Being part of the legacy that Steve Irwin left behind must be no easy task, but Robert Irwin, his 13-year-old son makes it seem smooth and oh-so-easy. Robert and his family have always been involved with nature, and even as a baby, his love for it was obvious. Now as a young teenager, he has actually traveled around the world with his family, capturing nature while at it and becoming an award-winning photographer – yes, at just 13-years-old! Regardless of his age, there is no question why his work has been recognized in several contests: the images he captures are raw and pretty up-close, giving people a more intimate glance at nature and wildlife through his images. To read more on this story, click here:These Incredible Animal Photos Show Why Steve Irwin’s Son Is An Award Winning Photographer
Typical Loggers' Workday The loggers of the Georgia Kraft Co., were experiencing a regular workday. The company is located in Jasper, Georgia, and as a paper mill machinery business, part of its work involves acquiring wood for paper pulp. So, one day in the year 1980, the loggers went out to a nearby forest to cut some trees. Little did they know that there was a secret hidden inside a tree that they were about to uncover.
Shocked They realized something wasn't right as soon as they cut down that tree trunk. Unlike most chestnut tree trunks, this piece was light and hollow on the inside. And once the trunk was on the ground, they realized that in the middle was a black hole. But they weren't expecting to find what they did, which was a canine growling at them. And while they were shocked by this discovery, there was an intriguing story behind it all.
Not Your Average Wood Given that they grow faster than oak trees, American chestnut trees have always been of great commercial valuable. In fact, surviving specimens remain throughout eastern North American regions like Nova Scotia, New Hampshire, Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee, despite a fungal infection that nearly made this species of trees extinct in the early 20th century. Chestnut trees have a number of interesting characteristics, one of which resulted in this phenomenon, which stunned loggers.
Hollow interior The loggers began to chop down all of the chestnut trees that they had selected to be cut. It was a grueling task, which would take all day. Then they prepared to cut down this chestnut tree. But they realized that it was hollow the moment their axes hit the trunk. But that didn't matter. As long as the wood came from a chestnut tree it would produce pulp that was high in quality. So, they continued to chop, not realizing what was within.
Something Was Off About That Tree Once the tree trunk came down, the loggers prepared to start cutting it into logs that they could place on their truck. But then they saw something that caught their eye. Inside the hollowed-out trunk was something that was preventing the light from passing through. The loggers took a closer look and then they jumped back in shock and fear. Inside the trunk was a beast who was looking straight at them.
Was It A Pooch? The mysterious creature was surprisingly, a dog. The loggers could tell because it had sharp canine teeth, a long snout, and paws that were near the trunk's top. But there was something really strange about this dog. It looked as if it was frozen. The loggers didn't understand how the dog wound up inside the tree trunk, or why it appeared the way that it did. But they had a job to complete, so they had to make a decision about what to do with this fast.
It Was Too Valuable The loggers knew they'd lose money by not cutting up the tree trunk, but they decided that this interesting discovery was too incredible to chop down. So, they decided to set it aside in the hopes that they could find someone they could give it to who could investigate the origin of the dog inside the trunk. Fortunately, the trunk eventually found its way to the right place.
Southern Forest World A year after the loggers discovered the dog inside the chestnut tree trunk, the Southern Forest World opened in 1981. The museum dedicated itself to the Southeastern United States' industry of forestry, which included wood production in colonial America to modern tree farming techniques. The loggers from the Georgia Kraft Co., knew that this was the right home for the tree trunk.
A Popular Exhibit Southern Forest World received the tree trunk before it opened its doors. The staff knew it would be a popular exhibit despite the fact that its connection to the forestry industry was only due to the fact that a bunch of loggers had discovered it. But they wanted to learn more about the dog within the trunk, and that's when the truth behind the mysterious chestnut tree was discovered.
Bottom Of The Mystery Southern Forest World sought out the help of biology experts to study the dog inside the trunk. The dog seemed to be mummified, but no one could figure out how that would have happened naturally without the help of human hands and the methods used back in ancient Egypt. But, biological anthropologist Kristina Killgrove from the University of West Florida discovered that this is exactly what had occurred to the dog.
Preservation Killgrove analyzes tissue decay and explains how the putrefying process begins when microbes begin to eat the tissue shortly after death. “They grow, they reproduce, and they start taking over the body,” she explained. But a property within the chestnut tree prevented nature from taking its course. Chestnut trees contain tannin, an organic substance that acts as a desiccant and absorbs moisture. It was the lack of moisture that prevented microbes from beginning the decaying process. But what about scavengers living outside the tree?
Masking The Scent When microbes begin to consume a deceased body, natural predators are lured by the smell and arrive to turn the body into a meal. But the chestnut tree prevented this from happening to the dog. In fact, it blew the air up through the hollow trunk like a chimney, which prevented other animals from smelling it. “Anything that would eat dead flesh would never know he was in the tree,” explained Bertha Sue Dixon, Southern Forest World's director. But one question about this mystery remained.
The Final Chase That Ended His Life The question remained, how did the dog wind up inside the trunk of this tree? According to Dixon, “He’s a hunting dog, so we assumed that he was chasing something in the tree.” According to experts, the dog, who was 4 years old at the time, was probably chasing a raccoon or a squirrel around 1960. He may have followed his prey into the tree, but got stuck 28 feet in, where it likely died of starvation. But now he's preserved forever, and he's very popular.
Popular Attraction The mummified dog has been extremely popular in the Southern Forest World. In fact, the attraction can be found prominently displayed in the central rotunda of the building. It's also surrounded by a variety of tree specimens like cypress, oak, and pine trees. He's such a star that his image is on promotional materials and even postcards. But ironically, it would be decades before the dog would get a name.
Meet Stuckie The hound was called the "Mummified Dog" up until 2002. That's when the museum had a naming contest and some of the runner-up names included "Chipper," and "Dogwood." But the museum picked "Stuckie" as the winner. The person who came up with the dog's name said that the dog's trunk coffin was like "pecan logs," which are sold in Stuckey's convenience stores. Of course, to avoid trademark infringement, the museum had to change the spelling a bit. If you're interested, you can go to the Southern Forest World in Waycross, Georgia and pay Stuckie the Mummified Dog a visit.
(CBS Local) — A 61-year-old New York man developed an extremely rare and fatal brain disorder after he ate squirrel brains, according to a new report. The unnamed victim was taken to a hospital in Rochester, New York in 2015 after his ability to think and was losing touch with reality. He also could no longer walk. His family described him as an avid hunter who had dined on squirrel brains. However, it was not clear if the man had consumed the entire squirrel brain or just squirrel meat that was contaminated with parts of squirrel brain, according to Dr. Tara Chen, a medical resident at Rochester Regional Health and lead author of the report. Chen presented the report October 4 at IDWeek, an annual meeting of infectious diseases professionals. To read more on this story, click here:Doctors Suspect Man Died Of Extremely Rare Disease After Eating Squirrel Brains
There are a number of everyday household items that can be poisonous to cats, so as they are inquisitive animals it's important to keep them out of their reach. This visual guide lists some common cat poisons, explains what the symptoms of poisoning are and what to do: Most importantly, if you suspect your cat has ingested poison, take them to a vet immediately. COMMON CAT POISONS Spot On dog flea treatments: Never use a dog treatment on a cat. Some dog flea treatments contain concentrated permethrin insecticide, which is highly toxic to cats. Cats can even be poisoned simply through contact with any dogs that have been recently treated with flea spot on products containing concentrated permethrin, so read labels and take care. Human medicines: Common painkillers such as ibuprofen, aspirin and paracetamol can be deadly – just one paracetamol tablet can be enough to cause severe illness or even death. Antifreeze: Antifreeze is lethal to cats – ingestion of just a small amount can lead to kidney failure and death. Household chemicals: Disinfectants (particularly those containing phenol, which usually go cloudy when added to water) and decorating agents like white spirit are toxic to cats. Pest control such as slug pellets, insecticides, weed killers and rodent bait are also very dangerous. Lilies: A number of plants can be toxic to cats, but lilies in particular can be lethal. Cats have been poisoned by simply brushing against toxic plants and then licking the pollen from their fur, so avoid them altogether. You can see a full list of plants that are dangerous to cats on International Cat Care’s website. Human foods: Certain human foods including onions, raisins, coffee and chocolate can poison your cat. It’s also worth noting that although it’s not poisonous, a common food intolerance in cats is to lactose in milk. To read more this story, click here:Cat Poisoning Advice: A Visual Guide to Keeping Your Pet Safe
It can be a crime to leave pets outside in extreme temperatures without food and shelter Cold weather can be deadly for pets. As the temperature plummets in many parts of the country, The Humane Society of the United States sees a marked increase in the number of complaints about dogs and cats who have been left outside with no food or shelter. We encourage you to contact local law enforcement agencies because pets left outside in extreme temperatures, especially without food and shelter, are at risk of hypothermia, frostbite and even death. Their owners are at risk of facing criminal charges. The act of leaving a pet outside without food or adequate shelter often receives less attention than a violent attack against an animal, but neglect is a crime. "Especially in these cold months, it is important for people to bring their pets inside and for others to report neglected animals to law enforcement,” says Ashley Mauceri, HSUS manager for cruelty response, who fields these calls. To read more on this story, click here: What To Do If You See a Pet Left Out in the Cold
I am proud to be the owner of a former shelter dog who is a mutt (my PAL Buster might look and act just like a Black Lab, but I assure you, with pleasure, that he is a mutt). I am someone who will always own a dog, and I have decided that I will only own rescue or shelter dogs. Therefore I am a big fan of October, which is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Behavioral and lifestyle questions for yourself and shelter staff The decision to adopt a shelter dog (or any dog) needs to be come from introspection. Shelters have dogs to suit any situation or lifestyle. What sort of dog do you desire? What sort of dog can you handle? The latter question is the more important one. Human-canine relationships work only when the human is the leader. I do not subscribe to schools of thought that recommend humans be aggressive or domineering with dogs. However, dog owners must be sufficiently competent and confident to lead the relationship gently. This is for the safety of the dog and all of the people who meet the dog. Unfortunately I have met many people who have misjudged their confidence and competence when adopting dogs. The result invariably is a bad relationship in which the dog does not respect its owner. A shy, fearful, hesitant, or inexperienced owner who adopts a spirited, challenging dog will probably suffer with behavior problems over time. These behavior problems can devolve into a situation that can be fatal for the dog; euthanasia for behavior problems unfortunately is common in this world. If you are an experienced dog owner who enjoys the robustness of a relationship with a spirited dog, then by all means adopt one. If you are inexperienced or if you lack confidence, then you need to look for an easy going, easy-to-handle dog. To read more on this story, click here:What Questions Should I Ask Before Adopting a Shelter Dog?
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol made a bust in Atlanta that's complete hogwash. Last Thursday, K-9 Hardy certainly squealed with delight when he alerted his handler to the roasted pig head inside a traveler's luggage. The passenger from Ecuador attempted to carry the two-pound piece of pork through customs at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. “Our best defense against destructive pests and animal diseases is to prevent the entry of prohibited agriculture products from entering the United States,” said Carey Davis, CBP Area Port Director for the Port of Atlanta. “This seizure at ATL illustrate the tremendous expertise of our four-legged K-9 partners in protecting the United States." Pork products from other continents are not allowed to enter the U.S. in an effort to prevent the potential introduction of foreign animal diseases such as Foot and Mouth disease, Classical Swine Fever and Swine Vesicular disease. This is one interception Hardy can take to the piggy bank.
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San Bernardino County Sheriff's deputies in California had to reach into their bag of tricks — or lunch bag of tricks — to corral a portly pig that had gotten loose. The two deputies from the Highland station responded to a call of a pig "the size of a mini horse" wandering the streets. They decided the path of least resistance was to sacrifice a bit of their lunch to create a trail of chips to entice the pig back home.
You’ve gone to training classes, read books, and even watched videos. Yet your dog still seems to dislike training with you. This is usually around the time a pet owner will tell her dog trainer that her pup is either dumb or stubborn, and therefore cannot be trained. However, in situations like this, an owner is often accidentally sabotaging the training sessions. AKC GoodDog! Helpline program manager Penny Leigh, CPDT-KA, reveals some of the most common mistakes we make that can cause a dog to disengage. Attitude “Owners need to always approach training with a positive attitude and avoid telling the dog ‘no’ or making negative sounds like ‘ehhh,’ etc.,” says Leigh. While the idea of a “negative marker” has been around for decades and was originally used by positive reinforcement trainers, research has shown that a negative marker actually hinders learning. “Dogs need to feel confident in order to learn new skills,” explains Leigh. “If they are constantly being told that they are wrong, then they don’t want to try anymore.” Enter what many dog owners describe as the “stubborn” dog. This is a canine companion that seems to be ignoring his owner — doing everything except what is asked of him. To read more on this story, click here:These Common Training Mistakes Might Be Causing Your Dog to Disengage
Most people know that alpacas can be used as pack animals and that their fleece is valued for its silkiness. Pet lovers often ask if alpacas can make friendly pets. The truth is, these llama cousins are friendly and easy to handle. Besides being inquiring, they are also intelligent and sensitive. Additionally, they are calming to be around and show a quick response to gentle handling. Here are 7 reasons alpacas make great pets. 1. Alpacas Have Super-Soft Hypoallergenic Fleece. If you have never touched alpaca fleece, you will be delighted at how soft it feels. Besides being fluffy and soft, alpaca fiber is naturally free from lanolin and other allergy-causing agents. Whether you want to hug an alpaca or make a blanket from its fleece, you are not likely to suffer the same redness and itchiness caused by other types of fiber. Additionally, alpaca fiber has been granted a class 1 rating by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission because of its flame resistant nature. This fleece is also water resistant, making it a warmer alternative to cotton, and a lightweight option to sheep’s wool. 2. Given Time, Alpacas Are Typically Receptive to Human Touch. Every relationship is founded on trust. Once this amazing animal becomes acquainted with you, it will be much more receptive to your contact and touch. In fact, alpacas tend to be more similar to cats in behavior than to dogs. After establishing trust from familiarity, most alpacas will allow you to stroke their backs and necks, and even hug them! What’s more, alpacas are very friendly and even more receptive to children than adults, perhaps because children are small, and therefore less intimidating to be around with than adults. To read more on this story, click here:7 Reasons Alpacas Make Great Pets
I am so delighted to share all the information I have learned on how to raise baby chicks. Whether you are dreaming of fresh eggs, learning to be more self-reliant, looking for a great pet or wanting your own home-grown chickens for meat, just about anyone can raise chickens. I love my chickens. But growing up I was terrified of them. The drive for learning how to be self-reliant and the desire for fresh eggs helped me to overcome my fears. I live in the city and only am allowed a couple of chickens, so I brought home 4 chirping little baby chicks this past spring. After learning how to raise baby chicks and watching them grow, I can say they are the most enjoyable pets I have ever raised. They are super easy to care for, can be very loving, inexpensive to feed plus you get super delicious fresh eggs from them too. To read more on this story, click here:How to Raise Baby Chicks
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How often you need to wash your dog depends on a variety of things, including the dog’s breed, size, type of coat, and activities. Dogs that are frequently outdoors may need more frequent baths, while indoor dogs may need a bath only every few months. Baths can be scary for dogs, but with a little knowledge and preparation, you can make washing your dog a good experience for both of you. Before you bathe your dog, brush its fur thoroughly before the bath, and place cotton balls in your dog’s ear canals to protect it from getting an ear infection. Adjust the temperature in the bath so it’s warm but not hot. Wet your dog from the neck to its tail, making sure you fully saturate the coat, then pour a strip of shampoo down the dog’s back and massage it in. Lather up the dog’s entire body except for its head, then use a washcloth to gently clean the dog’s face. Rinse the dog completely, then pat it with a towel to dry. To read more on this story, click here:How to Wash a Dog
While cats can be meticulous groomers, there are times when they really need a bath. Sometimes they get into something very sticky or dirty. Other times, they have a medical condition that requires regular bathing with medicated shampoo. Despite this, most cats will react negatively to getting a bath, which can be stressful for both the cat and the owner. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to make bath time less stressful for both parties, and this wikiHow will show you how. To read more on this story, click here:How to Bathe a Cat
The first thing you must do if you’re thinking of having Capuchin monkeys as pets is to check the laws for exotic pets in your State. It is extremely important to know that capuchin monkeys, like other primates, can transmit certain diseases to humans. After rabies, Hepatitis is the most common. Capuchins can also be infected with more common ailments quite easily from humans since their immune systems are not as strong as ours. Monkeys are messy, and most capuchin owners use diapers for their monkey’s entire life. Since they can live for as long as 35-40 years in captivity, that’s a lot of diapers! They may also need to be bottle-fed for their entire lives. Capuchins are mostly kept on leashes both inside and outside of the home. Capuchin owners treat their monkeys like babies and commonly dress them up. Capuchins can grow to weigh up to 4 lbs but the average weight is 2 pounds. They grow twelve to twenty-two inches in height and their tails are also usually the same length as the body. These monkeys can become quite troublesome and aggressive when they reach sexual maturity, which can be difficult for the owner to handle. To read more on this story, click here: Capuchin Monkeys, Do These Primates Make Good Pets?
