WildCreatures

These Bernese mountain dog puppies are the epitome of cute! They have found a water bottle to play with and they couldn't be happier. Their mother is a gorgeous Bernese Mountain Dog named Stella and her father is a beautiful Great Pyrenees named Dexter. They got together one warm summer night. They were barely a year old and they hadn't seemed at all interested in starting a family. But the result was a litter of the most adorable puppies imaginable. Dexter and Stella had been booked for their family planning surgery with the veterinarian but they managed to fit in a little time in the woods somehow, just in time. The puppies are a mix of brown, black and white and they have the softest and fluffiest fur. It's too hard to keep all the names straight so they are often referred to simply as the nine fluffy puppies. The puppies spend their days running, playing, and napping. Today, they have been exploring in the woods behind the house and one of them has come back carrying a plastic water bottle like it is a treasured prize. The other puppies quickly realize that she has something exciting and they all gather around to join the fun. It becomes a tug of war between the pups and they pull and wrestle over it. They are in the cute, but awkward stage and they trip over each other in the process. It's hard to keep track of each pup as they wiggle and climb over each other. The pup that brought the toy from the woods actually loses it to another one and then watches curiously before getting back in on the fun. As the pups continue to fight over the bottle, the first pup becomes more interested in the camera and forgets all about the bottle. She then jumps on one of her brothers until she realizes that the bottle is getting away. Playtime like this continues all day, interrupted only when it is time for food or a quick snooze. These nine fluffy puppies are all too cute to resist and each of them had a carefully selected forever home lined up within a few days of their birth.

Great horned owls are enormous birds. They are the second heaviest of all the owls in North America. Only the snowy owl is heavier. Also known as the hoot owl and the tiger owl, these are the most recognizable and well known of all the owls. Their large eyes and distinctive ear feathers make them the most classic looking of the owl family. This owl chick is a few weeks old and he's growing rapidly, thanks to his devoted mother. She has left the nest in search of food while her baby sleeps a little longer. He yawns and stretches as he wakes up and stands in the nest. Mother owl has returned and she has brought part of a rabbit home for breakfast. He is eager for the food and he watches as she walks along the branch and gets into the nest. She shelters him with her wing as she tears off chunks of meat for him. With each bite, the mother turns her face to the bay and he politely takes the food from her beak. After several small chunks, she gives him a much larger piece. She knows he will need to learn how to rip and tear food as he begins to feed himself. He struggles with the large chunk and she patiently gives him time to try. She goes back to tearing pieces off and then she holds out the leg, hoping he will pull a few pieces off. After it seems like the chick has had his fill, the mother great horned eats the whole rabbit leg, impressively swallowing a piece that seems impossibly large. She will need a lot of food as she constantly hunts and shares food with her baby all day. After the meal is complete, the mother cuddles with her baby and preens his feathers. It's not just a show of affection and love. She needs to keep him very clean so that he will not attract rats or other predators while he is alone in the nest. With no ability to store fat, owls are in need of steady food to maintain their strength. They are often only one or two meals away from starvation. luckily, great horned owls are formidable hunters. They use their razor sharp talons and powerful feet to kill animals quickly once they are caught. A great horned owl has the capacity to break the bones of even large mammals by using their feet. Great horned owls are magnificent birds and the opportunity to observe this one and her baby was unforgettable. What made it even more spectacular was the sound of ducks, crows, jays and even woodpeckers all around this nest. This video was captured in Southern Ontario ,Canada.

These Bernese mountain dog puppies are from a litter of nine of the fluffiest puppies imaginable. They were born on a warm spring day to Stella, a gorgeous Bernese, and Dexter, a strapping maremma with a strong, but gentle personality. Their puppies are understandably beautiful and good natured. Here they are at 8 weeks of age, enjoying some play time in the sun. They live on a wonderful farm that has acres of rolling hills, woodland trails, and streams to explore. Their parents, as well as their owners, keep a watchful eye as they wander and check out everything. The whole world is new to them and they meet every experience with delightful enthusiasm. The puppies have just been given a new toy and they engage in the cutest tug of war ever. They pull and playfully fight over the stuffed dog. Some puppies are adorably clumsy and they trip over their own feet and each other in the battle. These pups will be going to their carefully selected forever homes in the next few days. All have been chosen with great care and the families who will be taking them are ready to give them all the best care and the love that they need to thrive. Dexter and Stella will probably enjoy the rest. They've both had their hands full with these busy puppies over the past 8 weeks. Perhaps the first thing they will do when things quiet down is to have a nice, long nap in the sunshine.

This back yard bird feeder in Ontario Canada is a busy spot for birds of all kinds, especially during the cold winter months when food is scarce. And when food is hard to find, the birds scramble to get their share. They fly in and out, calling to each other and chirping away excitedly. But one bird was found making a very unique sound. It's a rapid chirp that sounds like light bullets fired by the storm troopers in Star Wars. He's an adorable little junco, a "new world sparrow" and he seems to be trying to warn the much larger cardinals to stay back by imitating the dangerous weapons. The cardinals at this feeder have found the seed and they take their share and more. They rapidly turn the seeds over in their beaks , cracking the shells with impressive speed to get at the food inside. The dexterity of their beak and tongue rivals that of humans with their fingers and thumbs. Birds at the feeder must work rapidly, and they must keep a careful eye on the skies above for predators like falcons and hawks. Even owls will make an appearance in order to catch a meal at these feeding stations. The little birds know they must grab their food to go, finding shelter in the nearby pine trees and then returning for more. Back yard bird feeders can provide hours of delight for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. They are also a good way to help the song birds that are experiencing extra challenges from cold weather and habitat loss. Many of the migratory song birds are affected by the loss of trees and food supplies along their migration routes. With extremely fast metabolisms and no ability to store fat, they must eat constantly. They are often only a few meals away from starvation.

Pileated woodpeckers are the giants of the North American forests. They are up to 45cm (19 Inches) in length and their powerful beaks can break large chunks of wood off a rotting tree at an incredible rate. When they tap into a tree to get at the grubs and insects underneath the bark, chunks of wood litter the ground all around the trunk, making it look like the tree has been attacked by a hungry beaver family. These birds are also magnificent to look at. They have beautiful red crests and vivid red facial markings, making them a joy for any bird enthusiast or nature lover to photograph. Their claws are large and powerful to help them cling to trees as they shred and chisel the chunks off. The size of their claws reminds us of prehistoric birds from the time of the dinosaurs. This large pileated has found the suet feeder in this back yard in Ontario. He comes every morning, announcing his presence with a loud call that sounds like maniacal laughter. He lands in the trees near the feeder and seems to conduct a thorough visual inspection before landing on the suet cage. A smaller downy woodpecker was feasting on the suet, but she kept a watchful eye on the pileated. Like a boss, he flapped in for a landing and the downy made a quick exit to clear the runway. There is no lack of respect for these monstrous woodpeckers. They are not aggressive with the other birds but it seems that nobody wants to get in their way. Pileated woodpeckers are very good for our local forests. Despite the misunderstood notion that they destroy trees, they will not damage a healthy one. They only eat the bugs that infest the dying trees. In doing so, they promote decay and regeneration and they also create habitat by leaving hollows in standing deadwood for other birds to nest in. Owls in particular, love using the large holes as shelter.

Cycling is usually a relaxing and peaceful experience. Those who get out for a ride on a sunny day will enjoy fresh air and sunshine, in most cases, along with their exercise. Some may be riding to reduce their carbon emissions and others are looking for exercise and fitness. Dave is out for the first ride of spring on his carbon fibre road bike. Its a racer model, although he's not a racer himself, but he loves the beauty of riding on country roads. He's got a camera mounted on his helmet and he's excited about this first chance to get out and test the legs for 50km (30 miles) in the saddle. Dave is looking down the road and then at the fields and he notices the oncoming traffic. There's a line of cars and trucks and they've just come around a curve. There is a long, straight stretch just behind Dave and one of the cars is passing a big dump truck. The driver has cut it close enough to cause concern, but no more. He gets back in his own lane without a problem. But the driver of the pickup truck behind the car has a very different opinion on safety. He is not content to tuck in behind the car as he should when the oncoming lane is occupied. Dave is up against the right edge of the road but his tires are too skinny to allow him to pull onto the gravel at this speed. He knows that they will dig in and he could go over the handlebars. He might even end up sprawled out on the road and under the wheels of any of the vehicles coming at him. This is a road cyclist's nightmare. He looks at the gravel but he knows it's wet and loose this time of year. Dave holds on and watches in disbelief as the truck continues to accelerate and comes right towards him. The driver looks at him but takes the chance on making his pass. Luckily, the driver of the white car seems to see the trouble and he moves to the right edge of the road, allowing a little more room. Even the dump truck driver seems worried and he touches the gravel shoulder. The truck is going faster than the 80km/h (50mph) speed limit as it passes within about 30cm (1 foot) of Dave. The combined speed of the truck and the bike could be over 130km/h (almost 80mph) and impact at this speed would almost certainly be fatal. Dave knows that he can take his chances on the gravel at the very last second if he times it properly and he's ready to swerve and try to throw himself to the right and into the ditch. But he decides that it's less risky to hug the line to the right and stay upright. Luckily, the truck passes and does not hit him. The wind from the truck and the sensation of it going past so closely was extremely terrifying for the cyclist. The driver of the truck will likely not even understand how dangerous it is to pass like this. He would never complete such a move if he were to be as close to another motor vehicle. It's somehow different with cyclists, it seems. Perhaps he just assumed that Dave should get off the road and out of his way. In Ontario, and likely all places in North America, bicycles have the right to be on the road. They are a vehicle under the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario, and entitled to a full lane for travel, although they are also required to travel on the right side of the road. Cyclists have the same right of way as a car and they enjoy the same protection from being forced off the road during an unsafe pass such as this. There is no doubt that this cyclist was acting lawfully and the driver of the truck was not. Dave pulled over carefully after this incident and his camera catches a view of the tiny tires on the bike. They are not meant for riding on gravel shoulders. It is unsafe to even try. When out for a drive, remembering that cyclists have a right to share the road will make it safer for all.

Great horned owls are one of the most spectacular of the owls. They are large and magnificent birds, and as predators, they are capable of taking down animals even larger than themselves. They have been known to take down even large raptors such as osprey, falcons, and other owls. With a grip strength of 28 pounds, their talons are capable of breaking the spine of even large prey. Crows are often heard cawing in large numbers, agitated by the presence of a great horned owl, which is their most dangerous predator. Crows will gather to mob and chase these owls until they leave the area entirely. Great horned owls also have the deepest voice of the owls and their calls are very distinctive. This mother owl is watching her surroundings carefully, opening her eyes occasionally as she nods off with her baby in the nest. The owl chicks have downy feathers and they are very soft and fluffy. Soon, this one will grow flight feathers and it will leave the nest, learning to hunt from its parents. The mother seems to drift off then wake up, always on the lookout for danger. These owls have extremely large eyes and pupils that dilate a great deal, giving them incredible vision in the dark, as well as acuity in the daytime. Great horned owls also have disc feathers near their ears that direct sound, increasing their ability to hear even the faintest of sounds. They are the quintessential owl, closely resembling the owls that we see in books and on television. This nature enthusiast was thrilled to capture video and photos of this beautiful pair ion the nest.

Raven is a Great Dane puppy with tremendous energy. Like all big dogs, she loves her off leash time in this isolated, snowy forest. It's a little piece of heaven in Ontario, Canada, full of trees, a babbling brook, rolling hills, and long trails for exploring. She comes here once or twice per day to sniff and run with complete freedom. Raven has been working hard on her training, and she comes when called, especially if there are treats involved. So, when her family brings her to this quiet spot, she can run with reckless abandon. Doing this where other people might come along, or where other dogs might be present is not possible with a giant dog with Raven's enthusiasm. She is very friendly, but she is also likely to run straight into somebody and cause a misunderstanding or an injury. Raven lives with a smaller dog named River. River is a rescue who has a serious heart condition. Although they play very well together and love each other immensely, Raven doesn't understand how strong she is and how easily hurt River is. This is why Kristy steps out with her leg to shield River from a collision. But Raven has no idea that her 65kg (130 lbs) of solid muscle is like a freight train bearing down on poor little River. With a joy that only a puppy can display, Raven romps through the snow drifts and runs circles around her family. This is her normal reaction when the leash comes off. After burning off some energy, she settles into a nice walking pace and follows along with much better manners. Raven is sporting a leather mitten with duct tape on one of her front paws. The oversized mitten is adorably clumsy as she plows through the deep snow. Raven had a minor surgery on her toenail and the mitten provides added protection on long treks like this one. Her family will hike 5km (3 miles) but Raven will cover at least 10km as she follows and explores. She will sleep solidly for several hours on the couch and then they will do this one more time. Raven is living the good life and it brings her family tremendous joy to see her so happy!

This gigantic hermit crab eats rapidly in the ocean, doing a very important job in the process. He and his friends are actually keeping the beaches clean and ridding the bottom of the ocean of rotting debris and vegetative matter. He's even eating decaying carcasses and rotting flesh from dead animals, picking up the tiny pieces that have been missed by predators as they chew and eat their meals.

These are Pacific green turtles and they are incredible creatures. They are one of the largest of the sea turtles. They can reach more than 1m in length (5 feet) and weigh over 300kg (660 pounds). Only leatherbacks and loggerhead sea turtles are larger. Traveling long distances between feeding grounds and nesting areas, the females return yearly to the sites where they were born, deposit their eggs on the sand of beaches with easy access to the water, and then they return to the ocean, never seeing their young. This process is known as "natal homing" and it allows the turtles to leave their eggs where it has been proven that their chance of survival is high. The turtles require a beach with the right amount of dry sand, freedom from predators, and an access route to the water that will allow the hatchlings to get into the surf soon after they dig out of the nest. Male sea turtles also return to their birth place in order to breed. These two green turtles have found each other in the shallow waters of a remote island in the Galapagos. They chose a spot just off the beach to carry out their romantic encounter, much to the delight of several nature enthusiasts who were on a guided tour. For several minutes, the onlookers took pictures and video, enjoying a magnificent show that few people ever witness. After the male released the female from his grip, a rival male can be seen making a beeline for the tired female. Eager to also mate with her and pass on his genes, he will try to woo the female before she returns to the deeper water. Green turtles were among the first species of sea turtle to be studied by researchers and the extensive data collected has been beneficial to understanding and conserving other species worldwide. Much of what we know about these beautiful animals has been learned from this species. But, most importantly, these lucky people were thrilled to have witnessed some of nature's most gentle and beautiful animals in their own environment. This is a spectacle that they will not soon forget.

Lamborghini and Ferrari enthusiasts would all agree that both of these cars are impressive in their power and styling. They are beautiful machines that inspire awe in all who see them. But we normally only see them cruising slowly or parked at car shows and meets. Rarely do we see them in a full throttle acceleration. And if we do, they are usually out of sight in seconds because they are moving so fast. This video takes you into the passenger seat of a Lamborghini Performante for a look at how it feels to accelerate at full throttle. A Ferrari has pulled up alongside this vehicle as the two travel together in a car rally with hundreds of other supercars. The two sportscars go head to head in an acceleration comparison that takes you from the speed limit to more than double in seconds. The engines roar and the landscape blurs past. But both are so evenly matched that even the drivers are unsure of who won the race. These drivers are professionally trained and highly skilled. They accelerate briefly when there is no traffic around and then return quickly to the speed limit. They also take great care to communicate and plan so that they are not changing lanes or creating a hazard for other motorists. We also get a look at several other Lamborghinis, as well as a Pagani and a Bugatti, two hypercars that few people are ever lucky enough to set eyes on. These drivers enjoy the camaraderie and atmosphere when they get together for an event such as this one. They also fund raise for local charities and community groups on each of these adventures, so the rallies are a win for everyone. North Face Rally is a car club based out of the Toronto area. They have been nicknamed "The Fast and the Generous" due to their philanthropic work.

The Elephant Nature Park in Chang Mai, Thailand is a place where rescued elephants go for freedom and a second chance. Many were circus performers or had been neglected and abused in some other way. Forced to perform, they have endured a life of torture and pain in the training process to gain submission from these gentle beasts. Here, Indi has found a second chance for freedom from the pain. He lives among a herd of other rescued elephants that have found their way here from equally horrific conditions. Almost all performing elephants in India and Thailand suffer from untreated injuries. Most commonly, they have foot conditions due to walking on hot pavement and standing for hours, bearing the weight of tourists on their back while they are forced to give them rides. The industry is driven by the flow of dollars from the unsuspecting tourists who believe that the animals are happy and healthy. Here, at Elephant Nature Park in Thailand, the workers provide proper nutrition, veterinary care, and immense areas to roam and bathe. The elephants can never be truly wild again, but this is as close as possible to what nature intended for these beautiful souls. Guests like Rebecca, from Canada, can interact with the elephants which helps them rebuild a sense of trust in people. The elephants are learning to associate people with kindness and food, and occasionally play behaviour. They are free to socialize with other elephants as they wish. They will never again know the pressure of working for their meals, or the threat of a bullhook. They will never again wear shackles or suffer at the hands of a human. Before spending money to see animals, please visit websites such as Elephant Nature Park, or WildlifeSOS.org. These organizations have promoted the rehabilitation and better treatment of animals as well as the "Refuse to Ride" movement. They are only able to do their work with the generous help of donations.

Fiona is a wonderful cow with a beautiful disposition. She has been treated with kindness and love and she responds very well to the farmers who care for her and also to her human friend who comes to visit occasionally. Dave has spent time in the meadow, helping the farmers with the fences and other tasks. He has been called to assist with cows delivering their calves and he was right there when Fiona's first baby, "Hope" took her first wobbly steps. Dave has also been asked to babysit the cows when the farmers have gone away, and Dave has enjoyed lots of time wandering the gorgeous, green meadows, checking on the herd. The cows here approach their human friends for a pat on the head and they are given handfuls of corn on occasion. Dave was watching Fiona as she rubbed her face and eyes on a patch of ground, looking for relief from the itch. Willing to lend a hand, Dave approached her and put out his hand. She caught on immediately and bobbed her head up and down as if to tell him where to scratch.

Sea lions are hilarious animals with their antics and loveable personalities. Tourists and even residents of the Galapagos islands are fascinated with these comical characters. They inhabit almost every beach and rocky shore in the islands and they act like they own the place. When full grown, they are formidable animals and they have no reason fear people or even other animals, except large sharks. These sea lions have climbed onto every bench on the pier and they have stretched out and completely taken over. This family who has arrived couldn't find a place to sit anywhere. Sea lions spend a great deal of their day napping. They venture out into the ocean several times a day to hunt for eels, fish, and octopus. They return to nap and socialize on the beaches. For sea lions, life is easy and very relaxing!

India is home to an incredible variety of wild animals, including the peacock, one of the most spectacular birds found anywhere. They are large and beautifully adorned with the longest feathers found anywhere. The Indian peafowl will eat snakes and rodents, but its diet is largely made up of insects. These peafowl have found a nest of ants and they hungrily devour as many as they can. But the ants have signaled that there is trouble and the excretion of a pheromone from a few have alerted the others and brought them out in an agitated frenzy. They will bite anything that they sense is a threat and the peacocks suddenly find themselves in over their heads. The swarm of fire ants on the ground is visible as they move rapidly, in search of any predator. Their great numbers allow them to overwhelm even a large predator with multiple stings and strong venom. If these peacocks do not leave the area, they can easily die from the venom. In such a case, the ants will devour the peacocks, turning the tables. The male has sensed the presence of the ants and he tries to eat them off his feet and legs as they sting him aggressively. The female decides there is no hope of winning and she takes flight almost immediately. Eventually, the male leaves as well. The fire ants cannot follow him far, but the few that remain on his legs will hold on and sting him mercilessly until he rids himself of the tiny warriors. Imported red fire ants are an invasive species to India, having made their way from South America. The stings cause itching, burning, and swelling, often resulting in blisters. In rare cases anaphylactic shock can occur and may cause death. Nests hold between 100,000 and 250,000 ants and they are a formidable opponent for any animal.

Johan has just met the family's new puppy and they have spent the day playing enthusiastically. Nena is a beautiful little schnauzer who has fit in perfectly with this wonderful family. She was found in the window of a pet store in Ecuador, waiting to be discovered. Her pleading eyes caught the attention of a man walking past who was out getting groceries for his family. Christian stopped and looked in the window, meeting her steady gaze. She barked, jumped excitedly at the glass and scratched at it with her little paws. She backed up and began hopping up and down. Christian's heart melted. He thought about his children back home, and his daughter who had been bravely battling cancer since she was 18 months old. His daughter had been doing very well and was recovering nicely. Christian's family had enough love to share with this adorable little soul. He went in and bought Nena, along with the supplies and food that would be needed. The children were shocked when he arrived home with this newest family member. They immediately began to play and bond with Nena. In particular, Johan was very taken with this little pup, despite the fact that he had been nervous about dogs before this. After an afternoon of playing energetically, both decided that it was nap time. They ended up on the couch in the most adorable little pile, fast asleep. Nena has been a wonderful addition to the family, giving back as much love as she has been given. She truly has found the perfect forever home. And Christian is just about the best father in the world in the eyes of his three children.

Sea lions are like the puppy dogs of the ocean. They are comical and endearing and they are a highlight for any visitor lucky enough to spend time in the Galapagos Islands. Sea lions inhabit almost every rocky shore and sandy beach on the islands. They bask in the sun during the day and sleep on almost any flat surface in the night, including benches and picnic tables, as well as moored boats. They venture into the ocean for several hours each day to hunt for fish, eels, and octopus. They return with a full belly and stretch out again for yet another nap. They grow large, often weighing well over 150kg (330lbs) and moving around on land requires a lot of effort. Even though they are cumbersome on land, they are surprisingly graceful in the water. Their flippers propel them with amazing speed and agility. These comical animals are adorably clumsy as they walk on their flippers, dragging their ample bellies along the sand and over the rocks. They waddle from side to side as they move and you can't help but laugh as you watch. This large sea lion has decided it is time to go out hunting and she makes her way to the shoreline with true determination. She stops just as she reaches the water and she dips her head under. As if she has no more energy, she lies flat and waits. After a few moments, it becomes clear that she will not walk the last few steps to the water. She waits until the next wave washes over her and lifts her off the sand. She pushes with her flippers and lets the ocean do the work, carrying her out to water that is deep enough for her to swim in. Triumphantly, she pokes her head up from the waves to steal a last glance at those who watched and possibly doubted her resolve. She is floating and she quickly disappears from sight. These sea lions are among the most loveable in the animal world, reminding us of our canine companions, but they are truly wild animals and they cannot be approached closely by humans without great risk. It is fine to watch them from a respectable distance, but they are quick to reprimand anyone careless enough to get too close.

There is a beautiful forest in Ontario, Canada where the deer cannot be hunted. They have no reason to fear humans and they will occasionally watch them curiously from a distance. But someone who is exceptionally still and quiet may be lucky enough to get a closer look as the deer will sometimes graze without concern. This man sat quietly on a log and munched away on apples. Before long, he heard the crunching of the leaves underfoot as a deer ran through the trees and passed within a few feet of him. Initially startled, the deer picked up the pace and continued along. It must have been curious because he was sitting quietly, or perhaps it smelled the apples he was eating. It stopped and walked back in his direction. Cautiously, it approached and watched him munching away. As he threw some slices of apple on the ground, the deer came up and began munching away. For several minutes, they both quietly shared apples. Deer are naturally curious animals and they react with concern to anyone who looks directly at them or behaves like a predator, but they are not sure what to make of somebody who doesn't react to them. This deer eventually came close enough to hand feed, although it did not take food right from him. After several apples, the deer casually walked away. The antlers that are barely visible tell us this is a young buck who is not full grown. By next season, he will have large antlers and he will be looking for a doe. Spending time in the forest with wild animals like this is a magical and unforgettable experience.

Indie is a cheeky, but adorable elephant who lives at the Elephant Nature Park in Chang Mai, Thailand. He is not yet the big elephant that he will soon be, but he has the big appetite of a full grown elephant. Growing rapidly, he will soon be almost four times his present size. Indie is among dozens of elephants that were rescued from street performing roles or horrific zoos where they were forced to endure painful and unsatisfactory conditions. Rehabilitation and rescue centres such as this one bring these gentle beasts to this compound in the mountains where they are given a second chance at life. Elephants are among the most abused animals on the planet. Due to their great strength, they are exploited for labour and for rides. Tourists unwittingly pay for a ride or a performance, not knowing that behind every submissive elephant is a long history of torture and pain. The elephants allow the human contact out of fear. But sanctuaries like this are becoming more popular among tourists who want to see the animals up close while funding the industry that helps the elephants, not the industry that enslaves them. One of the world leaders in this effort is WildlifeSOS in India. They have promoted the "Refuse to Ride" movement, educating the public about the need to boycott any facility that engages in forced behaviour such as riding and submission. These gentle beasts are intelligent and full of compassion and emotions more complex than we have given them credit for. They deserve only our respect and proper treatment. Anyone seeking interaction or a chance to observe elephants can research and find the facilities that promote proper care and provide humane conditions. WildlifeSOS.org - please visit their website and consider helping them.

Sloth bears, also known as dancing bears have been among the most horribly abused animals on earth. Exploited for their ability to perform and earn money for their handlers, they have been forced into a life of torture to make them submit and dance on their hind legs. They avoid beatings and earn food rewards in a tragically painful life of slavery. A nomadic people in India had engaged in this practice for many decades, taking the bears as cubs and breaking their teeth to render them defenseless. They used a hot poker to pierce the snout and insert a rope through the hole. The rope was used to inflict pain and force the bear to stand on its hind legs, performing a dance that appeared to be motivated by treats, not pain. Unwitting tourists paid to see the performances, not realizing what the bears had been subjected to in order to make them so compliant. But rescue organizations such as Wildlife SOS in Agra, India, campaigned for laws to make this practice illegal. They provided homes for the bears where they could be free of pain and abuse. Provided with proper care, nutrition and space to roam, the bears thrive. Allowed to interact socially with other bears, they even learned to play, such as these two sloth bears have. In addition, WildlifeSOS has provided training and employment for the people who once knew no other way to provide for their families. Now, instead of exploiting the bears, they seek other forms of employment. This important step breaks the cycle of abuse and also provides a living for people who once lacked the skills to survive in other jobs. WildlifeSOS is home to many elephants, sloth bears and other creatures who have finally found joy and peace. Please consider visiting their website wildlifesos.org to find out how you can help these beautiful animals and the people who have given them a second chance at life.

Fiona is a wonderful cow with a very sweet disposition. She loves the farm where she lives, grazing happily in the sunshine, wandering freely over many acres of lush, green pasture. She has ponds full of fresh water and some forested area for shade. She enjoys the company of a small herd of very relaxed and happy cows. There is even a large bull named Gus who watches over the herd protectively as he grazes among them. Life on this farm is as close as possible to what nature intended for these gentle souls. Spring is calving time and Fiona has had her first calf, Hope, just three days earlier. Like Fiona, Hope is friendly and gentle natured. She is curious and affectionate, and like her mother, she enjoys being petted like a family dog. Dave, who lives near this farm often visits and spends time in the meadow, helping the farmer with caring for the animals or checking fences. He has gotten to know the cows well and they are quite used to seeing him in the meadow. Fiona greets Dave like a trusted friend and she enjoys having her ears scratched or her head rubbed. She also enjoys corn as a treat and Dave often brings her a few handfuls. On this warm, spring day, Dave walked into the meadow and watched from nearby as Hope nursed and Fiona chewed on fresh grass. Hope eagerly approached Dave and demanded some attention. She was followed closely by Fiona who wanted some attention of her own. Normally, it would be very unsafe to approach a calf when the mother was likely to become protective and even aggressive, but Fiona is exceptionally tolerant and she has demonstrated that she is not concerned at all about Dave spending time with her baby. Even still, Dave waited for both of them to make the approach, just to be on the safe side. This farm in Millbrook, Ontario is what is referred to as an "ethical" farm. The farmers place a greater importance on herd health than on profit and they treat their animals like family, carefully looking after their welfare and ensuring that they have the best living conditions. There is no crowding and the cows have never been treated with anything but kindness. As a result, they have no fear of humans and they respond well to being handled. Farms like these can be found in almost all areas. It is well worth the time to seek them out when looking for food. Supporting those farmers who do things right might cost a little more, but in doing so, we reduce the cruelty associated with larger, factory farms.

Pileated woodpeckers are giants in the North American bird world. They are the largest of the woodpecker species, previously being second to the ivory billed woodpecker that, sadly, is now believed to be extinct. Pileated woodpeckers delight nature lovers and bird enthusiasts with their gorgeous red plumage. Pileated woodpeckers are large and heavy birds. They use their great strength and enormous bills to fragment dead trees rapidly to get at insect larvae inside. They have long tongues which they use as spears to pull the grubs and larva from their hiding spots. A full grown pileated can smash through a dead tree trunk in minutes if it finds food inside the wood. Healthy trees are rarely infested and woodpeckers have no reason to peck holes in a tree that is not already in trouble. For this reason, they are beneficial to the forest, speeding the decay of diseased and rotting logs. They also create habitat and nesting sites for other birds such as small owls, by creating large holes that are used for shelter. The male and female both have red heads, but the male also has red cheeks. Being territorial, a male will chase away a rival male from his area. To see two of these woodpeckers in the same area usually means that they are a nesting pair. To attract pileated woodpeckers to a back yard feeder, it is good to have suet and a variety of seeds and peanuts. They are delight to see up close!

Groundhog babies (often called gophers) are among the cutest little furballs on earth. They are born in an underground burrow in the winter, kept warm by their mother as she hibernates in her den until the snow melts. She has eaten constantly throughout the summer to store enough fat for herself and her babies to feed on for several months. The babies nurse on her milk and grow quickly in the den so that they are ready to emerge in spring and join their mother in the sunshine. These groundhogs are now starting to eat grass and other foods, following their mother as they venture out and around their little meadow. They will no go far from the entrance to the burrow and they will run for cover at the slightest sign of trouble. They still rely on her for milk, but they will also begin to eat the same foods she does as her milk supply, and her tolerance for their nursing diminishes. Many have associated groundhogs with the arrival of spring and folklore tells us that the warmer weather will only come if the groundhog does not see its shadow. Although groundhogs and gophers are actually different species, many use the names interchangeably. They look similar and have many of the same behaviours, although they are different ion many ways. These little cuties are snacking on apple slices that were left by their burrow entrance. You can actually hear the little one smacking his lips as he munches away happily. When he sees the camera posted by the snack, he cannot help but investigate as curiosity gets the best of him.

Itès not a common thing to witness animals fighting and it is especially rare to see it happening on the road in front of a moving vehicle. But these Canadian motorists were witness to two large Ravens rolling around on the road like two drunken bar patrons exchanging punches during an argument. And while the driver reacted with surprise and slowed down to see, the passenger reacted like a Canadian in the most hilarious fashion. Check it out!

Owls are beautiful and highly intelligent birds. They are graceful in flight and majestic while perched in a tree. They are a rare and memorable sight for any bird lover or nature enthusiast. These motorists were thrilled to see a barred owl swoop down in front of them, but their amazement turned to horror as they watched the owl dip low if front of a large pickup truck. They saw the owl miss the front grill by mere inches. It would have been certain death for this beautiful creature if it had been even half a second later or if the truck had been going any faster. This wonderful bird cheated death on this occasion, barely making it to the trees along the road. One of the occupants in the vehicle with the camera is a veterinarian. The couple made their way back to ensure that the owl was not actually struck and in need of help. To their surprise, the owl had perched in a tree and it watched them curiously. It allowed them to walk up to it within only a few feet. It watched them curiously as they came to the conclusion that it was uninjured, They took some brief video and made their way back to their vehicle, relieved that the bird was ok. Owls are appearing in southern Ontario and other parts of North America in greater numbers this year than usual. They often migrate south in search of food during the harsh winter months. This year, there is a much greater presence and bird watchers are thrilled to see them in greater numbers.