When Experts Ran Tests On This Bizarre Creature, They Uncovered A Curious Secret In Its DNA

A strange species is lurking beneath muddy waters in one of South America’s meandering rivers. This bizarre-looking creature is known for its trademark grin and it remains hidden as fish swim past. Then, one strays too close, and the vast mouth of this fearsome creature swiftly consumes its prey.

This curious beast has been a source of entertainment and speculation ever since it was first encountered by Europeans in the 18th century. Its thick shell and broad, flat face twisted in a permanent smile makes it look like a creature from another world. But instead of an alien planet, this reptile inhabits the waterways of countries such as Ecuador, Bolivia and Peru.

To read more on this story, click here: When Experts Ran Tests On This Bizarre Creature, They Uncovered A Curious Secret In Its DNA

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Authorities Rescue a Wild Orangutan Who’d Been Captured and Held Captive by a Group of Local Villagers

Authorities in Borneo, a giant island in Asia, came to the rescue of this wild orangutan who’d been captured and held captive by a group of local villagers. Sadly, crimes against those endangered apes are not uncommon in the region, but there was something quite exceptional about this victim in particular.

Rather than bearing the coloring her species is known for, this orangutan’s hair was blonde and her eyes were a striking shade of blue.

According her new caretakers from the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, a medical team determined that the rescued primate has albinism — a rare genetic anomaly affecting her pigmentation.

Fortunately, despite the differences in her appearance, and the fact that she’d been captured, the rescuers are optimistic that the albino orangutan will be able to return to the wild where she belongs:

“We will continue to observe her and conduct routine health tests,” the group wrote online. “She was held captive by local residents for two days and still displays wild behaviors, meaning there is a good chance she could soon be released back to a natural habitat.”

Visit the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation's website  to find out how you can help support rescues like this one.

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An Army Dog Who Charged Through a Hail of Machine-Gun Fire and Tackled an Al-Qaeda Fighter is to Receive the Animal Equivalent of a Medal of Honor

• A dog who took on an Al-Qaeda insurgent amid a hail of machine-gun fire awarded the animal equivalent of a Medal of Honor.
• Kuno, a Belgian Shepherd Malinois, accompanied British and local forces on a raid on an Al-Qaeda compound when an insurgent pinned them down, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
• Kuno's attack saved lives and enabled the operation to continue, but he received injuries to his back legs and had a paw amputated.
• Now retired with prostheses, he is due to receive the PDSA Dickin Medal for Valour, considered the highest military honor for animals.

A dog who braved a barrage of Al-Qaeda machine-gun fire to save soldiers' lives is to be given the animal equivalent of a Medal of Honor.

To read more on this story, click here: An Army Dog Who Charged Through a Hail of Machine-Gun Fire and Tackled an Al-Qaeda Fighter is to Receive the Animal Equivalent of a Medal of Honor

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CDC Warns Against Using Masks On Pet Animals, Says It 'Could Harm' Them

KEY POINTS

• According to CDC, there's no evidence that animals can spread COVID-19 to human being
• CDC's recent tweet urged people not to put masks on their pet animals
• The federal health agency recommends limiting contact with sick people to protect pets from COVID-19

People have been following various preventive measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 from individuals to their pets. These measures include buying face masks for their pet dogs to wear while on walks during the pandemic. But the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) warns against it and says it could harm the animals.

"DYK it’s not safe to put a mask on your pet? While pets can get #COVID19 from people, the risk of pets spreading COVID-19 is low. Instead, protect your pet by limiting their contact with sick people and people outside the household," read CDC’s recent tweet.

To read more on this story, click here: CDC Warns Against Using Masks On Pet Animals, Says It 'Could Harm' Them

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Considering a Small Pet? Hamsters and Gerbils Make Great Pets: Do You Know the Difference?

Many decide that a hamster or gerbil is the best choice as a small pet in the home. There are a few noted differences between the two, which can help one make the decision about the best individual choice.

One of the primary differences between the hamster and the gerbil is socialization needs. Gerbils in the wild live in groups for the most part. A solitary pet in the cage may be quite unhappy. Thus if one is choosing a gerbil, it is best to purchase more than one to prevent loneliness. However, when buying more than one, it is wiser to get younger gerbils, as they will naturally bond.

If one wishes to avoid a gerbil family, choose two males. Females tend to be more aggressive with each other, but males tend to get along fairly well. This is particularly the case if they are littermates or are housed together at a young age.

The hamster, conversely, tends not to need a friend in captivity. So if one is looking for a single small pet, this may be the better choice. Females tend to be aggressive with each other, as well. So one should avoid housing two female hamsters together. Two males are ideal.

Another big difference between the animals is sleeping patterns. Hamsters are nocturnal, and will spend most of the day sleeping. The captive gerbil is diurnal, and thus will not disturb one’s sleep by shuffling or digging around in a cage. They are also more up for play during the day, while the hamster may not be quite as happy to wake up and play.

The two animals eat basically the same diet. However, the gerbil is more likely to be gassy or have diarrhea if given an excess amount of green vegetables or fruit. Most enjoy a small amount of fruit and veggies, but it should remain a small amount.

The gerbil also has a slightly different personality than the hamster. It tends to be a little more active, and a little more hyper. Both animals need lots of exercise, but a wheel in a cage should never have wires or slots. Both animals can catch a foot in a wheel, and the gerbil can catch its tail. This can result in broken bones, so choose a wheel with a smooth surface for either animal.

The two also differ in appearance. The gerbil has a soft tail, and enjoys standing on its hind legs. The hamster has no tail. Many consider the gerbil to be more rat or mouselike in appearance because of its longer snout. It is more closely related to these rodents than the hamster. Those who enjoy rats and mice may find the gerbil more visually appealing. Those who are not fond of rats and mice may find the hamster has the most appeal.

The gerbil has a higher risk of overheating. If one does not have air conditioning, then the pet should have a temperature-controlled cage that protects the animal from overheating. Care guides for them do suggest a cage or aquarium type enclosure be temperature controlled between 68° to 77° F (20° to 25° C) because gerbils can get dehydrated in hotter temperatures.

Both can be gently raised to not bite. However, the hamster is a little more prone to biting. This can occur if the pet is suddenly startled or if it is suddenly woken from a deep sleep.

The hamster and gerbil have the same average life span, about three years. Different varieties may have a slightly longer life span. Some can live for up to seven years, though this is unusual.

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Tiny Squirrels That Look Like Pokémon Can Only Be Found On Remote Japanese Islands

Regardless of how hard you wish, Pokémon aren’t real. However, here’s the next best thing: Japanese dwarf flying squirrels.

These incredible creatures can only be found on Honshu and Kyushu islands, remote locations in Japan. While there are around 50 different species of flying squirrels all around the world, these ones – known officially as Pteromys momonga – are one of only two ‘Old World’ species.

They’re rather small, measuring out at between 14 and 20 centimetres and weighing between 150-220g. Also, while other many other flying squirrels have one mating cycle per year, the Japanese dwarf flying squirrel has two.

To read more on this story, click here: Tiny Squirrels That Look Like Pokémon Can Only Be Found On Remote Japanese Islands

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Horse Plays Dead Anytime Someone Tries To Ride Him

Life is hard, and sometimes we just don’t feel like doing as we’ve been told to do. Jingang is a horse that definitely feels that sentiment to his core. Not all horses like to be ridden, and Jingang falls right into that category—literally. He’s found a rather unique and hilarious way to protest his discontent. Instead of bucking a person off, Jingang finds it best to pretend to play dead anyone someone tries to ride him. Perhaps Jingang knows its Oscar season, because if you ask me, he’s worthy of an Academy Award for his hilariously dramatic antics.

To read more on this story, click here: Horse Plays Dead Anytime Someone Tries To Ride Him

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HGTV Star Defends Putting Her Infant Next To Her Big Dog After Bullies Try To Mommy-Shame Her

Mina is learning what it means to be a mom in the spotlight. She’s been pretty open with sharing her journey throughout pregnancy and her first few months as a new mom.

Of course, sharing your life publicly means you’re opening yourself up to criticism, as so many moms have learned in the social media age. Mina recently posted a sweet shot of Jack alongside one of her three dogs, Frank. The sight of the tiny 2-month-old lying with the large-breed dog seems to have upset some of Mina’s followers, but she’s not standing for it.

To read more on this story, click here: HGTV Star Defends Putting Her Infant Next To Her Big Dog After Bullies Try To Mommy-Shame Her

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