WildCreatures

Scuba diving opens up an underwater world for the adventurous, allowing them a glimpse into a mysterious and beautiful realm. It is a world of breath taking beauty and animals that defy description. One of the most fascinating is the giant manta ray, a flat fish that moves gracefully through the ocean by flapping its enormous wings. They filter zooplankton and feed by moving through the water with their mouth open. Elongated fins on the front of their heads help to channel water into their mouths, aiding in the feeding process. Intelligent animals, manta rays have one of the highest brain to body mass ratios of all fish. They are gentle creatures, despite their immense size, and they are occasionally curious. A respectful scuba diver may find himself able to approach a manta, or he may find that the manta swims close to him, allowing for a close look for those who are so lucky. Similar to whales, manta rays often breach, leaping out of the water for reasons that are not fully understood. It could be part of a mating ritual or to rid themselves of parasites and remoras. Manta rays can be found swimming alone or in groups of 50 or more. With a wingspan of up to 7m (23 feet), they are an awe inspiring sight. This scuba diver was thrilled to capture this close encounter on film and he was even more thrilled to find later that his scuba partner had also captured the two of them together. Although scuba diving is a safe sport and it offers entry into a peaceful and relaxing environment, it should only be done after proper training to avoid dangers and mishaps.

Hornbills are large, heavy birds that inhabit tropical rainforests in many countries. Their bills are magnificently coloured and massive, and their plumage is spectacular. But even more interesting than their appearance is their unique nesting habits. The female seals herself in a crevice in a tree, with the aid of her mate, creating a plaster-like material with twigs, figs, and feces. They leave a slot large enough for the male to insert his beak so he can feed the female while she is in the nest. She remains inside to lay her eggs and raise the young for at least six weeks. At that time the female breaks the seal and emerges but she reseals the nest and joins the male in bringing food for the young. After a few weeks more, the young will beak the clay-like seal and emerge themselves. This hornbill is a resident at the Toronto Zoo where he lives in a large enclosure full of trees and plants. Highly intelligent, these birds do well with a lot of mental stimulation. The employees at the zoo give the animals toys and objects that will arouse their curiosity. Even the food is provided in a way that will require thought and problem solving. Fruit is skewered and attached to a log so the bird can slide it up and off the end. One of the most interesting features is the large, hollow structure on top of the hornbill's beak. The function of the casque is a mystery, although the birds do use them as a battering ram in aerial combat with competitive males. The Toronto Zoo is a world leader in conservation and education efforts that help to protect species like these from going extinct.

Sea lions are truly the puppy dogs of the sea, resembling our four legged friends in their behaviour as well as their facial appearances. Their personalities are similar in many ways. They enjoy play time and frolicking in the surf and on the sand, and their fun loving nature delights tourists and residents alike. These hilarious animals inhabit almost every beach or rocky shore in the Galapagos Islands. A bull sea lion is a large and formidable animal. Powerful, and equipped with large teeth like a giant breed dog, they command respect when they need it. They are territorial animals and there is only room for one mature male in each colony. There may be dozens of females and their babies, but the bull has breeding rights and will chase off any male who challenges him. In return, the male discourages predators and protects his colony, even supervising the young sea lions when the mothers are out in the ocean, hunting for food. This adorable baby has come to his mother with plaintiff cries for milk. Baby sea lions are always hungry and they know that their mother's nap time is the perfect opportunity for a meal. But the father, who thinks it is cuddle time, does not want to be interrupted. He barks and snarls at the baby and tells him it's not time for a drink. The sad baby wanders around crying but he finds a spot in the sand to have a nap. He will get his chance soon enough when the father gets hungry enough to go out into the water for his lunch. Sea lions are one of the most interesting and entertaining parts of a visit to the Galapagos Islands.

Galapagos tortoises are incredible animals, instantly recognized by their enormous size and giant armour plated shells. Large enough to fill the passenger compartment of a compact car, they are awe inspiring to look at. But even more incredible than their size is their ability to live to more than 200 years of age.

Blue jays are a welcome sight at any back yard bird feeder, with their beautiful plumage and vivid colour. Noisy and bold, they are often the first to arrive at back yard bird feeders, and the most likely to announce their presence with shrieks and calls. Other birds watch them and follow, hoping to find food where the fuss can be found. Blue jays are also easy prey for hawks and owls, as they fly slowly compared with other birds. Blue jays are one of the most beautiful birds that can be attracted to a feeder. They enjoy a wide variety of nuts and seeds and they delight both amateur and experienced bird watchers alike. This blue jay seems intent on finding the perfect peanut and he picks one up and discards it, repeating this several times before flying off with his prize. Somehow, he must be able to tell which shells hold the most delicious peanuts.

The underwater world is full of animals that are strange and wonderful in comparison with those that we see on land. This scuba diver slipped into the water from the island of Vava'u in the Kingdom of Tonga, taking his lights and camera with him to show us what emerges from their hiding places after the darkness sets in. The reefs are beautiful and appealing during daylight with their colours and picturesque beauty. The reefs are equally beautiful at night but this world and its creatures undergo an incredible transformation. This is when many animals emerge silently to hunt and explore. The delicate balance between the hunter and the hunted is complex and it can change in an instant. The cover of darkness provides the perfect means for animals to go undetected, like the octopus, one of nature's stealthiest killers. They glide through the water or slither over the ocean bottom, coordinating their eight powerful arms to find and ensnare prey, even in tight crevices. The octopus explores the rocks and coral with its tentacles while it spreads its mantle wide to capture any prey that are lucky enough to avoid the suckers on its arms. Once the octopus gets the fish its grasp, there is no chance for escape. A stingray cruises under the diver and glides over the sand in search of tiny animals buried beneath. Their electroreceptor cells are able to detect minute electric currents from mollusks and crustaceans that hide on the ocean floor. A porcupine fish drifts slowly over the sand and debris. They have no ability to fight or injure an animal, but they do not need such abilities to ward off attackers. Their skin and organs contain a powerful toxin that is potent enough to kill a grown man. They are also capable of inflating to many times their usual size and causing their spines to protrude. This makes it almost impossible for predators to swallow them. A sea anemone waves its tentacles in the current, snaring small animals and immobilizing them with the venom injected by their sting. They are animals, even though they are anchored to the coral or rocks like a plant would be. A sting from a sea anemone can cause irritation, pain, and even nausea. Closed and difficult to recognize during the day, this creature extends its tentacles under the cover of darkness. A small, but colourful lobster ventures out in the night to dine on carrion. Janitors of the ocean, they clean the rotting carcasses and vegetation from the ocean floor. A white eel explores crevices and hiding places, relying on its sense of smell to detect prey. Capable or inflicting a nasty bite, scuba divers maintain a respectable distance from eels. The ocean is completely different after dark. Each time a scuba diver enters the water, it is a unique adventure.

Veterinary technicians have one of the most wonderful jobs imaginable. Their days are filled with visits from people with dogs, cats, and other beautiful pets. Anyone with a love for animals would be envious of those who enjoy such an occupation. And as fun as their typical days are, a visit from a new litter of puppies like these golden retrievers makes the day even better. These vet techs at Sherbrooke Heights Animal Hospital in were thrilled to hear the the puppies from As Good As Gold breeders were coming for their checkups. Who can resist a bunch of fluffy puppies like these? The puppies are as energetic as they are adorable and keeping them all together is a feat. Their owner brought them to the clinic in a wagon that is perfect for the job. The entire clinic was overjoyed at this wagon full of cuteness and they all gushed over them through the entire visit. They all received a clean bill of health and made their way to the door to go home. The techs all gathered around to see them off!

Pileated woodpeckers are the largest species of woodpecker in North America. They would be second to the ivory billed woodpecker, although sadly, it is now believed to be extinct. The pileated is a giant bird that feed on insects burrowed into rotting trees and logs. It uses its keen sense of hearing to detect grubs and beets beneath the wood. Once it locates its prey, it hammers with its powerful beak to uncover and devour the insects. They actually play a vital role in the health of many forests, keeping the population of destructive insects in check. A pileated woodpecker can be heard for miles as it beats loudly on hollow trees to announce its presence and dominance to other woodpeckers. They are territorial and this display is meant to keep rivals from entering their feeding or breeding area. A pileated woodpecker grows to an incredible 49cm in height (19inches). It is a heavy bird, weighing up to 300g (2/3 lb). They are also known to eat fruits and berries, including the berries of the poison ivy plant. They will also eat ants in large quantities when the colonies are found in dead trees. The nest of the pileated is constructed by hammering out large holes in dead trees. The male makes a nest and this attracts a female where they will work together to raise their young. The nests are not used twice and the large cavities often become a shelter for other birds and woodland animals, such as owls. This also plays a beneficial role in the health of forests. Pileated woodpeckers are a welcome sight at back yard bird feeders such as this one. They love suet cakes that are filled with nuts and seeds. Their large size and bright plumage make them a delightful sight for bird enthusiasts and photographers. This videographer placed a GoPro camera on a pole right beside the suet feeder in his back yard and he was fortunate enough to capture this large male paying a visit. Providing food for local birds can make a great difference to their survival, especially when harsh conditions make it more difficult to find food.

Raven is an 11 month old Great Dane puppy with a love for life that is a thrill to watch. Like all puppies, she is full of energy and enthusiasm. A large Great Dane at full gallop is a beautiful sight but Raven is also adorably clumsy with her legs that are long and gangly. She runs like freight train full of joy and happiness when she discovers the yard full of freshly fallen snow. This is Raven's first winter and she is overjoyed at the opportunity to play. Raven's owner had brought her outside with the intention of taking her in the car to the nearby forest for a long walk on the leash, but Raven was having such fun running around free that he decided to let her have her moment before they got into the car. She can't decide which direction to go in as she runs around in circles at full tilt. After a few minutes, Raven grew tired and willingly got into the car for her daily forest time. Great Danes are one of the most beautiful and loveable dog breed and anyone who owns one usually falls completely in love with the breed. They are strong, noble, protective, and incredibly affectionate. After a day running and playing, they are content to stretch out on the couch and sleep as their humans relax and watch television or sit by the fire.

A small action camera stationed at a back yard bird feeder was intended to capture images of colourful birds and cute squirrels as they dined on their morning supply of peanuts in the shell, but instead, it captured surprising footage of a very interesting conversation between a polite crow and unfriendly red squirrel. The squirrel has been munching away on his breakfast and wasn't intending to share. He's been aggressive in his attempts to chase away all the crows and the blue jays, and even the black squirrels who would like a few nuts themselves. But a patient crow lands on the branch and makes several clear attempts at winning the squirrel over with a single word "hello", spoken with a voice that resembles a talking a parrot. In fact, he tries to say it 3 or 4 times. The squirrel does not seem impressed and he still refuses to share. But at one point he dashes off to hide a nut for later and the crow and his buddies take this as their opportunity to grab a little food and fly off with it. The crow is definitely trying to speak like a human and it's no accident that he says "hello", although his pronunciation is no longer quite as clear as it used to be. This story actually started about ten years ago when a nest of crows fell out of a tree in small town, Millbrook, in Ontario, Canada. The property owner tried putting the nest back up on the branch and he hoped that the parents would return to care for their babies. After a few hours, it was clear that they were abandoned and he called a veterinarian who lived up the street. They watched the nest until it was almost dark before deciding that the baby crows were orphans. They would not survive the night on their own. The veterinarian's family adopted the babies and raised them, feeding them meat, dog food, turkey mash, and they also taught them to find their own food. The crows quickly learned to fly and they began living in the trees, returning throughout the day for food. They grew and thrived, and the family inadvertently taught the crows to say hello. The crows even seemed to understand that this word was a greeting, as they would use it to announce their arrival. The crows became more wild over the late summer and they were accepted by the local crows. The orphans migrated south the first winter, but the family still sees crows that will allow them to get slightly closer than is usually possible, and at least two still say "hello" occasionally. As time has progressed, this family has maintained their love for the local crows and they feed them peanuts, but they also believed that the crows they raised would likely be passed on by now. Each winter that comes and goes makes this more likely. And yet, this crow that speaks to this squirrel shows that at least one of them is still alive and well. The squirrel may not understand how special this crow is, or how amazing it is that he is greeted in such a away, but the family was delighted beyond words to see this footage. It is truly heart warming to connect with a wild animal and to help it in a time of need. It is even more wonderful to see them still doing well more than a decade later.

White-tailed-deer are beautiful creatures that roam freely through many forests on North America and a few other countries in Europe. Shy and reclusive, these deer will often avoid contact with humans. Their keen hearing and smell allow them to detect predators and other animals long before they are seen. Deer are surprisingly stealthy in their retreat and they can slip away into trees and brush easily without making a sound. Deer are herbivores and they are hunted by many predators, and by humans, making the extremely difficult to approach. Even a large male, commonly referred to as a stag or a buck, will avoid people, despite the fact that they have formidable antlers that can be used as weapons in self defence. During the rut, or breeding season, stags have increased testosterone and they can be very aggressive, even towards humans. Their hooves and their antlers are capable of causing very serious injury. But as with almost all wild animals, keeping a respectful distance and acting in a non-threatening manner will usually be enough to prevent an unpleasant or dangerous encounter. This man has found that sitting very still and silently in a remote forest will occasionally provide him with a close look at the wildlife as they wander past him or around him. He set up a camera and took a seat on a gentle slope, deep in the woods. Before long, he heard the rustle of footsteps in the autumn leaves. A few female deer (does) appeared behind him grazed on the patches of green grass that still remained. A large stag with an impressive set of antlers followed close behind them and it wandered straight towards the man. He remained motionless and quiet as the deer came very close and stared at him curiously. Although they could smell him, and undoubtedly recognized him as human, they seemed unafraid. One of the females approached so closely behind that this man could feel her breath as she sniffed him and the camera. Something that this man has learned from being close to deer for prolonged periods is that they communicate with each other far more than we once believed. Even the most subtle ear or tail movement can have meaning in a herd and can raise the alarm if danger is perceived. They are attune to the eye movements and even the breathing of the animals around them, taking cues from small changes in behaviour. This man is breathing slowly and keeping his eyes slightly averted. His relaxed posture is meant to tell the deer that he is not in a position to give chase or cause them harm. It is believed that deer have hearing so keen that they can even hear the heartbeat of a human or an animal that is close enough. In this case, patience has paid off and the deer soon relaxed enough that even slow movements do not scare them off. Spending time in a tranquil forest with wild deer almost close enough to touch is one of the most peaceful experiences imaginable.

Raven is an eleven month old Great Dane puppy who is full of energy and enthusiasm for anything that is new and fun. Like all dogs, she loves long walks in new places where the smells and sights are novel and interesting. She enjoys a walk down her street several times a week and there is always somebody to greet or a friendly dog to visit, but walks in the forest get her excited like few things do. Luckily for Raven, she lives in a beautiful area of Ontario, Canada where the nearby forest offers hundreds of trails and a vast expanse of woodland that is rarely busy. She gets walks over new trails several times per week as well. Raven's property is large enough for her to run free and she has been trained to stay in her own yard, so off leash time is frequent for her. Unfortunately, Raven is a spirited puppy with a tendency to forget her manners when she smells or sees a squirrel. For this reason, letting her run free off her property has been unsuccessful. Until now! Raven's owner has been working hard with her on recall training and leash walking. She has been trying her best and making serious progress, so it seemed like a good day to take her deep in the Ganaraska Forest to test out her progress. Dave unclips Raven's leash and tells her she is free to run. She seems unable to believe her good fortune at first and she stares at him in disbelief for a few seconds. Suddenly she understands that she is no longer restrained and she begins to run like a freight train over the trails and through the trees. Anyone who has ever had a Great Dane knows how they are like a bull in a china shop. They are large and powerful and they don't seem to know their own strength. Raven gallops like a horse, back and forth, sniffing and exploring. And to her credit, she came running back to Dave every time she was called. A treat and a pat on the head, along with a little praise, was all it took to keep her in check. Raven came across deer and porcupine tracks, and still kept within sight of her human. This is more than a small feat for a puppy like Raven. After 5km (3 miles) of trails through some of the most beautiful forest in North America, Raven was very tired and happy. As they drove away from the forest, she rested her head on Dave's shoulder and seemed on the verge of sleep. She sighed with contentment as she was told that she had been such a good puppy that she would get another chance for running free the following day. To see an overjoyed Great Dane at full gallop through snowy forest is a breath taking sight!

Back yard bird feeders can bring hours of joy and satisfaction as the neighbourhood birds flock to the feast and display their colourful plumage. Many song birds and others stay in countries with a cold winter climate, relying on seeds and pine cones to sustain them through the winter. But food can be scarce and a thick blanket of snow will make finding food very difficult. Cold temperatures also present severe difficulties for small birds as their metabolism must adjust to provide them heat. This causes their food requirement to increase greatly during cold weather. Back yard bird feeders can be extremely helpful to these beautiful creatures and a fresh supply of seeds and nuts can mean the difference between surviving the winter or perishing during the coldest months. Supplying the right food will also attract different species and it can be very rewarding to do some research to see what will best fit the needs of the birds in your location. Attracting the most unique or most colourful birds can also be an interesting challenge. This bird enthusiast has bought herself an ample supply of suet cakes filled with nuts and seeds that are perfect for woodpeckers and nuthatches. Another feeder close by provides a platform that can be filled with peanuts in the shell. This is the favourite feeder for crows and blue jays, but the blue jays also like the suet and they happily feed on the fatty seeds when the woodpeckers will allow it. A red-bellied woodpecker is the first bird to arrive for breakfast in this video. His beautiful red crest and red tinted stomach plumage make him a gorgeous sight at the feeder. Many bird enthusiasts will use the opportunities provided by the feeders to record the birds as they get their fill. It's a win-win situation for both!

North America is home to 23 species of woodpecker and there are at least 180 species worldwide. They are unique and fascinating birds that inhabit forests and even treeless areas in all but a few countries on our planet. They largely prey on insects that hide under bark or bore into the wood of unhealthy trees. They use their keen sense of hearing to detect their prey and then they hammer out holes in the wood to access them. Without woodpeckers, insect pests would overpopulate and threaten the health of forests. Woodpeckers are more difficult birds to attract to bird feeders because they prefer to find their food in decaying trees, but they can be tempted with dried fruit and suet cakes. Being solitary and territorial, they are also less likely to exist in large numbers around your home. Kristy is a nature lover and bird enthusiast. Her Christmas list included several new bird feeders for song birds and a new wire cage for holding suet cakes. These are specially designed to attract woodpeckers because they are heavy enough to allow the larger birds to perch on them in the same way they would cling to the side of a tree. The suet cakes fit in perfectly, allowing the birds access to a balanced supply of suet, nuts, and seeds. Within minutes of placing this feeder out , several species of birds were excited by the contents, including three different woodpecker species that landed on the feeder within seconds of each other. A hairy woodpecker was the first to arrive, but after a few small pecks at the food, he was chased off by a red-bellied woodpecker. This larger bird feasted for much longer before the arrival of a pileated woodpecker caused him to fly off. The pileated woodpecker is the largest in North America. The ivory-billed woodpecker is larger, but it is now believed to be extinct. pileated woodpeckers are striking birds with flaming red feathers on their heads and black and white plumage on the rest of their bodies. Bird enthusiasts like Kristy become very excited at the sight of one feeding at their back yard feeders, but to see three woodpeckers within such a short time was quite a thrill!

The beaded sea cucumber is a bizarre creature that resembles an alien life form from a science fiction movie. It is an animal, despite having no eyes, no true brain, and no distinct sensory organs. Clusters of nerves allow it to sense changes in light and to have some tactile sensation, but even those are very rudimentary. Sea cucumbers are among the most numerous animals in the ocean, and at extreme depths, they are a dominant presence, accounting for the majority of biomass in lightless and cold environments that are less welcoming to fish and other creatures. They find food by filtering the water for small chunks of decaying pant matter, breaking them down even further as they consume them and excrete a more processed end product. This allows bacteria to continue the process and break down the rotting vegetation even further. The sea cucumber plays a critical role in keeping the oceans clean. Like all other sea cucumbers, the beaded sea cucumber dwells on the ocean bottom, contracting and expanding for locomotion. It has no feet and no other means of propulsion. The strangest looking part of this long, serpent-like animal is the mouth. It has 15 feathery tentacles that are constantly in motion, opening up and sweeping the water for food. They close and retreat to the mouth to pass particles into the digestive tract. Their rhythmic movement is strange to watch, giving the mouth an appearance that resembles many of the alien creatures that we have seen in fictional shows over the years. A recent series called "Stranger Things" features a supernatural villain with a similar look. The comparison between these two creatures has not gone unnoticed. In the animal world, most limbs are evenly numbered because most animals are designed in a bilateral manner, with two reasonably symmetrical sides. But sea cucumbers are designed more like a ring with five parts, much like a starfish. They have symmetrical features in each of the five body parts, allowing for this animal to have an odd number of tentacles. If the sea cucumber encounters a drastic change in light, or if it senses motion, it will pull in its vulnerable tentacles and contract, retreating to safety. Sea cucumbers are generally harmless to humans, possessing no ability to attack anything, but some are coated with an irritant or even a toxic slime that can cause injury to eyes or other mucous membranes. It would be wise to avoid handling sea cucumbers without understanding which ones are safe. In many tropical areas, sea cumbers are an important food source.

This cheeky little red squirrel is named "Peanut", for reasons that are not hard to imagine. He loves peanuts in the shell and he has learned that the family who lives on his island have an ample supply. Peanut has become very accustomed to coming up on the porch all day long and searching for peanuts in the shell. Sometimes he will eat them right there and sometimes he will scamper off to store them where he can eat them later. Peanut's island is a remote spot on Parry Sound, Ontario. In the heart of Canada's cottage country, it's a remote and quiet spot where life progresses at a leisurely pace. The lake has very few boats and there are only a handful of cottages along the shores. It's a glimpse of nature that has not changed much in hundreds of years. There is very little boat traffic on the lake, and Peanut's only exposure to humans is the kind family that speaks to him when he appears and keeps the supply of peanuts coming. He has grown quite comfortable scampering around at their feet and he will sit and demand more peanuts by squawking at them in a very cheeky way. Mornings begin with Peanut sitting on the deck railing, chirping away noisily until somebody feeds him. Since it seems that Peanut has a sense of humour about early morning wakeup calls, it also seemed likely that he has a sense of humour about other things. His human friends decided to test this out with a little trick. They attached an elastic band to the peanut and then strung it through the slit in the deck. Attached to a small stick under the deck, the peanut could be pulled only so far before it was pulled back. Peanut is very perplexed by this and he struggles comically with the peanut, pulling and stretching the elastic band. He spins around in all directions and then stares at the cottage door, adorably confused. In frustration, he stamps his feet a little. When he begins to chew on the deck board with his razor sharp teeth, it was conceded that he had won this round. Before he could gnaw through the board and cause serious damage, his people friends replaced the attached peanuts with loose ones and let him have his treat. Peanut seemed to forgive the ruse and he continued his routine, as usual.

Stingrays are beautiful animals that are found in most tropical waters around the world. They are also mysterious, and evening frightening to those who do not understand them. They are more intelligent than we once believed and they are resourceful and curious. Despite being harmless to humans unless provoked or threatened, they are commonly believed to be vicious and dangerous. This southern stingray was observed in the remote waters of Tonga off the island of Vava'u. A diver was exploring the reef around the island when he came across the animal eating something in the sand. But what he saw immediately caught his eye as it appeared that the stingray had a clear image of a devil or ghostly monster face on its back. The diver was surprised at how clear and vivid the image was and he first wondered if it was simply the result of sand and dust stuck on the stingray's skin. Stingrays will often cover their backs with sand to camouflage themselves from predators. But it was clear that this image on the stingray was symmetrical and it appears to be pigmentation or permanent markings of some sort. The actual head of the stingray is darker than the rest of the stingray, which is unusual, and it forms a blotch that appears to be a mouth, gaping open ominously. Ridges where the stingrays eye sockets come to a peak are lighter coloured and they resemble two large canine teeth on the devilish face. Symmetrical eyes and a skeletal nose are visible behind the head, and there are even lighter lines and patches that appear to be two large ears. The snout of the stingray forms a lighter patch that appears to be the lower jaw of the apparition. The overall picture is a menacing grin of a ghostly beast or devil face that is strikingly vivid and clear. As the scuba diver approaches to record this strange creature, it turned and sway away to resume its hunting in another path of sand. Stingrays have specially adapted electroreceptors in their snouts and wings that allow them to detect prey buried beneath the sand. They beat their wings to uncover the crustaceans and mollusks that are hidden and they inhale them and eat them. The design of their bodies makes them perfectly suited for gliding over reefs and sandy bottoms in search of food. Stingrays have their fearsome reputation due to the formidable barb in their tails. They can deliver a savage wound with the razor sharp tip and they barb is also venomous. Unwary swimmers have occasionally stepped on these animals in the shallows and have been injured in what is an unfortunate mistake. Although these creatures should be respected for their ability to defend themselves, they never attack humans and they never use the barb as a means of hunting. It is only when they feel that they, themselves are under attack that they will lash out for protection. Sharks prey on these fish by attacking them from above and behind. Mistaken incidents with swimmers are almost exclusively the result of the stingray not realizing that it was not fending off a shark. Stingrays were further villainized when the beloved animal lover, Steve Irwin was fatally wounded in a freak accident with a stingray. His heart was pierced by the barb in what was obviously an unintentional mishap. If he had sustained the injury in any other location, he would very likely still be with us. This stingray is a unique creature with markings that are not found on the species normally. It is a one-of-a-kind animal with this face-like image on its back. Although it is obviously not an evil creature, it does not take a lot of imagination to see this as a ghoulish devil face cruising over the ocean bottom.

India is a land of contrast with its beauty and rich history, along with its hardship and poverty. The two exist right beside each other in many instances. Huge fortresses and elaborate homes are often surrounded by dilapidated buildings and empty lots full of rubble and garbage. Expensive cars roll through neighbourhoods where children play in the street without shoes and families are hungry and barely surviving. It is no different in most countries around the world, but this contrast in India is among the most extreme that is found anywhere. Farming here is also an extreme contrast in conditions, with most famers barely being able to pay for food for their animals. Cows are raised to provide milk, cheese and other dairy products, but religious beliefs prohibit people here from eating them. Farmers must allow the cows to roam free to forage for food because they cannot afford sufficient animal feed. The result is that the cows search for what little grass they can find, along with compost and discarded bread. Often, people in the street take pity on the cows and feed them scraps. The cows return to the farmers each night and he will take the milk for his own family. This is survival, and no other options are available for many farmers. One of the problems with this situation is tat cows often ingest plastic and other inedible garbage, which blocks their digestive tracts, making them less productive and therefore too expensive to keep. Farmers cannot support a cow that is not producing milk and they cannot slaughter them for food. The only choice they have is to let the cow loose and hope that it manages on its own. And so the problem grows, with more stray cows, and even less food for each one. India currently has more than 5 million of these gentle beasts roaming and foraging for food in the city streets. This tourist from Canada was surprised to learn of this problem and he found it heart breaking to see the cows trying to eat banana peels on this vacant lot. Knowing that baked goods are actually a decent food for cattle, even in large quantities, he found a bakery stall just down the street from these beautiful animals. He bought a large bag of buns and returned to the lot. The cows seemed to recognize the buns, or perhaps the kindness and they gathered around to get their share. The tourist fed the cows as quickly as he could until they were gone. by this time, he was surrounded by at least seven cows with large horns and empty bellies. A visit to India is an experience that cannot be described. It is a country that is rich in food, culture, history and wildlife. It is also a place that holds many lessons for those willing to learn them.

Gopher babies are beautiful animals that are the epitome of cuteness when they are tiny. These are more accurately referred to as groundhogs, which is actually a different species in the rodent family. But the names groundhog and gopher are often used to describe either animal. They were made famous by the legends of Punxsutawney Phil and Wiarton Willie, two groundhogs who became known for their supposed ability to predict the weather as they came out of their burrows each spring. The legend claims that the groundhog will run back inside if he sees his shadow and the world will be subjected to six more weeks of winter. Caddyshack, a Hollywood classic with Bill Murray, also made these adorable animals more well known. These little balls of fur have been hiding for months as they nursed on milk and grew in their den. Spring has just arrived and the four little cuties have emerged for a peek at the world around them. They will nibble on grass, like their mother over the summer, putting on as much weight as they can. They will need to store up sufficient fat to carry them through the next winter. With their furry little faces and round bodies, these gophers are adorable to watch!

Anne With An E is a famous movie series that is based on the classic novel series Anne of Green Gables. Set in the 1890s in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, this Canadian series was a beloved part of childhood for millions of people. Translated into 36 languages and selling more than 50 million copies, few people have not heard of the book series. Filming the series was a challenge due to the fact that it takes place well over 100 years ago in world that has changed so much in that time. Finding a small town location that could be transformed into a believable set was one of the challenges. Millbrook, Ontario has a charming, historical look to it that has drawn movie producers here for decades. It was also financially advantageous to film in a more central location. Very little of the show is actually filmed on the east coast of Canada in order to reduce costs. The buildings in Millbrook and the streets have not changed much since the turn of the century. Transforming the storefronts was very manageable with the placement of boards over the concrete sidewalks and the installation of antique awnings and store signs. The stores and offices in the show are real, although they are cosmetically changed. Residents of Millbrook came out to watch the filming. They were fascinated by the characters and the set, as well as the transformation of their town, creating a surprisingly convincing glimpse of the world in which this story takes place almost 130 years earlier. The amount of crew, actors and equipment required to create the magic of our favourite shows is difficult to appreciate until it is seen with our own eyes. Anne With An E is available on Netflix. As an added bonus, the introductory music is performed by the beloved Canadian legend Gordon Downie and The Tragically Hip.

Few creatures on the planet inspire such awe and wonder. They are the largest shark species, and the largest fish on earth. These are whale sharks, behemoths of the deep and they are as mysterious as they are enormous. They reach an incredible 16m in length (55 feet) and might weigh as much as 45,000kg (100,000lbs), yet they have never harmed a human. Having no typical teeth, they are incapable of inflicting an injury on anyone. Whale sharks filter the water as many whale species do, feeding on plankton, krill, fish eggs, and a few small fish. Baleen are the giant combs that separate food from water as it passes through the gaping mouth of this shark. They cruise through oceans around the planet, occupying all tropical areas. They are capable of swimming vast distances and individuals have been tracked in waters on the opposite side of the globe during different seasons. Scuba divers have a particular love and respect for these great beasts and they travel to places like the Galapagos Islands to meet them face to face in their own environment. The currents around the waters off Darwin Island converge to bring food and a diverse and abundant assortment of marine animals. The whale sharks follow these currents in the months of September to November. They can be found swimming around the islands in remote waters. Yet, scientists still do not fully understand these animals or what brings them here during this time. Almost every whale shark sighted here is a pregnant female. They are not feeding as they drift along on the currents and little is known about how and where they give birth. Sightings of baby whale sharks are almost no-existent. Whale sharks have no ability to fight predators. Their only means of defense is to outswim them or dive deep. They have been able to dive to a depth of 1,900m (6,200ft) where predators cannot follow. Their reaction to humans is similar. If undisturbed, they will tolerate divers swimming near them. They occasionally exhibit curiosity and will change course to swim near people in the water. If a whale shark is concerned about a scuba diver coming to close, they can easily swim much more quickly than any human, or they can dive and quickly be away from people. These whale sharks have been spotted near Darwin Island in late 2019 and early 2020. The divers studying these magnificent sharks were able to record incredible close up video as the sharks passed by them very closely. It is hoped that when we learn more about them, and also how to fully appreciate them, our respect will bring important measures to help the whale sharks remain in our oceans. To lose them forever would be an unspeakable tragedy.

Deer are beautiful and graceful creatures that can leap high fences with great ease. These deer regularly come to visit their friends who are inside the fence, enjoying the food in their paddock. The deer like the hay and the ample supply of fresh vegetables. They also seen to enjoy a little companionship, often hanging around in the paddock long after the food is gone. Unlike the pigs and the donkeys on this farm, the deer cam come and go as they please, hopping the five foot fence like it was knee high. A camera set up on the fence captured this deer leaping up and over the fence to enter, as well as the second leap to return to the forest a few minutes later.

Arctic wolves are beautiful creatures with long, white fur to help them blend in with their snowy surroundings. They are large and powerful animals with the males reaching a weight of up to 46kg (102lbs). Most Arctic wolves are found in northern Canada. Artic wolves have relatively little fear of people, thought to be due to their infrequent exposure to humans. Although attacks on humans are rare, a few documented cases exist. The Arctic wolf's primary food source is the muskoxen and Arctic hares, although they also feed on caribou and lemmings. Capable hunters, the Arctic wolf has been found on two occasions to have preyed upon polar bear cubs. Beautiful animals, the wolf symbolizes bravery, as in the association with the hunter or the warrior in folklore. They are a vital part of any ecosystem they are part of, maintaining a delicate balance of other animals such as hares, beaver, and caribou. Without them, populations of other creatures would go unchecked and the result to the ecosystem would be disastrous. Studies have shown that without wolves, some areas experience an overpopulation of beavers, and ultimately, rivers and watersheds are permanently changed.

Gorillas are very fascinating animals. They are also fascinating to watch! Enjoy!

Humpback whales are massive and awe-inspiring. They are beautiful and magnificent giants. Check them out in this unbelievable clip!