The news is full of predators these days — stalkers, greedy politicians and thieves — but for some reason this week the news was full of the four-legged kind. Predators and a few pesky varmints were making the news and competing with the likes of Eric Holder for headlines. These animals were definitely in the mood for marquee attention and a wolf in British Columbia kicks off the wacky week.

According to reports, a Canadian man who was out riding his motorcycle says a gray wolf chased him earlier this month during his ride. Apparently the rider, Tim Bartlett of Banff, was riding through the Canadian Rocky Mountains when a wolf darted from the roadside and began chasing the startled rider. At one point the wolf was within several feet before Bartlett decided to use the throttle to accelerate ahead…duh. After a safe distance he stopped to take photos and the wolf kept up the chase causing Bartlett to put down the camera and again hit the throttle. This time the wolf raced back into the brush never to be seen again.

Bartlett believes the wolf wanted his motorcycle, but my bet is the wolf wanted the tasty treat operating the motorcycle. What would a wolf do with a motorcycle anyway?

Apparently Indiana’s slogan, “The Crossroads of America,” should be changed to “The Crossroads of the World,” after a leopard was spotted there recently. Yes you heard right, a leopard. Reports from Indiana conservation officers say a southeastern Indiana landowner saw a leopard on his property. Not waiting around for the leopard to swipe or the circus to call, the landowner took matters into his own hands and shot it just over the border from Louisville, Ky. Conservation officers actually believe it was someone’s pet that was released and not part of a traveling circus troupe. Now the landowner has a bigger problem. After taking one of the “African Big Five” he has to decide whether to continue the quest and if he should focus on his own property or bite the bullet and head to the Dark Continent.

Lastly, do you know the lovable, elderly couple down the block? Yes, they are in big trouble for attracting varmints into your neighborhood. You’ll see them in court soon. New Jersey senior citizens, Alfred and Annette Rockefeller, are headed to court after neighbors complained the couple is feeding wildlife in their yard. Disabled 77-year-old Alfred is simply feeding birds because it is “one of his joys.” Of course the feed attracts other animals including “ducks, deer, geese, squirrels, chipmunks and groundhogs.” Are you envisioning an air rifle varmint shoot?

Neighbors aren’t too neighborly as the unwanted extras are raiding nearby gardens after visiting Alfred’s bird-feeder diner. The couple faces a possible fine ranging from $250 to $500 for violating an ordinance that prohibits the feeding of wildlife. Geez! Cut Alfred a break!

Do you have any wacky varmint news? If so, share them with other readers in the comment section while I get ready for a predator safari in Indiana!