MAN-MADE DISASTERS

&ANIMALS IN DANGER OF

EXTINCTION

Man-made disasterIn 2002, during a tropical storm off the coast of Galicia, an oil tanker´s fuel tanks ruptured and spilled its cargo into the sea. The ship tried to dock into various ports but was turned away because Spain, France and Portugal did not want to deal with the environmental consequences. Eventually, the ship split in two in the storm and spilled 77,000 metric tones (20 million gallons) of oil off the northern coast of Spain. Cleaning this cost about 12 billion dollars.

Animal in danger of extinctionThe Cantabrian brown bear refers to a population of Eurasian brown bears that live in the Cantabrian Mountains of Spain. Females weigh about 85 kg but can reach a weight of 150 kg. Males average weight is 115 kg, although they can weigh as much as 200 kg. The bear measures between 1.6 – 2m in length and between 0.90 -1m at shoulder height. In Spain, it is known as the Oso pardo cantábrico and, more locally, in Asturias as Osu. It is quite shy and they always try to avoid human contact. The Cantabrian brown bear can live for around 25–30 years in the wild, but sadly, it is an animal in danger of extinction.