WildCreatures

Dolomedes spiders, also known as fishing spiders, dock spiders, and "cottage monsters" are unique predators with amazing hunting abilities. They wait by the edge of a lake, pond, or river to ambush small fish that come to the surface. The spiders can detect ripples and then quickly run across the surface of the water. They use their forelimbs that are equipped with claws to hook their prey and inject their prey with venom with their hollow jaws. Fishing spiders are also capable of climbing beneath the surface of the water. The hairs on their bodies trap air bubbles that encase the spiders as they hunt underwater. Because they breath through openings in their abdomens, they can use the trapped air to breathe and stay submerged longer. The fishing spider hunts for mayflies and other insects on the surface of the water, using the water as a web. They can detect ripples and vibrations which indicate where their prey are located. The spider can estimate distance and direction, as well as discern the vibrations given off by predators such as trout. Powerful predators, they are capable of eating fish as large as a small goldfish. They will prey on tadpoles as well. These spiders are similar in appearance to wolf spiders and are often confused with them. They differ in their markings, their eyes, and the fact that wolf spiders carry their young on their backs. Although frighteningly large, they rarely bite people and they help keep the insect population in check. Seeing them around the cottage is actually a good thing for people who don't want to be bitten by horseflies or mosquitos.

Manta rays are highly intelligent and curious animals. These mantas are magnificent, stretching more than 6m (18 feet) across. Their wingspan is impressive and awe inspiring, as is their gentle nature. Studies have shown that these animals are self aware, recognizing themselves in a reflection. They will even expose parts of their bodies in order to get a look at areas that they are unable to see. These divers were thrilled to have the mantas circle and investigate them with no fear. To have an interaction with a gigantic wild animal on its own terms is an unforgettable experience. Scuba diving leads people into a world of beauty and mystery that we were never meant to see.

British Columbia is home to one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world!

Few things are as breath taking as a herd of horses running free and happy in the sunshine. These are no ordinary horses and it is no ordinary meadow. Many of these beautiful animals have found their way here after a life of hard work, and in a few cases, a life with care that was less than they deserved. But the wait was worth it as their new life is one of freedom and happiness. The Mane Intent is a horse farm that helps the horses by providing them with a carefree life and the best treatment possible. But more importantly, there is also a beautiful purpose for the horses here. This farm provides equine therapy and a chance for people who have suffered trauma, abuse, or challenge to connect with powerful, yet gentle beasts that help with healing and learning. Many also come here to learn about leadership, establishing boundaries, building teams, and many other aspects of life in a complex world. For the horses, their life is built around a natural existence with very little stress and a dramatic change from their earlier life. They graze contentedly, run when they choose, snooze in the sunshine and socialize with others in the herd. The horses develop bonds and friendships that run deep. Life here is all that these kind souls deserve. This farm provides a unique experience for first responders as they navigate a world full of hurt and pain. Horses can provide an outlet ad a means to process the things that humans were not meant to deal with. For those who come here, the experience is very different and very beneficial. We don't fully understand the reasons that equine therapy is so effective, but few people will deny the healing power of horses. Enjoy the happiness that we see in this beautiful herd as they greet the morning sunshine in their little paradise.

Manta rays are beautiful and graceful creatures that create a sense of awe and wonder among those fortunate enough to get a close look at them!

Giraffes are among the most beautiful and majestic animals on earth. They tower over all other creatures, with the longest neck of any land animal. Their legs are impossibly long as well, yet they gallop with an impressive speed and perfect grace. Gentle, yet powerful, fully grown giraffes have few predators. Even a pack of determined lions will not take down a healthy, adult giraffe. Life on the African plain is a delicate balance. In the battle for survival, all animals are at risk of falling prey at any time. An injury, or a careless moment can turn the balance against them, making them vulnerable. Animals like these giraffes may be playing and determining hierarchy within the herd, but they are also honing the skills and developing the understanding that they might one day need to defend themselves. These two giraffes play fight on a sunny day, jostling for position or dominance, while testing their strength and their techniques. The scene is a beautiful one, reminding us that the natural behaviour of a wild animal in its own habitat is unrivaled and more breath taking than watching an animal confined. This vast protected area in Kenya, Africa, provides guests with a way to view wild animals as they should be. The revenue from these tours allows the land to stay undeveloped and it funds the protection and the conservation of this species and others.

There are many species of filefish, with varied appearances. This fan-bellied leatherjacket is member of the filefish family. It was found in the waters of Indonesia, searching the seabed for worms, tunicates, and shrimp. Like other filefishes, it has the capability of changing its colour and texture to match its surroundings. A master of camouflage, it is often found stationary in sea grass or coral, depending on this ability to blend in as a means of escaping predators. The filefish has a spiky fin on the top of its head which it uses to warn other fish when it feels threatened. Often referred to as a "unicorn filefish" it resembles a unicorn when the spine is erect. They can grow up to 40cm (16inches) in length. These fish are beautiful to see and a delight for scuba divers to encounter.

Almost everyone has a dream, but not everyone has the courage to chase them. When you set out after your dreams, almost anything can happen. Sometimes the dream changes or leads you in a direction that you never dared to go, or a direction you had never expected. Sometimes the dream seems to be leading you to something you'd never have thought of. And sometimes they simply vanish or evaporate as if they don't want to be caught. But if you don't chase your dreams, you'll never catch up with them. This story tells us of a man who had a childhood dream that was always, unclear, elusive, and mysterious. He knew where he wanted to go, but not how to get there. Life took him on a path that seemed to be leading in a completely different direction, yet it was a life of adventure and experiences like you would see on a television documentary. He followed blindly, accepting the direction, the challenge, and the rewards of the risks. He saw amazing things and had experiences that he felt compelled to document and share. And then one day, he was shocked as he realized exactly where he was. He hadn't caught up with the dream that he was chasing. The dream had caught up with him. It felt like it had snuck up behind him and appeared without warning. Maybe he had always been on the path that led to the realization of a lifelong goal, but didn't realize it. He didn't know that there might be more than one way to meet the dream in the end. David is a videographer who has been learning how to tell his story through visual means. He uses his GoPro, camcorder, and other cameras to capture the images as he explores remote and beautiful places. He takes us out over stunning landscapes and shores with his drones. He invites us along with him as he explores beneath the waves and meets the animals of the ocean in their own world, on their own terms. It's a life of adventure that has brought him joy for being able to share it, and he has found that uploading his videos makes him enough money to finance future trips. It's partly through these videos that the next adventures are possible. And now, David has shared a very personal and surprising story. He shares with us the story of how he suddenly pieced it all together and understood that he was already doing what he had dreamed of doing since he was a child. The lesson for him, and for all of us is that chasing your dreams won't always turn out as you expected. It will most likely be different. And it might even be better.

Whale sharks are one of the most awe inspiring animals in the ocean. Except for a few species of whale, they are the largest living creature on earth. They are the biggest fish in the ocean, and the biggest of the shark family. They measure up to 17m (55 feet) in length and can reach an estimated weight of more than 45,000 kg (100,000lbs). For nature lovers and scuba divers, few sights are as awe-inspiring as one of these magnificent beasts cruising past. They are as immense as a school bus, yet completely gentle and harmless. There have been no recorded injuries inflicted on a human by a whale shark and they are incapable of biting anyone. Whale sharks are filter feeders, inhaling water full of plankton, shrimp, krill, fish eggs, and small fish. They filter the water in a fashion similar to baleen whales like the humpbacks. Giant combs catch the food which is then swallowed, while water is expelled through the huge gills. These scuba divers were loading into the panga, a small boat that brings divers from the main boat to the dive sites. They had been exploring the waters around Darwin Island in the Galapagos. When they returned to the surface, they found a curious whale shark swimming around the panga. It's possible it was looking at the boat and divers with interest, but it's more likely that the giant creature was looking for a place to scratch its back. It repeatedly circled the boat and passed underneath, making contact with the boat and seemingly looking for contact with the divers in the water too. Whale sharks and other large animals are troubled by remora fish that swim up to them and latch on for a ride. The remoras are able to travel with no effort and they detach to swim around their hosts as they eat feces and fish scraps. But, for the large hosts, the remoras can be annoying and can interfere with hydrodynamics, making swimming more of an effort. Large animals will often seek other animals or moving objects in the hope that the remoras will detach and switch to the new animal. Occasionally, sharks and large predator fish will take a remora as a meal. It's possible that this whale shark was looking to rid itself of a few hitchhikers. Regardless of the reason, these scuba divers were ecstatic over the chance to see whale shark for such a close and prolonged encounter. The beautiful markings of the whale shark can also be seen very clearly in this video.

Sea lions dot the coastline on nearly every sandy beach and rocky shore in the Galapagos Islands. These beloved animals amuse and delight locals and tourists alike. Their antics and their personalities remind us so much of our furry companions, the dogs. Sea lions are wild creatures that live in harmony with humans here in the islands. People keep a respectful distance and the sea lions generally do the same. Unless approached too closely, sea lions will ignore humans in most cases. Bull sea lions are formidable animals with large heads and huge teeth. They are powerful and fearless. Surprisingly agile in the water, they are slow and clumsy on land. It is easy to move out of their way if they approach. Sea lions will not expend the energy required to chase human, so getting along with them on the beach is easy. As long as people don't get too close to the females, the males are just as likely to ignore people in the water too. This large bull has barked a warning to a rival male and he has run up the sandy incline to make his threat known. Wisely, the younger male has run off into the sand dunes. He was lucky that he was at the top of the beach, where running is easier and he puts distance between himself and the dominant bull. Having sent his message to the challenger, the boss of the colony is satisfied and he wants to return to the water. But the long distance to the edge of the surf has left him feeling lazy and unmotivated. Instead of waddling his way back down, the bull simply lines himself up parallel to the water and begins a long, slow roll down the hill. Ingenious and hilarious, this bull gives the tourists an amusing show as he coughs and sputters, resting in between attempts to make it to the waves. Caked in sand, he resembles a giant, sugar-coated donut twist by the time he gets close. And to top it all off, he stops to smooch with a female that is basking by the ocean's edge. Then he continues on into the shallows where he can move with ease. The rival bull will not return, at least for a while. Bull sea lions are capable of inflicting serious wounds in their battle for dominance of the colony and the beach. He will wisely wait for another day to challenge this boss.

This is a Pacific green sea turtle, one of the larger sea turtles in the oceans. It spends a good part of its day eating the aquatic vegetation that grows around the corals. But they also spend a good part of their day sleeping. They descend to the bottom in shallow areas, approximately 10-15 metres (30-45 feet) in depth where they seek a good place to rest. They can hold their breath and slow their oxygen consumption, allowing them to stay down more than 30 minutes before they rise to the surface for a few breaths of air. Often, before settling down for a snooze, green turtles will scratch their shells and their belly on the coral. They can be found under ledges or on coral protrusions, rocking back and forth, scraping their hard shells or leathery armpits as if they are itchy. It's very tempting to go up to the sea turtles and give them a little scratch, like you would do for your itchy dog, but touching the marine animals is strictly forbidden. This turtle lives on the reef near Komodo Island in Indonesia. Scuba diving here requires that all people keep a respectful distance away from the animals. A responsible scuba diver will avoid startling or affecting any of the creatures in the ocean. The largest recorded green turtle reached a weight of 395kg (871 lbs). The females of the species nest in the sand on beaches along many coasts in tropical and subtropical waters. They venture ashore during the night, dig a deep hole, deposit their eggs and then make their way to the sea, never seeing the hatchlings when they emerge. Baby turtles dig their way out of the nest after several months incubation. Only a few survive the treacherous trek to the water, and many more are eaten by predators before they reach shelter in the ocean. Sea turtles are among the most beloved of all the creatures in the ocean. Truly gentle creatures, they are a beautiful sight to see

Scuba divers exploring the waters of the Galapagos Islands were hoping to see a whale shark and they were not disappointed.

The seasons in North America provide us with beauty that is unrivaled. For many, the most beautiful time of year is autumn, when the leaves change colour and the warm weather is still with us. Walking in the forest at this time conjures up some of our happiest memories from childhood when the changes signaled the end of another blissful summer and months of memories. The fall weather brings frosty mornings and hot chocolate, wood fires and cozy blankets, fall sweaters and pumpkin pie. The leaves of the trees create a canvas of reds, golds, greens, and oranges that are a visual delight unlike anything else. And, as beautiful as the fall colours are from ground level, they are even more spectacular when seen from above. We get a glimpse of this when we go to a high hill to overlook a valley of changing leaves. Imagine seeing the world beneath from the vantage point of a bird in flight. This drone takes us on a swift flight over the canopy, swooping and diving through gaps in the trees as the coloured leaves whiz past. We skim just over the treetops, and then dip to the creek that runs through the countryside, just inches above the water as the reeds and bull rushes fly past. The drone takes us under a small bridge, out through more trees, and over farmland. The world around us is a gorgeous one and especially so when we find ourselves able to see it from a different perspective.

The fish market on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos is a hub of activity. People come here for fish and other seafood for meals. The tourists also come here to see the excitement when fishermen come back from the sea. The workers scale and gut the fish, preparing them for sale. People negotiate and inspect the fish. Lobsters are held up for pictures. But the most interesting thing about the fish market here is that the animals come in great numbers for the chance of a free meal. Sea lions beg and plead, waiting for a kind soul to fling a piece of the fish guts in their direction. Pelicans line up and stare at the fish cleaners as if they can hypnotize them and make them feel generous. As the guts are pulled from the fish, the pelicans close in and get ready They recognize that this might be the moment. A quick toss sends some scraps in their direction and they are ready to hustle and tug at each end of the pieces. As the pelicans do battle for the biggest parts, one piece falls to the ground and a hungry seagull moves in. A pelican tries to grab the guts first but the seagull has a more delicate beak and gets a better grip. The pelican is much bigger and he moves in with the intent of intimidating the smaller bird and getting the prize. But the seagull quickly runs off the edge of the pier and flies off to a nearby boat to eat his snack. The pelicans might be the big bosses on this pier but a determined and cheeky seagull can be the victor and carry of the reward for his bold moves.

This gray tree frog has found a little cave beside a pond in a forested area of Ontario, Canada. It calls to a rival male that can be heard in the background, answering his calls. They both call back and forth, possibly arranging a meeting later in the day to sort out whose territory this is. Gray tree frogs vary in colour. They are able to change their colour from green to gray or brown to match their surroundings. They have a striking orange or yellow patch under their forelimbs. They are beautiful frogs, often being a vivid emerald green. Their call rates are temperature determined with the average rate being 16 to 34 pulse per second. This tree frog is a male. The females do not vocalize. Tree frogs can often be seen around windowsills and porch lights. They gather there due to the lights that attract insects, which they prey upon. They eat spiders, mites, insect larvae, and occasionally, other frogs. Gray treefrogs are often found in the open, in direct sunlight. Due to their superb camouflage, they are well disguised from predators. Male tree frogs use their call to announce their territory, but also to attract females. The chorus of competing calls can be confusing to females. When the aggression threshold is reached, a male treefrog with change from a mating call to an aggressive call that signals conflict. Physical aggression is rare as most disagreements are settled with vocalizations. Gray tree fogs can be found in the central and eastern United States and south eastern Canada.

The last place anyone would expect a wild chicken to go is on the grill of a BBQ. But that is exactly where these chickens can be found each morning. They roost in the trees each night near a family home on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. At sunrise, the chickens and the rooster emerge from the trees and wander, looking for compost, bugs on the ground, and any food scraps that have been dropped. These chickens have also learned that the food left stuck to the grill from last night's dinner is a tasty treat. They hop up on the BBQ to peck at the remaining scraps of food to the delight of the family that lives there. Wild chickens roam freely on Santa Cruz Island. Many find their way onto the BBQ when it is hot. The chickens are an important source of food for many families here. But these chickens have captured the hearts of the two young girls who live at this home. They have named the chickens and they have made their father promise not to turn them into dinner. The names of the chickens are as amusing as their habit of climbing onto the BBQ. They are called Chicken With Rice, Chicken Soup, Chicken Stew, Chicken Nugget, Chicken Drumstick, and other food related names. The chickens will never understand the irony of their names or the good fortune they enjoy.

Hawksbill sea turtles are the most ornate and beautiful of the sea turtles. So beautiful that they have been hunted for their shells, they came perilously close to extinction in the past century. Hawksbills feed on soft corals, sponges, and the algae that grows on them. They cruise over the reefs looking for places to feed. They are carnivores, unlike many other sea turtles. These scuba divers were lucky enough to see two of these beautiful animals in one spot. The turtles slowly circle each other before one swims off in search of another area to graze. Scuba divers are delighted to see one of these endangered species on a dive, and even more so when they see more than one.

Sunrise is one of the most beautiful times of the day. Vivid colour spreads across the horizon as the sun greets the world. THe land beneath is bathed in gold and crimson and the dark sky turns blue before our eyes. The colour is even more dramatic when clouds obscure the first rays and the light spills over them. For many, the dawn's first light occurs while they are still asleep, but for the lucky ones who are awake to see this moment, it's enough to take our breath away. This scene was filmed with a drone that was set loose over the countryside in Ontario, Canada as the mist rolled across the hills.

Wind farms are controversial, with heated debate raging over their ability to provide power safely and efficiently. On one side, there are people who argue that there are health concerns surrounding exposure to electromagnetic waves. Others argue that they reduce property values and spoil the view. There are concerns about the effect on migratory birds and bats. Valid questions have been raised about the number of bird deaths due to crashing into the blades. On the other side, it is argued that transporting oil causes a greater impact on wildlife, especially when there are disasters and spills. Pipelines and coal mines affect habitat. We are far from understanding which method of energy production causes the least amount of harm. But these towering giants show how stunning they can look, especially when seen against the golden hue of a spectacular sunset. A drone flying around this wind farm captured the images on a night in late September. Farmers beneath the behemoths hurry to harvest their crop. The fall colours are spreading across the canopy of the forested areas all around. A gentle breeze was blowing. The sky was alive with colour and contrast. Perhaps all we need to do is really look closely to appreciate them. The alternatives to wind farms include fossil fuels and nuclear power, both with an equal amount of controversy and debate. As our need for energy increases, our need to figure out how to harness it without negatively impacting our planet also increases. We cannot continue to affect the animal life and the air quality without paying the price. Meanwhile, these majestic giants tower above us; immense structures that remind us of how small and insignificant we are.

Bull sharks are large, powerful sharks that have little fear of anything. They are known for their aggressive nature. They are one of the few species that can thrive in both salt water and fresh water. They are believed to be responsible for the majority of near shore attacks on humans. The average length of a female bull shark is 2.4m (8 feet) with the largest recorded being 4m (13 feet). Typically, the maximum weight can reach 600kg (1300lbs). With a bite force up to 5,914 newtons, they rank among the most capable biters of all fish. Bull sharks inhabit many coastal waters and inland rivers, with several sightings in flooded canals and streets in Australia. There are even a few bull sharks in a golf course lake in Carbook, Logan City, Queensland, Australia.

The solar powered nudibranch (Phyllodesmium longicirrum) is the largest sea slug in the ocean. The large surface area allows it to make use of a feeding technique that is unusual for animals, although most plants use this technique with ease. The solar powered sea slug anchors in light rich areas and waves its appendages to capture energy from the sun. It cannot do this without help though. Inside the sea slug lives an organism, that performs the photosynthesis using chlorophyll. These little guests are zooxanthellae, single celled organisms that create the yellowish brown colour that we see on the sea slug's exterior. The zooxanthellae are an algae that receive carbon dioxide and the benefit of being positioned well for sun exposure. They would never be so mobile on their own. They also thrive, producing far more food than they need for themselves. The host, the slug in this case, receives energy from the zooxanthellae. The end product is sugar, which powers the sea slug. It's one of the rare cases of true symbiosis in nature. The solar powered sea slug could be mistaken for a plant due to its appearance and the very slow movement. The solar powered sea slug also feeds to a lesser extent on soft corals. This is the manner in which they collect and store the algae. They are able to absorb it intact from the surface of the corals as they feed. Because the algae breed and multiply within the sea slug, it is actually a form of farming. Their large surface areas that are spread out, then function akin to solar panels, benefiting both creatures. The wonders of nature are limitless. Scuba divers are able to witness animals and plants that are unlike anything that we see on the surface. This one was filmed in Indonesia, near Komodo Island.

Sunsets is one of the most breath taking times of day. The sun creates spectacular lines and a horizon that seems alive with changing colour and light.

Amateur photographers and videographers have been using hobby drones for years, capturing breath taking footage from the air. They have been used to inspect buildings, towers, wind turbines, search remote areas, and even to find lost people and animals. They are used for providing unique perspectives of landscapes, cities, and weddings. They accomplish a lot of amazing things and can be used at a fraction of the cost of aircraft. As drones become more popular and more widely used, their abilities increase dramatically and the cost continues to drop. This drone videographer has purchased the latest DJI Mavic 3 Pro, a drone designed to be affordable to the average consumer at a price that is short of $2,000 for a basic drone and controller package. The drone weighs less than 1kg (2.2lbs) and can be launched in seconds. It flies at nearly 45km/h (27mph) and can stay in the air approximately 45 minutes. But when we look at the capabilities of these drones for seeing things at a distance, it is easy to understand why people are concerned about their privacy. This drone pilot took his camera to a height of 120m (400 feet), in accordance with local regulations. He has registered the drone and he has obtained certification to fly it. Everything about this flight is legal. When he films the cows in a neighbouring field, we can see that they are just specs in the distance, barely recognizable as anything. With the touch of a button, the camera reaches 3x and 7x optical zoom. It is progressively increased to 60x (digital and optical combined). We can now see clearly enough to recognize individual cows and see that they are eating. If the drone had been focused on people, we would have no trouble recognizing a face, yet the drone is far enough away that the person being observed would not hear or see the drone. The ethical considerations have become very complex, with heated debate on all sides about whether there should be tighter laws regarding safety and privacy. Fortunately, as the drones become more sophisticated, the laws have become stricter. But we have to ask ourselves if we are ever going to enjoy full privacy in these times of technological advancement.

Stargazers are bizarre fish with heads that look more like frogs than they do fish. Their eyes and their mouths are pointed upwards due to the way that they capture their prey. They have a row of formidable looking teeth on each jaw that are pointed and razor sharp. They bury themselves in the loose sand with only their eyes protruding. They watch until the smaller fish swim unwittingly over their mouth. Then they lunge forward and upwards, inhaling their prey. There are about 51 species of stargazers. Some have ribbon-like pieces of flesh that they can wiggle like a lure to attract prey. Stargazers range in size from 18-90 cm. (8-35 inches). A few species have organs that are adapted to deliver an electric shock as a means of defense. These fish do not possess electroreceptors like fish that use electric sensory organs to locate prey. They are all venomous with several venomous spines located on their back and pectoral fin area. Stargazers are a delicacy in some cultures. The venom is not poisonous when eaten. Stargazers can deliver both venom and electric shocks. This, together with their appearance has caused them to be referred to as "the meanest things in creation". But in reality, they are fascinating animals that use the gifts and abilities that they were given for survival.

A night dive in Indonesia reveals a side of the ocean that is not seen in daylight. It's a mysterious world where some of the creatures come alive, or come out ion the open to hunt. Sea anemones are often more active in the darkness as they wave their venomous tentacles in the hope of stinging and devouring unwary prey. They feed on small fish and other creatures that carelessly venture too close. This brilliant blue anemone caught the eye of some biologists conducting an underwater exploration in Indonesia near Komodo Island. Anemones are related to the jellyfish. They are all predatory invertebrates. They are a single polyp that attaches to hard surfaces like rocks or coral. They wave their tentacles and feed the central mouth with anything that they catch. Touching a sea anemone will result in the triggering of a harpoon like barb that injects venom into the animal that touched it. The venom is made of neurotoxins that paralyze the prey. The majority of sea anemones are harmless to humans, but a rare few can cause severe illness or even death.