WildCreatures

Patsy is an incredible turtle. She's a Common Snapping Turtle, not to be confused with their southern cousins, the Alligator Snapping Turtle. Common snapping turtles are considerably less dangerous, having a much more docile personality and a bite strength that is far less powerful. But, they can still be very defensive on land for several reasons. They do not have the ability to retract their head and limbs fully into their shells. This leaves them vulnerable to predators and they will snap at any creature or person who approaches them when they are feeling threatened. Common snapping turtles are very capable swimmers and they will retreat from perceived threats in the water. They can hold their breath for a long time and their large feet with webbed claws enable them to move quickly when they need to. They are also capable of clawing their way over the bottom, making them very agile on the mud or rocks in the water. They are curious animals when they are feeling comfortable and they will not always shy away from people in lakes or ponds. But they are not typically aggressive and are not likely to bite a person. Snapping turtles are carrion feeders. Essential to lakes and rivers for their ability to eat dead animals, they keep our water clean. This is also why they need strong jaws and beaks with sharp points. They rip their food apart to swallow it in chunks. Snapping turtles are frequently seen on land as they migrate for food or to find breeding opportunities.

Two six-foot-long barracuda appeared and circled around two divers for several minutes during a scuba dive in the Cayman Islands. They passed within inches of them several times, moving closer on each pass. With their menacing looking teeth and angry looking eyes, these huge fish are very intimidating. This is even more true when there are two of them! Such behavior is usually because of curiosity and not aggression, but this experience was hair-raising for the divers.

On a small island, near the equator, animals have adapted to life with almost no access to water. They are able to drink when there is enough rain to form small pools, but they may go weeks without the opportunity. This mockingbird was thirsty enough and smart enough to follow a backpacker on his tour of the island. Having no apparent fear of humans, he hopped along on the ground beside the man. When the man stopped walking, the tiny bird looked up at him hopefully. This continued for several minutes until the man realized that the bird was actually asking for help. The man bent down slowly and the bird stood staring. It is highly recommended that humans don't interfere with animals on these islands and it is important to not feed them, but the pleading eyes of the little bird were hard to resist. As he began to understand that the bird was looking for help, he guessed that it may be struggling to find water during what was a particularly long dry spell. With a video camera running, the man poured water onto a rock with a small depression. He recorded the bird's reaction. At first, the thirsty little fellow pecked at the drops on the edge of the bottle. Then he slurped some of the water from the rock. But lava rocks are porous and this dark rock was very hot. The water did not remain in the hole very long and the bird didn't get much of a drink. As the man started to pour more, the bird had figured out that the water in the bottle was good to drink and he stuck his little beak right in to get it. Standing taller to reach the bottle, he took several slurps and swallowed. He stood within two feet of the man the entire time. After the bird had sipped on the water for a few minutes, he stood looking at the man quietly. The man continued on his way and the bird stood on the trail and stared after him. Obviously content, he no longer followed the man. This mockingbird is a rare species that exists only on two small islands. Typically, they eat insects, small crustaceans and eggs of other birds. It is a difficult thing to see an animal asking for help but to not respond. It is especially difficult when the animal seems to be suffering from thirst.

Orangutans are beautiful animals with intelligence that places them at the lead for all of the primates. They are curious and thoughtful animals. Like we do, they have complex social structures and needs. Yet, their habitat is being destroyed at an alarming rate and their populations are declining rapidly. They are critically endangered and we are at risk of losing them forever in the wild. This is Puppe, a female orangutan who lives at the Toronto Zoo in Canada. She is at least 53 years old, and she is one of six orangutans who live there. But unlike the others, Puppe is the only one who was born in the wild. She has lived at the zoo since 1974 when it opened. The Toronto Zoo is one of the most highly rated zoos in the North America for providing living conditions and overall care that far exceed the standards. They treat their animals more like family and they strive to create an environment that meets their physical needs, but also their intellectual and emotional needs. Food and play items are provided in a way that stimulates and challenges the orangutans in new ways. The Toronto Zoo also plays an impressive role in educational programs and conservation efforts around the world. Because orangutans are being hunted by humans and being shot by farmers, life in the wild is becoming increasing dangerous for them. As their habitat decreases, they are forced to seek food where farmland borders their jungles. This creates conflict with farmers who are intent on protecting their crops. Driven by consumer demand for food that is grown on what used to be the orangutan's home, we are capable of adding to this pressure on the animals without realizing it. By educating ourselves and avoiding food products that contain palm oil, we can reduce the need to cut down trees in distant lands. This is just one example of how our purchases can negatively, or positively, affect the creatures on the other side of our planet. Puppe is a true performer and she seems to love people. She is engaged with those who visit her and sit near her favourite spot at the glass barrier between her enclosure and the public. She reacts to facial expressions or interesting objects and she will even use a squeegee and bucket of water that is provided for her, to wipe of the glass in what seems to be her imitation of human behaviour. Whether it is for her own entertainment or for ours is difficult to know, but Puppe seems to have a sense of humour as her imitation of the cleaners is surprisingly good.

It wasn't their intention, but this Canadian couple caught images of their own reflection in the eyes of a wild barred owl. Dave and Kristy had been out delivering food to a family member in rural Ontario on a snowy day. Their son suggested that they should bring their camera and join him for a walk where he knew a snowy owl liked to perch during the day. They combined the two errands and had a wonderful experience being able to see the snowy owl from a respectful distance as it looked out over nearby farmland, waiting for a mouse to wander out in the open. But as Dave and Kristy drove home, they were shocked to see a barred owl swooping down and over the road right in front of them. This beautiful bird passed right between two oncoming trucks and they were afraid that it might have even been hit. It landed in a tree at the side of the road and they turned around and pulled over to make sure it was okay. Barred owls are less timid than some owls and they will often watch people curiously, but this one seemed completely unconcerned as they slowly approached. This made them even more concerned about it so they walked up as close as they dared and watched it carefully for signs of an injured wing or other problem. As they zoomed in with their camera on the owl's face, they were amazed with the stunningly detailed look at its eyes, beak and feathers. These birds are incredibly beautiful and its beautiful face and intelligent gaze left Dave and Kristy in complete wonder. After a few moments, they decided that the owl appeared uninjured and they left it to continue with its business of finding food. When this couple looked at the video footage later, they were shocked to see that they had actually captured their own images reflected in the eyes of the owl as it looked down upon them from its perch in the tree. Their incredible close up encounter with the owl was a complete thrill for these two nature lovers and the images that they captured will help them to remember the experience for years to come. Owl experts have been very excited by the increase in sightings of these beautiful animals throughout Ontario and the rest of Canada during this winter. Bird watchers are eager to gather and photograph one of nature's most photogenic creatures too. But we are reminded that these owls cannot store fat and that harsh winter weather creates a need to hunt for food that is nearly constant. With them being perilously close to starvation each day, one or two missed meals could have serious consequences for the owls. Some bird experts suggest that the owls we see are only one or two feedings away from death at any given time. If we are not careful enough, our presence might distract the owls and cause them to miss a feeding opportunity. We can help the birds by keeping our distance, making our interactions extremely brief, and limiting the effect that we have on their focus and attention. Not only are these birds beautiful, but they are crucial for keeping rodent populations in balance.

It seemed like a good idea at the time to attach a GoPro to a drone lawn mower, but things go horribly wrong when the suction cup fails and the camera rolls down the front of the drone. The drone runs over the GoPro, trapping it in the blades for a few agonizing seconds, creating a sickening hacking sound. Fail!

Humpback whales inspire awe and wonder in anyone who is fortunate enough to see one. But to actually swim with one will take your breath away. This mother humpback has thrilled a few swimmers with a close look at her and her newborn baby. It is a moment that these lucky swimmers will never forget.

Golden retrievers are one of the most beloved dog breeds in the world. Intelligent, loyal, affectionate, and fun-loving, these breeds capture the hearts of anyone who knows them. Aurora is a 6 month old puppy who is exploring at the cottage with her family. She has been left for the weekend with her "doggy grandparents" while her human Christian, is traveling. And spoiling puppies is the right of all doggy grandparents. Aurora has been taken on hikes in the forest and for a boat ride to the family cottage. A tradition at this time of year is to pick cranberries from the flooded grassland at the side of the lake. Aurora has been invited along with Raven, the Great Dane. Cranberry marshes are a delight for any water loving dog because they are shallow and perfect for bounding and splashing. The water is cold at this time of year, but the day is a surprisingly warm one for October and Aurora is thrilled to discover such a wonderful playground. Dave has a tub of berries and Aurora is adorably curious so he shows her what is in the tub. It shouldn't surprise him when Aurora snatches a few, but who would have guessed that a puppy would actually eat a tart cranberry? Aurora took an instant liking to them and she quickly learned that her family was picking them from the underwater shrubs. She stuck her nose in to get her share, as well as some that were floating on the surface. She munches happily and then bounds away to see what Raven is up to on the edge of the marsh. Aurora is a beautiful soul with a loving personality. She delights her family as they share new experiences with her as often as they can.

Alpacas are interesting animals that closely resemble the llama. They look very similar, although much smaller. Both are part of the camel family. Originating from South America, usually Peru, they are becoming more common in North America on farms that raise them for wool production. We can see these alpacas engaging in play fighting or dominance behavior. It appears to be a fun game, and it may be a form of play, but the goal is for one male to immobilize the head and neck of the weaker alpaca to show superior strength and dominance. This play fighting became more aggressive and some of the alpacas actually began biting half-heartedly at the others. The black alpaca began running away and the brown one decided to chase it. Relentless, it followed the submissive alpaca even to the far corners of the pasture. The brown alpaca became very distressed and started screaming. This evoked no sympathy from the brown alpaca. If the goal was dominance, this only made the situation worse. Eventually, two muremma sheepdogs reacted to the noise. Protective of the herd, they will stand guard and confront any person or predator that tries to enter the pasture. Tall and strong, they are a force to reckoned with, but they seemed slightly confused about what to do with fighting alpacas. They wandered among the herd and looked on curiously. The black alpaca ran for the protection of the dogs, much like a younger sibling running for his parents when the older sibling begins tormenting him. In this case, the presence of the dogs was enough to deter the aggressive alpaca and the fighting stopped. It's not unusual to see alpacas, or any other social animal behaving in a way that helps establish dominance or pecking order. In fact, it's a natural part of herd social structure. But it does seem very unusual to hear a large alpaca running through a pasture screaming in such a loud voice. Watching this, you couldn't help but feel sorry for him and want to step in to help put the bully in his place.

We all hope Groundhog Day will come with the promise of an early spring. This year, like every year, we all hoped the groundhog would peek out and call for an end to the cold. But it's hard to be upset with any little fellow as cute as this one. He emerges from his den and has look around. He investigates the camera, sees his shadow and then declares that it's nap time again. When the groundhog hits the snooze button, it's time for six more weeks of winter.

Crocodiles in Kenya are at the top of the food chain. They eat almost anything that they can catch, including large animals such as zebras and gazelles. Stealthy and cunning, they can remain motionless in water with only their eyes and nostrils above the surface. They patiently wait for animals to approach the water to drink, or to cross the river. This herd of zebras was making their way across the plain, when they came to a river. They knew that they needed to cross, but most animals in Africa are wary of rivers, as they know that crocodiles lie in wait for any opportunity to snatch an animal from the banks. Even better if they can seize an animal in mid crossing. The first two zebras obviously see the crocs but they take their chances and the crocodiles seem unsure of what they should do. A zebra in the shallows is capable of delivering a powerful blow that could cause serious injury, even to a well armoured crocodile. Another zebra unbelievably survives after taking a path between two of the crocodiles. They make half-hearted lunges at the zebras but it doesn't seem that they get a proper bite. One of the smaller zebras wades through deeper water and the advantage goes to the crocodiles in such a case, but he miraculously makes it past as well. It seems that the zebras benefit from a rapid crossing close on the heels of the zebra ahead. The water is murky and quick flowing, and the hooves of the zebra stir up the mud creating poor visibility. This makes it difficult for a crocodile to see the legs of its prey. Safety in numbers definitely seems to apply in this daring river crossing. All of the zebras lived through this incident.

Survival in the ocean is a constant struggle. Every creature must find a way to eat, while at the same time, avoiding being eaten. Predators easily become prey and the balance can shift in an instant. By day, the octopus hides among the coral, avoiding hungry sharks, eels, and sea lions. But by night, this animal is a super predator with a combination of strength, cunning, and flexibility that makes it one of the most deadly hunters on the planet. This octopus has found a giant channel clinging crab, the biggest species of crab in the Caribbean. The armoured exoskeleton and powerful claws make this crab difficult for most animals to eat. But the octopus possesses a sharp tooth-like part of its mouth that it uses to drill a hole in the shell. This is made more easy for the octopus because it also has a compound in its saliva that dissolves calcium carbonate, the substance that makes up the hard shell of mollusks and crustaceans. With a little effort, the octopus is able to make a hole in the shell and inject a toxic venom that will paralyze and kill the crab quickly. While this seems like a raging battle, the crab has little chance. It will try to drag the octopus over the reef so it can get to the safety of a crevice or a ledge in the coral. The octopus hangs on and increases its advantage by the minute as the suckers on its tentacles grip the crab better. The powerful arms of the octopus will make movement more difficult and the crab will become worn down. Possessing the ability to smell and taste with each of it suckers, the octopus can reach into the smallest space in its search for food. With an advanced cognitive ability and a keen memory, the octopus is a force to be reckoned with. Within about twenty minutes, this crab was unable to fight back and the octopus overwhelmed it.

Sea lions populate almost every sandy beach and rocky shore in the Galapagos Islands. These loveable characters live in large colonies with complex social structure. It's hard to find a spot to stretch out on the sand without being close to at least one. This beach on San Cristobal Island is no different from the others. A large male watches over his colony of females along with many babies. The babies live a life that we would all be envious of. While the mothers are out hunting for food, the babies play in the surf and on the sand, patiently waiting for the return of their mother. These youngsters play an energetic game of chasing each other in and out of the waves. One of them has even found a chunk of broken sea urchin and he chases it as the surf throws it around in the shallows. The female sea lions are like milk machines and they feed their young for more than a year as the young grow big and strong enough to venture out into the ocean for their own food. The mother sea lions come back to shore with full bellies and they call out to their babies who will answer the calls enthusiastically. The two will greet each other as the mother finds a spot to lie down in the sun or in the shade. She will roll on her side to allow the pup access to her milk. The pup will drink until he is full and then he will find a quiet spot to nap as well. This will be repeated several times per day. It's an easy life, for the most part. We should all have a chance to live like this for at least a few weeks!

Great Danes are one of the most loyal and loving dog breeds imaginable. They are excellent companions and true family members. This litter of adorable Great Dane puppies is only three weeks old and they are growing quickly. At eight weeks, they will be ready to go to their forever homes. They are being raised by a wonderful breeder who has carefully selected ten lucky families to take them all home when the time comes. Here, the puppies are getting a visit from one of those families. They are eager to meet their new dog and to see what she looks like and how she responds to a little cuddling and affection. The family has had a Great Dane named Briva but she passed on about six months before, at the age of 13. This is an exceptionally long life for a breed so large and she kept the family safe and happy as the children grew. They fell completely in love with the breed through their experience with Briva and they are excited about welcoming another into their home. These puppies sense that there are people at their house who are willing to pick them up and cuddle with them. They love the warmth and the interaction and they cry and scream for attention. The kids in the family are doing their best to pass the puppies around and give them all a little love, but keeping up with the demands of ten puppies is a difficult task. The puppies all have a different coloured collar on so they can be identified and kept track of. They look so similar that they would be lost in the sea of little furry faces without the collars. The mother of the puppies is an enormous and beautiful Great Dane who watched the interaction carefully from across the room. Good-natured and trusting, she tolerated the puppies being picked up, but she did not take her eyes off them and seemed to be counting each of them as the visit went on. The mother is a 170 pound giant with a loving personality. The father is equally calm and family oriented. These puppies are sure to thrive and develop their own loving personalities when they reach their new homes. For those who have been lucky enough to experience the love and devotion of a dog, doing without one seems unthinkable. And for those who have ever loved a Great Dane, they are forever changed.

Great horned owls are the largest owl species in North America. Although the snowy owl is taller, the great horned owl is the heaviest of the family. It is the most powerful in terms of talon grip strength and ability to carry off larger prey. It feeds primarily on rabbits, voles, and other rodents, but it also takes down birds, including other owls. This mother owl has found a clump of trees in a remote spot on the edge of an Ontario forest. she laid her eggs in February, during an extremely cold time of year in Canada. But she is large enough and insulated well enough to keep her eggs warm for the 37 days that it takes for her babies to hatch. She and her mate will spend 42 days caring for and feeding the young until they are developed enough to fly from the nest. These two babies are as fluffy and soft looking as a plush toy, but they will soon have flight feathers and wings strong enough to carry them. The parents bring them rabbit or other meals several times per day. The owlets will make a clumsy descent to the ground very soon and the parents will continue to feed them and to encourage them to fly. Within a day or two, they will be capable of lifting off the ground and finding a safer perch where they will watch and learn from the parents' hunting behaviour. Owls are protective of their young and any predators will have a hard time if they try to eat the babies while the parents are nearby. Even mid-sized mammals would not be a match for an angry great horned owl's talons or razor sharp beak. As with most owls, they are capable of near soundless flight. Their feathers are specially designed to make no noise, enabling them to attack without warning. These owls are one of the most iconic and beautiful of all the owl family. Their characteristic hoot and yellow eyes make them one of the most popular owls among nature lovers.

The Galapagos Islands are beautiful and mysterious for many reasons. The wildlife and natural wonder hold intense fascination for biologists and nature lovers. But San Cristobal Island is also home to a bizarre and interesting tourist attraction that has a compelling history behind it. For $2, guests can enter the treehouse and tour the grounds of what might be the world's most unique overnight lodgings. The view from the road shows a giant kapok tree and a small, elevated dwelling. These trees themselves are true wonders of the forest, towering over other trees and growing outwards, creating immense trunks. The trees support animal and plant life in huge numbers, often having a more diverse range of species than an entire U.S. state. This kapok tree is well over 200 years old, having arrived with the first settlers in the early 19th century. What is now known as El Progreso, the town began with a colony in the early 19th century when a businessman from Ecuador arrived and began producing sugar, orange crops, animal oil products, and coffee for export to the mainland. He built the first road on the island and even developed a rail system to move his goods. But his workers were treated like slaves and those who did not perform to his standards were punished savagely. He lashed them to this kapok tree to whip them, or even lynch them. Locals speak of the tree being haunted and neighbors occasionally report hearing voices, yelling, crying, and the sound of rattling chains. But in the early 1980s Cornejo Ubillus arrived from Quit, Ecuador and saw the beauty in the tree and the property around it. He bought the land and developed his vision of a fully equipped treehouse. With the help of an engineer friend, the two collected recycled materials and items washed up on shore, such as lifeboats from huge, ocean-liners. They enlisted the help of other islanders to re-purpose things like glass bottles, wood, sheet metal and plumbing supplies. The result was a fully functional hotel with two bathrooms, a working kitchen, electricity, plumbing, and bunk beds. The treehouse has a zip line between trees, a fire escape pole from the second stories, a panoramic view of the grounds, and even a small pool where the geese bathe. Guests wishing to invite friends can also rent a small, elevated guesthouse that is made of a lifeboat capsule that washed ashore. These occasionally show up on the island, having been discarded by or broken free of large cargo vessels. The most incredible part of this treehouse is the expansive basement. A large cavity in the tree trunk provides access to the room below by climbing down a ladder. The dirt has been hollowed out and walls have been constructed. The floor is made up of crushed lava rock, said to promote the absorption of positive energy. The basement has lights, plumbing, and even some artwork hung on the walls. Guests wishing to rent the tree hotel can pay $20. For additional fees, the restaurant and bar are open to lodgers, as well as other guests, wishing to simply experience the atmosphere and charm. Touring this property requires a mere $2, but guests get much more than they bargained for at this incredibly unique attraction. The imagination and effort put into this construction are impressive beyond words. Surprisingly clean, well equipped, and inviting, a stay here would be an adventure to talk about for years.

Brownie is a strapping German shepherd who loves his family and does everything he can to please them. He is a loyal protector and trusted family member. He loves attention and affection and he will do anything to be included in whatever they do. This includes singing. Brownie seems to truly believe that he is destined to be am opera singer. With a little encouragement, Brownie performs his best tenor vocals. Brownie and his family live in the Galapagos Islands. Their home is tucked away at the edge of the forest and Brownie has free range over the property. Brownie howls when he is happy or when he sees his family eating something delicious that he'd like to share. He's smart enough to understand that they love this endearing behaviour. They will often join him when he starts the howling.

Giant tortoises of the Galapagos are among the world's most iconic creatures. They are majestic, beautiful, and awe inspiring. They are believed to reach an age of over 200 years, and they might weigh as much as 220kg (500lbs) by the time they have reached maturity. They were an integral part of the studies conducted by the early biologists, such as Charles Darwin, that led to the theory of evolution that has changed the way we look at animals, their development, and even the way we see ourselves. This wildlife videographer was making his way through the shrubs and forest on Santa Cruz Island, in the Galapagos. This is a province of Ecuador that is made up of several islands, all with their own unique species. Giant tortoises, once hunted to near extinction, now roam freely, thanks in part to captive breeding and conservation programs that have resulted in a rebound in the population. The videographer was quietly looking for giant tortoises when he came across this one who was motionless on a patch of grass in the open. He first feared that the animal was dead, but a close approach showed that it was merely slumbering in the sunshine with its head and limbs outstretched to soak up the rays. Tortoises are cold blooded and they rely on the warmth of the sun and their surroundings to help them move and digest food. While watching this tortoise, we can see that it moves, swallows and adjusts its head slightly, all the while keeping its eyes closed. This is a rare sight and the videographer stood motionless for a few moments before slowly and quietly moving away to leave the tortoise in peace. This tortoise was enormous and it is possible that it was a hatchling at the time that Charles Darwin made his historic voyage on the SS Beagle in 1835 that brought him to the Galapagos Islands. Darwin is fondly remembered in the Galapagos Islands and many research centers, streets and even people are named after him. A visit to the Galapagos Islands isn'tr complete without a close look at one of nature's most incredible animals.

Yellowjacket wasps are ferocious insects with a well deserved reputation for being creatures to avoid. They deliver an extremely painful sting and they are capable of stinging repeatedly. They have powerful mandibles for battling and chewing other insects. They also have proboscis for sipping nectar and other liquids. Yellowjacket wasps are so feared in the insect world that many flies and bees mimic the yellowjacket for protection. This housefly knows the yellowjacket is a large and formidable predator, but it faces off against the wasp in an attempt to bully it away from the cola spill that he found first. The fly is outmatched. It has no sting and no ability to bite the wasp. It is less than half the size of the wasp. Yet, it stands up to the wasp like a true champ. As the two sip on opposites sides of the soda puddle, all seems friendly at first. But the fly suddenly buzzes in a bluff that makes it appear that he's taking off. The wasp startles and takes off first. Both fly off to the left but the wasp returns immediately. She drinks greedily for a few seconds before the fly returns and takes a spot across the spill. The wasp watches warily and the fly makes an unbelievably gutsy approach. It raises a front leg in an attempt to intimidate the wasp. The wasp will have none of it, and she lifts off toward the fly, buzzing angrily. She returns to the cola, more interested in the sugar than the fight. The wasp disappears and the fly moves back in for the prize. Houseflies have hundreds of eyes and unmatched reflexes. As the wasp swoops in, the fly makes a quick getaway. The wasp takes up a position and drinks away in peace. The fly, thinking wisely doesn't return to challenge the wasp. Few insects would have the nerve to challenge a yellowjacket wasp. It is surprising to see a meagre housefly do so in such a brazen and fearless way.

Swimming with sea turtles is on the wish list of almost every animal lover and nature enthusiast. They are beautiful and graceful creatures that inspire awe in all who see them. But to swim beside one in its own world or to have one approach on its own terms is an experience that is too beautiful to describe. This swimmer slipped into the ocean off Floreana Island in the Galapagos. It is a very remote part of the world with very few inhabitants and only occasional day visitors. The wildlife here has learned that they have no reason to fear humans. A respectful approach allowed this swimmer to get a close look at several huge Pacific green turtles as they drifted and fed on algae and other vegetation. Keeping his arms at his side and allowing the current to carry him, the swimmer found himself able to watch the turtles for a prolonged period. The turtles acted as if he was another turtle or at least something that caused them no concern. The surge of the ocean would occasionally bring the turtles so close that it was an effort for them not to bump into him. With so many turtles around him it was difficult to know how to avoid contact or where to look for the best view. The video footage captures a close up look at the turtles grazing contentedly. It is such a peaceful and magical experience that this swimmer will not likely forget this encounter. The Galapagos Islands are home to many unique and beautiful creatures on land as well as beneath the waves.

Nurse sharks might look a little intimidating, but they are actually friendly and curious. Although they do have teeth and should be respected, they often follow divers and cruise through and around groups as they investigate. This large nurse shark followed these divers and seemed to respond as it was invited to come over for a pat on the head and a back scratch. Their skin is rough like coarse sandpaper. Close encounters like this one, handled cautiously, is a welcome experience for most divers.

Giant wind turbines have been springing up on horizons all over North America for the past decade. They have been around much longer than this, but they are becoming more commonplace as we seek an alternative to fossil fuel and nuclear power. Still controversial, these turbines present a viable way for power to be derived from wind, a completely renewable resource with no end. Opponents to wind power are concerned over appearance, health concerns, costs, effects on land value, and the affect on humans and animals that live in close proximity. Those in favor of harnessing wind power point to the obvious problems associated with other power sources. The debate rages on and we have yet to fully investigate both sides of the argument. Similarly, people stand divided on the aesthetics of giant wind turbines. Some see them as majestic structures that are magnificent to behold. Others see them as an eyesore among the natural features of the landscape. But regardless of one’s opinion, there is no denying that their sheer size and structure is a marvel of engineering and technology. To look up at something that towers more than 400 feet above us, creates a sense of awe and wonder. The cost to erect such a turbine is approximately four million dollars. The blades alone cost almost one million dollars and they weigh a staggering 12,000 pounds. They are made with layers of fiberglass pressed together in a long construction process that requires extreme precision. Yet, these massive blades are designed to spin and generate electricity from wind. This giant wind turbine was erected almost three years ago between Pontypool and Bethany, two small towns in southern Ontario. They are much like many other wind turbines that have been erected, but there is one big difference here. In April of 2019, one of the blades on this one exploded, sending huge sheets and chunks of fiberglass shrapnel raining down. Other sections hung precariously, fluttering in the wind. The cause of the explosion has not yet been determined. A drone was sent up near the tower to film the blade close up, producing this video that gives us a rare and fascinating look at the damaged blade and the pieces that hang from the hub. The wind turbine has been shut down for obvious safety reasons to await repair. The cost to dismantle and replace this turbine will also be staggering. Ironically, the drone that was filming this disaster experienced an unexplained loss of control and it came in contact with the turbine tower, resulting in it making a high speed descent to the concrete below. The drone was completely smashed in the incident, but the footage that was recorded prior to the crash was recovered.

Fiona is a cow who lives on a beautiful farm in Millbrook, Ontario. She roams freely over lush, green pastures that are surrounded by forest. There are ponds full of fresh water to drink and she is part of a herd of very happy cows. A large bull named Gus watches over his "girls" protectively and they are all kept safe from predators. The farmers enjoy a gorgeous view from their farmhouse on the hill and they keep a close eye on the animals, making sure they are healthy and well cared for. This is life as close to what nature intended for these gentle souls. Playful calves romp in the field and nurse on their mothers' milk every few hours. The herd even looks after the young that belong to the other cows, allowing them all to get a welcome break from the energetic young. Fiona is just over a year old, having been born on a warm, spring day in May of last year. She has grown well and her curious nature and friendly disposition make her a joy to have in the meadow. The farmers wander through the grass, frequently checking on their herd, and Fiona is always one of the first to hurry over and greet them. The cows' trust in the farmers speaks volumes and shows the healthy relationship that they share. On a hot, summer day, a neighbor who lives nearby was flying his drone and trying to capture some video and pictures as he often does at this farm. Fiona took a serious interest in the drone and watched it curiously. She wandered closer and looked at it with wide eyes. The hum of the unfamiliar object in the sky completely captured her attention. Cows are much more intelligent than we give them credit for and they are quicker to recognize new things than we might believe. Her friendly face staring back at the camera was just as interesting to the drone operator who took quite a delight in watching Fiona from afar. Farms such as this one operate with herd health as their greatest priority, as opposed to maximizing profits. Ensuring that the animals are well cared for requires more effort and expense that cutting corners and focusing on production only. But the end result is a life that is cruelty free. When making our decisions about where to buy our food, it is important to remember that there are more important things than cost. Supporting farms, such as this one, where things are done ethically, doesn't actually cost much more, but that slight difference in price goes a long way toward ensuring that we can eat with a cleaner conscience. Some people chose a vegan lifestyle and that is commendable, but for those who will still eat meat, a little research will show that ethical farms are not difficult to find.

Sea lions are truly comical characters that can be found on almost all beaches and rocky shorelines around the Galapagos Islands. They are very similar in looks and personalities to those loveable canine companions that we are so familiar with. In fact, they are often referred to as "sea dogs" or "ocean puppies". These sea lions have taken over a barge at the dock on Santa Cruz Island. The males are gigantic, weighing in at over 140kg (320lbs) and the females are at least half that size. The young sea lions are much smaller and much more playful than the adults. The constant calling and grunting of the sea lions fills the air and when we listen, we can't help but be reminded of high school burping contests. And if that's what this is, any one of these seal lions could be the champion. The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the most diverse and unique creatures on the planet. They are "islands born of fire", created when pillars of rock rose from the sea floor due to volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. Cut off from the rest of the world, these new islands were barren and hostile. Fresh water was scarce and animals could not survive here. But, over time, birds and marine creatures found this world and they began colonizing the rocks. Wind erosion, rain, and the droppings of birds created enough soil to sustain life and the first plants began to grow. The ocean currents converge here, bringing an abundance of fish and other ocean life. This in turn provided food for animals such as the sea lions. They spend a good deal of their day resting and burping but they hunt for octopus, fish, eels, and other food throughout the day. Incredibly graceful in the water, they are formidable predators. But on land, they are adorably clumsy. Any trip to the Galapagos Islands is made more memorable due to these hilarious sea dogs and their antics.

Hawksbill turtles are critically endangered. Seeing such a large one up close is a diver's delight. It is very rare to be able to closely observe one as it eats. This turtle was so relaxed with a diver that it swam lazily along beside her until it saw a large sponge growing among the coral. She was amazed to capture photographs of the turtle up close as it ate its meal. Hawksbill turtles are one of the very few creatures that can safely eat a sponge. The compounds in them can make the Hawksbill's flesh toxic to humans and other animals. Scientists are still undecided about what makes this turtle able to eat sponges.