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Local rescue group featured on Animal Planet show

Local rescue group featured on Animal Planet show

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - Jackson-based animal rescue group Community Animal Rescue and Adoption will be featured on the Animal Planet show "Confessions: Animal Hoarding" Friday.

Two animals rescued during the show will also appear on WLBT’s Midday Mississippi Friday as our Pets of the Week.

The mom and daughter rats -- Jackie and Tater -- are two of dozens rescued from a local hoarder as part of the show.

The show, which explores stories of people who own more pets than they can care for, will feature a woman who had 13 cats, 12 dogs and about 50 rats in her Me

PHOTO: Jackson Zoo's tiger gets root canal

PHOTO: Jackson Zoo's tiger gets root canal

It took a brave group of dentists to perform a root canal on a big tooth and very big patient Friday.

The Jackson Zoo's male Sumatran Tiger, Kipling, needed to have some dental work done, according to the zoo.

Doctors Michael Holifield, the zoo's veterinarian, Becky Holifeld, Lynn Johnson and Andrew Duke, who practices veterinary dentistry in Mobile, Ala., performed the procedure, the zoo says.

It's a great time to visit Kipling and all the other animals at the Jackson Zoo -- admission is currently half off.

Natchez Trace Parkway: Slow down in salamander zone

Natchez Trace Parkway: Slow down in salamander zone

HINDS COUNTY, MS (WLBT) - A two-mile section of the Natchez Trace Parkway south of Interstate 20 in Hinds County now has a lowered speed zone to protect wildlife in the area.

According to the National Park Service, there is a habitat in this area for several species of salamanders and frogs, including the “state-imperiled” Webster’s salamander.

In order to increase the ability for these species to cross unharmed, a reduced speed limit of 35 mph at night, when raining, will be in effect, the National Park Service announced in a press release Wednesday.

Dozens of amphi

Critters and Crawlers toddler program at the Jackson Zoo

Critters and Crawlers toddler program at the Jackson Zoo

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - A new program at the Jackzon Zoo is designed to be tons of fun for toddlers and their grown-ups.

Each class in the ongoing Critters and Crawlers series will be a different theme and last 45 minutes. Activities are designed specifically for toddlers and include inside and outside activities.

Children will get to meet an animal ambassador up close and personal during each class.

The next class -- which will focus on birds -- is set for Dec.

Pet of the Week: Louis

Pet of the Week: Louis

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - This week's pet of the week is Louis an 8-week-old Akita mix.

Louis made his TV debut Friday on WLBT's Midday Mississippi.

Community Animal Rescue & Adoption, or CARA, says Louis and his nine siblings were left on the side of the road when he was 1-day old. Louis has been bottle fed ever since.

CARA says Louis is outgoing and friendly. He has two litter mates that are in a foster home and are available for adoption. CARA is a no-kill animal rescue in Jackson.

Squirrel hunting set to start in area Oct. 15

Squirrel hunting set to start in area Oct. 15

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - Mississippi squirrel hunting season is quickly approaching and will last through the end of February.

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks says now is the time to check equipment and prepare for a safe hunting season.

Hunters should be sure their hunting licenese are not expired, according to the MDWFP.

Third death, six new cases of West Nile Virus

Third death, six new cases of West Nile Virus

RANKIN COUNTY, MS (WLBT) - Monday, the Mississippi Department of Health announced a death in a previously reported case of West Nile virus in Jasper County and six more cases of human West Nile virus.

MSDH reports one new case each for Hinds, Madison and Washington counties, in addition to three new cases in Rankin County. This brings the state's total this year to 39 cases.

Three deaths attributed to West Nile virus have been confirmed this year in Jasper, Jones and Pearl River counties.