WildCreatures

Every spring, yellow-spotted salamanders migrate to vernal ponds to breed. The result is a frenzy of activity that lasts only 2-3 nights each year. It is a spectacle to behold. The salamanders make their long journey from the surrounding forest under the cover of darkness, usually after a rainfall. The males arrive at the pond first, depositing spermatophores on the leaves and branches in shallow water. The females come soon after, gathering up the spermatophores to fertilize the eggs that they are waiting to deposit. Soon after the eggs are fertilized, the female will attach herself to a submerged plant stem or twig and she will release the eggs. The eggs are protected by a sticky, gelatinous mass that deters predators as the eggs develop for approximately 30 days. The eggs hatch into tadpoles, similar to frogs and toads. They spend their first few months in the water, breathing through gills. Salamanders are amphibians. Once they leave the water, they spend most of their lives underground, occasionally coming out of their burrows to feed and also for breeding season in March to May each year. They are rarely seen, although they are plentiful in the forests that they inhabit. Salamanders excrete a toxic, milky fluid when they are threatened. Salamanders are a major food source for birds, raccoons, foxes and other animals. Salamanders feed on earthworms, spiders, slugs, snails, and other insects. They have the amazing ability to grow a new tail and new limbs if one is severed. A salamander has the unique ability to lay two different types of egg masses. One type has a water-soluble, protein-based gel. The other type has a hydrophobic protein-based gel. This is believed to prevent predation by wood frogs. These eggs are combined with an algae that produces oxygen and removes carbon dioxide and nitrogen waste from developing embryos. The complex relationships between organisms are only beginning to be understood. The health of our forests and our ecosystems depends on the survival of all species, no matter how small.

The Maldives are one of the most magnificent destinations of the planet. The beauty above the waves is striking, and the scenery is magnificent. But what most people don't get to see is the phenomenal world under the waves. These divers from Canada take you on a journey into a magical and mystical world beneath the waves. Scuba divers are among the most fortunate people on the planet. They strap on air tanks, allowing them to venture into a world where humans were never meant to go. They see things that humans were never meant to see. The animals are bizarre. Gorgeous. Ferocious. They are beautiful and spectacular and they live in a world where the balance between being predator and prey is delicate and can change in an instant. From tiny fish to gigantic manta rays, this video shows you magnificence and colour that is beyond what we can see on land.

Drones allow us to take a look at our world from a different perspective. Flying over mist enshrouded farm country at sunrise captures colour and a stunning view that cannot be truly appreciated from ground level. The drone gracefully soars above the picturesque landscape of Ontario, Canada, capturing the ethereal beauty of this sunrise on a misty morning. As the first light of dawn gently kisses the rolling hills and vast stretches of farmland, a mesmerizing play of colors unfolds in the sky, painting it in hues of soft pinks, oranges, and purples. The mist hangs low, adding an enchanting aura to the scene, as if nature itself is wrapped in a delicate veil. The drone's camera captures the tranquil beauty of the countryside awakening to a new day, with the promise of warmth and possibility lingering in the air. In the distance, Rice Lake is visible. It is a large body of water that provides fishermen and nature lovers alike to interact with the great outdoors.

Copinaco's Floating Bar is a unique and ingenious business that brings the pina coladas right to you as you wander the beach. Roatan is home to some of the most beautiful shorelines in the world. Tourists come here for the beauty and for the island warmth. The sun and the sand make this beach a pleasure to stroll and a sight to behold. What makes it even better is the fact that this gentleman, Sammy delivers one of the world's best pina coladas as you dip your toes in the ocean. He paddles his kayak up and down the shore, starting his day at 10:00 and ending it when the last pineapples or coconuts are sold. Loading the kayak with hundreds of pounds of fruit, rum, pina colada mix and straws, he sets out along the shallows, searching for thirsty tourists who need some refreshment. Dave, a visitor from Canada heard the call for drinks as he strolled. Eager to support a hardworking businessman, he rushed down to greet this mobile bartender. In his hurry, Dave almost took a few beanbags in the head as he barged through a game in progress. Sammy threw out his anchor, a small concrete block and he set to work preparing a very fresh drink for Dave. At $10, this monstrous drink was a bargain and the experience added to the value. Sammy earned his money and a tip. In a world where it is hard to make ends meet, this brilliant entrepreneur has created a solid business model and developed a niche market that makes him very comfortable. Sammy is a huge hit among the locals and the tourists in this little paradise, and it's easy to see why.

Shark feeds are controversial in the minds of many people, however, the role they play in shark conservation and education is undeniable. The positive aspects are often underestimated. Once sought for food and sold in illegal fin trafficking, sharks were harvested in greater numbers. People in many countries simply cannot resist the income that is provided and their survival makes the ethical dilemma impossible to consider. Eco tourism provides an alternative to harvesting the sharks. While it can be argued that the sharks should not be taught to associate humans with food, these shark dives do provide an incentive to conserve sharks. They are worth more alive than dead. It's a debate with many perspectives. These divers witnessed what happens when a few scraps are held in a bucket and later released. It's a small and controlled feeding that provides an injection of dollars into a struggling economy. It is also an experience that leaves many divers with a new appreciation for the beauty of sharks. We see here that the sharks pose no threat to the divers, dispelling the myth that they are cold blooded killers, ready to eat anything or anyone they encounter. Sharks play a crucial role in the health of the reef, the ocean, and the planet. If we lose sharks, we will not survive. Understanding and appreciation is the first step in developing the needed respect for sharks. The balance of nature is fragile and we have a great responsibility to avoid upsetting it.

Mute swans are truly magnificent birds, known for their striking beauty and elegance. Their plumage, especially in adults, is indeed breathtaking. With their pure white feathers and gracefully arched necks, they exude a sense of regal charm. During the breeding season, their plumage can become even more vibrant, with a slight yellowish tint appearing on their bills. Watching a trumpeter swan display its plumage is a captivating sight, a reminder of the awe-inspiring diversity and beauty of the natural world. This majestic male lives near Presquile Park in Ontario Canada during the spring. He and his mate have a few young and they watch over them carefully. Accustomed to humans, he allowed a close look and even put on a display for the camera. The recovery of swan populations is indeed a heartening conservation success story. Once on the brink of extinction due to overhunting and habitat loss, concerted conservation efforts have helped these species rebound significantly. Through measures such as habitat restoration, protection of nesting sites, and careful management of hunting, the trumpeter swan population has been able to recover. Conservation organizations, government agencies, and dedicated individuals have played crucial roles in this recovery effort. By raising awareness about the importance of preserving wetlands and other essential habitats for these majestic birds, as well as implementing measures to reduce human disturbances, we've been able to give swan populations a chance to thrive once again. While challenges remain, such as habitat degradation and potential conflicts with human activities, the recovery of the swan serves as a testament to the power of conservation action and collective commitment to safeguarding our natural heritage.

Kugel fountains are often called floating sphere fountains but the sphere is not actually floating. It is held in place by pressurized water that forms a thin film on which the sphere aquaplanes. These are water features or sculptures where the sphere sits in a fitted hollow in a pedestal. Pressurized water flows between the sphere and socket, creating a mechanical hydrostatic bearing that is nearly frictionless. These spheres can weigh thousands of kilograms, but the efficient bearing allows them to be spun by the force of a hand. The sphere does not float, being denser than water. They are often made from granite. The hydraulics of the fountain can be controlled so that the axis of rotation of the sphere changes continually. This kugel fountain sits outside the Guinness Book of World Records Museum in Niagara Falls, Canada. The sphere is massive, weighing more than 4,500kg (10,000lbs) and measuring almost 2m (6 feet) in diameter but a person can apply a small amount of pressure to stop the ball from rotating. The direction of the sphere can be changed easily. It is a true feat of engineering to manufacture such a precise structure that the water can hold it off the pedestal. These guests to Niagara Falls found this structure very fascinating as they figured out the principle behind it. They posed for pictures with it as they began to understand what they were seeing. Kugel fountains can be found all over the world. Many are at popular tourist destinations, such as science museums, shopping centers, lobbies, and gardens. With a little imagination, there is no end to what the human mind can invent.

The sight of Clydesdale horses running free in a sun-kissed meadow during summer is a spectacle that speaks to the raw power and innate beauty of these magnificent creatures. Their muscular bodies, adorned with flowing manes and tails, effortlessly galloping through tall grasses that sway in the gentle breeze is a sight to behold. With each stride, the ground trembles slightly, emphasizing their strength and grace. Their coats, shimmering in the sunlight, showcase a range of colors from chestnut to bay, with white markings adding to their allure. As they move, their hooves kick up earthy fragrances, mingling with the sweet scent of wildflowers that dot the landscape. Their movements are synchronized yet individual, a testament to their unity as a herd while celebrating their individuality. Their expressions are serene yet spirited, reflecting a deep connection to their natural environment. In this idyllic scene, there's a sense of freedom that transcends boundaries. These majestic creatures embody the untamed spirit of the wilderness, reminding us of the beauty and power that exist when nature is allowed to flourish undisturbed. These horses are experiencing freedom and joy as they run through this meadow in Ontario. They are living a beautiful life at this wonderful farm.

Reacher, an American crime television series with season 3 coming soon, is the saga of a military veteran, Jack Reacher who does battle with criminals in an action-packed drama. This is the filming of one of the fight scenes that is set to take place on July 4th in a small American town. It is actually being filmed in Millbrook, Ontario, Canada in April 2024. Despite cool temperatures and bare trees, the town was transformed into an American town summer scene in a matter of days leading up to the filming. This never-before-seen footage was captured by a drone with high zoom capabilities. Although the drone was set far back to avoid the propeller sound being picked up by the microphones on the set, the view that it provides is clear due to the high-powered zoom. We see many takes of "Jack" confronting criminals who mean to do him harm. He works through the three thugs with little effort. He avoids the punches and dishes out some of his own. Two thugs have their skulls bashed together as the third runs for a baseball bat. Even a bat doesn't scare Jack. He pulls it out of the thug's hands and discards it as he prepares to give that thug an extreme closeup of the truck. Jack is huge and ripped and the fight is believable as he deals with each threat. The look at the filming process is fascinating. Multiple takes and many hours are required for what becomes a few seconds on the screen. Attention to detail is obvious as we see the planning of camera angles and the setup of the items on the set. Continuity is important and objects cannot move between the scenes. The cast and crew work harder than we would ever imagine as they bring us the excitement and the action in such a precise manner. Actors repeat the scene over and over until they get it perfect. They watch the clip on a monitor after a successful take and possibly, they decide to refine it even more. Aside from the excitement of a big production in a small town, Jack and the crew won the hearts of the locals with their fun-loving and generous nature. Alan Ritchson and the actors spoke to children and parents, posing for selfies and showing that they loved their fans almost as much as the fans loved them. It was a beautiful experience for this sleepy little town. Enjoy this little peek at the way the show is made. Released within hours of filming, it's a sneak peak like none other. Based on the book by Lee Childs.

Zebras are known to roll in the clay as a form of grooming and protection from parasites. This herd of zebras has encountered a clay road near a remote village in Kenya, Africa. They roll happily as the make their way across the road. This behavior, called "dust bathing" or "wallowing," serves multiple purposes for zebras. It helps them get rid of parasites like ticks and other insects that might bother them, and it also assists in regulating their body temperature by providing a cooling effect. Plus, it's believed that the clay or dust may help to condition their skin and fur. Seeing zebras enjoying themselves in such a way is definitely a delightful sight. Zebras are iconic animals in Kenya, Africa. They are commonly found in various national parks and reserves across the country, including the famous Maasai Mara, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo National Park, and others. The striking black and white stripes of zebras make them easily recognizable and a favorite among visitors on safari. In Kenya, zebras can be seen grazing in open grasslands, traversing savannahs, or even gathering around watering holes. Their presence adds to the incredible diversity of wildlife that Kenya is known for, making safaris in the region truly memorable experiences.

Decorator crabs are known for their ability to attach algae and small animals to their shells to conceal themselves from predators, but the process is more complex than it appears, and it suggests higher intelligence than we once understood these crabs to have. If the shells of these crabs are cleaned, they will immediately set about replacing their camouflage with the same care and precision as they showed in their first concealment. There are several species of crabs that use plants, animals, and debris from their environment to adorn their shells. Some chew the algae and then carefully hook the pieces onto velcro-like hooks on their shell. They occasionally use anemones or other sedentary animals. They attach the matter to their shells with great precision and care, suggesting that they are purposefully imitating the surfaces around them. When moved from one environment to another, these crabs will quickly replace their adornments with items from the new location, seemingly understanding the need to blend in with specific surroundings. Their disguise is not random or haphazard. Decorator crabs will make use of toxic plants or animals as further deterrence for potential predators. Described by scientists as "perhaps unrivalled" mastery of concealment, these are highly specialized behaviours. Understanding the purpose of their covering, these crabs remain still during the day and they freeze in place when threatened. Some species use only sponges, others use only noxious alga. One species selects stinging anemone for it's protective covering. The anemone benefits from an increased supply of food that is available as it moves around with the crab. Octopus have shown a tendency to avoid these crabs when they are adorned with anemone. The intelligence and purpose of the smallest and seemingly less significant animals is becoming more understood. Perhaps, as we gain greater insight we will also gain greater appreciation and desire to protect them. The balance of nature is a delicate one and humans frequently disrupt this balance in their ignorance of what goes on around them.

In Kenya, elephants are iconic figures of the wild. They often roam freely in various national parks and reserves such as Amboseli, Tsavo, and Maasai Mara. These majestic creatures play a vital role in the ecosystem and are highly revered in Kenyan culture. It's a breathtaking sight to witness these gentle giants casually traversing the savannah, forging connections within their herds, and going about their daily routines. Their presence adds to the allure and beauty of Kenya's natural landscapes, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. A guide has just led these tourists to a majestic bull who is roaming casually in his wilderness. Massive and powerful, he fears nothing in this wild habitat. Bull elephants in Kenya are awe-inspiring creatures, known for their immense size, strength, and confidence. In their natural habitat, they exude a sense of authority and fearlessness, largely due to their dominance within their social structure and their lack of natural predators as adults. With their tusks and sheer bulk, they command respect from other wildlife and often fearlessly assert their dominance in encounters with other animals. However, it's essential to remember that while they may appear fearless, they are still vulnerable to human activities such as poaching and habitat loss. Despite their imposing presence, they rely on the protection of conservation efforts to ensure their continued survival in the wild. Their role as keystone species in the ecosystem underscores the importance of preserving their habitats and maintaining a harmonious balance between wildlife and human activities in Kenya and beyond.

Spotted eagle rays are majestic and beautiful.

The image of a mighty lion taking a drink at the river, with its reflection shimmering in the water, followed by the graceful awakening of the female lion and their silent stroll behind the tall grass, evokes a sense of tranquility and the beauty of nature's rhythms. Lions are the top predators here on the African plain. Few animals are a threat to these great beasts. The lion drinks so casually at the edge of the water simply because he can. The female in the pride sleeps peacefully at the water's edge as well, afraid of nothing in this wilderness. As the large male finishes his drink of water, he tenderly sniffs at his friend, awakening her as he does so. She seems to think about the matter and then she gets up on her feet, affectionately greeting him with a slow rub of her cheek against his. She walks off into the taller grass, checking over her shoulder as she goes, hoping he will follow her. As if he understands that they might be looking for a more private spot, he happily follows. We can only imagine the scene as the two reach their secluded spot in the grass, but what we see has played out like a love scene from a Disney movie.