The Nature thread

[mikechamp]

How there isn't already a general nature thread on here is beyond me. So I'll kick one off with this amazing world record:

Almost 500-mile-long lightning bolt crossed three US states

An almost 500-mile long bolt of lightning that lit up the sky across three US states has set a new world record for longest flash, scientists have confirmed.

The bolt in 2020, extended a total of 477.2 miles (768 km) and spread across Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. The previous record was 440.6 miles (709 km) and was recorded in Brazil in 2018. Lightning rarely extends over 10 miles and usually lasts under a second.

Another lightning flash recorded in 2020 - in Uruguay and Argentina - has also set a new record for duration at 17.1 seconds. The previous record was 16.7 seconds.

[SHOW]

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-60221521

[mikechamp]

Please heed their advice:

Officials issue warning amid concerning spread of toxic 'hammerhead worm': 'Don't squish or cut them'

A destructive invasive pest has been migrating north along the East Coast, according to WBZ News.

The hammerhead worm is originally from Asia, but has been seen in America since the early 1900s. Recently, its presence has been increasing in Maine. They've also been spotted farther south in Texas, and out in California, Washington, Oregon, and elsewhere in the U.S.

Hammerhead worms feed primarily on earthworms. With few natural predators, hammerhead worms are able to entirely wipe out earthworm populations. Its toxic exterior can also be an irritant if humans or pets make contact with it. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife said hammerhead worms can impact native plant growth.

"Don't squish or cut them. That's how they multiply!" warned the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Instead, they should be captured in a bag and frozen for 48 hours before being disposed of. They can also be drowned in soapy water. Witnesses are encouraged to report sightings to iNaturalist.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/off ... 00108.html

[mikechamp]

I don't know whether to be amazed or startled:

Scientists capture first-ever footage of rare fish climbing waterfalls: 'These findings highlight the importance of field observations'

A recently released video shows stunning behavior by a cluster of rare fish. It's the first time the species has ever been observed in such a large group.

In November 2024, military police in Brazil spotted a school of bumblebee catfish scaling slippery rocks behind waterfalls standing between 1 and 4 meters high, according to Phys.org. A team of scientists came a week later to observe the unique sight, capturing it on camera.

Researchers aren't exactly sure why the fish were swimming upstream, but they suspect it may be related to reproduction. They observed both male and female fish, mostly mature, as well as three other species.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/sci ... 00183.html