Common Snapping Turtles are quite different from the peaceful, calm turtles we know. They are ferocious predators that eat everything that crosses their path, even young alligators. In the past, these animals were used in crime investigation – the Snapper was put into a lake to find a dead body, when the turtle stopped, it
Dimondback Terrapin or simply Terrapin with its latin name being Malaclemys terrapin is a species of turtle that inhabit salty and mid-salty waters in the Atlantic Ocean, from Massachusetts to the Gulf of Mexico and southern Texas. The have not obtained their name by accident – the spectacular shell with is symmetrically situated plates truly
Marsupial Treefrogs take care of their young in a way similar to kangaroos. They carry the babies on a pouch on their backs, until the children are mature enough to start their own lives. Although the Gastrotheca family includes multiple species, they are all fairly similar in lifestyle and habits. These frogs are fairly small,
Natterjack Toads are a rare species that live in meadows with a light, sandy soil, where they can dig in the ground. These amphibians inhabit parts of Europe, from Spain to South England and East to as far as the Baltic states. Unfortunately, the increasing urbanization and destruction of their natural habitat has made these
While most people probably think of alien abductions as something very unpleasant, often including painful experiments and torture, there is a reported case of these abductions being extremely enjoyable – the abductions done by the Nordic aliens. Supposedly, this race of aliens is and has been the most friendly towards humans and many stories have
Don’t be fooled by the Backswimmer’s tiny size – it might be small, but it’s definitely not helpless. This small creature, that is also known by the name of “Water Boatman” glides above water as a live “dose of poison” that attacks anything that passes by. They inhabit all Europe and the areas East up
The Indian Python is a giant among snakes. It’s also known as the black-tailed python, Indian rock python, its Latin name being Python molurus. Although not venomous, these snakes are highly dangerous, and their hunting technique relies on twisting around the prey and choking it to death, by straining the muscles. Indian Pythons are truly
Pteranodon with its Latin name Pteranodons is one of the best known extinct reptile species. Although it looked like a terrifying dragon Pteranodon was a peaceful animal that fed only off fish. A sketch of the famoues Pteranodon When the first Pteranodon fossils were found many people were convinced that it was really a work
The European or the Common Eel is still a very mysterious animal as it’s one of the greatest and weirdest travelers on this planet. Although the mature specimens of this species are widespread in almost all the rivers of Europe, their development or maturing were a puzzle still 100 years ago. European Eels start their
Siberian Musk Deer males excrete musk from a special gland, which is located on their bellies. Musk is rich in hormones and is widely used in perfumery. Unfortunately, this is a reason why these small deers are widely hunted, as musk is very valuable – in 1972, in Nepal, musk was more expensive than gold.
Andean Condor is the the record holder of having the largest wing area of all birds, and is the second in terms of wing span (after Wandering Albatross). Even though the Andean Condor is not a very attractive bird, its flight has an unrepeatable fullness and elegance. These large birds live live near the Western
The Common Cuckoo returns from South Africa to Europe in April. It is said, that spring begins when the first song of the Cuckoo is heard. The bird’s name comes from its singing – coucou in French, koekoek in Dutch and kukushka in Russian all note the bird’s distinctive singing. These birds are about 33
Common Lancehead is considered to be the most dangerous snake of Central and South America. They’re accounted for more human deaths than any other snake in the region. Once, two people died from a single bite of the Lancehead – a plantation worker was bit, and his wife tried to was the scar, but the
Cottontail Tamarins have a very unusual appearance, as well as an extremely good abilities to adapt to living in captivity, which is why these animals have become very popular for holding in zoos. The animal’s Latin name (Oedipus) means “on swollen legs” refers to the tamarin’s long, woolly extremities. These tamarins are fairly small, their
Because of its distinguishable looks, the Warthog is one of the most peculiar inhabitant of the African savannas. The impressive tusks are a dangerous weapon, which give for the animal’s militant appearance. Desert Warthogs are widespread over open savannas in Western, Central and Eastern Africa. In North Africa they can only be seen in the
