■ United Kingdom
Killer whales set traps
Killer whales which set traps to catch seagulls have become the third known animal species to possess "cultural learning" -- a skill which is transmitted to other members of their group. The gull-trapping trick was initiated by a four-year-old orca in a tank at Marineland at Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada, according to a report in tomorrow's issue of New Scientist. The whale discovered he could lure seagulls into his tank by spitting regurgitated fish onto the water's surface. He then lurked below the surface, waiting for a gull to grab the fish. After a few months, the orca's younger half-brother joined in, and soon thereafter they were joined by their mothers, a six-month-old calf and an older male. The clever whales are able to catch three or four gulls on some days.
■ Belgium
Freed murderer kills again
A man convicted of killing his mother and sister more than a decade ago has reportedly killed his stepmother and two half brothers while on parole, local media said on Wednesday. The 53-year-old allegedly murdered the trio at their home in Ans on Wednesday by cutting their throats and battering them with a hammer. A third half brother managed to escape after being seriously injured and was hospitalized in critical condition. Police arrested the suspect at a train station about 30km from the family home.
RSS