animal essay competition

SOLUTIONS FOR THE PROFESSION COMPETITION

We’re here to help students get ahead.

The VIN Foundation’s Solutions for the Profession initiative is an international veterinary student scholarship in which currently enrolled veterinary students write a compelling essay based on an innovative solution to a current topic/issue in the veterinary profession. After three rounds of anonymous judging, the winners receive cash prizes to help with tuition and educational expenses.

The annual Solutions for the Profession Competition opens every Fall. We encourage you to sign up for updates to stay informed on the latest scholarship announcements. 

The VIN Foundation’s 8th Annual (2024) Solutions for the Profession Competition is now OPEN.

The vin foundation’s 8th annual (2024) solutions for the profession competition opens for submissions on wednesday, november 15, 2023., 8th annual competition (2024):, the vin foundation’s 8th annual (2024) solutions for the profession competition has closed. please check back for updates, or sign up above to be notified of updates via email..

The 8th annual (2024) VIN Foundation Solutions for the Profession Competition was open to all students (domestic & international) currently enrolled in veterinary school.

Three entrants won scholarships to help support tuition and education related expenses:

First place: $5,000 Second place: $3,000 Third place: $1,500

Telemedicine

There are current efforts to expand the use of telemedicine and alter the criteria for establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR).

Entrants must answer the following two questions in their essay:

• What are the pros and cons for veterinarians, clients and patients that will result from these efforts?
• If you were able to dictate the outcome of this issue, what would you propose as the best framework to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks to veterinarians, clients and patients?
• First place was awarded to Febbry Setiawan (University of Pretoria 2025) for the essay titled, Paws and Pixels: The Digital Leap in Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationships.
• Second place was awarded to Jake Kline (VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine 2024) for the essay titled, Telemedicine, The Future Integration in Veterinary Medicine?
• Third place was awarded to Alaire Comyn (Iowa State University 2027) for the essay titled, Telemedicine: An Opportunity to Educate the Public.

FIRST PLACE:

• First place was awarded to Danielle Keerbs (Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine 2026) for the essay titled, Obsolescence vs Adaptability: An Analysis of the Veterinary Clinical Education Paradigm .

SECOND PLACE:

• Second place was awarded to Morgan Weed (UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine 2026) for the essay titled, Trend or Tried and True – The Distributive and Teaching Hospital Models in Veterinary Schools.

THIRD PLACE:

• Third place was awarded to Dionne Rasquinha (UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine 2025) for the essay titled, The Future of Veterinary Medicine is in Our Teaching Hospitals .

The 8th annual (2024) VIN Foundation Solutions for the Profession Competition is open to all students (domestic & international) currently enrolled in veterinary school.

Three entrants will win scholarships to help support tuition and education related expenses:

WORD LIMIT:

1,000 words (not including references or titles) This is a strict parameter and all essay submissions higher than 1,000 (not including references or titles) will be automatically dismissed.

All essays must be submitted in English .

All essays must be submitted in Microsoft Word format .

Judging is based on how well student essay submission describes their assessment of the topic, along with the originality and practicality of the suggestion(s) and/or solution(s) offered.

The judging takes place in three rounds. Each essay is anonymized and read by at least three evaluators in each round. The panel for round one is composed of the VIN Foundation Solutions for the Profession Committee made up of both veterinarians and related professional readers. The second round will be judged by veterinarians with insight into the relevant issues discussed in the essays. The third round will be judged by leaders in the veterinary profession

Competition is now closed for submissions.

Winners announced: Wednesday, May 15, 2024 (updated date)

ESSAY SUBMISSION:

Essays must be submitted online. Only one entry per student.

Please check back on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 when the scholarship opens to submit an essay.

Please share the VIN Foundation Solutions for the Profession Competition with your friends and networks. 

• Phone: 888.616.6506

PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR WINNERS ANNOUNCED FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2023. ALL ENTRANTS WILL RECEIVE ANNOUNCEMENT EMAIL.

The 7th annual (2023) VIN Foundation Solutions for the Profession Competition was open to all students (domestic & international) currently enrolled in veterinary school.

Three winners earned scholarships to help support tuition and education related expenses (winnings were increased this year thanks to donations!) :

Veterinary Teaching Hospitals Until 2010, only a few veterinary schools operated a distributed clinical education model, having students receive their clinical training at other schools or private practices. In the last decade, several new schools have adopted this model, with students having the majority of their clinical education at private practices.

Please answer both of the following questions in your essay submission: 1. Explain why this has been a positive, negative or inconsequential change for the profession? 2. Do you think this trend should be continued or should veterinary schools be required to operate a teaching hospital to train students?

Judging was  based on how well student essay submission described their assessment of the topic, along with the originality and practicality of the suggestion(s) and/or solution(s) offered.

The judging takes place in three rounds. Each essay is anonymized and read by at least three evaluators in each round. The panel for round one is composed of the VIN Foundation Solutions for the Profession Committee made up of both veterinarians and related professional readers. The second round is judged by veterinarians with insight into the relevant issues discussed in the essays. The third round is judged by leaders in the veterinary profession

Competition closed: Friday, January 20, 2023 11:59pm PT

Winners announced: Friday, April 21, 2023

PREVIOUS YEARS WINNERS:

7th annual competition (2023):.

Veterinary Teaching Hospitals:

Until 2010, only a few veterinary schools operated a distributed clinical education model, having students receive their clinical training at other schools or private practices. In the last decade, several new schools have adopted this model, with students having the majority of their clinical education at private practices.

Entrants were asked to answer both of the following questions in their essay submission: 1. Explain why this has been a positive, negative or inconsequential change for the profession? 2. Do you think this trend should be continued or should veterinary schools be required to operate a teaching hospital to train students?

6th Annual Competition (2022):

Staff shortages:

Many businesses have been experiencing a shortage of workers. Although COVID has exacerbated the situation, veterinary practices have had great difficulty finding both doctors and support staff since well before the pandemic started. The following 3 question needed to be addressed in the essay submissions:

• What do you believe are the main causes of this staffing shortage in veterinary practices?
• How will this affect you?
• What actions can be taken to improve the situation?
• First place was awarded to Ian Doody (Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine 2022) for the essay titled,  Labor Shortages in Veterinary Medicine .
• Second place was awarded to Elyse Politica (University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine 2025) for the essay titled,  Extinguishing the Fire Before Burnout Takes Over .
• Third place was awarded to Elizabeth Handberg(University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine 2025) for the essay titled,  From the Ground Up: A Focus on Veterinary Technicians .

NOTABLE MENTIONS:

• Olivier Weber (Utrecht University, faculty of Veterinary Medicine 2025) for the essay titled,  Let Students Work Against Veterinary Employee Shortages .
• Katherine Keane(University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine 2023) for the essay titled,  The COVID Silver Lining .

5th Annual Competition (2021):

• First place was awarded to Ashley Wang (University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine 2023) for the essay titled, Beyond Checking Off Boxes: Realizing Transformational Change in Diversity Work .
• Second place was awarded to Natalya Redmond (University of Bristol 2024) for the essay titled, Breaking the Cycle .
• Third place was awarded to Hannah Lee (University of Queensland 2021) for the essay titled, Putting the vet in diversity: A proposal for diversifying the veterinary profession .

4th Annual Competition (2020):

• First place was awarded to Ilene Ellis (North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine 2023) for the essay titled, Retiring James Herriot; A proposal for modern veterinary education .
• Second place was awarded to Ava Abuchaei (University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine 2021) for the essay titled, From Student to Doctor: Evaluating my Veterinary Education .
• Third place tie was awarded to Allison Hale (Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine 2020) for the essay titled, A Perfect Education .
• Runner up was acknowledged to Imani Williams (Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine 2022) for the essay titled, The Great Divide; Is the veterinary school education you are receiving effective, efficient, and relevant to your career goals?
• Runner up was acknowledged to Amanda Chase (University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine 2021) for the essay titled, Is My Veterinary Education Up to Me?

3rd Annual Competition (2019):

• First place was awarded to Joanne Yi for her big fish little fish perspective on corporations versus the independent practices. Joanne is a second year student at the University of Calgary Veterinary Medicine.
• Second place went to Joseph Marchell for his financial viewpoint on the impact of consolidation on the profession. Joseph is set to graduate this year from Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine.
• Annie Showers won third place with her in-depth approach to polling hundreds of practicing veterinarians for their responses on the pros and cons of corporate ownership. Annie is a second year student at Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine.

2nd Annual Competition (2018):

• First place was awarded to Paige Livingston , for her essay on ways to improve student debt education. Paige is entering her fourth year as a student at the University of California at Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine.
• Second place went to Cheyenne Cannarozzo for her innovative suggestion to add resilience to the core competency requirements for veterinary students. Cheyenne is entering her third year at the Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine.
• Linnea Thraen won third place with her essay highlighting the need for improved business management education in veterinary school. Linnea has just graduated the University of Minnesota, School of Veterinary Medicine.

1st Annual Competition (2017):

• First place was awarded to Hanum Wensil-Strow for her thought-provoking essay on the veterinary student debt situation. Hanum is in her fourth year has a student at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She is interested in large animal medicine and wildlife conservation.
• Second place went to Shannon Finn for her innovative approach to the mental health issues challenging colleagues in the veterinary profession. Shannon is in her fourth and final year at the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph, Canada. She is hoping to go into rural food animal practice upon graduation, but also has interests in public health and regulatory medicine.
• Alexandra Ripperger won third place for her inventive approach to gender inequality. Alexandra is in her fourth year as a veterinary student at the University of Minnesota. She enjoys working with small animals, and small ruminants/camelids.

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Animal Law Projects and Competitions

The Animal Law program hosts the Animal Welfare Project (AWP), which seeks to raise awareness of animal welfare issues and promote and inform legislative and regulatory change. Learn more about AWP below.

The Animal Welfare Project is an independent effort of faculty and students at GW Law. The project seeks to raise awareness of animal welfare issues and to promote and inform legislative and regulatory change in order to advance animal welfare and improve the lives of animals in the District of Columbia, nationally, and internationally. Projects have included:

• Testifying in support of replacing the pit bull ban in Prince George’s County, Maryland, with non-breed specific dangerous dog/potentially dangerous dog legislation.
• Helping to draft and testifying in support of the DC Animal Protection Amendment Act of 2008, enacted by the DC Council.
• Drafting the Animal Law in the District of Columbia pamphlet for the Animal Law Committee of the Environmental and Natural Resources Section of the DC Bar.
• Researching and summarizing the criminal statutory and case law dealing with animal cruelty regulation and prosecution in coordination with the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys.
• Submitting comments to the various federal agencies on a variety of regulatory issues.

The Animal Law & Science Project will be offering programs and resources that bring together scientific scholarship, legal scholarship, and legal advocacy to create stronger protections for animals through legislation, litigation, and policy. Currently, we are developing webinars at the intersection of law, natural science, and social science. The goal of these webinars is to introduce lawyers to the impact science has on law and, conversely,  scientists  to the impact that law has on science. In the future, we plan to build on these introductory materials to offer more advanced curricula for animal advocates. Through our work, we hope to increase awareness and foster greater discussion on the ways that animal law and science interact. We welcome public input on how we can work towards this goal.

Aquatic animals (including amphibians, finfish, marine mammals, crustaceans, reptiles, molluscs, aquatic birds, aquatic insects, and even animals such as starfish and corals) are too often left out of the legal and regulatory frameworks that provide some protection for other non-human animals. Too little is understood about the welfare, environment, and health of aquatic animals, as well as safety issues associated with aquatic animal use and production. Likewise, too little of the evolving scientific data related to aquatic animals is available to the public and policymakers. When making decisions affecting their lives, it is important to consider the critical role of aquatic animals within ecosystems, as well as their individual capacities and biological needs.

The Aquatic Animal Law Project works to protect and promote the interests of aquatic animals by:

• Advocating on their behalf through the legal system
• Promoting their value to the public by providing education about their cognitive, emotional, and physiological capacities; and
• Harmonizing human, animal, and environmental interests.

The Animal Legal Education Initiative (ALEI) is working to better integrate, grow, and sustain animal legal education within the academy. The Council on Legal Education is an essential part of this work. CALE will foster conversations and develop strategies to advance the work that needs to be done to support animal legal education.

In the summer of 2022, Dr. Jefferson (Jay) Glassie from Calvin Coolidge Senior High School reached out to the GW Animal Law program for help with two things. First: participation in his animal-focused education for his Advanced Placement students, and second: work on the school’s institutional redesign around Wellness and Sustainability, with a focus on animal-based goals.

ALEI at GW Law partnered with Dr. Glassie to work with his students in a number of ways:

• Consulted about curriculum redesign for Dr. Glassie’s class as a pilot
• Addressed the scope of animal issues, resources, and framing, as well as considerations about what is appropriate at the high school level including awareness of trauma-informed learning
• Presented to the class on animal issues
• Provided resources – materials, people, organizations

Writing Competitions

The Committee on Animals and the Law was established to provide information resources for the New York State Bar Association’s members and the public about non-human, animal-related humane issues, which arise from and have an effect upon our legal system.  This competition seeks to foster legal scholarship among law students in the area of animals and the law.  This competition provides law students with an incentive and opportunity to learn more about this area of law.

Law students (which include JD, LLM, PhD, and SJD candidates), are invited to submit to the Committee on Animals and the Law, an article concerning any area of Animal Law.  All submissions will be reviewed by a panel of attorneys and other professionals practicing or otherwise involved in animal law.  The winner will be chosen in accordance with the competition rules.

Committee on Animals and the Law: Student Writing Competition

The Cambridge Centre for Animal Rights Law organizes an annual essay competition in the field of animal rights law. The aim of this competition is to encourage students to explore the fascinating questions that animals rights raise, and to discuss these questions in an original piece of writing that may inspire them to engage further with the topic in the future.

Cambridge Centre for Animal Rights Law: Essay Competition

The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce the Companion Animal Law Writing Contest for law students.

American Kennel Club: Animal Law Writing Contest

Each year there is an opportunity for students to win a prize for the best essay in animal law in our Annual Student Essay Competition. The competition launches usually every November, with submissions due the following March, however specific dates will vary, and these dates are subject to change. The entries are judged by a panel of legal and animal welfare experts. This is a unique opportunity to get published in a peer-reviewed journal at an early stage in your career and to win a prize for the best essay on animal law. There is a prize for the winner and runners up in the form of book vouchers, with the winning submission being published in the Journal of Animal Law.

UK Centre for Animal Law: Essay Competition

Experiential Competitions

The purpose is to provide law students an opportunity to develop knowledge in the field of animal law and to hone their written and oral advocacy skills.

Competitions include:

• Appellate Advocacy Competition (Moot Court)
• Closing Argument Competition
• Legislative Drafting and Lobbying Competition

National Animal Law Competitions

Animal Rights - Live Animal Markets Free Essay Competition

This article talks about the Animal Rights - Live Animal Markets Free Essay Competition which is Essay Competition for Pre-school Students, Junior School Students, Middle School Students, Senior School Students. Submit your Entries by Jun 01, 2023. 0 days left!

Animal Rights Live Animal Markets Essay Contest 2023

About the contest.

Join the Animal Rights Live Animal Markets Essay Contest 2023 organized by the American Painters and Peace Educators Association. This international contest invites participants from around the globe to submit their original essays addressing crucial issues related to live animal markets.

Live Animal Markets and Animal Welfare

Live animal markets are prevalent in various countries worldwide, including the United States, Indonesia, China, and Nigeria. Animals such as dogs, cats, fish, chickens, goats, sheep, and rabbits are often sold to restaurants or slaughtered for purchase in these markets. Unfortunately, wild animals like squirrels, civet cats, monkeys, turtles, frogs, pigeons, and sea life are sold in open-air markets without proper hygiene protocols, leading to unsanitary conditions and potential risks of animal-borne diseases and COVID-19 transmission.

Contest Questions

Choose one of the following thought-provoking questions to guide your essay:

• Question 1: Observation and Investigation: Propose suggestions for improving regulations and resolving issues related to live animal markets.
• Question 2: Advancing Animal Law: Provide recommendations for promoting humane farming practices and enhancing animal welfare in farms and food processing companies.
• Question 3: Protecting Animal Welfare: Share your ideas on safeguarding animal rights and implementing measures to protect animals in live animal markets or farms.

Eligibility and Guidelines

• This international contest is open to all individuals worldwide.
• Submit an original essay as an entry.
• There is no specific word count requirement, allowing flexibility from a few sentences to a maximum of 3,000 words.
• Essays will be judged based on creativity, quality of ideas, and analysis.
• Selected essays will include the writer's name and the essay's title.

Don't miss this opportunity to contribute to the discourse on animal welfare. Submit your original essay by 12:00 AM, June 1, 2023, and make your voice heard!

The Animal Rights Live Animal Markets Essay Contest 2023, organized by American Painters and Peace Educators Association, invites individuals worldwide to submit original essays addressing the critical issues surrounding live animal markets. Participants have the opportunity to suggest improvements in regulations, advocate for humane farming practices, and propose steps to protect animals in live animal markets or farms. With three engaging questions to choose from, this international contest seeks creative and insightful entries. Don't miss the chance to contribute to the dialogue on animal welfare. Submissions close on June 1, 2023.

Register Now in this Competition!

Faqs about animal rights - live animal markets free essay competition.

John Lucke Institute International Essay Writing Competition

2023 Essay Free International Competition We Lost the Angels

The Queen's Commonwealth International Essay Writing Contest

Vietnam India Friendship National Essay Writing Competition

G20 National Free Essay Competition 2023 for School Students

Join Dublieu to get access to Opportunities such as Competitions, MUNs, Fellowships, Internships & Quizzes for FREE!

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Osun  spends n2bn on 267 micro projects , flourish olaoye, two others emerge, winners of 2024 mike okonkwo national essay competition.

Out of 551 essay entries submitted by secondary schools across Nigeria, and after disqualifying 341 essays due to infractions, Flourish Olaoye of Christ the King International School, Gbagada, Lagos, has been declared the winner of the 19th edition of the Bishop Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition for Nigerian Secondary Schools.

Olaoye scored 71 per cent in the initial round of the competition and 75 per cent in the final round, which was held at The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) International Headquarters, Gbagada, Lagos, achieving a total average score of 73 per cent. 

Nora Femi-Lawal of Chrisland High School, Lekki, came second with 65 per cent in the first round and 64 per cent in the final round, resulting in an average score of 64.5 per cent. 

The third position went to Olayimika Esther Durotimi of Corona Secondary School, Agbara, who scored 62 per cent in the first round and 60 per cent in the final round, averaging 61 per cent.

The Chief Examiner, Prof Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, stated, “The three winners tackled the topics with a level of thoughtfulness appropriate for their age. They conveyed their ideas in a manner befitting exceptional students of their age and grade. Their command of the English Language structures highlights their meticulous nature and significant potential. We congratulate them, as well as the other finalists, and wish them great success in their future endeavours.” 

She acknowledged the growing influence of AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Assistant, and Gemini, along with online services that produce and sell essays to students, which are becoming commonplace in the educational system.

“As we can no longer avoid these technologies, we must adapt to them and remain vigilant in finding ways to mitigate their negative impact on knowledge production,” she said.

Adimora-Ezeigbo added, “While we reflect on the direction scientific advancements are leading us, the seven students invited to the finals offer a glimmer of hope. They have engaged with issues, using both their hearts and minds, employing original thought within the framework of knowledge production methodologies. These students are the ones who, through their creativity, generate the content that technology often feeds upon. We must, therefore, encourage them—as Bishop Okonkwo is doing—by sharpening their critical thinking skills, recognising their contributions, and rewarding their efforts.”

For their achievements, Olaoye will receive a cheque for N500,000, a trophy and a plaque, while her school will be awarded a set of computers. Femi-Lawal will receive a cheque for N250,000 and a plaque, and her school will also receive a set of computers. 

Durotimi will be awarded a cheque for N150,000, a plaque, and a computer set for her school. The remaining finalists will each receive consolation prizes of N20,000.

All the winners and their schools will be honoured and rewarded at the 23rd Bishop Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture Series, with the theme ‘Nigeria’s Pathways: Diagnosis and Prescriptions’.

The event will be held at the Zenith Bank Shell Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, on September 5, 2024. The lecture will be delivered by Kanu Agabi, a highly esteemed Nigerian lawyer and politician  who has served as a senator and twice as attorney general and minister of justice of the federation. The event will be chaired by Mr. Atedo Peterside, the President and Founder of ANAP Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting good governance in Nigeria.

The Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition was launched in 2004 as part of the celebrations for the birthday of the Presiding Bishop of TREM, Dr. Mike Okonkwo.

The competition was established to contribute meaningfully to developing the Nigerian educational sector. Okonkwo has remained committed to this cause for 19 years, using his talents, strength, and resources to bless the younger generation in pursuing academic excellence.

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E360 Film Contest

In montana’s northern plains, swift foxes are back from the brink.

In “Return of the No’ouhah Tok a’na” — the Third-Place Winner of the 2024 Yale Environment 360 Film Contest — filmmaker Roshan Patel documents how Fort Belknap tribal members in northern Montana are helping to reintroduce a native carnivore to its historic range.

August 13, 2024

The swift fox — known as Nóouhàh-Toka’na to the Aaniiih and Nakoda tribes — once roamed the Western plains from Texas to Canada, eating small rodents and insects. But their numbers swooned with the arrival of settlers, who plowed their grasslands and set poison baits for canine predators. In the 1980s, conservationists began reintroducing foxes in Montana’s Blackfeet and Fort Peck Indian reservations, but these animals haven’t connected with populations to the south.

Now, members of the Aaniiih and Nakoda tribes are working with biologists to reintroduce 30 to 40 swift foxes a year, for five years, to the Fort Belknap reservation. “The hope is that the foxes continue to expand into their former range and eventually connect the two disconnected populations,” says filmmaker Roshan Patel. Based on observations and genetic information from stool samples, scientists believe the foxes are establishing new dens, finding mates, and successfully raising litters.

Patel was drawn to this story by the tribes’ relationship to the swift fox, which they consider a missing puzzle piece in the larger ecosystem of the plains. “It wasn’t a story about a scientific argument solely. There was a human connection driving all the efforts to bring foxes back to Fort Belknap,” he says. “I hope viewers appreciate the importance of community in conservation efforts.”

About the Filmmaker: Roshan Patel is an award-winning wildlife and conservation filmmaker whose work often focuses on the relationship between communities and their wildlife. Roshan has a BS in biology and an MFA in science and natural history filmmaking. He is currently the resident filmmaker and photographer at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, D.C.

About the Contest: Now in its 11th season, the Yale Environment 360 Film Contest honors the year’s best environmental documentaries, with the aim of recognizing work that has not previously been widely seen. This year we received 714 submissions from 91 countries across six continents, with the winners selected by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Elizabeth Kolbert, Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Thomas Lennon, and e360 ’s editor-in-chief Roger Cohn.

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Latah County Human Rights Task Force

Strengthening the bonds of community to embrace diversity and reject bigotry..

Art and Essay Contest

Each year a topic concerning human rights is chosen with grade-specific contest parameters.  The information below is provided for the 2023-24 contest.

LATAH COUNTY HUMAN RIGHTS TASK FORCE 2023-24 MARTIN LUTHER KING ART AND ESSAY CONTEST THEME: FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND OUR LIBRARIES

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The Most Dangerous Snake in the World Has Competition

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The " most dangerous snake in the world " debate is entrenched in technicalities because there are so many species of dangerous snakes that have evolved with specialized weapons and deadly skills. These predators threaten small prey in the wild, as well as occasional unlucky humans who cross their paths.

For example, the eastern brown snake or the hooded Indian cobra use extremely potent venom to incapacitate their prey, while boas and other large snakes can squeeze the life out of you. But that's just the nature of nature. All you can do is read on to educate yourself on these deadly species to stand the best chance in the wild.

A Brief Overview of Deadly Snakes

What is the largest venomous snake, what is the treatment for venomous snake bites, top 5 venomous snakes in the world, top 5 deadliest constrictor snakes in the world.

Due to their incredible power, constrictors make up a large percentage of the world's deadliest snakes, but most people envision venomous snakes like the eastern diamondback rattlesnake when picturing deadly snakes.

Although this aggressive snake from North America is far from the deadliest snake found in the world, rattlesnakes, pit vipers and other snake species that rely on quick attacks with venomous fangs are an understandable fear for many travelers walking in nature.

The world's longest venomous snake is the king cobra species, with an average body length of 18 feet (5.5 meters) and a top slither speed of 12 mph (19 km/h). This snake's bite delivers a venom yield of over 400 mg, leading to high levels of neurotoxicity and tissue damage.

Highly venomous species that possess potent neurotoxic venom produce the most excruciatingly painful bites. Venom toxicity kills red blood cells, effectively clogging blood vessels and cutting off circulation to the venom-injected body region in just a few hours.

The most foolproof way to counteract snake venoms is administering antivenom to the target area as quickly as possible. However, many deaths occur when the snake venom is too strong or the patient can't reach emergency services before they succumb to respiratory or cardiac symptoms.

Antivenom consists of antibodies produced by animals injected with direct samples from venom glands. However, supply is another logistical issue that medical facilities face. Regions where the most venomous species thrive will often have adequate antivenom stocks, but shortages can lead to a race against time for treatment, especially when a victim has received multiple bites.

The following list of the world's most venomous snakes would give pause to most explorers — especially Indiana Jones, who famously despises snakes.

5. Saw Scaled Viper (Echis carinatus)

The saw-scaled viper is a fierce snake that poses extreme danger to rural communities in India, Pakistan and various regions in the Middle East. This nocturnal species possesses classic pit-viper characteristics with its flat, triangular head and aggressive figure-eight posture when it's ready to strike.

4. Blue Malayan Coral Snake (Calliophis bivirgatus)

Much like the feared banded krait, this highly venomous coral snake is as much a menace in the sea as it is on land. However, people typically find these red-headed predators hidden in thick piles of leaves on the forest floors of Southeast Asian subtropical regions.

3. Boomslang (Dispholidus typus)

Although the central African boomslang doesn't have the most toxic venom, it is more dangerous than several other snakes on this list because of their exceptional camouflage that helps them blend into the branches of jungle foliage. One moment, you're brushing aside a tree branch, and the next, you're in a race to the nearest hospital.

2. Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis)

This North African snake produces some of the most potent venom on the planet. The average venom yield of a black mamba bite is 300 to 400 mg, which is 10 times deadlier than a tiger snake bite and 20 times the amount needed to kill an average adult human.

1. Inland Taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus)

The inland taipan, not to be confused with the coastal taipan, is considered the most deadly snake in the world. Although they rarely cross paths with humans, an unfortunate passerby can quickly fall victim to this snake's venom. A single bite delivers a surge of highly toxic venom mixed with an enzyme that increases the poison's effectiveness.

Some of the most feared snakes in the world are nonvenomous snakes. Although some enthusiasts will keep these giant creatures as pets, they deserve the utmost respect for their deadly and methodical bone-crushing strength.

5. Yellow Anaconda (Eunectes notaeus)

This colorful giant is endemic to swampy climates in South America and subtropical regions of the United States. It can grow up to 12 feet (3.5 meters) long. The anaconda subsists mainly on fish and turtles , but larger specimens have been known to take down small deer and other mammals in a gut-wrenching gulp.

4. Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor)

Boa constrictors from Central and South America are just slightly larger than the yellow anaconda with a max body length of 13 feet (4 meters). They typically hunt birds, lizards and small mammals, but even humans would have a challenge wrestling with these titans if they put their hammock in the wrong tree.

3. Southern African Python (Python natalensis)

The Southern African Python can reach a whopping 16 feet (5 meters) long and weigh 69 pounds (31 kg). These pythons are endemic to water-rich regions in much of Central Africa lying south of Ethiopia, where they hunt antelope, warthogs and even deadly crocodiles .

2. Northern African Python (Python sebae)

This northern cousin to the previous species on this list is a slithering assassin that reigns across a large swath of Sub-Saharan Africa. This is the largest snake in Africa, reaching a max length of nearly 20 feet (6 meters). Wildlife experts strongly discourage snake enthusiasts from keeping these giant creatures as pets.

This disclaimer raises an important question: Even if you wanted one, where would you put it?

1. Burmese Python (Python molurus)

You know King Kong . You know Godzilla. Now you can add the Burmese python to the list of enormous predators that live rent-free in your irrational nightmares. And yet, this massive constrictor snake is not a piece of fiction.

Burmese pythons are native to Southeast Asia and can grow up to over 23 feet (7 meters) and 160 pounds (72.5 kg). Although these deadly creatures typically eat smaller animals whole, they have been known to hunt and kill humans.

Snakes smell with their tongues. Although snakes have nostrils, they utilize a specialized structure in their forked tongues called a Jacobson's organ to differentiate chemical signatures and lock in on their target prey.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Street cleaner denied £3,000 dream trip wins holiday in ‘extremely specific’ competition

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A street cleaner who was denied a £3,000 fundraising gift from those in his community has now won his dream holiday.

Paul Spiers, 63, has cleaned the streets of Beckenham, southeast London , since 2017.

His great work has not gone unnoticed by locals who love his cleaning so much that they decided to raise £3,000 for him on GoFundMe to help fund a dream holiday for him to Portugal.

But his employer Veolia banned him from receiving the money because it prohibits staff from taking monetary gifts or incentives beyond their regular salary.

In a lovely twist to the tale though, the lucky man has won a £3,000 holiday to his dream destination in Portugal courtesy of On The Beach Holidays.

On The Beach Holidays posted on X: ‘WE NEED YOUR HELP.

‘We’re looking for our competition prize winner who can be found keeping the streets of Beckenham clean and goes by the name Mr Spiers.

‘He’s snapped up a £3000 holiday to Portugal, please help us spread the word so we can find him and get him on his jollies!’

🗒️Competition Terms & Conditions: – Must love Elvis Presley – Must be aged between 62 – 64⁰ – Must be loved by the local community⁰ – Must be a street cleaner in Beckenham⁰ – Must have the surname Spiers — On the Beach (@OntheBeachUK) August 13, 2024

Underneath the caption is a photo that clearly shows the winner is Paul.

Some more information about him is also attached which says: ‘Help us find the winner of our totally non-specific £3,000 holiday competition to Portugal.

• Loves Elvis Presley
• Aged between 62 – 64
• Loved by the local community
• Street cleaner in Beckenham
• Surname Spiers

Paul has only ever been on holiday abroad once and when it was his birthday he mentioned to his friend Lisa Knight that he was saving for the holiday to Portugal.

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To get the latest news from the capital visit Metro.co.uk's London news hub .

That was when she decided to set up the GoFundMe page for him.

In relation to this latest win, a spokesperson for Veolia said: ‘We understand that Paul has won a competition and we can confirm that we have no objection to him accepting his win.

‘We are very grateful for the support and recognition shown by the community to Paul, who alongside a hardworking street cleansing team, does a fantastic job keeping Bromley’s streets clean.

‘Our position regarding the funds raised by the community has not changed and the decision about what happens to that money is a matter for the fundraiser.

‘Veolia has matched the amount raised as of Friday 9th August and this will be donated to Cancer Research, a charity close to Paul’s heart.’

Lisa originally wrote on the GoFundMe page: ‘As an integral part of our Beckenham village, Paul is adored by all. 

‘Giving him this incredible gift would be a heartfelt way to show our appreciation for everything he does.

Let’s come together to make this dream happen for someone who truly deserves it.’

However, in an update she posted: ‘Unfortunately, we have received news that Paul is unable to accept the donations due to restrictions set by his employer, Veolia, in accordance with their contract with Bromley Council.

‘These rules prohibit staff from accepting any monetary gifts or incentives beyond their regular salary.

‘We’re deeply disappointed that this decision prevents Paul from enjoying this well-deserved holiday as a recognition for all of his hard work for the Beckenham community.

‘We have expressed our disappointment to both the council and Veolia and intend to continue to push on this, but please be rest assured, if we are unsuccessful in doing so you will all be refunded.

‘Once again, thank you for your incredible support and for being part of this fundraiser.’

Many people in the local community were left outraged by the decision and it even prompted the local MP Liam Conlon to write to Bromley Council.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

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When is the last day of the Iowa State Fair? 7 things to do before the fair ends

With less than a week left of the Iowa State Fair, there are still plenty of activities to squeeze in before the 11-day event wraps up for the year.

Just because the turkey-calling contest is done and Jelly Roll already played his sold-out show , doesn't mean the fair is winding down. There are hundreds of new food and drinks as well as events planned for every hour of the fair until it ends.

When does the Iowa State Fair end?

The final day to enjoy the Iowa State Fair is Aug. 18.

Doors open at 8 a.m. but close earlier at 9 p.m. as opposed to midnight on other nights.

The final day of the Iowa State Fair is known as "Sunday Funday." Admission prices drop to $12 for adults and $8 for kids ages 6-11. And, if you bring a donation of 3 cans of non-perishable food, you can save an additional $4 on adult tickets.

How should you spend the last few days at the Iowa State Fair?

Here are some of our recommendations for the final stretch of the 2024 Iowa State Fair:

More: Only have time to spend one day at the Iowa State Fair? Here's a plan to see everything.

Check out the Iowa State Fair's butter cow and butter Jimmy Fallon

It is not a successful trip to the Iowa State Fair without a visit to the butter cow. This year she has some famous friends alongside her. Iowa natives and comedians Johnny Carson and Steve Higgins, joined by Jimmy Fallon of the "Tonight Show," can all be found in butter form at the fair.

More: 'Tonight Show' announcer, Des Moines native Steve Higgins visits his butter sculpture

Enjoy Thursday's Iowa State Fair pie-eating contest

The Iowa State Fair is a competitive environment. So it only seems natural that it would have a tradition of many state fairs: a pie-eating contest. It doesn't matter how fancy the pie is. All that matters is who can eat the fastest. Kids and adults compete to see who can gobble the sweet treat the quickest with their hands behind their backs. Most people finish full, a little messy and happy.

The contest starts at 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 15 at the Anne and Bill Riley Stage.

Visit some biggest animals at the Iowa State Fair

The competition may be over, but you can still stop and see the winners of the Iowa State Fair's big animal contests. This year's super bull weighed in at over 3,000 pounds while the biggest boar was record-breaking 1,420 pounds . There are also around 100 different animals to see at the Avenue of Breeds tent at the 4-H building.

Catch some free Iowa State Fair entertainment

The Iowa State Fairgrounds are loaded with a wide array of wacky and fun entertainment for all ages. Whether you catch the chainsaw carvers making a new piece of art or the Flying Fools Dive show, the fair has something for everyone even in its final days.

You can relax and have a drink while playing games at the Bubbly Bar & Bistro with cubbie trivia and music bingo at 4 p.m. Thursday. Ron Diamond the hypnotist will be at the fair daily through Saturday with shows at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. at the Anne and Bill Riley Stage.

More: Rainy Monday sees a slight drop in Iowa State Fair attendance. See the totals:

See the final Iowa State Fair Grandstand concerts

You can't visit the Iowa State Fair and not check out the grandstand acts. Each of the 11 days has a different artist from rock 'n' roll to country. The final days of the Iowa State Fair will feature the following bands:

• Thursday : Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias
• Friday : The Avett Brothers
• Saturday : Ne-Yo
• Sunday : Kidz Bop

Try something new at the Iowa State Fair

With over 80 new food items and dozens of new drinks, you will need these remaining days to try a fraction of the cuisine. Lemonade is a must at any fair, but this year lavender lemonade is available at the Bubbly Bar & Bistro.

For those 21 and up, nothing screams Iowa State Fair like a caramel apple beer from The Depot. Those who want an even sweeter drink can try the cotton candy bubble trouble, a sparkling wine that is poured over fresh-spun cotton candy, also found at the Bubbly Bar & Bistro. As for food, you can find anything from the traditional corn dog to deep-fried calamari at the Iowa State Fair.

More: Pickles are having their moment in the spotlight at the Iowa State Fair

Try the favorite new Iowa State Fair food

Fairgoers have been sampling the contenders for top new fair food — the lobster corn dog, Iowa Sm'Oak'ed Roll and the bacon cheeseburger egg roll.

Voting is open until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday on the Iowa State Fair's website .

A winner will be named on Friday, leaving you a few more days to enjoy the winner.

Find the full Iowa State Fair schedule and more recommendations

Need more ideas? Browse our Iowa State Fair guide for more suggestions:

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at  [email protected]  or follow her on Twitter at @ Kkealey17 .

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News & Announcements

Fourth circuit announces winners of 2024 essay contest.

Has the decision in Brown , viewed through the lens of 2024, achieved its purpose of ensuring equal opportunity in public education?

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit is pleased to announce the winners of its 2024 Essay Contest. The contest, which ran from February 20, 2024, to May 31, 2024, was open to current students in grades 9-12 in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

High School

First Place--$2,000 Award:  Kennedy Grams, a rising senior, Pikesville High School, Baltimore, Maryland.  Read the First Place Essay

Second Place--$1,500 Award: Elaine Deng, a rising senior, HCS Scholars Academy, Conway, South Carolina. Read the Second Place Essay

Third Place--$1,000 Award: Asher Ermentrout, a rising sophomore, Grimsley High School, Greensboro, North Carolina. Read the Third Place Essay

Middle School

First Place--$500 Award:  Makayla Macklin, a rising freshman, Union Day School, Weddington, North Carolina Read the First Place Essay

Second Place--$350 Award: Isabelle Yam, a rising 7th grader, The Langley School, McLean, Virginia. Read the Second Place Essay

Third Place--$200 Award: Aydin Soner, a rising 7th grader, homeschooled, Columbia, South Carolina.  Read the Third Place Essay

Students were invited to consider and share their thoughts on the question: " Has the decision in  Brown , viewed through the lens of 2024, achieved its purpose of ensuring equal opportunity in public education? " The court received excellent essays from students in all five states.

Awards will be presented at the Constitution Day program scheduled for  September 26, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at the Lewis F. Powell, Jr. U.S. Courthouse in Richmond, Virginia.

The court extends its appreciation to its distinguished panels of judges for their work in reviewing the essays and selecting the top three submissions:

• Janice Baker, Legal Writing Instructor; Director, Konduros Leadership Development Program, University of South Carolina School of  Law, Columbia, South Carolina.
• Richard B. Katskee, Assistant Clinical Professor of Law, Director, Appellate Litigation Clinic, Duke University School of Law, Durham, North Carolina.
• Amy Cyphert , Lecturer in Law, Director, ASPIRE, West Virginia University College of Law, Morgantown, West Virginia.
• Karen M. Hinkley, Partner, Litigation and Appeals, Davis Hartman Wright LLP, New Bern, North Carolina.
• Steven J. Alagna , Lecturer in Law, Interim Director of the Appellate Clinic, Washington University School of Law, St. Louis, Missouri.
• Mary Claire Davis, Associate Professor, West Virginia University College of Law, Morgantown, West Virginia.
• Wesley Hedgepeth, Teacher, Richmond, Virginia.
• Ganelle Sutton, Teacher, Author, Elizabeth City, North Carolina.

For more information about the contest, visit Courts4Civics .