.S. as it spreads rapidly around the country.

As of October 2022, the species’ range spanned at least 120,000 square kilometers across Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee, according to the study. There were also reports of Joro spiders in Alabama, Maryland, Oklahoma and West Virginia. And the spiders are expected to make more East Coast states their home in the future.

“(The data from the study shows) that this spider is going to be able to inhabit most of the eastern U.S.,” Coyle said. “It shows that their comfort area in their native range matches up very well with much of North America.

“Barring some unforeseen circumstance, we expect the range of these things to continue expanding, likely to the north, and we’ve already seen that with some populations in Maryland.”

Nature Mar 17, 2022

This College Student Has Held Hundreds of Joro Spiders. Here's What He Wants You To Know

Nature Nov 9, 2023

These giant, parachuting spiders are spreading rapidly in the US, study shows

Adding to nightmares, the spiders are light enough to travel through the air by a process called “ballooning,” making it even easier for them to spread. The “spiders move through the air by releasing gossamer threads to catch the wind and go airborne, at the mercy of air currents and electric fields, although human-mediated transport cannot be discounted,” Coyle wrote.

What does a Joro spider look like, how big is it?

Female Joro spiders, a.k.a. Trichonephila clavata, can have a body about 1 inch long and legs that span up to 4 inches, according to a 2022 Penn State Extension article. The females are brightly colored, whereas the males are brown.

But there is good news: Even though its palm of your hand size tends to freak people out, the species is relatively harmless to humans and pets.

Are Joro spiders dangerous?

While Joro spiders may appear frightening to some, they are relatively harmless to people and pets, a University of Georgia study from last year said. In fact, that study found that Joro spiders “may be the shyest spider ever documented.”

The spiders will only bite if they’re cornered and even then their fangs likely wouldn’t be large enough to pierce human skin, according to the University of Georgia study.

“Our paper shows that these spiders are really more afraid of you than the reverse,” said Andy Davis, lead author of the study and a research scientist in UGA’s Odum School of Ecology.

Another positive about the spiders: they don’t want to go inside homes, according to Coyle. They will instead spin webs on the outside of houses or other structures. If a Joro spider needs to be moved, Coyle suggests using a broom or stick to place it elsewhere.

Might Joro spiders spread further in the Delaware Valley soon?

The simple answer is maybe, but not to worry too much.

“In their native range, Jorō spiders can be found in relatively cold areas – the average January temperature of northern Honshu, Japan is 25–32 °F, similar to most of Pennsylvania,” the Penn State article said. “So it is likely that they will be able to spread throughout eastern North America at least as far north as Pennsylvania and possibly further in warmer, coastal areas.”

“Between 2014–22, Jorō spiders spread outward in all directions from the location they were initially found by 50–80 miles, or about 10 miles per year. At that rate, they may reach southeastern Pennsylvania in 35 years and northwestern Pennsylvania in 60 years. However, spiderlings are capable of moving tens to hundreds of miles via ballooning,” Penn State said. “Additionally, as they increase in numbers, the risk of human-mediated transport to new areas also increases. This means that the immediate risk of Jorō spiders appearing in Pennsylvania is relatively small but will increase year over year as they spread naturally, via high wind events, and through accidental human transport.”

University of Delaware’s Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology entomologist Dr. Doug Tallamy has been downplaying a potential Joro invasion.

“It’s possible but very low on the list of things we should be worried about,” he wrote earlier this year. Reached on Wednesday by NBC10, he wrote: “I think it’s a non issue that should not be blown out of proportion.”

How did Joro spiders get to the U.S. to begin with?

Joro spiders are native to East Asia. It’s believed the species likely made its way to the U.S. via a shipping container.

Are Joro spiders orb-weavers?

Joro spiders are in the family of orb-weavers, which spin large, orb-shaped webs. They look similar to garden spiders and banana spiders.

Do Joro spiders fly?

The pattern in which Joro spiders have spread “suggests it is primarily driven by natural dispersal mechanisms, such as ballooning,” according to Coyle’s study. Ballooning is when spiders move through the air like a parachute by releasing “sail-like trails of silk that lift them up and off into the wind,” per National Geographic. (Want to get a bit freaked out? Read the full Nat Geo story.)

The study said human-mediated transport can’t be discounted, either, in regard to the spread of the species.

What do Joro spiders eat?

Joro spiders aren’t exactly picky eaters. Coyle said they “don’t seem to care what gets in their web.” The spiders eat mosquitoes, yellowjackets, stink bugs and even spotted lanternflies — another invasive pest.

“They’re just as likely to eat brown marmorated stink bugs as they are to eat a Monarch butterfly,” he added. “To say they’re more beneficial than another spider is just simply wrong — they’re a spider — and if something gets caught in their web, it’s going to get eaten. And they don’t care if it’s a rare native pollinator and there are only a few of them left in the world or if it’s a brown marmorated stink bug.”

An interesting find from Coyle’s study is that Joro spiders are displacing native species, along with having other negative impacts. But it’s unclear exactly why other species are being negatively impacted by Joro spiders.

“These are not just benign spiders coming to catch and kill bad things; these are pushing out native species and catching and killing whatever happens to get in their webs,” Coyle said. “Are they bad or good? It’s very nuanced depending on your perspective.”

Paulsboro police first posted about “Freddie” the goat Sunday evening:

“So this is a first for us. Did someone lose their Goat?” wrote the Paulsboro Police Department in an emoji-filled Facebook post on June 9, 2024. They then gave a phone number “so we can get this little guy home before he eats his way out of the enclosure.”

Several hours later, it seemed that they had found where the lettuce-munching animal came from.

“Owners have been located!” police wrote. “Freddie is a wedding gift that took a leisurely stroll from where he was being hidden until gift time. Thank you all for your help.”

That’s right, Freddie was intended to be gifted during nuptials.

No word on what the bride or groom thought of the gift.

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U.S. News & World Report has released its list of “The Most Popular U.S. Dog Breeds by City” and certain dogs can be found in more homes than others.

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Over 1,000 pets will be up for adoption during Brandywine Valley SPCA's Mega Adoption Event

Did your pup make the cut?

Here are the top five most popular dog breeds in the City of Brotherly Love, according to the U.S. News database:

1. Golden Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. Chihuahua
4. Shih Tzu
5. American Pit Bull Terrier

The report states that Golden Retrievers top the list of most popular breeds in 10 of the 25 most populous cities.

Joro spiders could start showing up in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware this summer, spreading up from the southeastern U.S., where they have been proliferating.

The yellow and black arachnids are native to East Asia, but the creepy invasive crawlers have been around in Georgia for about a decade. A fall of 2023 peer-reviewed study conducted by David Coyle, a scientist and assistant professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation at Clemson University, found that the species is “here to stay” in the U.S. as it spreads rapidly around the country.

As of October 2022, the species’ range spanned at least 120,000 square kilometers across Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee, according to the study. There were also reports of Joro spiders in Alabama, Maryland, Oklahoma and West Virginia. And the spiders are expected to make more East Coast states their home in the future.

“(The data from the study shows) that this spider is going to be able to inhabit most of the eastern U.S.,” Coyle said. “It shows that their comfort area in their native range matches up very well with much of North America.

“Barring some unforeseen circumstance, we expect the range of these things to continue expanding, likely to the north, and we’ve already seen that with some populations in Maryland.”

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Adding to nightmares, the spiders are light enough to travel through the air by a process called “ballooning,” making it even easier for them to spread. The “spiders move through the air by releasing gossamer threads to catch the wind and go airborne, at the mercy of air currents and electric fields, although human-mediated transport cannot be discounted,” Coyle wrote.

Here’s what to know about the Joro spider:

What does a Joro spider look like, how big is it, is it dangerous?

Female Joro spiders, a.k.a.Trichonephila clavata, can have a body about 1 inch long and legs that span up to 4 inches, according to a 2022 Penn State Extension article. The females are brightly colored, whereas the males are brown.

But there is good news: Even though its palm of your hand size tends to freak people out, the species is relatively harmless to humans and pets.

Might Joro spiders arrive in the Delaware Valley soon?

The simple answer is maybe, but not to worry too much.

“In their native range, Jorō spiders can be found in relatively cold areas – the average January temperature of northern Honshu, Japan is 25–32 °F, similar to most of Pennsylvania,” the Penn State article said. “So it is likely that they will be able to spread throughout eastern North America at least as far north as Pennsylvania and possibly further in warmer, coastal areas.”

“Between 2014–22, Jorō spiders spread outward in all directions from the location they were initially found by 50–80 miles, or about 10 miles per year. At that rate, they may reach southeastern Pennsylvania in 35 years and northwestern Pennsylvania in 60 years. However, spiderlings are capable of moving tens to hundreds of miles via ballooning,” Penn State said. “Additionally, as they increase in numbers, the risk of human-mediated transport to new areas also increases. This means that the immediate risk of Jorō spiders appearing in Pennsylvania is relatively small but will increase year over year as they spread naturally, via high wind events, and through accidental human transport.”

NBC10 reached out to Pennsylvania wildlife officials to find out if the creepy crawlers might arrive soon. They didn’t immediately answer, but did suggest checking out the Penn State Extension.

In New Jersey, a New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection spokesperson said the agency is “not involved in the tracking or research of the Joro spider.”

While in Delaware, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Control suggested NBC10 reach out to the University of Delaware’s Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology.

UDel entomologist Dr. Doug Tallamy downplayed a potential Joro invasion. “It’s possible but very low on the list of things we should be worried about,” he wrote.

How did Joro spiders get to the U.S. to begin with?

Joro spiders are native to East Asia. It’s believed the species likely made its way to the U.S. via a shipping container.

Are Joro spiders orb-weavers?

Joro spiders are in the family of orb-weavers, which spin large, orb-shaped webs. They look similar to garden spiders and banana spiders.

Do Joro spiders fly?

The pattern in which Joro spiders have spread “suggests it is primarily driven by natural dispersal mechanisms, such as ballooning,” according to Coyle’s study. Ballooning is when spiders move through the air like a parachute by releasing “sail-like trails of silk that lift them up and off into the wind,” per National Geographic. (Want to get a bit freaked out? Read the full Nat Geo story.)

The study said human-mediated transport can’t be discounted, either, in regard to the spread of the species.

Are Joro spiders dangerous?

While Joro spiders may appear frightening to some, they are relatively harmless to people and pets, a University of Georgia study from last year said. In fact, that study found that Joro spiders “may be the shyest spider ever documented.”

The spiders will only bite if they’re cornered and even then their fangs likely wouldn’t be large enough to pierce human skin, according to the University of Georgia study.

“Our paper shows that these spiders are really more afraid of you than the reverse,” said Andy Davis, lead author of the study and a research scientist in UGA’s Odum School of Ecology.

Another positive about the spiders: they don’t want to go inside homes, according to Coyle. They will instead spin webs on the outside of houses or other structures. If a Joro spider needs to be moved, Coyle suggests using a broom or stick to place it elsewhere.

What do Joro spiders eat?

Joro spiders aren’t exactly picky eaters. Coyle said they “don’t seem to care what gets in their web.” The spiders eat mosquitoes, yellowjackets, stink bugs and even spotted lanternflies.

“They’re just as likely to eat brown marmorated stink bugs as they are to eat a Monarch butterfly,” he added. “To say they’re more beneficial than another spider is just simply wrong — they’re a spider — and if something gets caught in their web, it’s going to get eaten. And they don’t care if it’s a rare native pollinator and there are only a few of them left in the world or if it’s a brown marmorated stink bug.”

An interesting find from Coyle’s study is that Joro spiders are displacing native species, along with having other negative impacts. But it’s unclear exactly why other species are being negatively impacted by Joro spiders.

“These are not just benign spiders coming to catch and kill bad things; these are pushing out native species and catching and killing whatever happens to get in their webs,” Coyle said. “Are they bad or good? It’s very nuanced depending on your perspective.”

Fire and rescue officials used a ladder truck to get close to and tranquilize the bear. The sedated animal fell about 20 feet into a large blue tarp held up by several wildlife officials, police and firefighters. The animal was tranquilized again, then moved to a bear trap that had been placed on a trailer, the news outlet reported.

“Oh, and he fell,” a person could be heard saying on video.

The bear did not seem to be fully grown, and game officials said they would likely take it to state land elsewhere in central Pennsylvania, according to the report. The Associated Press left a message with the Game Commission seeking details.

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New Jersey proposed Monday removing the bald eagle and osprey from its endangered species list, citing a rebound since more than four decades ago, when a single nesting pair in a remote county were the only of its kind in the state.

The turnaround stems from the work of volunteers and state professionals who nurtured hatchlings, guarded nests and educated the public, state environmental Commissioner Shawn LaTourette said in a statement. The proposed rule to delist the bald eagle as endangered includes the osprey, which was considered threatened, as well.

The proposal means the bald eagle, a national symbol of the United States, and the osprey have recovered to the point where the survival of those species is no longer in jeopardy, according to the department.

“The de-listing of eagles and ospreys is a milestone in the history of wildlife conservation in New Jersey,” LaTourette said.

The federal government removed the bald eagle from its list of endangered species in 2007. New Jersey kept the bird on its state list because of disturbances to nests and habitat threats.

The use of the insecticide DDT, as well as habitat destruction, played a significant role in the birds’ decline. The chemical had “lasting impacts on the food chain” because it was ingested by the fish the eagles and ospreys ate, making the shells of eggs too thin. It was banned for general use in 1972.

As of 2023, there were 267 nesting pairs of bald eagles in every county in New Jersey. That was up from a single pair in southern Cumberland County in the early 1980s, according to the department.

New Jersey began trying to reverse the decline in the early 1980s by bringing in eagles from Canada, along with artificial incubation and fostering efforts, the department said.

Osprey, sometimes called fish hawks, are typically found along shoreline. They, too, were greatly affected by DDT, with the number of osprey nests falling to about 50 five decades ago. In 2023, the state documented a record 800 occupied osprey nests.

The proposed rule is open for public comment until Aug. 2.

The organization is launching a campaign this weekend to help keep their mail carriers safe from dog attacks. The goal is to encourage responsible pet ownership.

The campaign kicks off Sunday and this year’s theme is “Don’t let your dog bite the hand that serves you.”

Philadelphia ranked 9th among cities with the most dog attacks on mail carriers last year, with 34 confirmed incidents.

Pennsylvania ranked 4th among states with 334 attacks last year, which is up from 313 attacks in 2022.

“Letter carriers are exposed to potential hazards every day, none more prevalent than a canine encounter. All it takes is one interaction for a letter carrier to possibly suffer an injury,” said Leeann Theriault, USPS Manager, Employee Safety and Health Awareness. “The U.S. Postal Service consistently encourages responsible pet ownership. The national dog bite campaign is an effort to promote dog bite awareness to keep our customers, their dogs, and letter carriers safe while delivering the mail.”

What can I do to prevent my dog from attacking mail carriers?

The postal service recommends that you keep your pet inside the house, behind a fence, place them in another room, or have them on a leash when you know a mail carrier will be approaching your property

Pet owners are also reminded not to allow children to take mail directly from a mail carrier because many dogs might view that carrier as a threat to the child.

You can also sign up for informed delivery so that you can digitally preview incoming mail and packages. This way you can anticipate when your mail carrier will arrive.

USPS noted that if a carrier feels unsafe, mail service can be stopped until they feel safe enough to deliver. If the situation continues to be unsafe, some delivers will be returned to the local Post Office for pickup.

On Monday, the Pennsylvania SPCA‘s Animal Law Enforcement team – who had been contacted by the Pennsylvania State Police on behalf of Coaldale Borough Police – rescued 15 Great Pyrenees-type dogs, two collie-type dogs, two birds, and a turtle from a property in Coaldale, Schuylkill County.

Officials said that Coaldale Borough of Police received a tip from a Good Samaritan regarding dogs at the property in poor health.

After receiving that information, officials said a search warrant was received. During the execution of a search warrant, the PSPCA’s Officers found the dogs suffering from severe skin conditions, many with little or no hair on their bodies.

Officials added that several dogs were suffering from open wounds, believed to be the result of sarcoptic mange.

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The owner surrendered all the animals over and they were brought to both the PSPCA’s Philadelphia headquarters and Main Line Animal Rescue site to undergo examinations, officials said.

The investigation into animal cruelty and neglect is ongoing, and charges are pending the conclusion of the full investigation, according to officials.

“The dogs, who should have had beautiful, fluffy white coats, were instead nearly hairless with crusted scabs and open wounds. Their condition is shocking,” the Pennsylvania SPCA wrote in an Instagram post.

“The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of a Great Pyrenees is their beautiful, fluffy white coats,” CEO of the Pennsylvania SPCAJulie Klim said in a news release.“But the dogs rescued yesterday are a stark contrast; instead of white fur, there was red, itchy, rough, bloody skin. This didn’t happen overnight, and sadly these animals have been suffering for some time. We take solace in the fact that they are safe now, and beginning their journey to learning how pets are meant to be treated.”

Anyone with information about this case or other cases involving animal cruelty is urged to call the Pennsylvania SPCA’s cruelty hotline at (866) 601-SPCA. Tips can be left anonymously.

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On Monday, the Solebury Township Police Department said they received a report of a large black bear roaming the area of Aquetong and Upper Mountain Roads.

Police are asking neighbors if they see the bear to maintain a safe distance from it and do no approach.

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Additionally, police said residents should secure their garbage, bird feeders and any food that may attract bears. Do not make attempts to feed the bear.

Anyone who happens to come in contact with a bear should remain calm, make noise and slowly back away, according to police.

This bear sighting comes just a few weeks after Upper Makefield Township Police said an officer spotted a black bear in the area of Street Road between Lurgan Road and Windy Hollow Road.

Galloway Township Police Department posted on Facebook that a concerned citizen had called to report that several ducklings were stranded in a drain while the mother duck nervously paced about.

When officers responded to the scene, police said they realized they weren’t equipped to open the drain, so they had to call Director of Public Works Matt Ayears for backup.

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Police said Ayers responded quickly and was able to flip up the storm drain and fish out the duckings with a net.

Afterward, police said the ducklings and their mom were reunited, and they walked off to safety together.

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Last month, Brandywine Valley SPCA announced dozens of animals living in deplorable conditions, including a duct-taped kitten were rescued from a Chester County home.

At the time, officials said the kitten, whom they named Roo, was about a month old and was smelling of waste, infection, and was missing a front leg.

Roo was rushed to the Brandywine Valley’s West Chester campus to be treated and has remained there these past few weeks to recover.

“She needed emergency surgery at just 5 weeks old, weighing less than a pound. She was so tiny that she needed a paper plate instead of a cone to keep her from getting to her staples. But she made it through,” the shelter said in a Facebook post.

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Roo healed up while in foster care and now loves nothing more than to jump onto furniture and run up and down the stairs, according to the shelter.

The shelter said Roo’s adoptive family found her by “serendipity.” Her new owner said she had recently lost her own cat and she dreamt about Roo after hearing her story.

“Upon meeting Roo for the first time, Roo immediately curled up in the adopter’s arms the same way her previous cat used to, went to sleep, and was reluctant to be taken away from her. It was as though Roo chose her new home and when she was finally cleared medically to go to her forever home, we knew she already had her place picked out,” the shelter said.

To see the other pets up for adoption visit bvspca.org for more information.

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According to officials with the agency, the parcel was discovered on May 2, and was labeled as “pieces of silk to be used in works.”

Instead, the package contained 60 dead butterflies from Portugal, officials said.

According to investigators, the parcel contained dried out pupal cases and over 60 envelopes containing dead adult moth and butterfly specimens of the order Lepidoptera.

Officials said the package was destined to an address in Wayne County, Pa.

The package was reported the discovery to inspectors with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as that agency regulates the importation of wildlife, including dead specimens.

This parcel, officials said on Monday, did not contain import certifications, invoices, or other documentation that would have declared the scientific species names or the purpose for this shipment.

Investigators turned it over to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on May 3, officials said.

“Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists have a very challenging and critical mission, and that is to protect our vital agricultural resources against the accidental or deliberate introduction of invasive insect pests, and plant and animal diseases that could harm our nation’s economic vitality,” said Tater Ortiz, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Area Port Director for the Area Port of Philadelphia.

Punxsutawney Phil’s offspring now have names that just might help the famed weather-forecasting groundhog to predict when spring will begin.

Phil’s human handlers chose Mother’s Day to announce that the two kits born this spring to Phil and his partner, Phyllis, are named Sunny and Shadow. Sunny is a female, Shadow a male.

Each spring, Phil makes a prediction about the length of the remaining winter. According to tradition, if he sees his shadow there will be six more weeks of cold. This year, Phil did not see his shadow and therefore predicted an early spring.

“These kits of his are not replacements, they’re not the heir apparent,” Dan McGinley, vice president of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club Inner Circle, said in a phone interview Monday. “Sunny and Shadow will not be part of the ceremony — it’s still Phil’s job. There’s still only one Punxsutawney Phil.”

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The club received hundreds of suggestions for the pups’ names. The final decision emerged after a one-on-one between Phil and the club’s president, Tom Dunkel.

“Today the first family of groundhogs has grown, Punxsutawney Phil and wife Phyllis have two kits of their own,” McGinley read from a scroll announcing the names of the pups “born to royalty” in a video posted on social media on Sunday.

The babies were discovered in March by a club member who was feeding fruit and vegetables to Phil and Phyllis. The groundhog family lives in a climate-controlled burrow at the local library.

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