Mother Cow & Newborn Calf Greet Stranger Who Helped Them Reunite
Flo is a devoted mother who has had a few calves in her time. But on this occasion, she gave birth topo close to the fence that separated her pasture from the nearby highway. The slope of the ground and the small space under the wires combined to form a unique spot that allowed a slippery newborn calf to slide under the wires. The problem for Flo, and for her baby was that the fence was electrified, even though it was set quite low. This fence not only keeps the cows from wandering onto the road, but it also keeps out predators like coyotes that would love to come upon a calf that had just been born.
Flo couldn't reach her calf and he had not gotten on his feet yet. Instinct seemed to tell him to lie silently in the grass, but Flo was distraught. A passing motorist happened along soon after the calf was born. Living nearby, he often watched these cows as he drove past, and he was particularly interested in the herd at this time because calves were being born. Dave had stopped at the fence in the days before this and he had used his GoPro to record a calf taking its first wobbly steps. He saw the cows in the pond and he stopped to get another close look and record the cows enjoying a bath in the sunshine. But Flo wasn't acting quite right. Dave put his camera on the fence and walked away to the right with his other camera. He knew very little about cows but he knew Flo was agitated. After a little while, Dave decided to go and look at what Flo was staring at. He found her new calf and decided it should be with the mother. The farmers' house is at the top of the hill across the meadow and the truck was gone. The cars on the road presented a danger if the calf wandered out into traffic. Dave decided to push the calf back under the fence the way it had come. Not knowing that some of the wires were live and some were not, he got himself a few shocks in the process.
Flo tolerated the help, seeming to understand that the calf would soon be on her side of the fence. She encouraged Dave with a few "moos" as he worked away. The two walked up the hill and her baby had that important first milk that contains colostrum for a healthy immune system.
As Dave was getting ready to drive away, the farmers returned and stopped to see if everything was OK. Dave helped tag the calf and give the umbilical cord a little iodine treatment. Because the calf had received a few shocks himself, he was known as "Sparky" from that day forward. As Dave kneeled down in the meadow to have a good look at Sparky, he and Flo wandered over for a sniff and a long look. It almost seemed like the two were curious about this stranger that had stopped to help them. For Dave, this was the day that he learned from the farmers, the importance of free range grazing and ethical treatment of cows, as well as the surprising capacity for emotion that these animals have. Supporting farmers like these seems very important for everyone's benefit, but especially for the wellbeing of the animals.
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Gigantic orca menacingly appears out of the shadows to inspect scuba diver
The orca is the undisputed king and top predator of the oceans. Fearless, powerful, and cunning, they possess enough skill and ability to take down even the largest of animals. Great white sharks abandon feeding grounds when orcas appear. Whales try in vain to outswim them for days before falling prey to these masters of the water. Their communication is sophisticated and they work together to problem solve and overcome almost any defense an animal puts up. They are intimidating and awe-inspiring at the same time.
Yet, for all their ferocity and power, there has never been a fatal attack by orcas on humans in the wild. There have been very few reliable records of any threatening behaviour at all. Known as "killer whales", humans do fear them, and for good reason. They are enormous and they could easily crush a human in their formidable jaws. It is wise to maintain a healthy respect for what these creatures could do. It remains a mystery why they do not choose to attack people.
This lucky scuba diver was exploring the waters of the Galapagos Islands, filming penguins, sea turtles, sea lions, and a beautiful school of salemas, the abundant fish that are a food source for many marine animals. As the camer focuses on a pair of large Pacific green turtles, a shadow appeared in the distance. Ominous and intimidating, the shadow moved with grace and purpose. The diver knew that there was only one animal in the ocean that it could be. He also knew that he would be at its mercy as it made up its own mind what to do next. There is no outrunning or outsmarting an orca. One must simply wait and watch, knowing that there is no reason for it to harm him if he acts carefully.
The orca seemed to inspect the turtles, a common food for an orca. The thick shells crack easily under the pressure of their massive jaws. An orca will crush and separate the two halves of the shell and wedge the turtle between two rocks in order to scoop out the meat that lies within. But the turtles are spared and the orca swims around the scuba divers, inspecting them with interest. Quickly deciding that they are not on the menu, the orca leaves the divers in awe.
Excited yells and squeals can be heard by all as they react to their brief and sudden close encounter with the ocean's top predator. They looked into the eyes of the orca and saw what very few humans will ever see. As we learn more about our oceans and the animals that live there, it is hoped that we can regard this world with the wonder and respect that it deserves. We are the guests in this domain.
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Bossy cow pushes herd mate off to enjoy a good face scratch
These cows live a wonderful life on a beautiful farm in Ontario, Canada. They have lush, green pasture to graze, rolling hills, treed forest, and ponds full of fresh water to drink from. They have sunshine when they want and shade when they choose. It's life on a free range farm and it's as close as possible to what nature intended for these gentle souls. They even have a post with brushes at different angles to allow the cows to satisfy an itch if they have one.
Here, we see Mildred using the brush, having a good old time, until she sees Colleen approaching. Colleen is a year or two older and enjoys a higher place in the pecking order among the girls here. Colleen asserts her seniority and Mildred moves away respectfully. Colleen then takes over the brush and scratches contentedly. It almost appears that Colleen is smiling as she has her turn at the scratching post.
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Orca Inspects Tourists In A Tiny Boat In Galapagos Islands
These tourists in the Galapagos Islands were on a tour around the bay when they witnessed one of nature's spectacles close up. An orca was hunting in the bay where Pacific sea turtles had come to feed. The orca had no fear of the humans in the tiny, inflatable boat, passing very close to the tourists and even under the boat as it went on about it's business.
Nature can be beautiful but it can also be harsh. The orca is a perfect example of this contrast. One of the most sophisticated and intelligent animals on earth, it is capable of hunting cooperatively with other orcas, communicating and planning as it does so. Although it is not the largest creature in the ocean, it is undeniably the most formidable. Even great white sharks avoid contact with these super predators.
Orcas in the Galapagos Islands are known to eat sharks, sea lions, penguins, and even giant sea turtles. The seemingly impervious shell of the Pacific green turtle is no match for the frighteningly powerful jaws of the orca. With unbelievable crushing force, this orca cracked the shell of an enormous turtle with ease. A group of scuba divers from Canada had been exploring the undersea world from their liveaboard tour boat but they ventured out in two of the inflatable pangas to enjoy a close look at the creatures on the shore line, in between their dives. It was then that they saw this unbelievable sight. Thrilled to witness the dorsal fin of this giant and see it surfacing nearby, they eagerly shot video and pictures of the once in a lifetime display. It was only after a few minutes that they realized that the orca was hunting in the bay and that they were witnessing the results of an underwater battle for survival as the orca ate a magnificent turtle right in front of them. As the orca surfaced, the split shell could be seen hanging off the dorsal fin of the killer whale. The guides explained that an orca will crush the shell of a turtle and then lodge it between rocks to allow them to scrape out the meat with their jaws.
These scuba divers have experienced conflicting emotions on many occasions as they have encountered animals fighting beneath the waves. For both the predator and the prey, these battles are about survival and it is not the place of humans to meddle in the struggles. Their guides have taught them that nature does not need our help. This is especially well understood in the Galapagos Islands where the balance of nature can be more precarious and interference from people can have unthinkable consequences.
While it was difficult to witness the end of this beautiful turtle, it was a privilege to be present to witness the spectacle of such a powerful animal in its natural environment.
These scuba divers entered the water here an hour later to swim with marine iguanas. While they are well aware that orcas have never killed a human in the wild, the image of the turtle and the immense power of the orca was on their minds as they dove, reminding them that humans are visitors in this unforgiving domain. When people enter the water, they are clumsy and awkward and always at the mercy of the animals who thrive in this world. We must respect those animals that call this home.
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Young Bull Elephant Gives Himself A Dust Bath In Kenya
African elephants are the largest land animals on earth. They are majestic and powerful, yet usually gentle, unless threatened.
This young bull is already enormous. He demonstrates how to use the dust to create a barrier on his skin that deters flies and parasites. He spends a few minutes in the shelter of a tree where he has found some loose dirt. Using his trunk, he sprays the dirt all over his back before returning to the nearby herd.
The elephant appears to be full grown and very large until we see him standing beside the other elephants in his herd. This gives us a better appreciation of the massive size that these animals reach. The other elephants are much larger than he is.
These elephants enjoy the safety and freedom of life in a protected area in Kenya, Africa. The vast grasslands here are full of potential predators like cheetahs and lions, but they are free from poachers and hunters. Patrols ensure that nobody can unlawfully kill or harm the elephants.
The numbers of these majestic beasts has declined greatly in recent decades but conservation efforts around the globe are helping them to make a comeback. We must do all that we can to ensure that these beautiful giants are not lost forever.
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Protective rhinoceros mother keeps a close eye on her precious calf
This rhinoceros mother and her baby are enjoying the sun on the plains in Kenya. Generally solitary, tight bonds are formed between a mother and her calf. They are wild and free, among a population of rhinos in Kenya that are protected by highly trained poaching enforcement officers. It is estimated that only 6,000 black rhinos remain in the wild, placing them dangerously close to extinction.
Here, the rhinos roam through a vast conservation tract that is patrolled and monitored, allowing the rhinos to live as nature intended, while reducing the threat of poaching and predation.
Black rhinos can reach a massive size, 180cm (71 inches) high, and weighng in at more than 1400kg (3100 lbs). In a few cases, weights have been reported at up to 2900kg (6385lbs).
Generally gentle creatures, they can be prone to aggression, charging at anything that they perceive as a threat. It is best to keep a respectful distance at all times. They are vegetarian, feeding on branches and leaves. With their enormous horns, they look formidable, but the horns are used for defense, intimidation and for digging up roots while feeding. They are also protected by their thick skin which serves almost as armour to prevent injury from sticks and thorns while feeding.
Black rhinoceros are aggressive in their behaviour toward each other, with nearly half of black rhinos dying from combat related injuries. They are prone to predation by lions and crocodiles when they are smaller. Predation of a full grown rhino is rare.
Capable of reaching speeds of 55km/h (34mph), they are able to run from predators and they are exceptionally fast when charging at a perceived threat.
A wild rhinocerous is a spectacular sight that few have the privilege of experiencing. It is crucial that we do all that we can so that we do not lose these majextic beasts forever.
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Giraffe brothers playfighting on the African plain shows the beauty of animals in the wild
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.
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Canada's most beautiful waterfalls captured by drone
Bridal Veil Falls are tucked away in the hills near Hope, British Columbia. They are picturesque and beautiful beyond description.
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Mother cow gives birth while her friends line up for support
Daisy is a lucky cow who lives on a beautiful farm in Ontario, Canada. It's acres of lush pasture on rolling hills, ponds full of clean water, and trees for shade. The "girls" here graze freely and lie in the sunshine when they are relaxing and chewing their cud. It's as perfect a life as a cow could want. There is even a bull here who does his duty in the natural way and watches over them protectively.
Daisy is a seasoned mother who has had a few calves and she knows her time is coming again. She picks a spot on the hill and lies down to let nature take its course. Her herd mates seem to know what's happening and they line up and take a spot in the grass beside her. Their calm presence seems to comfort Daisy as she begins her labour. The other cows look on, unconcerned, but seemingly there for a show of support. They have all given birth a few times themselves and they must understand that a calf is on the way.
Daisy begins giving birth and works quickly, with her calf emerging over the course of ten or twelve minutes. A healthy and chunky male, he slides out smoothly and waits patiently as his mother licks him clean. Slowly, he will gain the strength to stand and nurse. The licking and grooming is important for the bonding between the mother and the calf. It is also imperative that Daisy cleans up anything that could attract predators such as wolves or coyotes. Daisy's new baby will need to get to his feet as quickly as possible and stay close to the herd for protection. He will also need to get a dose of the first milk which contains colostrum, the antibodies that will build his immune system and nourish him in the first day. Calves are able to walk within a few minutes of birth and they are highly mobile in a day or two. Nature looks after the healthy and gives them the ability to care for themselves early in life.
The birth of a calf is a wonderful part of nature and a true joy to watch. It's nice to see Daisy's friends gather to support her in this experience.
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Monkey In Bali Has Great Time Playing In Water Fountain
This monkey in Bali is a clever little fellow. He has learned that a water source is a good place to play and grind leaves.
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Puppy Tries In Vain To Fake Coma While Stretching On Couch
Raven is a giant Great Dane puppy who tries her best to behave well. She comes when called, as long as there is a treat involved, and she stays off the furniture, sometimes. Raven has just been for a 3 mile run in the forest with her humans and she has come home exhausted from chasing chipmunks and investigating smells of the woods. She is a huge dog but she can move with surprising stealth when she wants to. With impressive silence, she has climbed up on the couch that she is not allowed on and she has stretched out from one end to the other. She takes up the entire couch when she makes herself comfortable.
Raven appears to have put her paw to her ear as if to listen better, but it's clear that she has decided to pretend that she isn't hearing the reprimands that her owner is trying to dish out. It's hard to take things seriously when she is in such a comical position, pretending to be in a coma. Her eyes move back and forth, giving her away as she tries in vain to be convincing.
It's hard to reprimand a dog as wonderful as Raven. She's been a loyal family member and protector and if she wants to relax on the couch after a morning of exploring, it's not so bad. Great Danes are an entertaining and affectionate breed. Anyone who has ever been owned by one falls in love with the breed.
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Clown trigger fish is beautiful, but highly aggressive
The clown trigger is a stocky fish that grows up to 50cm (almost 20 inches) in length. It is found in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Usually solitary, the fish will shy away from scuba divers and larger creatures, although it can become notoriously aggressive when defending a territory. They have powerful jaws and teeth that can cause a serious injury if the fish is threatened. Like all triggerfish, agitating them should be avoided.
This fish was casually swimming over the coral in search of mollusks and crustaceans, its primary diet. The unique patterns and colours of the clown triggerfish make it a delight for underwater enthusiasts to see or record.
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Fearless lion has no worries in the world as he eats his prey
The lion truly is the king of beasts. This lion isn't afraid of anything as he leisurely eats his catch. He belongs to a large pride of lions that make their home on the plains of Kenya. This protected area is where poachers are discouraged with active patrols and strict enforcement. These efforts are funded by guided tours with trained experts who will create opportunities for guests to observe the lions in their natural habitat. This leads to education and appreciation that help promote conservation and protection efforts.
These lions have no predators here, except when large numbers of determined hyenas might try to threaten the lions, but that is a very rare and often unsuccessful endeavor. This brute eats in peace and contentment, not distracted by any fear of other animals. His prey, an adult wildebeest, was taken down earlier in the day by lionesses, the true hunters in the pride. In most cases, the dominant male will eat his fill before the females and junior males in the pride move in for their share.
This is the law of the land, and the alpha male claims this privilege here. As he leisurely eats in the sunshine, he exudes power and confidence. Nothing in this territory will challenge him.
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Veteran cop interviews Nigerian scammer on video to explain his scam to the world
Scammers make use of the internet and social media to reach out to potential victims daily. For some, this is their way of life. It's what they consider to be their occupation and the victims are just necessary casualties. Their scams and ploys evolve and adapt to mislead people from all walks of life. Surprisingly, many people fall for these scams and provide their hard earned dollars to someone they trust, but shouldn't. One of the most common scams is the promise of large amounts of money that require administrative fees or taxes for release. The scammers use social media profiles to impersonate a friend and then invite the victim to take part in a payment opportunity.
When a Nigerian scammer named "Mark" impersonated a trusted friend and contacted Dave, a veteran police officer, he was hoping to gain his trust and scam Dave out of his money. But in a shocking turn of events, the scammer got money in a way that he never dreamed of. And Dave got something in return that might never have been done before.
Initially, Dave made fun of Mark, who was posing as his buddy, Ben, asking him when he was released from jail. Mark plays along and the sarcastic responses continued. But then things got serious. Dave admitted that he knew the scam and he offered Mark money in exchange for revealing the secret of his ruse. The catch was that Mark would have to agree to an audio call that would be used to educate the public about the scam itself. Fifty dollars was too tempting an offer for Mark to refuse and these two began to negotiate their terms. Mark couldn't trust Dave to pay so he asked for the money up front. Dave was also short on trust for a confessed Nigerian scammer, so he insisted that the money be paid immediately after the phone call. With nothing to lose and fifty dollars (U.S.) on the table, Mark agreed to speak honestly if his identity could be protected.
Mark called Dave on Facebook and they talked about scams, people in U.S.A. and the struggles of people in Nigeria. It was a frank and open discussion and it was obvious that Mark was in a world where there are few honest options. As Mark and Dave spoke, Dave sent Mark fifty dollars through PayPal. The conversation continued and Dave couldn't help but think that Mark had more than honoured their agreement. Dave sent another fifty dollars that wasn't asked for. Mark and Dave exchanged pleasantries and hung up after a lengthy call.
Mark immediately sent a message through Facebook and suggested that a video call would be much better for making a video about the scam. Understandably, he asked for another fifty dollars for a video call. Dave liked the idea but they had to make sure that Mark's identity would be protected in the video. They agreed that he would wear a hat and keep his face partially off camera. Dave also assured Mark that his face would be blurred if it was visible at any time.
Surprisingly, the two had now established enough trust for each other to work out the details and, within a few minutes, Mark and Dave were on a video call. It was possibly the first video call ever between a scammer and a retired police officer, discussing his methods.
Dave asked some of the same questions that were asked on audio and a few new ones, trying to show an accurate picture of the scam and why Mark does what he does. North Americans have very little understanding of what life is really like in a third world country. They have little understanding of how people there perceive the people of the western world. And more than anything, North Americans don't truly understand what they would do if they were faced with the same struggle for survival. But almost anyone would ask how a person like Mark lives with himself as he dupes good people. In a brutally honest manner, Mark's position is clear. He simply needs to run scams in order to survive.
Dave sent Mark a third fifty dollar payment as they had agreed to. Throughout the conversation, these two developed a surprising level of trust and respect. But as they talk, Mark shows that our life in North America is vastly different that life in Nigeria. It's very possible that any of us would make the same choice that Mark does in order to get food.
In Mark's world, the common belief is that all people from North America are rich and that they have a life that some Nigerian people can only dream of. Mark says he wants to come to U.S.A. in a voice that conveys his understanding of how impossible that dream is. When we take an honest look at the comparison between both worlds, their belief is understandable that we have everything and they have nothing.
It's important to protect ourselves from these scams, but it is also important to remember that anyone will do what they can to survive. Don't allow scammers to access your information and your friends list on social media. Don't provide any personal or financial details to anyone over the internet. Don't ever pay money in hope of getting more.
And, don't forget that we are luckier than we know to live where we do.
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Scuba diver finds herself in the path of incoming giant manta rays
The waters of Indonesia are home to magnificent creatures. Perhaps, the most magnificent are the giant manta rays. These two mantas were drifting along on the current, skimming over the coral. Kristy, a seasoned scuba diver was coming the other way and she saw the shadows of these immense beasts in the distance. She raised her camera in time to film the approach as they met her face to face.
At the last moment, the manta rays veered to their left and went over Kristy, barely out of reach. Mantas have little fear of people. At this size, they have few predators and they don't have reason to fear scuba divers. They are known for their intellectual capacity and their curiosity. To see a manta ray this close is something that only the luckiest of scuba divers ever experience.
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Mighty leopard stops to have a big drink at watering hole
Leopards are huge, muscular cats that inhabit many of the grasslands and forests in Africa. They are powerful animals that can prey on ungulates many times their size. Known to take down young giraffes, antelopes, and even fully grown elands, the leopard is highly adaptable to take advantage of available prey. When larger food is unavailable, they will feed on hares and dung beetles. Occasionally, primates and porcupines are consumed by the leopard. During studies, evidence of gorilla consumption was found in leopard scat, although this would be rare due to the ferocity of adult gorillas.
Leopards are known for caching food in trees, high off the ground. They are capable of hoisting a carcass that is several times their own body weight. This takes an impressive amount of strength to accomplish. Leopards are swift and formidable hunters, but during observation, it was learned that the majority of hunt attempts are unsuccessful. Leopards often go 1-2 weeks between successful kills.
Leopards are vulnerable due to habitat loss and competition with farmers, as well as persecution for their perceived and actual threats to livestock. As human populations increase and development progresses, competition between man and nature will increase the conflict.
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Camels enjoy a spooning session in the sunshine
Camels at the zoo engage in affectionate behavior, as these camels show. How cute is that?
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Vividly colored giant blue clam beautifies the reef in Indonesia
There are many species of giant clams, with some specimens growing well over 1.5m (4.5 feet) across. They can weigh over 200kg (440lbs). Their shells and mantles can range from green or brown, to iridescent blues and purples. They are magnificent in their appearance but their ability to thrive and find nutrients is equally impressive.
The giant clams are the largest of the bivalve mollusks on the planet. They are filter feeders, straining the ocean water for zooplankton, yet they get most of their energy through a symbiotic relationship with algae. The clams cultivate algae in a special circulatory system, providing it with energy derived from sunlight, as well as oxygen from the photosynthesis. This symbiotic relationship is a relatively rare phenomenon in the animal kingdom.
Clams are hermaphrodites, allowing them to reproduce with any other clams, giving both individuals the opportunity for reproduction. Clams cannot self fertilize. They release sperm and eggs into the surrounding water, but amazingly this process is synchronized with other clams in the area through the release of a transmitter substance, called "spawning induced substance". Many clams will synchronize their contractions with other nearby clams to maximize fertilization. The contractions occur every 2-3 minutes over a period of a few hours. A single clam may release as many as 500 million eggs in one episode.
Clams have photoreceptors in their mantles that allow them to detect changes in light above. This signals them that a predator is near and they close to avoid their flesh being eaten. They have no true eyes and they are unlikely to respond to threats that do not involve sudden changes in water currents or light. A scuba diver passing over a clam will cause it to close.
These clams have been the victims of misunderstanding and fear, being dubbed "killer clams" or "man-eating clams". Legends tell of people being trapped by these clams and drowning. The clams are not capable of aggression and they close simply for defense. The shells close so slowly that it would take severe negligence to become trapped by one. The largest of the clams are not capable of fully closing their shells. It is highly unlikely that any clam has ever caused the death of a human.
Extensive harvest for aquarium trade and food have decreased the clam populations in the past few decades. They are considered a delicacy in Japan, France, and some Pacific islands.
These clams are a delightful sight for scuba divers and underwater explorers. This beauty was filmed near Komodo Island in Indonesia.
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This treacherous pass was "The Gates of Hell" according to early explores
Hell's Gate lies at the bottom of a steep canyon carved out of the mountain by the Fraser River in British Columbia, Canada. It is the narrowest portion of the mighty Fraser River, originally known by other names. The Tsilhqot'in name for the river is ʔElhdaqox, meaning Sturgeon. The river is home to gigantic sturgeon that feed on the bottom in slower running sections, but the river is also Canada's greatest source of salmon and the Indigenous peoples who inhabited this nation first relied on the salmon for their survival.
This strikingly beautiful section of the Fraser River has a fascinating history. At these narrows, the current rages through a steep canyon, making it impossible for boats to navigate the river. Indigenous people gathered here to harvest salmon as the fish rested in the eddies before continuing upriver. The rapids and steep banks made it a treacherous and dangerous area to fish, yet the opportunities to catch the salmon were plentiful. Rope and wooden structures helped the local fishermen make their way along the sheer rock faces to fish.
In the middle and late 1800s, European settlers began to gather and fish here. The gold rush and fur trade brought even more settlers and people passing through. This area became a busy trade corridor. A railway was built and the area saw more traffic and people than ever before. In 1911, a second rail line was built along the south and east bank of the Fraser River.
During construction of the second rail line, a catastrophic rockslide poured huge boulders into the river. This decreased the depth by 5m (15 feet), increasing water velocity by more than a third. Very few salmon made it through and they perished in the attempt, before spawning, or they found other rivers to spawn in.
The salmon populations plummeted. Commercial fishing was already putting heavy pressure on the salmon and the Indigenous people faced famine. Fishing restrictions were put in place, but commercial fishing continued in the areas south of Hell's Gate. Intense debates raged over the causes and the solutions, with harsh criticism from many angles.
From 1947 to 1951, two corridors were built along the banks of the river. These structures created tunnels with reduced current, allowing the fish to pass through and avoid the worst of the turbulence. Other conservation efforts were also put in place. As a result, salmon populations rebounded.
In the 1970s, an airtram was built to allow people to traverse the river and view the fishways from both banks. The site hosts a restaurant, giftshop, along with educational films and plaques to explain the history of this canyon.
The Fraser River is named after the explorer, Simon Fraser. He wrote in his journals that this passage was: "a place where no human should venture, for surely these are the gates of Hell." It was known thereafter as Hell's Gate. Without the benefit of roads or rail lines, explorers were forced to find a way through these treacherous and dangerous waters.
What was once seen as a foreboding and treacherous place is now appreciated for its magnificent beauty and interesting history. It is also an undeniable demonstration of the potential consequences of human intervention in our attempt to battle or conquer nature.
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Baby shark rolls over in the sand for a back scratch
These nurse sharks in the Maldives are menacing looking creatures, but they are gentle, curious, playful, and even adorable. This young shark was swimming around scuba divers exploring a sandy area near Komodo Island. It decided to roll over and rub its head and back on the sand. It's possible this was to relieve an itch and it could also be a way of ridding itself of parasites.
Sharks are among the most misunderstood creatures on the planet. They are vilified by Hollywood in order to sell horror movies, but the truth is that they are rarely a threat to humans. Nurse sharks, such as this one are scavengers that eat dead or dying fish. They could rarely catch a healthy fish. They also have no reason to bite humans as they do not see humans as a food source.
Sharks are essential to the health of the reefs and oceans because they eliminate unhealthy animals, keeping the other species in check and encouraging the survival of the fittest. Without sharks, the effect of the ocean ecosystems would be disastrous. All life is interconnected. We need to do what we can to understand and preserve these magnificent animals.
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Tiger snake eel on the prowl is a beautiful sight
Tiger snake eels are beautiful creatures with striking colouration and markings. Their bodies are cream coloured with dark brown spots and stripes. They are not snakes, although they appear to be, at first glance. Eels are fish. They breath through gills and they spend all of their lives underwater. Unlike snakes, they have fins for swimming.
This tiger snake eel was hunting small fish and crustaceans in the shallows around Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. Willing to jam his head completely into the crevices in search of a meal, this eels is committed to finding food at any cost.
While hunting, this eel will need to keep an eye out for cormorants, diving birds that prey heavily on the eels. Eels are also a favourite food for seal lions that inhabit these waters.
It is fascinating to watch the balance of nature as animals in the ocean struggle to survive every day. Some are predators and some are prey. The balance can change in an instant.
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Cuddly Baby Goat Adorably Captures Woman's Heart
This lucky woman is visiting a very unique goat farm in Ontario, Canada, called Haute Goat. The guests here are treated to a wonderful experience as they stroll around the farm with a herd of friendly goats. The goats follow and munch happily on grass and clover while guests pet them and take pictures. After they get their fill of clover, the stroll takes them back the barn area where the babies are brought to an enclosure with climbing structures and toys. The goats climb and frolic as guests take turns cuddling with them.
This happy little baby too a liking to Kristy who sat on a bench to watch the goats. The baby repeatedly jumps onto the bench and climbs into her arms to be cuddled.
Goats are curious and affectionate creatures that enjoy the contact with the people who come here to visit. The goats here are all named and treated like family.
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Monstrous whale shark dwarfs scuba divers in the Galapagos Islands
Whale sharks are massive creatures that can grow to a whopping 18m (57 feet), topping the scales at an estimated 44,000kg (100,000lbs). To see them in real life creates a sense of awe and wonder. They are giants, but they are truly gentle beasts, virtually incapable of harming a human. Scientists believe that the whale sharks come to the waters near Darwin Island in the Galapagos to give birth. Almost all are pregnant females. But exactly where they do this is a mystery. Very few baby whale sharks have ever been seen.
Three ocean currents collide in these waters, bringing an upwelling of nutrients from the deep ocean. This brings the larger fish and the apex predators like sharks. Although the water here is full of plankton and krill, the whale sharks are not here to feed. They are rarely seen with their mouths open as they swim around the island.
This whale shark casually cruised through this group of awe-stricken scuba divers, making them look small and insignificant. These giant sharks are truly magnificent.
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Cheeky vulture wisely gives gorging lionesses a wide berth
Lionesses on the plain in Kenya, Africa have made a kill and their prey is being devoured in a hurry. Here in Africa, the opportunity to eat is often short. Predators smell food from miles away and there are always hungrier lions, packs of hyenas, or wild dogs, ready to try their luck in stealing meat where they can. Even a pair of powerful lionesses musty eat quickly to get their share.
This vulture has followed his nose to the scene of the fresh kill and he is ready to dash in if he sees an opening. He keeps a respectful distance as he looks over the carcass and sizes up the lionesses. They are far too busy and unconcerned with his presence while he stays distant, but he knows that he is also vulnerable if he gets too close. A lioness would happily eat a bird like him and they would object to being robbed of their dinner.
The vulture will wait until the bigger predators have all had their turn, or he will swoop in if their is enough chaos to cause a distraction. He will be ready in either case. The hyenas and dogs that live on these plains are also crafty and they know that food attracts other creatures that can be food as well. The vulture will need to keep an eye on more than just the lionesses if he is to live through the day.
As the vulture casually strolls past, the lioness chew and tear off meat as quickly as they can. This wildebeest will be reduced to bones and stripped of every ounce of flesh before nightfall.
Life on the African plain is complex. Nature here, like in most places is strikingly beautiful, but harsh and dangerous at the same time.
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High speed drone provides unique look at life on a country farm
This is a unique and unforgettable look at farm life through the lens of a high speed drone. Swooping in from high above, zipping under machinery, cruising through a herd of grazing cows, through vehicles, and weaving among hay bales, it's a look at farm life from a different perspective. A DJI Avata drone creates new possibilities for seeing the world.
This drone operator sat near the farmhouse, watching the drone with virtual reality goggles, seeing exactly what the drone saw as it flew. The sensation is as close to flying as you can get without leaving the ground. With stunning clarity, objects whipped past as the drone navigated through tight spaces with only inches to spare.
Crashes are inevitable with this sort of flying, but this drone is capable of flipping itself over and taking off again. Propeller guards and a tough plastic body make it a tough little unit. Conventional drones can't perform like these, and they can't maneuver through slots without the danger of their propellers being stopped by even the smallest twig or object.
This drone operator is actually helping out his farmer buddy who wants to keep a close eye on the cows during calving season. The drone provides a quick look at the herd without having to trudge around the pasture so many times in a day. Of course, the up close and personal look at the herd is still required each day, but the drone provides a good peek in between pasture. foot patrol.
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