Maybe It’s Time to Take Animal Feelings Seriously

Dogs can read human emotions. So, it appears, can horses. Whales have regional accents. Ravens have demonstrated that they might be able to guess at the thoughts of other ravens — something scientists call “theory of mind,” which has long been considered a uniquely human ability. All of these findings have been published within the past several weeks, and taken together they suggest that many of the traits and abilities we believe are “uniquely human” are, in fact, not so unique to us.

To read more on this story, click here: Maybe It’s Time to Take Animal Feelings Seriously

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Acrobatic Spotted Skunks: Known to Experts as the "Acrobats" of Their Species

These feisty little creatures do handstands as a unique warning to potential predators before releasing the foul-smelling spray skunks are known for

There's something special about spotted skunks — and it's not their smell.

Known to experts as the "acrobats" of their species, these cute little critters utilize a unique defense mechanism to protect themselves from suspected predators: a handstand.

"When they're stressed, they bounce up onto their forelimbs and then kick out their hind limbs, puff their tail up, and they actually can walk towards the predator, like basically making them look bigger and scarier," Adam Ferguson, the Negaunee Collections Manager of Mammals at the Field Museum in Chicago, told CNN.

Once locked on to their target, the skunks typically return to their normal stature before releasing their foul-smelling spray.

Spotted skunks are more carnivorous than their cousins, seeking prey like bird eggs, lizards, snakes, and rodents. They are solid climbers as well.

A new study published Wednesday in Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution suggests that seven spotted skunk species currently roam the Earth. The most recent agreed-upon number, however, is four.

Ferguson, who authored the study, called the opportunity to "redraw" the skunk family tree "very exciting."

"Everyone thinks we know everything about mammalian carnivore systematics," said Ferguson.

In addition to skunks trapped in Mexico by Ferguson, researchers relied on specimens in museums to conduct the study. 

Fellow study author Molly McDonough, a biology professor at Chicago State University and research associate at the Field Museum, told CNN in a statement that she managed to extract DNA from museum samples from over 100 years ago.

"The study wouldn't have been possible without the museum specimens we had," Ferguson told the outlet. "The only reason we were able to get sequences from the Yucatan were museum specimens that were collected 60 or 70 years ago."

Next, researchers plan to look into spotted skunks' reproductive habits. Though they tend to breed in the fall, the mammals typically give birth in the spring.

"It just sits in suspension for a while," Ferguson said. "We want to know why some species have delayed implantation, and others don't, and figuring out how these different species of skunks evolved can help us do that."

See video below:

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Kinkajous: Yes, They’re Cute — But How Difficult Is It to Care Them?

Kinkajous have long lifespans and curious dispositions. Learn all about caring for them in this article.

Kinkajous are small mammals that are native to the rainforest.

They’re intelligent, vocal and curious animals — and they’re among the latest in the growing trend of exotic pets.

Kinkajous grow to be 2–12 pounds, depending on their subspecies, and can live for roughly 20 years. In other words, this is not a short-term pet.

To read more on this story, click here: Kinkajous: Yes, They’re Cute — But How Difficult Is It to Care Them?

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Exotic Pets Actually Aren’t Hard to Care For

Caring for Exotic Pets

So you go to the zoo and see an impossibly cute little ‘wild’ animal performing some awe-inducing behavior. It’s smaller than your dog, and it looks like it would make the perfect pet. You turn to the keeper next to you and excitedly ask, “would it make a good pet?”

“Absolutely not,” the keeper replies. “They demand a lot of care. They will destroy your furniture, pee on the walls, and bite you. They are not domesticated!”

To read more on this story, click here: Exotic Pets Actually Aren’t Hard to Care For

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Why Pet Deer Are a Terrible Idea, But Still Exist

The thought of having a sweet, little, pet deer might sound nice, but we're here to tell you why keeping deer as pets is, most definitely, a bad idea.

We think it's safe to say that we all loved the Disney classic 'Bambi' as a child. (I mean, who didn't cry at some point during the movie?) Thanks to TV and movies, deer are usually seen as friendly and sweet creatures, and there's no denying that they are indeed a majestic and beautiful animal. (Baby deer, known as fawns, are seriously the cutest!) After all, there's a reason why a female's beautiful eyes can be referred to as "doe eyes." (doe = a female deer. Thank you 'The Sound of Music'!)

These days, because of 'Bambi' and the Disney's 'Frozen' franchise, more people in the United States are considering the possibility of keeping deer as pets. But, truthfully, pet deer are a really bad idea. Here is why.

To read more on this story, click here: Why Pet Deer Are a Terrible Idea, But Still Exist

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13-year-old boy sews bow ties in adorable effort to help shelter animals get adopted

A New Jersey teenager is helping shelter dogs and cats get adopted one homemade bow tie at a time.

Sir Darius Brown, 13, was born with a fine motor skill delay, so when he was eight years old his mother, Joy Brown, thought it would be useful for him to begin working with his hands.

His sister, Dazhai Shearz, was a hair stylist and at the time was making her own hair bows. Sir Darius wanted to be just like her, so his mother had the idea that he could become her “assistant,” helping her cut fabric and eventually using the sewing machine.

To read more on this story, click here: 13-year-old boy sews bow ties in adorable effort to help shelter animals get adopted

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The most thrilling athlete in Tokyo is Mopsi, the dressage horse who dances to club bangers

The Tokyo Olympics have been full of unbelievable moments of sportsmanship, humanity, and calamity.

Star athletes have made their countries proud, pushing themselves to the brink of human possibility to take home gold.

But one athlete has emerged whose star power overcomes creed or country, whose grace and excellence can be appreciated by anyone and everyone, no matter their attachment to sport.

Meet Mopsi, the dressage horse.

To read more on this story, and see the video, click here: The most thrilling athlete in Tokyo is Mopsi, the dressage horse who dances to club bangers

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Animals With Down Syndrome: Separating Fact from Fiction

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by abnormal chromosomes, but can animals get down syndrome like humans? Here's the 411 on animals with down syndrome.

For anyone who remembers the animals with down syndrome "trend" on the internet a few years ago (just a quick search online will bring you many listicles and images of said animals), might remember Kenny the White Tiger or Otto the kitten, animals made internet-famous by people claiming that these mammals suffer from down syndrome.

But while we are all for inspiring and adorable animals, we want to go ahead and separate fact from fiction when it comes to animals with down syndrome. Spoiler alert: it's pretty much a myth!

To read more on this story, click here: Animals With Down Syndrome: Separating Fact from Fiction

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This Is What a 550lb Giant Tortoise Looks Like Compared to a Human

People are in shock after realizing just how big giant tortoises really are, after seeing a 550-pound reptile compared to a human.

A clip of the supersized creature heading to lunch has caused a stir online, after it was shared to Twitter on Wednesday.

The caption reveals the pair are Aldabra tortoises, officially the Aldabrachelys gigantea, with the bigger of the two aptly named Tank.

To read more on this story, click here: This Is What a 550lb Giant Tortoise Looks Like Compared to a Human

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Deer Vs. Car Crashes on the Rise as Wildlife Hits the Road

If you've ever lived in the eastern or central United States, chances are you've seen a deer test fate by dashing across a busy road, or worse, test your fate as well by triggering a car crash. A new study finds that car-deer crashes are rising sharply after a few years of decline, just in time for the peak season when Bambi's most likely to hit the interstate. The reason? More cars on the road, and more deer than ever.

Research has found that about 200 people a year in the United States die in crashes caused by darting deer. State Farm Insurance used its claims data to research the problem and estimated that deer hit 1.23 million vehicles between July 2011 and June 2012. Over the past four years, State Farm says, claims from deer hits rose nearly 8 percent, while claims from all other types of collisions fell 8.5 percent.

Most deer-vehicle violations fall into a belt of states in the northern and eastern United States, although as this map from State Farm shows, several southern states also run high risks. The worst state: West Virginia, where a motorist has a 1 in 40 chance of hitting a deer in the next 12 months. South Dakota, Iowa, Michigan and Pennsylvania round out the top five states with the most risk of buck-to-bumper contact. (The lowest: Hawaii, where State Farm says your chances of hitting a deer with a car are smaller than that of being struck by lightning.)

Part of the reason there's more deer accidents comes from the rising number of all kinds of accidents; as the economy starts to grow again, more people get back to commuting or driving longer distances. But the bigger factor comes from America's overpopulated deer herds, estimated at 20 million animals, which have grown even in states where thousands of hunters believe the second week of deer camp is the greatest time of year. Some critics say current hunting rules makes the problem worse by limiting does; others note that suburban sprawl means more deer have places to graze without natural predators where hunting isn't allowed. Many cities have turned to controlled hunts to lower their deer count, but that may only reduce numbers temporarily.

State Farm says November is the peak month for deer strikes, and unfortunately for drivers, there's no guaranteed way to avoid a deer crash. Driving with high beam headlights on as much as possible and watching for deer crossing signs can help; the whistles that mount on your bumper and supposedly scare off deer won't. The only trick that will ensure your safety: Move to Hawaii.

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The Blanket Octopus Looks Like a Rainbow Ghost Alien

Honestly, how are any of us supposed to get anything done when there are animals like this cruising above in the ocean like it’s no big deal?

WE’VE GOT technicolour ghosts down there doing… whatever technicolour ghosts do, and we’re just out here living our lives. Blast that thing into space so it can finally be with its people.

Okay, fine, it can stay, but let’s take a moment to truly appreciate how bonkers this creature is.

Meet the blanket octopus (Tremoctopus violaceus), a bizarre, impressive, gorgeous feat of evolution that might actually be even weirder than it looks.

To read more on this story, click here: The Blanket Octopus Looks Like a Rainbow Ghost Alien 

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Contaminated By An Unusual Pet

In China, the tortoise has traditionally been regarded as auspicious animal auguring good health and longevity. So several weeks after retiring from his job as a driving instructor, 58-year-old Li Xianming spent nearly 3,000 yuan ($490) to buy a rare, imported species as a talisman for his life ahead.

However, Li's tortoise did not bring him good health. Instead, it brought him a painful infection, after he scratched his finger while washing the tortoise's glass tank.

"At first, my right middle finger started feeling itchy. Then a lot of small red welts started appearing," said Li. "After that, I started to have welts all over the back of my hand. I was quite scared."

To read more on this story, click here: Contaminated By An Unusual Pet

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AFRICAN CIVET AS PET – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

There is a growing interest in whether or not African civet can be good pets, in this article we will explore the African civet, the habitat, behavior, diet, and interesting facts about the African Civet as well as its suitability as a pet.

WHAT IS A CIVET

The term civet can mean differently depending on the industry you find yourself in: in music civet is an American punk band in California, in economics civet represents the 6 countries of emerging markets while in the perfume industry, civet also known as civet musk refers to the secretion from the anal gland of animals in the Viverridae species

To read more on this story, click here: AFRICAN CIVET AS PET – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

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Did You Know That a Cat Purring Has Been Linked to Lowering Stress, and Lessening the Chances of Having a Heart Attack?

Those crazy cat ladies might be onto something. According to today’s infographic, our feline friends provide us with more than just emotional support. House cats may actually be contributing to our physical well-being. When a cat purrs within a range of 20-140 Hertz, nearby humans may be therapeutically benefiting from these vibrations. Purring has been linked to lowering stress, decreasing symptoms of Dyspnoea, lessening the chances of having a heart attack, and even strengthening bones.

Pet therapy is apparently gaining momentum in many medical communities, and according to Animal Planet’s website, there is scientific research that suggests pet owners live longer than those without pets.

It seems that our own animals have the ability to relieve us of our troubles, or at least make our worries seem less important. The bond between pets and their owners may never be fully understood, but it’s nice to know having a furry confidant around can add years to our lives.

If you’re thinking about getting a cat, visit you local animal shelter. 

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This Artist Twists Colorful Balloons into All Kinds of Exotic Creatures

Remember balloon animals from your childhood? Well, Japanese artist Masayoshi Matsumoto takes the children’s party craft to a whole other level. The talented sculptor twists colorful balloons into all sorts of exotic creatures that are full of impressive details. His ever-growing portfolio of land animals, insects, birds, plants, and seas creatures are all rendered by hand, entirely from balloons and without the use of tape or markers.

It’s clear to see that Matsumoto has elevated this art form, and it's all stems from a love of both his unconventional craft and of animals. Each large-scale, inflatable sculpture showcases the chosen creature’s distinctive features and textural elements. In one piece, a black scarab features a shiny balloon shell, scalloped front legs, and delicate antennae. In another, a pink squid is rendered in life-like details, including long balloon tentacles, a patterned body, and realistic eyes.

To read more on this story, click here: This Artist Twists Colorful Balloons into All Kinds of Exotic Creatures

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Artist Recreates Portraits of Animals From Flower Petals and Leaves

 

What if feathers, fur, and scales were actually just flower petals and leaves? Australian photographic illustrator Josh Dykgraaf reimagines animals composed entirely from found natural materials. His digitally rendered series, titled Terraform, reminds us of the visible patterns found in nature. His latest works in particular highlight the similarity in shape between petals and reptile scales, as well as leaves and feathers. Each creature looks like some sort of hybrid species from an alien planet.

The inspiration for Terraform came from a simple realization. “I was surfing through some images I'd shot on a totally different project and had the observation that some rock formations in the Swiss Alps looked like the skin of an elephant,” Dykgraaf tells My Modern Met. “That became the first piece in the project, Ourea.” The artist adds, “I then started applying that idea to other forms—noticing that some leaves resemble the feathers of a bird for example, or that magnolia flower petals look like scales.”

To read more on this story, click here: Artist Recreates Portraits of Animals From Flower Petals and Leaves

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Artist Turns Nuts, Bolts, and Scrap Metal Into Life-Size Animal Sculptures

While most of us dispose of old car parts and unused cutlery at the dump, Aloha, Oregon-based artist Brian Mock turns scrap metal into fantastic outdoor sculptures. He collects use and discarded materials—such as screws, nuts, and bolts—and assembles them into human and animal forms.

Mock has been exploring a number of artistic practices from an early age, but discovered his love of upcycling art in the 1990s. He taught himself how to weld, allowing him to visualize his artistic ideas as metal sculptures. Today, he’s creating an entire zoo of metallic animals—including dogs, cats, and larger-than-life lions—all from 100% reclaimed materials. Mock chooses each piece of scrap metal carefully to fit the forms of his subjects—dog tails are depicted as flexible metal chains, and floppy ears are crafted from large sheets of curved steel.

To read more on this story, click here: Artist Turns Nuts, Bolts, and Scrap Metal Into Life-Size Animal Sculptures

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Can Raccoons Be Pets?

With adorable little hands and inquisitive expressions, pet raccoons have become trendy. Pumpkin, the most famous trash panda, has 1.5 million followers on Instagram. Through sunny filters, fans get a glimpse of Pumpkin’s high-class lifestyle — lounging poolside, massaging his dog companions and savoring tasty bowls of edamame.

These dumpster divers are smarter than dogs, and their antics can be endlessly entertaining, but like all Instagram celebrities, looks can be deceiving.

To read more on this story, click here:  Can Raccoons Be Pets?

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Did You Know That You Could Be Living Near Some of the World’s Most Dangerous Animals?

Do you know if you’re living near some of the world’s most dangerous animals? You very well could be. Whether you’re going for a swim, a hike, or even if you’re just relaxing outside, you might encounter a deadly creature. When it comes to danger level, size really doesn’t matter. Some of the smallest animals also are the deadliest.

Take mosquitoes, for example. These tiny pests are well-known for their disease transmission, causing more than 750,000 deaths each year, compared with the larger, more aggressive hippo that causes around 500 deaths annually.

The list contains creatures that are poisonous and vicious, huge and small — proving that danger isn’t dependent on size. But don’t let us scare you away from your next adventure; just be on your guard!

1. Tapeworm

The tapeworm is usually found in raw, contaminated fish or meat. This parasite causes cysticercosis, an infection that spreads throughout the body’s tissue, and affects the muscles and the brain, causing seizures. It can kill up to 700 people yearly.

Being vegan doesn’t look so bad now, does it?

2. Black Mamba

The fastest snake there is, the black mamba can travel up to 12.5 miles an hour. Like the Golden Poison Dart Frog, one of the snake’s bites is poisonous enough to kill ten people. There is an antidote for the venom, but it must be taken within 20 minutes of the bite to prevent death. If you find yourself in the savannas of Eastern and Southern Africa, you might see one of these snakes. Don’t be too worried though, they only attack when threatened.

3. Box Jellyfish

Let’s hope you can swim at a fast pace if you come near these stinging jellyfish. If you happen to be in Australia and swimming the Indo-Pacific region, you might be able to catch a transparent box jellyfish. The sea creature has 15 tentacles, grows to approximately 10 feet long, and is transparent. Their long tentacles are coursing with nematocysts (stinging cells), and attack the skin cells, nervous system, and heart all at once. There are hundreds of stinging incidents — most fatal — annually.

The venom has an antidote, but most victims don’t make it to the hospital to receive it. Survivors are usually left with weeks of pain and scarring.

4. Cape Buffalo

With the nickname “black death,” there’s little guesswork around whether or not these African mammals are deadly. Although calm in a herd, when an individual cape buffalo is threatened or hurt, you better keep your distance. Six feet tall and weighing in at almost a ton, the animals are a force to reckon with, and are apparently the most deadly creatures dwelling on the African continent. You can’t outrun these animals either, as they can reach a charging speed of 35 mph.

5. Cone Snail

With a beautiful, small, and delicate appearance, these Caribbean sea creatures live close to the shore in shallow water and on coral reefs. But what’s a beauty without its beast? These 4-inch to 6-inch snails have poisonous venom within their concealed, teeth-like projectors. If the venom, called conotoxin, enters the victim, they face complete paralysis. Your best bet is heading to the emergency room ASAP. Better hurry because according to the snail’s nickname (“cigarette snail”), the poison will kill you in about the same amount of time it takes to smoke one.

6. Saltwater Crocodile

Unlike the black mamba, the saltwater crocodile is much more inclined to attack, as they’re easily provoked. The croc can be found in the oceans near India, Vietnam, and northern Australia.

Weighing more than a ton and stretching 23 feet in length mean it’s no match for mankind. Their bite delivers a pressure of 3,700 pounds per square inch  compared with the 200 psi of a man’s bite into a piece of meat. The crocs cause hundreds of deaths annually — more than sharks.

7. Deathstalker

Found in the deserts of the Middle East and North Africa, this scorpion’s venom is the most deadliest of its kind. The sting can cause fever, coma, convulsions, paralysis, and ultimately drowning from fluid build up in the lungs. Seek medical help immediately to avoid the side effects of the sting!

8. Rabid Dogs

More than 30,000 people are killed by dogs each year, mostly due to the dog being infected with rabies. This usually occurs in areas where there’s a heavy stray dog population, such as India.

Don’t worry though, dogs are still a man’s best friend, just watch out for the stray ones!

9. Tsetse Fly

Flying around such sub-saharan countries as the Congo and Angola, the tsetse fly’s deadly punch comes from the parasites it carries. Trypanosomes cause what’s known as the “African sleeping sickness.” The disease disrupts the sleep cycle, as well as changes behavior, and can result in a lack of coordination. No vaccines or medicines exist, and death can be the final result. However, you can take precautions by wearing neutral colors, steering clear of bushes, and wearing permethrin-treated gear.

10. Golden Poison Dart Frog

Native to the northern Pacific coast of South America, these rain forest frogs have enough poison to kill up to 10 people. About 2 mcg, which would fit the top of a toothpick, is all it takes to kill one person.

The Emberá indigenous tribe would lace their blow darts with this venom, ensuring death upon contact. If you happen to be visiting the rainforest, don’t go touching these frogs. The venom is hidden under the frog’s skin, making for a poisonous surprise.

11. Hippopotamus

These animals are known as Africa’s deadliest. They need no provocation and will attack just because. They are especially aggressive toward humans, known for tipping over their boats and even causing up to 500 deaths each year. They also can weigh more than 6,000 pounds, so try not to get squished.

12. Humans

Humans have been killing each other since the beginning of time. Wars alone have resulted in an estimated 1 billion deaths. Gun violence and terror attacks are just some of the ways humanity faces death. Our effects on climate change —and threat to pretty much every living creature —make us the most deadly species in the world.

13. Mosquito

Mosquitoes carry various pathogens that cause a staggering amount of deaths each year. More than 3,000 species of the insect exist and can be found all around the world. The Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex genera are largely responsible for transmitting malaria, encephalitis, yellow fever, chikungunya, elephantiasis, West Nile virus, dengue fever, and Zika. Together, these diseases have been responsible for 700 million deaths. Because they’re attracted to humans’ body temperature and the exhalation of carbon dioxide, more than half the human population faces infection. Insect repellents are your best bet against these blood-suckers.

14. Pufferfish

These blowfish can be found in such places as Japan, China, and the Philippines. They’re the second-most-poisonous vertebrate in the world and their neurotoxin — tetrodotoxin — is the most deadly. More poisonous than cyanide, tetrodotoxin causes paralysis, dizziness, vomiting arrhythmia, and breathing difficulty. The poison is spread throughout the fish’s skin, muscle tissue, and various organs. But that’s not enough to stop people from consuming the fish for a good meal. The poisonous parts are avoided in preparation and are uneaten, of course. In Japan, the meal is called “fugu,” and is prepared by trained professionals. However, deaths still result from not being careful enough preparing the fish.

15. Blue-Ringed Octopus

The last deadly sea creature on this list has venom that can kill up to 26 people in one bite. In minutes, the person bitten could be paralyzed and unable to breathe. If that isn’t painful enough, the victim — if breathing has been stabilized — could face hours of their body being neutralized.

16. Africanized Honey Bee

The dangers of Africanized honey bees, sometimes called killer bees, may seem obvious just by their nickname, but in all honesty their deadly moniker is actually underselling them.

Genetically engineered by a Brazilian beekeeper in the mid-20th century, the creatures are much more aggressive than their European counterparts.

They’re known and feared for their tendency to swarm in record numbers and relentlessly chase victims, sometimes for miles.

17. Great White Shark

While Great white sharks aren’t the killing machines that have been portrayed in media like Jaws, the creatures are still some of the most dangerous on Earth.

While they won’t knowingly hunt humans, great whites will often bite with their massive jaws to “test” if something is edible. Said bite can be instantly fatal to a human, and if not it will often cause them to quickly bleed.

18. Komodo Dragon

Komodo dragons are not generally thought of when people begin listing dangerous animals, however that probably has more to do with the fact that humans have limited contact with them in the wild.

The animals are deadly hunters who will track their prey, attack suddenly, and rip out their throats, then head back into the shadows until they bleed out. Only then will the Komodo feed.

19. Hyena

While hyenas are generally stereotyped as being cowardly scavengers, the truth is more complex.

Spotted hyenas kill over 95 percent of the food they eat. Striped hyenas are scavengers, however they are regularly able to chase away much larger animals, including lions, from their kills.

Hyenas don’t generally attack humans, however they have been known to on occasion in the past, especially at night.

20. African Lion

The king of the jungle is referred to as such for a reason.

The African lion is one of the world’s most accomplished predators, and while they’re not known to hunt humans, there have been several documented cases throughout history.

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26 Fascinating Pangolin Facts – Guide to the World’s Most Trafficked Animal

The pangolin is probably the most unfortunate animal you’ve ever heard of. It currently reigns supreme as the most trafficked animal on the planet!

Not only is the pangolin misunderstood and used regularly in traditional medicine, most people think this beautiful mammal is a reptile!

The scaly anteater’s body parts are sold in China and Vietnam as a delicacy, or are used for their mythical healing properties.

To read more on this story, click here: 26 Fascinating Pangolin Facts – Guide to the World’s Most Trafficked Animal

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