One tourist visiting a zoo in China recently discovered that nature does not exist for the sake of appearing in commemorative selfies. As a man stood beside a large pelican perched on a rock, he attempted to snap a photograph with the majestic bird. However, the pelican was less than thrilled with the gesture and tried to engulf the man’s head with his massive beak.
One person commented, “Yeah, pelicans are funny that way.” Another person wrote, “Guess the pelican wanted to be in the selfie too. Trump would have handled that situation like a pro.” One user cautioned people who place themselves in such close proximity to wild animals. “Maybe people should understand that wild animals can be dangerous. Hell, wild is in the name,” they wrote.
One person shared their firsthand experience with a pelican. “I tried that once and it ripped my earring off,” he said. “Maybe if he would have asked the pelican first for permission to take a pic w it he wouldn’t have got bit,” one person joked, suggesting the tourist should have been more courteous in asking the bird if it would like to be included in the photograph. “Guess It’s not just humans that don’t always their picture taken.”
Others offered reminders that nature does not exist for people to take pictures with as props, emphasizing that they are still wild. “Note to self, don’t take selfies with wild animals,” another person said reminding everyone that wild animals are still wild. Another user similarly said, “Nature always has a way of reminding us not to get too close!”
Various other videos of pelicans seemingly trying to devour animals and objects, leading some to speculate that the birds are opportunistic and will try to eat anything. However, generally speaking, humans do not have much to worry about with pelicans unless they are put in a defensive situation, particularly to protect their young.
According to American Oceans, “Pelicans are generally not considered dangerous to humans. They are not aggressive and will usually avoid people if possible. However, they can be dangerous if they feel threatened or if they are protecting their young. In such cases, they may use their beaks or wings to defend themselves.”
Watch the incident with the Pelican in China below:
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In other news regarding animals, The American Tribune reported on the heartwarming rescue of a Florida dog that had been inhumanely abandoned during Hurricane Milton. Florida Highway Patrol discovered the K9 on the side of the highway, chained to a fence and submerged in chest-deep water. Upon being rescued by law enforcement, the dog was appropriately named “Trooper.”
Leon County Humane Society said, “We’re sure you’ve heard about the dog who was left on an evacuation route, tied to a pole on I-75. This storm was huge, powerful, and we’re still learning the extent of how much damage was done. We know that without the help with Florida Highway Patrol Troopers with Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles that this dog would not have made it through. We’re grateful the Troopers understood he was a scared and abandoned dog and treated him so patiently and kind during the rescue. They immediately wanted to make his life better and ensure his safety, and we’re so thankful that animal abandonment is being taken seriously.”
Watch Trooper’s rescue below:
Note: The featured image is a screenshot from the embedded video.