Zoos across America are being hit by bomb threats and hoax calls about active shooters

NewsWorldAmericasUS Crime NewsZoos across America are being hit by bomb threats and hoax calls about active shootersAuthorities say the threats — including bogus bomb scares and fake active shooter reports — were all part of a growing “swatting” crazePaul Farrell Thursday 07 May 2026 09:38 BSTBookmarkBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":false,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2972079","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/swatting-zoos-bomb-threats-active-shooter-b2972079.html","title":"Zoos across America are being hit by bomb threat and hoax calls about active shooters"}}CloseChimp escapes Japan zooThe latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekdayYour briefing on the latest headlines from across the USYour briefing on the latest headlines from across the USEmail*SIGN UPI would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice{"className":"sc-1ge0fwe-0","newsletterData":{"regSourceNewsletter":"NSC","regTitle":"Evening Headlines","subscriptionGroup":"us_evening_headlines","subscriptionGroupId":"4326e634-422a-4447-8e1e-604a937cd3b5","type":"daily_news","pathPrefix":["/us","/news/world/americas","/news/world/americas/crime"],"title":"The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday","mobileTitle":"Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US","imageSrc":"https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/images/newsletters/usEveningHeadlines1_1.png","label":"I would like to receive morning headlines Monday - Friday plus breaking news alerts by email","newsletterKey":"receiveEveningHeadlinesUSNews","regSourceSection":"US Crime News"},"isClimate":false}Families fled in fear, animals were locked down, and cops swarmed z...