The Featured Creature

"Never Bite Off More Than You Can Chew" - Advice From the Black Swallower

2012-02-16T14:04:00.000-08:00

image source: jancel.ru

Habitat: worldwide distribution in tropical and subtropical waters

Status: Not Evaluated

Meet the python of the deep sea. This is the Black Swallower (Chiasmodon niger), a fish that really bites off more than it can chew! Only reaching lengths of a mere 10 inches, size isn't the intimidating factor associated with this creature, it's its appetite!

Black Swallowers get their name from swallowing their prey, which consist of bony fish, whole. Now here's where things get really weird - its food can be over twice the swallower's size and TEN TIMES its mass!

Most specimens that have been recovered were found after undigested fish inside the [already dead] swallower produced gases that sent the sucker ballooning up to the surface of the ocean where it could be collected.

Thanks Jennifer Paul, for recommending this creature!

image source: jancel.ru

A Dog Within A Dog

2012-02-15T13:50:00.000-08:00

I want it (them?)

New Week Nudi: the Hot Mess

2012-02-15T13:04:00.001-08:00

Habitat: waters of the Indo-West Pacific (though it has also been reported from Hawaii)

Status: No Conservation Concerns

This nudibranch, Kalinga ornata, is a perfect example of a what-the-heck-is-going-on-here creature. I mean just look at this thing - it's basically a blob of mismatched bumps and lumps bedazzled with red, orange, blue, and yellow spots. Ok, nudibranch... come on now. Let's get it together here. Choose a style and run with it!

These sea slugs grow to at least 130mm. That's 130mm of pure hot mess.

OMG! "Mini-Meleon" Discovered Just In Time To Be My Valentine

2012-02-14T12:47:00.001-08:00

This is truly the teeniest, tiniest chameleon I've ever seen - along with the rest of the world! This newly discovered species from Madagascar is called Brookesia micra and it's now officially recognized as the world's smallest chameleon and possibly one of the smallest reptiles, period.

As Dailymail puts it: "the-three centimetre reptile is no bigger than the flies that form his average-sized cousin's lunch."

Ted Townsend, of San Diego State University, carried out genetic testing on the new species.He said: 'Their size suggests that chameleons might have evolved in Madagascar from small and inconspicuous ancestors, quite unlike the larger and more colourful chameleons most familiar to us today.'

I call dibs on being its Valentine!!!!!

Valentine's Day Woes of the Blushing Snail

2012-02-14T12:43:00.000-08:00

Habitat: found only on St Helena

Status: Near Threatened

The Blushing Snail (Succinea sanctaehelenae) gets its name from the rosy hue its skin and shell take on. I thought it was appropriate as this year's Valentine's Day animal because, who knows, maybe the snail actually gets its name from being frozen in a permanently embarrassed state after its boyfriend showed up at work with a huge bouquet of tulips for V-day.

Tulips ... really?

I Love Sink.

2012-02-13T16:01:00.000-08:00

The Cat version of "I Love Lamp."

Journey From a Fluff Ball: The Tawny Frogmouth

2012-02-13T11:13:00.000-08:00

Habitat: Australia

Status: Least Concern

May I present to you one of the cutest (and coolest) birds in the animal kingdom: the Tawny Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides). These guys pass through three stages (according to me) that lead it to ultimately become... a branch. Don't worry, you'll understand what I mean soon enough!

Stage 1: The Puff of Fluff

The first (and best!) stage of the Tawny Frogmouth is when it first hatches. These almost too-cute-to-be-alive chicks resemble cotton balls or pom-poms. Tawny Frogmouths are known for their extremely wide mouths which are already evident in these photos.

Stage 2: Hopping Lint

I feel like these are the bird example of "dust bunnies." As the Tawny Frogmouth grows its brown feathers start to come in. This is the 'awkward' phase of a Frogmouth's life, I'm assuming, since no one really wants to look like a big pile of collected lint.

Stage 3: A Branch is Born

image source: http://qldfloods.org

© Michael Dempsey

After much adieu we arrive at the branch stage. Now you're probably still asking, what the heck is she talking about? Well, Tawny Frogmouths have a little trick up their sleeve. Once full grown, their method of escaping predators is to make it seem as if they were never around to be caught in the first place. They basically camouflage themselves into branches so well that it's hard to spot them in the forests of Australia. The pose they strike combined with their bark-colored feathers makes this creature a master of disguise... but there's still no masking its journey from cute to extreme camouflager!

Don't forget to check out this outrageously adorable video!

A REAL LIFE Tim Burton Caterpillar Creation

2012-02-10T14:30:00.000-08:00

image source: brahmaeidae.blogspot.com

Habitat: Russian Far East, the Korean Peninsula and China

Status: No Conservation Concerns

The caterpillar of the Sino-Korean Owl Moth (Brahmaea certhia) looks like something straight out of a Tim Burton art exhibit. Tell me you can't see this thing in some dark, twisted version of Alice in Wonderland (playing the smoking caterpillar of course)?

Even after it transforms into its adult moth version it is still pretty intimidating. Someone show this to Tim Burton ASAP! Okay, okay, give me his contact info and I guess I'll do it. *sigh*

Snack Attack: Biscuit Kite Spider

2012-02-09T14:08:00.000-08:00

image source: http://www.djaniwildlife.co.za

Habitat: Central, East, Southern Africa

Status: Not Listed

Spiders are growing on me more and more lately... when it comes to being able to look at them in photographs, that is. I would still go absolutely nuts if I saw even an almost microscopic one in my house.

This Biscuit Kite Spider (Isoxya tabulata) really does resemble a cracker! You'd think that would be counterproductive when trying to avoid predators, since what bird isn't a fan of a nice buttery biscuit!

8 MORE Really Weird Dog Breeds

2012-02-08T14:10:00.000-08:00

Here's the next installment in strange dog breeds. Make sure you check out the first post for the original odd puppies!

Alaskan Klee Kai

image source: Mogwai the Alaskan Klee Kai

image source: pinterest.com

image source: Mogwai the Alaskan Klee Kai

The Alaskan Klee Kai is an ADORABLE (look at that first picture!!! THE BONE IS SO BIG!) miniature version of the Alaskan Husky. "Klee Kai" even means "small dog" in Alaskan Athabaskan language. These dogs were bred to be a companion sized replica of the husky that were fit for apartment living. They come in three sizes:

Toy: Alaskan Klee Kai that are up to and including 13 inches high
Miniature: over 13 inches high and up to 15 inches high.
Standard: over 15 inches high and up to 17 inches high

Alaskan Klee Kais are highly intelligent, curious and active. However, unlike regular Alaskan Huskies, Klee Klais are typically standoffish and cautious around strangers, making them very capable watchdogs.

Bouvier Des Flandres

image source: Murphy the Bouvier des Flandres

image source: animal.discovery.com

A rugged herding dog is the Bouvier des Flandres which has goes by the name of Vuilbaard, or 'dirty beard.' This powerful dog was bred to be able to perform tirelessly, herding and guarding cattle and even pulling cargo carts back in the day. My favorite characteristic is definitely its large head and scruffy beard which just looks like it would be fun to pet. And since these dogs have a gentle and calm nature, I really wouldn't mind a little cuddle sess!

Cirneco dell'Etna

image credit: ilrestodelcarlino.blogspot.com

image source: http://en.wikipedia.org

Originating from Sicily is the Cirneco dell'Etna; a small dog that was historically used to hunt rabbits that is able to go for hours without food or water. They also have a very keen sense of smell, so maybe don't torment them by cooking lots of things with garlic. Just a thought.

Akbash Dog

image source: dogbreedinfo.com

image source: dog-pictures.tk

image source: pluspets.net

If you ever wanted to own a Polar Bear, this is as close as you'll ever come to it. The Akbash Dog is a pretty large breed, with females weighing around 90 lbs and males 120 lbs with a height from 27 to 34 inches. While it is a relatively low energy breed, the Akbash is very aware of its surroundings; constantly taking in what's going on around it and "sleeping with one eye open." Are you aware I want to cuddle you forever, Mr. Akbash?

Xoloitzcuintli

image source: oddessey2000.com

image source: lamascota.com

image source: dogbreedinfo.com

image source: xenophilius.wordpress.com

You're looking at the rare Xoloitzcuintli, or Mexican Hairless Dog as it is known in English speaking countries. Archaeological evidence indicates that this strangely (almost) bald breed has been around for more than 3,000 years in Mexico. It is believed that early ancestors of Xolos originated from hairless mutations of indigenous American dogs. These dogs make excellent companions, as the Aztecs apparently knew since they were considered to be sacred. They believed the dogs were needed by their masters’ souls to help them safely through the underworld. Today, masters simply need them to not poop on the carpet.

Norrbottenspets

image source: poctos.com

image source: corrientesguau.com.ar

image source: canadogs.com

image source: chickentalk.org

Hailing from Norrbotten, Sweden and Lappland/Kainuuland, Finland is the Norrbottenspets - a breed with a fun name that's a bit of a tongue-twister. These dogs make excellent hunters and some individuals have even been known to take down moose and grizzly bear! Interestingly, the breed almost died out by the end of World War I and were only saved after enthusiasts started a breeding program in the 1950's and 60's. This is why we need active animal lovers!

Mudi

image source: http://mudipuppiesblog.com

image source: puppiesndogs.com

image source: http://mudipuppiesblog.com

THe Mudi's curly or wavy coat comes in a variety of gorgeous colors including black, brown, white, yellow, gray, graybrown, black merle, brown merle, gray merle, and graybrown merle. Whew! Lots to choose from there. But just because they're pretty to look at doesn't mean that's all they're good for. Mudi's can an compete in dog agility trials, obedience, Rally obedience, Schutzhund, showmanship, flyball, tracking, and herding events. This dog really is a force to be reckoned with. Beauty and brains!

Schipperke

image source: home.comcast.net/~pomerke/

image source: gotpetsonline.com

image source: punnypuppy.blogspot.com

I looove this little black dog! The Schipperke only weighs between 7-20lbs when full grown. They have small pointed ears and a thick, long ruff (like a mane) that encircles its neck. Schipperke's are incredibly adorable but they have a bit of a mischievous personality. They are known for a stubborn and headstrong temperament, and are sometimes referred to as the "little black fox", the "Tasmanian black devil", or the "little black devil". Devilishly cute, more like it!

New Week Nudi: Chromodoris britoi

2012-02-08T08:33:00.001-08:00

Habitat: Mediterranean and Eastern Atlantic

Status: No Conservation Concerns

I'm absolutely in love with the psychedelic colors of this nudibranch, Chromodoris britoi!!

This is another creature that reminds me of an "oily rainbow." You know, the type you see in puddles along the roads? I guess these guys are a bit more glamorous, though.

See the B.P. beetle, Psychedelic Grasshopper, or any of the other colorful creatures for more rainbow fun!

Prepare to Encounter the Wild Mississippi!

2012-02-07T15:30:00.000-08:00

Wide shot of the bayou from the bow of the boat. (Photo Credit: © NGC / Whitney Beer-Kerr)

The mighty Mississippi River is home to a vast array of incredible species including beavers, wolves, bears, moose, eagles, and many other creatures. While these animals have been showcased on television before, the new Nat Geo Wild three-part miniseries entitled, "Wild Mississippi" takes things a step further by really focusing on the extreme environment that these animals cope with.

Nat Geo Wild spent an entire YEAR exploring the 2,350-mile-long river and breaks up the series into 'seasons.' The first episode is called Deep Freeze which premieres Sunday, February 12, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. In this episode, cameramen capture the masterful techniques of surviving in world that has transformed from a beautiful autumn into a perilous and freezing winter wilderness. Epic shots of bald eagles hunting is one of my favorite scenes from this episode.

Part two of the series, Raging Waters, airs an hour later at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Now the mighty Mississippi has morphed back into a lush landscape again as spring is in bloom - except all the animals aren't in the clear yet. With the melting of the vast amounts of ice that had encased the river comes massive flooding that forces wildlife to quickly adapt... or else. Be sure to catch the adorable wood ducklings in this episode that must survive a 30-foot jump to find sanctuary from the rising high tides.

The last episode, Delta Blues, airing at 10 p.m. ET/PT, begins as the intense flood waters of the Mississippi combine with those of the Ohio River. Now not one, but two massive rivers challenge humans and animals alike. Wild boars try and flee for safety as the water rises at a rate of two inches every hour and people abandon their homes as the Mississippi expands to more than 25 miles wide!

You won't want to miss this epic series which premieres Sunday, Feb 12, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

Two Super Cute (and Super Rare) Albino Wombats Rescued!

2012-02-07T08:09:00.000-08:00

Via Dailymail:

Two albino Southern Hairy-nosed Wombats were discovered wandering around the southern Australia outback hungry and exhausted.

The animals, which live in a maze complex underground tunnels, can grow up to a length of around 40 inches long and 14 inches high. A fully grown adult can weigh to 32kg or 68lbs - feeding on long grass and weeds - and are usually yellowish or sandy, to brown or black, to grey.

The two rare wombats, named Icy and Pola now, were taken to Ceduna Fauna Rescue Centre, where manager Val Salmon and her team nursed them back to health. These are only the second and third white wombats to be seen at the sanctuary in more than 30 years.

Gummy Bear Larva!

2012-02-06T12:54:00.000-08:00

Flickr photographer pbertner captured some photos of Sawfly Larva (belonging to suborder Symphyta) which are exceptionally cute, in my opinion. They look like big mushy gummy bears... in caterpillar-esque form. While the larva of the sawfly does resemble baby butterflies, they are different in that they have six or more pairs of prolegs on the abdomen (caterpillars have 5 or fewer) and they have two eyes instead of the caterpillar's six.

All in all, I suppose I'm still more of a fan of caterpillars. However, these guys make a convincing case for me to think otherwise...

adult sawfly

5 Valentine's Day Inspired Animals

2012-02-03T15:59:00.000-08:00

Magnificent Frigatebird

Habitat: widespread in the tropical Atlantic, breeding colonially in trees in Florida, the Caribbean and Cape Verde Islands

Status: Least Concern

The Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) is probably one of the sweetest birds ever. To attract a mate, the bird will force air into the patch of red skin on its throat, called the gular sac, so that it in 20 minutes it is fully inflated into a heart-shaped balloon. Then, the male bird sits in wait for a female to pass by. When one does, they waggle their heads from side to side, shake their wings, and call to their amour. I feel like if I wras a bird I would be pretty impressed by a guy waving a heart-shaped balloon and calling at me. Maybe I'm easily won over now that I think about it...

Kissing Gouramis

image source: reuters.com
Habitat: originate from Thailand to Indonesia
Status: No Conservation Concerns

Kissing Gouramis (Helostoma temminckii) sound like they would be great fish lovers, but in fact, the kissing isn't to show affection. Males of this species will spar with other males by protruding their mouths so that they can "kiss" them into submission. The best "kisser" gets the territory everyone is after!

Lovebirds

image source: psdeluxe.com

image source: creativefan.com

image source: bopmyspace.com

Habitat: Eight species are native to the African continent, while the Grey-headed Lovebird is native to Madagascar

Status: No Conservation Concerns

Lovebirds (genus Agapornis) don't get their name because they look so lovely; they get it because how in love they become with their mates! These birds are very affectionate towards their romantic partner and form close bonds that can last for their entire lives - which can be as much as 15 years! In Celtic mythology, Aengus, the god of love, was seen with four tiny lovebirds flying around his head. There are several different species of lovebirds such as Fischer's lovebird (Agapornis fischeri), Rosy-faced Lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis), and the Red-headed Lovebird (Agapornis pullarius), among others. However, I did own a pair of lovebirds when I was younger, and let me tell you these things are anything but sweet. I remember crying from bird bites!

Orchid Mantis

image source: http://37signals.com

image source: academics.eckerd.edu

Habitat:Malaysia, Indonesian and Sumatran rain forests

Status: No Conservation Concerns

Everyone loves getting flowers on Valentines Day, but what if your prospective lover looked just like a flower! Would you be interested? Female Orchid Mantises (Hymenopus coronatus) sure are since their male counterparts are so well camouflaged against orchids and lilies that I can't even find them in these pictures sometimes!

Bleeding-heart Dove

image credit: vzonabaxter

image credit: ysaleth

image credit: deepeningwisdom.wordpress.com

Habitat: island of Luzon in the Phillipines
Status: Near Threatened

If you're feeling a bit down about Valentine's Day then you share something in common with the Bleeding-heart Dove (Gallicolumba luzonica)who was obviously dumped right before the holiday. Just kidding. That red spot on its chest isn't from a broken heart, it's simply a splash of bright red color in the middle of its white chest that makes it appear like it's hurt. The redness extends down its belly, making it seem as if blood is running down from the wound.

Sorry to end things on a tragic note, but I figured we could try and cheer this dove up together... by submitting this article to your favorite social media site! *cough stumbleupon cough*

Tripping Out With the Psychedelic Frogfish

2012-02-03T12:55:00.000-08:00

This totally radical *said in surfer dude voice* creature is the Psychedelic Frogfish (Histiophryne psychedelica). It was first described in 2009 by Ted Pietsch, Rachel Arnold, and David J. Hall in the scientific journal Copeia, where they described it as having "a remarkable pigment pattern of white swirling stripes", hence their use of the term psychedelic. One of the strange features of the Psychedelic Frogfish is that it doesn't have scales. In fact, all members of the order Lophiiformes have flabby, fleshy skin which is sometimes covered in a protective mucous. Ew.

The pattern of stripes on the Psychedelic Frogfish acts much like zebra stripes or the spots on humpback whale tails in that it is unique to that particular frogfish. Scientists can identify the frogfish, therefore, by its unique fingerprint-like pattern.

One of my favorite things about this fish is its form of locomotion. Normally the frogfish uses its hand-like fins to walk along the bottom of the ocean. However, in some cases it will use its fins to push off from the ocean floor while at the same time shooting water through its gills to propel itself forward via jet propulsion. The reason why this is so cool is that when doing so, the fish takes on a ball shape, making it look like a trippy beach ball floating through the water. Gnarly!

7 Incredible Animal Hobbies I'd Like to Take Up

2012-02-02T15:51:00.000-08:00

Beluga Whale

image source: damncoolpictures.com
image source: damncoolpictures.com

image source: news.nationalgeographic.com

The Beluga Whale (Delphinapterus leucas) is an Arctic and sub-Arctic creature that has quite the personality. These cute whales are quite playful and are known for their love of one thing: blowing bubbles. Belugas will puff out a huge gust of air from their blow-hole to make a doughnut-shaped ring, then they roll underneath the bubble and kisse it with the tip of their nose and finally glide over it. Scientists don't think this behavior really serves any really purpose, except for having some fun of course!

Indonesian Mimic Octopus

image credit: Brandon Cole Marine Photography

image credit: Ann Benwick

image credit: Brandon Cole Marine Photography

The Indonesian Mimic Octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus) gets its kicks from copying other animals. It will mimic creatures such as sea snakes, lionfish, flatfish, brittle stars, giant crabs, sea shells, stingrays, flounders, jellyfish, sea anemones, and mantis shrimp to the extent that it's almost hard to tell what it actually is! I think it would be a pretty awesome hobby to change my appearance on a whim! It would certainly make getting ready in the morning easier.

Ravens

image source: splinx1

image source: onlyhdwallpapers.com

image source: swarthmore.edu

Ravens, which are members of the genus Corvus are total snow bunnies, er, birds. Whenever there's fresh powder on the ground you can bet a raven isn't far. Playing in the snow is this bird's favorite past time!

Satin Bowerbird

image source: thebeautifulbrain.com

image credit: Tim Laman

The Satin Bowerbird (Ptilonorhynchus violaceus)would be a great student at an interior design school. Their hobby is to decorate their homes with brightly hued blue things - pieces of plastic, blue feathers, blue berries, you name it. Their goal is to attract a mate who shares a similar aesthetic.

Elephants

image credit: Lou

image source: academics.skidmore.edu

Elephants have long been touted as some of the most intelligent creatures in the animal kingdom. Their love for painting gives them a truly human air about them - although there is a small catch. A few months ago a video surfaced of an elephant painting a "self portrait" of an elephant holding a flower in its trunk. People were dumbfounded because it really did look like the elephant was painting the portrait - and it was! However, what people failed to notice was that the elephant's handler, or mahout, was gently tugging at the elephants ear to make it do different strokes. Now, this doesn't ruin the fun entirely because the elephant still needs to be able to interpret those slight tugs into precise muscle movements in its trunk. It really is incredible control, if not artistic ability. Check out the video below:

Sponge Crab

image source: blogs.discovery.com
image source: oceanblue-web.com

image source: aquariumdomain.com

Sponge Crabs (Dromidiopsis dormia) are all about fashion. They cut off pieces of sponge and trim them down to the perfect shape & fit using their claws, then they place the chic accessory square on top of their head. The sponge, besides making the crab look dazzling, serves as a permanent shelter and as protection for the crab.

Japanese Macaque

image source: telegraph.co.uk

image source: pixelchrome.com

Japanese Macaques (Macaca fuscata)have my favorite hobby of all: doing absolutely nothing in a hot tub. These obviously smart monkeys decided that soaking in the Jigokudani hot springs of Nagano was enough of an activity for them. Though, when they feel like it they will groom each other. Bathing and beautifying -
NICE!

Book Review: "What the Walrus Knows"

2012-02-02T13:51:00.000-08:00

I've always been an avid reader. Everything from fiction to biographies have passed by my eyes so very few books surprise me anymore. However, Sarah Bamford Seidelmann's book "What the Walrus Knows" has actually left me feeling a little in shock. Sarah's book discusses the power that "beasties," or animals, can bring to us; though not in your typical sense. This isn't a book about how owning a dog can change your life (though she does admit that this does happen) or how training kittens can make you a better person. Instead, it's about listening to the natural world around us and interpreting meaning from signs and signals that "beasties" relay to us. This may mean garnering a personal message when a squirrel drops a nut on your head or when a crow caws loudly outside your window - examples of 'Guest Beasties' who come to us briefly to deliver a message.

I know, seems a bit strange. That was my initial impression too. Then as I delved a bit deeper into the book I came to the section on 'Core Beasties' or your inner animal that you have a special connection with (which you might not have even known about prior to reading this book). Sarah provides an easy method for uncovering your Core Beastie - who can provide insight into why you do the things you do, how to approach new projects, or how to simply interpret an event - by including a series of simple questions you can ask yourself. For example, what was the first stuffed animal you owned as a child? Or, if you look around your room, do you have any animal decorations? That's when it hit me - my Core Beastie is a tiger! The first stuffed animal I ever owned was a tiger cub named Raja and glancing about my room I noticed I had a tiger rug as well as a picture frame with tiger stripes. Damn. After that "ah-hah" moment, I really began to listen to what Sarah was saying in this book. That's when I realized she is an extremely talented writer with an intimate connection to nature that most people would never be able to understand - until now.

Her book lets everyone in on the secret of how to connect with your natural surroundings and the myriad of creatures that populate it. A reference guide in the back allows you to see what each and every creature represents so if you come across a "beastie" and aren't quite sure what to make of it, you can flip to the back of the book and read the beautifully poetic messages that each animal may bring to us. This all might sound a little bit confusing, but trust me, it's definitely worth a read. She can explain everything way better than I can, after all! If you're at all interested in cultivating a deeper sense of self-awareness and/or creating a strong bond with nature then you should read "What the Walrus Knows."

You can buy Sarah Bamford Seidelmann's book on her website here.

Edit: I'll be giving away two copies of "What the Walrus Knows" to two lucky readers who comment on this post. Just write something and I'll pick your names out of a hat! Good luck!

The Ribbon In the Sea: Red-tipped Flatworm

2012-02-02T13:04:00.000-08:00

Habitat: Western Pacific Ocean

Status: Not Evaluated

This pretty ribbon-like creature is the Red-tipped Flatworm (Pseudoceros bifurcus). It is a marine flatowrm in the polyclad flatworm family Pseudocerotidae. While they do resemble our beloved nudibranchs, they are not actually related to them or other mollusks for that matter.

These creatures are thin and delicate but their personalities aren't so dainty. Red-tipped Flatworms, along with all other flatworms for that matter, are active carnivores and scavengers, using their proboscis to feed on dead or injured animals and colonial animals such as bryozoans and soft-corals.

To move around, the flatworms use their hairlike cilia to propel them along the bottom of the sea floor. When disturbed, they are capable of swimming short distances by undulating their body like a wave for a quick getaway.

One Cat, Two Faces

2012-02-02T11:06:00.000-08:00

Meet Harvey Dent, the black kitten that was born with two faces and named after character's Two-Face alter-ego in Batman. The Floridian couple was shocked when one of their cat's kittens had not one, but two meowing faces staring up at them! ‘They simultaneously work together, the two faces.’ Ms Forsyth told the WWSB ABC-7 station. ‘When he eats on one side, it looks like he is eating on the other. When he meows, it comes out of both sides.’

To get some tips on what to do with the kitten, the couple went on Craigslist but received less than useful advice. Amelia Forsythe said: 'They said I should put it down because it's an abomination... That I'm an evil person because I would let such a thing live like that'. She added: 'It shouldn’t be killed just because it’s a little different'.

The birth defect is what is referred to as a Janus cat, after the two-faced Roman god. The initial trip to the vet didn't reveal any underlying health problems for the sweet little kitten.

Vote For The Featured Creature To Win the 2012 Bloggies!

2012-02-01T13:59:00.000-08:00

Great news guys! The Featured Creature is one of the four finalists in the 2012 Weblog Awards... and I didn't even have to nominate myself! hahaPlease take a moment and vote for your (obviously) favorite animal website now HERE!

Check the gray box next to The Featured Creature (which is under the Pets & Animals category) and then scroll down at the bottom of the page to enter the annoying captcha and submit your email address. You'll need to use a legit one since they send you a link which you have to click to confirm your ballot.

Please, please take two seconds to do this. I put my heart into this site and I've never won anything before! haha *sad violin plays*

AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR VISITING THE FEATURED CREATURE!

This Angry Frog Sounds Like 'Abu' From Aladdin

2012-02-01T12:38:00.000-08:00

Who knew that angry Argentine Horned Frogs (Ceratophrys ornata) sound so similar to Abu when grouchy?

Now you do!

The Masterfully Painted Picasso Bug

2012-02-01T11:40:00.000-08:00

image source: whatsthatbug.com

image source: adventurecampstz.com

Habitat: from South Africa, Ethiopia to Cameroon

Status: Not listed

Apparently Picasso used other materials besides canvas to do his work: this is a Picasso Bug which is a species of Shield-backed Bug (Sphaerocoris annulus) and it's ornately exterior looks as if it had been painted by the master artist himself.

Thank you to Tammy List for sharing this with us!

Dormouse Snorefest

2012-01-31T14:47:00.000-08:00

Dormice can hibernate six months out of the year, or even longer if the weather remains sufficiently cool, sometimes waking for brief periods to eat food they had previously stored nearby.

I wonder if they snore six months out of the year, too?

Truth: Baby Ground Squirrels Could Not Be Any Cuter

2012-01-31T13:39:00.000-08:00

Habitat: deserts of the Southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico

Status: Least Concern

These too-cute-you-might-want-to-pass-out pictures were taken by photographer Eirini Pajak near her home in Florence, Arizona. The 35-year-old said: 'The youngsters spend most of the day nibbling little bits of grass, but they also would pick on each other and play-fight. They were not exactly graceful as they were just learning to stand so they would often fall over in clumsiness.'

These are actually baby Round-tailed Ground Squirrels (Xerospermophilus tereticaudus) which are called ground squirrels because they burrow under loose soil often near mesquite trees and creosote bushes. At birth these cuties only weigh 0.14 oz and adults only tip the scales at 4.4 oz.