DavidMcNab

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

Osprey are the second largest predatory bird in North America. Also known as fish eagles, they are very similar in their size, hunting habits, and ferocity. Equipped with razor sharp talons and beaks, they are formidable and they dominate the skies with little fear of anything. This nesting pair have their nest near Rice Lake in Southern Ontario. They arrive in April and stick to the same area each year, often the same nest. They travel a short distance to catch fish several times each day. This devoted male will bring his mate catfish, crappie, bass, and perch. His talons have barbs that make it very difficult for him to release the fish from his grasp once he brings it to the nest. These same barbs ensure that the fish cannot easily escape, once caught. Ospreys are occasionally seen floundering on the surface of the water as they struggle with a fish. Once they have one in their grip, they cannot release the fish if taking off is difficult. These barbs can cause them trouble. The osprey has an extra joint in its wing that enables them to raise their wings above the surface of the water to gain lift. This compensates for the problems caused by having a fish locked in its grasp. Osprey are loyal birds, sticking to the same mate. Both will hunt and care for the chicks. They will take turns feeding each other as they protect the nest. Osprey are among the most magnificent and graceful birds on this continent.

Ostriches are the tallest birds and heaviest of all living birds. They lay the largest eggs of any land animal. They can reach 2.8m in height (9 feet) and weigh up to 150kg (330lbs). They are formidable animals, capable of delivering a kick that will deter even the hungriest of predators. They can run at speeds of 70km/h (43mph), giving them the ability to avoid capture by almost any land animal. The mating ritual of the ostrich is a complex and fascinating sight. They flap their wings rapidly, vibrating their outstretched feathers while swaying rhythmically and vocalizing for the attention of the female. This male ostrich tries as hard as possible to get the attention of his love interest nearby. He wiggles and calls and hopes she will swoon and crouch down on the sand to receive his amorous advances, but she simply ignores him and walks away. Undeterred, he continues his impressive display for more than a minute before walking away defeated. The other females in the areas will surely see that he is rejected and he is best to walk away and try to work on his routine.

Johanita is a seven year old child who greets the world with no fear or hesitation. Every day is an adventure and she smiles and laughs readily. Even though she has faced some medical challenges, she embraces life and all of the joy that each day brings her. Here in Ecuador, Johanita visits a beautiful waterfall in a place called Cascada El Manta de la Novia (Waterfall Veil of the Girlfriend) with her family from Ecuador and her extended family from Canada. They stopped to take in the breath taking view from the top of the canyon. But the experience of flying over the canopy along the zipline was too beautiful to pass up. Strapped into a harness that took them out over the treetops and the river, Johanita extended her arms like a bird. Her emotions flow naturally and beautifully. She is overcome with joy as she soars more than one kilometre on the thin cable. Her laughter tells us that she is loving every moment. This is how Johanita lives her life. She captures the heart of everyone who meets her. We should all approach life as Johanita does.

Pacific green turtles are huge sea turtles with a gentle and mildly curious disposition. When a swimmer moves slowly and keeps a respectful distance, they will treat them with mild curiosity and allow them to drift with them and observe their feeding behaviour. These turtles were feeding in the shallows in a quiet bay on Floriana Island in the Galapagos. They come to the bay to feeb on sea weed and algae that grows on the rocks. The turtles can be seen in great numbers as they drift and munch contentedly. At this size, very few predators are able to harm them. They fear orcas and large sharks, but even those animals are generally discouraged by the nearly impervious shells of the turtles. These are gentle creatures, having no means of attacking other animals, or humans. Their defense to an attack would be to simply swim away. Graceful and powerful swimmers, they propel themselves by flapping their powerful fins. They stay near the surface or in the relative shallows, needing to breath air to survive. They can dive deep, when they wish to and hold their breath for up to thirty minutes but they prefer to be in areas where the light allows the most lush vegetation to grow. This lucky swimmer drifted on the waves and the current, recording dozens of these magnificent and peaceful animals as they went about their business. Occasionally, the waves and the surge would push the turtles within inches of him, which the turtles did not react to. It is never allowed to intentionally touch, harass, or swim too close to turtles of other animals. These turtles seem to understand the difference and they will swim away rapidly if they are uncomfortable. Swimming with such gigantic, gentle beasts is a memory that will not soon be forgotten.

The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the most diverse and fascinating animals on the planet. Among them are the sea lions that inhabit almost every beach and rocky shore around the islands. The colonies are complex and interesting to observe. Here, these babies wait in the tide pools and on the beach, enjoying safety from predators such as sharks and orcas. Their mothers give them mil several times each day as they sleep in the sun. The mothers venture out into the ocean at least twice per day to hunt for octopus, fish, squid, and eels. They eat their fill and then return to the beach where their babies are waiting. The babies are constantly hungry and they call out to the ocean in hopes that their mothers will hear them and hurry back. A full grown sea lion male is the alpha in the colony and he wanders among the tide pools, barking a challenge to any other males within hearing range. Baby sea lions are naturally curious and they eagerly approach anyone who gets close. The danger in touching them or getting too close is that the mothers will reject them and they will die a slow death due to starvation and dehydration. The law prohibits coming within 2m of a sea lion or other animal in the Galapagos Islands. The animals here have learned no fear of humans. Mutual respect allows people and wildlife to coexist in a beautiful way.

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

This bull is a Texas longhorn cow that lives in a sanctuary near Banos, Ecuador. He has incredibly long horns and the look of him is quite intimidating. He sees a guest at the fence of his pen and he comes over to get the alfalfa sprouts that are being offered. The horns poke out over the gate and swing menacingly close to the guests head, whose wife warms him to watch his eyes. Many cows have an itchy spot behind their horns that is impossible to scratch. The cow seems to want his head petted and the guest obliges. But it becomes clear immediately that the bull wants his head scratched more than he wants the treats. He jams his horns against the gate to get his head in the best position for the guest to reach. The bull stands very still as he gets a good scratch. He looks at the guest with pleading eyes and when the hand is extended again, he sniffs and then slams his horns down to expose the top of his head once more. It is clear that these two have reached an understanding and the bull knows that his friend will scratch some more. This sanctuary takes in animals that could no longer be cared for where they were. It is here that they find a new home and a new life with proper care and food. Guests are invited to tour the sanctuary which helps fund the purchase of food for the animals. They are happy here and they get the love and the attention that they deserve.

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

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

The easternmost point in North America is a rocky outcropping near St. John's harbour in Newfoundland, Canada. Cape Spear has a history that is as magnificent as the lighthouse that marks it. During the second world war, a gun battery was installed here to guard the significant convoy route and entrance to St. John's harbour. Disappearing gun carriages, barracks, and underground passages were essential for the defence of this harbour. This point was a United States Army General Surveillance Ground Radar Early Warning Station during the second world war. The lighthouse has lit up the entrance to the harbour since 1836. Prior to its completion, a dense fog enveloped the point and the harbour and threatened the safety of an approaching warship with an important passenger. The Governor sent out several pilot boats, one containing a young harbour pilot named James Cantwell. When he successfully guided the warship into the harbour, he was asked to name his reward. He requested the position of lighthouse keeper at the Cape. A keeper had already been hired, but he passed away after ten years of service. Cantwell was given the position at that time and he served proudly for 35 years. Cantwell's son took over next and the tradition of the Cantwell family being the keepers continued for over 50 years. This is now the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland.

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

The mantis shrimp is one of the largest in the shrimp family, with some species growing to as long as 38cm (15 inches). They are beautiful and surprisingly capable in their ability to defend themselves. Unlike other shrimps, their forelimbs are appendages that pack a serious punch. Divided into two categories: slashers and smashers, their forelimbs may have calcified clubs or barbed spears. They strike with blinding speed, causing cavitation of the water around their strike, often stunning their prey, even if they miss. In this way, each strike delivers two blows. The mantis shrimp are nicknamed "thumb splitters" by scuba divers due to their ability to slice a hand or cause a painful bruise. They are thought to have the most complex eyes in the animal kingdom and have the most complex visual system ever discovered. Compared with the three types of photoreceptor cell that humans possess in their eyes, the eyes of a mantis shrimp have between 12 and 16 types of photoreceptor cells. Some of these shrimp can tune the sensitivity of their colour vision to adapt to their environment. Their eye construction allows them to see colour in wider ranges, detect polarized light, and perceive depth with greater detail. These abilities help with mating, communication, prey detection, and in combat with other shrimp. The mantis shrimp is a beautiful sight for scuba divers who appreciate their colour as well as their fascinating characteristics.

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

Yellow spotted salamanders are a rare sight. Although there are great numbers of them in the area surrounding vernal pools in many forests throughout North America, they spend most of their lives burrowed underground. It is rare to catch a glimpse of one out in the open. But each year, shortly after the ice melts on ponds like this one, the salamanders migrate here in droves, ready to mate and lay eggs underwater. The males arrive first, dropping their spermatophores on the submerged leaves. The females come next, picking up the clusters and taking them into their bodies where the eggs will be fertilized. She then selects a stalk of vegetation or a stick to attach the eggs to. This videographer went to the local pond each night to watch the salamander migration, the mating frenzy, and the egg laying. It takes place each spring over the course of several days. This female gripped a plant stalk and lay her eggs over the course of 2-3 hours. The eggs emerged and clung to the stalk where they will remain for 6-8 weeks until they hatch. After the mating is all over, the salamanders leave the pond as abruptly as they arrived. They go back to their refuge under the leaves or the soil, living a solitary life, feeding on worms and insects, until it is time to gather again next spring. Spotted salamander eggs hatch in 4-8 weeks. The eggs are incredibly unique. The female lays two specific types. In one cluster, the gelatinous mass is a water soluble protein that allows oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange as the embryos develop. The other part of her cluster is surrounded by a gelatinous mass that is made up of a crystalline hydrophobic protein. It inhibits oxygen exchange but these eggs share a symbiotic relationship with an algae that grows within the eggs. The algae produces energy and oxygen through photosynthesis that the embryos use. The carbon dioxide produced by the embryos is consumed by the algae, as is the ammonia produced within the egg. This is the waste product that would harm the eggs. This is the only known true symbiotic relationship between an algae and a vertebrate animal. It is believed that the two types of egg masses will ensure survival in the presence of predators such as wood frogs. The wood frogs will not consume both types of eggs. Spotted salamanders play an important role in the food chain as they are a major source of food for foxes, raccoons and other forest dwellers.

This beautiful little animal is often referred to as a gopher, along with many species of rodent that are closely related. But more precisely, this is a Columbian ground squirrel, common to Southwestern United States and certain regions in Canada. This is a female living in British Columbia, Canada. She has made her den in the ground, beneath the mountains near the town of Fernie. She is a proud mother to three babies that play in the sun near the den during the day. They are tiny little balls of fur that are completely adorable. But when anyone or anything appears near the den, the babies quickly dash for cover. The mother comes out to explore and graze. She will need lots of food so that she can produce a constant supply of milk for her babies. These ground squirrels spend 8-9 months hibernating. They emerge in the summer months, emaciated from many months with no food. Her fat stores will carry her through this long sleep. Her young will be born during this hibernation and they will emerge with their mother in the late spring. Ground squirrels build impressive burrows, consisting of a nest and another chamber for toilet activities. In constructing a burrow, the ground squirrel will excavate 4-12kg (9-27 lbs) of soil. Expansion of these burrows in later years will result in an even greater amount of soil being excavated. The nests are lined with grasses and other vegetation. Social animals, they will often greet each other with prolonged touching of their mouths and noses. This behaviour resembles kissing.

This wrasse lives in the waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands. It has caught a glimpse of a small crab hiding among the rocks. Quick to scurry under cover, the wary crab believes it has found safe refuge under the chunks of lava that scatter the ocean floor. But the fish is not deterred and it is not afraid of a little hard work to get a meal. With surprising coordination, the fish grasps the stones in its mouth and tosses them aside quickly. When the stones are all moved and there is nowhere left to hide, it lunges forward and pins the crab, inhaling it along with a mouthful of crushed sand and stone. As it adjusts and spits out the stones, the crab makes a brief escape. But the crab has been injured and the fish easily catches it as it slowly sinks. The crab is grabbed again and swallowed as the fish swims off, victorious.

While on vacation in Istanbul, Turkey, a group of tourists were on a tour along the waterfront near the bridge across the Bosphoros Strait. They were surprised to hear a noise and see movement on the cables above them. From the ground, it wasn't clear what was going on. At first they thought that some daredevil had ventured out on the bridge's cable structure, or possibly that it was somebody experiencing a crisis of some sort. One of the tourists zoomed in with a powerful video camera and he was able to see the the person on the structure was actually a worker, apparently inspecting the structure. There were actually two workers up on the bridge. This one was equipped with clips and cables to secure himself to the bridge as he moved. One misstep might result in a fall if not for these safety cables. As we see when the camera zooms out, the cables upon which they walk are many hundreds of meters above the water. These workers have no apparent fear of heights, as evidenced by how confidently we see this one walk and move about. These workers continued to inspect the sections ahead, moving all the way across the river over the course of a few hours. This is a job that is not for the faint of heart.

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

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

When a drone is launched to film over the ocean, almost anything can happen. An expensive camera and a costly piece of equipment are held aloft by four tiny propellers. Obstacles, wind, or tiny grains of sand can stop a propeller and make the drone plummet to the ground, or in this case, the water below. Flying over Voli Voli resort in Fiji, this drone was capturing spectacular footage and recording the shore, the ocean, and the resort. But as it flew along the coastline, the drone operator was surprised to see the monitor image suddenly jump around as if the drone had struck something. The camera tilted and showed the sky at an angle that the drone is not designed to fly at. Then there was chaos on the screen. The image transmission suddenly stopped and the screen went blank. The drone operator walked the shoreline and looked for his drone. He could not figure out why the drone had disappeared. There were no obstacles anywhere that the drone could have struck. He had to assume that there had been a rogue gust of wind, or a malfunction. Construction workers along the shore had seen the drone flying past them. They told the owner that the drone had suddenly headed out over the water in an erratic manner, as if out of control. With a serious language challenge, it was hard to understand much, but they pointed to the general area that the drone went to. The owner could not understand why it fell from the sky but it was clear that it was now submerged. The drone was probably finished within seconds of touching salt water, but the data card held the footage that the drone operator had come here for. He put on his scuba gear and searched underwater for the drone, without success. The following day, the owner made another attempt to find it. In 7m (222 feet) of water, the drone's white shell was seen. The owner had proudly placed a "Rumble" sticker on the drone and the familiar lime green logo now reflected back in the lights. The drone was definitely unsalvageable and the battery was also useless, but the data card was unharmed. The props of the drone were bent and broken from the impact with the water, suggesting that the drone had hit hard and fast. The last file on the SD card was corrupted, as is often the case when the power supply is cut off before the recording is stopped. Using Stellar video repair, the owner was able to recover the last footage that the drone had ever recorded. It showed the unnatural angle that the drone had taken, suggesting a propeller failure, along with a view of the sky and then the water. Although a drone crash like this one can be costly, at least this drone operator was able to retrieve the footage that he had recoded that day. He was also able to solve the mystery surrounding the sudden plunge into the ocean.

When Dave, a man from Canada asked his friend, Naomy how she gets water in her village, she recorded this video to tell the story. Kenya has a dry season and a rainy season. Both are extreme, but the dry season brings drought and hardship. Usually, the only source of water is a small drainage ditch near her family home. There is a pool that it is deep enough to dip a cup and fill a jug. But the water is not clean and it is 2km from her house. Still, it is all they have. During the rainy season, this reservoir fills up and the villagers can fill their jugs here. But the water is contaminated with animal feces and runoff from the farms around the reservoir. It will be short lived because this will dry up, but it's the best water source while it is full. This video highlights the extreme challenges of life in Africa. Naomy is a farmer, managing a small plot of rented land. It is how she feeds her family and how they survive. It is also the same farm plot that allows her to grow some extra vegetables for sale. In Kenya, the average wage across the country is approximately 100 schillings, or $88 U.S. This is not much to survive on and making ends meet requires hard work, commitment, and even ingenuity and imagination. The sales from Naomy's farm plot net her $3-5 on a very good day. She will use that money to pay for medical needs of the family, as well as necessities like kerosene, sugar, salt, and clothing. Naomy has an extra challenge. She adopted Emannuel, a boy who was abandoned by his parents when he was two years old. Naomy uses her meager savings to fund schooling for Emannuel so he can have a decent life. Naomy also makes videos, like this one, and Dave and Naomy use the videos to show the world what life is like for Naomy and the others in her village. The videos have helped provide a small income for Naomy and her family. As she faces some upcoming medical fees, she is using her phone camera to share her life with the world, and to try to meet the costs ahead. Please enjoy this video and share it. You can help Naomy by doing so and you can also help her with this link. https://gofund.me/39e4d22a Asante san. Thank you.

Komodo Island is a place that time forgot. It is remote and pristine, and it is home to more than 1700 Komodo dragons, the largest lizard on earth. Massive and powerful, they can reach a length 3m (10 feet) and can weigh up to 166kg (366lbs). On average, a large male will top out at 100kg (220lb). They are known for their ferocity and their ability to take down prey much larger than themselves. Komodo dragons hunt mammals and birds, often lying in wait to ambush prey as it ventures close. Capable of reaching impressive speeds, a Komodo dragon can outrun actually an adult human. They occasionally attack unwary or irresponsible humans if the opportunity arises. They are not as capable of quick turns or sharp maneuvers, so it is possible to avoid capture or injury by running in a zig zag pattern. Komodo Island is in the heart of Indonesia, a beautiful collection of 1800 islands that are home to some of the earth's most amazing wildlife. The islands jut up out of the ocean, beautiful and inviting. Komodo Island is one of five islands in Indonesia where these gigantic lizards live in the wild. The Komodo dragon uses its tongue to detect food. It has such a powerful sense of smell that it can detect carrion almost 10km (6 miles) away. Dragons attack their prey and try to bite the throat when possible. They prefer to attack and kill prey immediately, but their saliva is so laden with bacteria that most animals that escape with bite wounds will succumb to sepsis and die. The Komodo dragon will track and eat these animals. They rip their prey into pieces in the case of larger animals, but they are able to dislocate their jaws to swallow prey as large as a small goat. These dragons have been known to ram the carcass of their meal into a tree to help force it farther in the dragon's throat. A tube under their tongue allows them to breath while their mouths are full. It can take up to 20 minutes to swallow a large meal. Komodo dragons can eat up to 80% of their body weight in one meal. Their reputation as ferocious predators is well earned. These giant lizards are apex predators for good reason.

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

This is Haute Goat Farm in Kendall, Ontario. They have a herd of friendly goats who accompany the guests on a walk around the farm, a stroll through a clover meadow, and then a session in a goat playground with the babies. The goats love the interaction, the sights as they stroll, and the fresh clover to eat. Guests pet the goats, take pictures, learn about the animals and their different personalities, as well as enjoy a relaxing stroll in the sunshine. People come here for a variety of reasons. Curiosity, relaxation, animal interaction, stress relief, fun with the kids - human or otherwise. No matter what your reason, the goats are delightful and a lot of fun to spend time with.