Category: Animals & Nature

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A Word to the Wise: Beware of Vampire Cats!

Halloween is a few weeks behind us, but there are still spooky creatures everywhere!

And one terrifying animal to keep on your radar is the frightening vampire cat. In fact, you may even have one of your own that is snoozing away on your couch at this very moment.

But don’t be fooled. These kitties are vicious and are the spawn of Dracula himself.

Enjoy…

1. Welcome to my lair.

2. Action shot.

3. A real bloodsucker.

4. Showing a little fang.

5. Do not even try to pet!

6. Lounging…but still dangerous.

7. Look at this specimen.

8. Cute…but don’t be fooled.

9. The jaws of death.

10. Can those choppers be real…?

Do you have any snapshots of your kitty cat looking like a bloodsucker?

Share them with us in the comments!

The post A Word to the Wise: Beware of Vampire Cats! appeared first on UberFacts.

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One Million Cannibal Ants Have Escaped from an Abandoned Nuclear Bunker

Hundreds of thousands of worker ants have been forced to survive by eating the “corpses of their imprisoned nestmates” after they found themselves trapped in an abandoned nuclear bunker in Poland.  Apparently, some individuals fell through a vent in the ceiling and were unable to climb back up to their “mother nest.” They were left little choice if they wanted to survive (not that ants really make “choices” in that way).

The nest was first discovered in 2013, when researchers intending to study bats found close to a million worker ants in the confined space with no light, no source of food, and a year-round temperature that averaged only 10 degrees C. They were immediately intrigued, and wanted to understand how – without a queen, without their typically sources of food, and without sunlight – they were thriving.

Scientists are looking at the situation as an opportunity to learn more about the complex evolutionary history of the ants, and have since released the survivors into their “mother nest” once again – basically just to see what happens.

“The present case adds a dimension to the great adaptive ability of ants to marginal habitats and suboptimal conditions, as the key to understanding their unquestionable eco-evolutionary success,” the authors wrote in their paper.

Before they reintroduced the cannibals into the world, scientists had to confirm that the nest above the ventilation shaft was where the ants had come from in the first place. They took a few individuals and set them along the outskirts of the “mother nest,” and after observing that none of the ants were attacked as outsiders, they were reasonably sure their hypothesis was correct.

Three years later, they decided to help the ants free themselves. They took a 3-meter-long boardwalk in the bunker and set it up as a ramp that led from the floor to the ceiling vent. The ants made their way out from there.

“Soon after the boardwalk had been installed, single ants started to inspect it,” noted the authors.

Within 6 months, and with no further intervention, the bunker was nearly empty. Ants continued to fall through the pipe, but the typically found the ramp and returned to their nest room afterward.

Scientists were thrilled to learn more about the “monumental” ability of wood ants to adapt to “marginal habitats and suboptimal conditions.” We now know they’re able to not only survive, but are able to self-organize and work together without a queen, and without contact with their original nest.

This strange turn of misfortune for the ants has turned into something of a win for science and for all of us – because the better we can understand how insects like ants have managed to survive and to thrive, despite the circumstances, the better prepared we can be to face such inevitable changes ourselves.

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Meet the Golden Retriever Puppy Who Emerged a Lovely Shade of…Green

In a strange plot twist that seems more worthy of Oz than plain old Earth, a regularly-colored golden retriever has given birth to a green puppy.

Just one – the other eight members of the litter were all hued similarly to their parents (and presumably, their parents before them).

Little Mojito was born just before Halloween in Wermelskirchen, Germany, and his owner, Joanna Justice, was at first concerned about his mint-green coloring. He was healthy, though, as were his litter mates.

Dr. Christian Dimitriadis assured Joanna (and all of us) that the puppy’s green fur would likely grow out and disappear, turning white the second time around.

Though green puppies are rare, they’re not entirely unheard of – the same week, a shamrock-colored great Dane was born in the U.S. – and another green golden retriever pup was born in Scotland in 2017.

Veterinarians and other scientists aren’t entirely sure why some puppies are born green, though most believe it has to do with bile pigment biliverdin exposure in the womb. This is why it’s most often seen in white dogs – the pigment has a better chance of being seen in a light-colored coat.

Biliverdin can be found in the bile, bruises, and placenta of dogs, and it shows up in other biological phenomena, as well – even in the 6-million-year-old shells of dinosaur eggs.

So anyway, I assume this mama dog loved her green baby the same as the rest – a sentiment I hope would be shared should a human child come out green, but you never know.

Not everyone grew up dreaming of a visit to Oz, herself.

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Enjoy These Photos of Pets Wearing Sunglasses. That Is All.

I’m a simple man. I don’t ask for much in this life. Some shelter, some food, some water…and photos of animals wearing sunglasses.

Is that too much to ask for?

I have a feeling this might just make your day.

Let’s do this!

1. The coolest pooch around.

2. With a little assistance.

3. Livin’ her best life.

4. Rude with a ‘tude.

5. He’s killin’ it.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0QqjGJJI–/

6. Sitting pretty.

7. Ready for some fun in the sun.

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Happy Friday my furry friends!

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8. Totally ’80s.

9. A real fashion plate.

10. Hippie for life.

Don’t hold out on us! Share some pics of your beloved companions wearing sunglasses in the comments!

We need this to get through the day!

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A Pigeon Built a Gorgeous Nest out of Poppies Stolen from a World War I Memorial

For more than a month, the staff at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra noticed that poppies laid on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were disappearing, one at a time. They were bothered at first because that is desecration, but after a while they spotted the culprit – a pigeon who was filching the flowers and using them to build a stunning nest near a stained glass window.

The window commemorates the wounded soldier and honors the quality of endurance.

Instead of being irritated at a bird for causing trouble, the staff there chose to see it the colorful nest as “a reminder of the powerful bond between man and beast on the battlefield.”

Even though most people today see pigeons as little better than rats with wings, during many of the world’s wars, they were considered powerful allies and communication tools.

Historian Dr. Meleah Hampton reminds us why:

“Particularly in the early wars, communication is really difficult. Wireless is in its absolute infancy in the First World War and telephone wires get broken apart in the shellfire on the Western Front. So pigeons are particularly of use in warfare when you’ve got a couple of men trying to get a message from where they are back to the backline: a pigeon can get that through sometimes when nothing else can.”

During WWII, 32 pigeons were recognized with the PDSA Dickin Medal, an award given to any animal that displays conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.

One pigeon, called White Vision, received his (or her) medal for “delivering a message under exceptionally difficult conditions and so contributing to the rescue of an aircrew while serving with the RAF in October, 1943.”

Just something to remember the next time you’re shooing them away at the park, or grumbling about the mess they’ve made of your car.

They might not be technical veterans, but on a day when we remember those who have spent part of their life in service to country, it seems fitting to remember that not everyone who sacrificed was human.

The post A Pigeon Built a Gorgeous Nest out of Poppies Stolen from a World War I Memorial appeared first on UberFacts.

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A Pigeon Built a Gorgeous Nest out of Poppies Stolen from a World War I Memorial

For more than a month, the staff at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra noticed that poppies laid on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were disappearing, one at a time. They were bothered at first because that is desecration, but after a while they spotted the culprit – a pigeon who was filching the flowers and using them to build a stunning nest near a stained glass window.

The window commemorates the wounded soldier and honors the quality of endurance.

Instead of being irritated at a bird for causing trouble, the staff there chose to see it the colorful nest as “a reminder of the powerful bond between man and beast on the battlefield.”

Even though most people today see pigeons as little better than rats with wings, during many of the world’s wars, they were considered powerful allies and communication tools.

Historian Dr. Meleah Hampton reminds us why:

“Particularly in the early wars, communication is really difficult. Wireless is in its absolute infancy in the First World War and telephone wires get broken apart in the shellfire on the Western Front. So pigeons are particularly of use in warfare when you’ve got a couple of men trying to get a message from where they are back to the backline: a pigeon can get that through sometimes when nothing else can.”

During WWII, 32 pigeons were recognized with the PDSA Dickin Medal, an award given to any animal that displays conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.

One pigeon, called White Vision, received his (or her) medal for “delivering a message under exceptionally difficult conditions and so contributing to the rescue of an aircrew while serving with the RAF in October, 1943.”

Just something to remember the next time you’re shooing them away at the park, or grumbling about the mess they’ve made of your car.

They might not be technical veterans, but on a day when we remember those who have spent part of their life in service to country, it seems fitting to remember that not everyone who sacrificed was human.

The post A Pigeon Built a Gorgeous Nest out of Poppies Stolen from a World War I Memorial appeared first on UberFacts.

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A Guys Got the Silent Treatment from His Fiancée After Spending $5k on Surgery to Save His Dog

Relationships can be tricky and that goes double for the moment you realize that your money is now our money. That means you need to discuss before you make decisions with it.

A fact that Unsurebigbig3 found out the hard way after he shelled out $5k for his dog’s cancer treatment without discussing it with his bride-to-be.

She got angry, he’s upset – no one is happy.

What do you think about the situation?

My Fiancée isn’t speaking to me after I used “our” money to help my dog. Not sure not to fix this? from relationship_advice

Now, I love dogs as much as the next person, and if I had the money sitting in the bank to save or extend my pupper’s life, you’d better believe I would use it. And the fact that she’s thinking more about the money than the dog’s life makes me absolutely dislike her.

That said, we’re only getting his side of the story, here, and there are red flags on his end, too – like the fact that he didn’t include her in the decision, and that he takes the time to point out that he saves much more money than she does.

So, what do you think? Was he wrong? Was she?

Comment from discussion Qjfomentl’s comment from discussion "My Fiancée isn’t speaking to me after I used “our” money to help my dog. Not sure not to fix this?".

Do they both suck?

Comment from discussion andandandetc’s comment from discussion "My Fiancée isn’t speaking to me after I used “our” money to help my dog. Not sure not to fix this?".

Most people tend to fall on the “you both kind of suck and you probably need counseling before marriage.”

Comment from discussion SummerAndTinklesBFF’s comment from discussion "My Fiancée isn’t speaking to me after I used “our” money to help my dog. Not sure not to fix this?".

I can get on board with that, though I do also question marrying someone who is going to use the silent treatment as a fighting tactic…

Comment from discussion sad_little_sheep’s comment from discussion "My Fiancée isn’t speaking to me after I used “our” money to help my dog. Not sure not to fix this?".

Comment from discussion meldavis99’s comment from discussion "My Fiancée isn’t speaking to me after I used “our” money to help my dog. Not sure not to fix this?".

Comment from discussion Semi_Nerdy_Girl’s comment from discussion "My Fiancée isn’t speaking to me after I used “our” money to help my dog. Not sure not to fix this?".

Because you’re probably hoping to marry an adult and not a psychological child.

Comment from discussion tequilyamockingbird’s comment from discussion "My Fiancée isn’t speaking to me after I used “our” money to help my dog. Not sure not to fix this?".

What do you think? Should he marry her? Should she split? Are they going to make it?

The post A Guys Got the Silent Treatment from His Fiancée After Spending $5k on Surgery to Save His Dog appeared first on UberFacts.

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These Photos of Awkwardly Sitting Cats Should Put a Smile on Your Face

All of our cat friends out there are a never-ending source of laughs for us owners. And if you’ve had a feline companion for any significant amount of time, you know that they like to sit awkwardly sometimes.

Are they trying to mimic us humans? Or are they making some kind of other, independent statement?

We’ll never know, but at least we can snap photos of them and they’ll make us laugh!

1. Sitting like a lady…not really.

2. Hangin’ out and hangin’ loose.

3. Can I help you with something?

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#awkwardlysittingcats #dexterandhannah

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4. A little weirdo.

5. Oh my…

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Såhär kan man ju inte sitta.

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6. Don’t lean too far to the right.

7. Can I be a person now?

8. Care for some wine?

9. Taking it all in…

10. It’s been a long week. Time for some beer.

Funny stuff!

Share your pics of your cats sitting in weird positions!

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A Man Finds out His Snakebite “Wasn’t That Bad”…After He Chops off His Finger

There’s a lot of information out there about how to treat a snakebite in order to give yourself the best chance to survive. And if you grow up somewhere with dangerous snakes, you pay attention when you people talk about how to handle a bite.

After being bit on the finger, an unfortunate Chinese man from the Zhejiang province thought he was doing exactly the right thing when he cut off the afflicted appendage – only to find out at the hospital that it was all for naught.

He believed the snake that had bitten him was a “hundred pacer” (Deinagkistrodon acutus), a snake that’s believed to have venom potent enough to kill a man before he can walk 100 steps.

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Venom VS Poison. Venom, in most things… and all snakes (the venomous ones), is made up of proteins, which are large and high molecular weight. It cannot travel through the body freely like many poisons and needs to go into the bloodstream in order to work. In current medical and scientific literature, the word poison is not used to define venom. There is a scientific difference for anyone who cares to read anything published in the last 2-3 decades. Yes there are poisonous snakes, many of them also venomous, but the mechanism of building, altering, and storing the different toxins is very different and so is their purpose and function. Some people might be fine with Websters Dictionary for their definition of venom, and maybe they are ok with their doctor using 1988 Encyclopedia Britannica to learn about heart surgery. Now as far as the sign goes, I think it is out of date, but the general public is not up to speed on the difference and it probably is synonymous and not a confusion for them. In time I hope the general public ever cares enough about snakes to know the difference…but it doesn't matter to most people. People with type 1 diabetes go through a similar frustration with the everyday person's knowledge of the disease and they think two very different illnesses both come from donuts. It takes people caring enough to educate others to change that.. thanks @ronan_m_k for this pic of my very venomous sharp-nosed pit-viper.

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In some parts of China, the same species is known as a five-step snake, which would make it 20x more deadly than this man believed when he took such drastic action.

So, I mean…you kind of get his reasoning (and admire his grit).

He arrived at the hospital 50 miles away, only to be told by one Dr. Yuan Chengda that “the five-step snake is not that toxic.”

It turns out that, while the snake’s venom is dangerous and can cause symptoms like local bleeding, swelling, blistering, necrosis, heart palpitations, and even death, it’s not as rapid as people believe. Also an antivenin is available and, if received in 6 hours or less, usually effective.

If the man had brought his finger, doctors at the hospital said they could even have reattached it.

According to Dr. Yuan, this isn’t even close to the first case he’s seen of someone overreacting and losing a limb.

“Some bite victims used knives to cut their fingers or toes, some used ropes or iron wires to bind the bitten limb tightly, and some even tried to destroy the venom in their body by burning their skin. When they arrive at the hospital, some people’s limbs are already showing signs of gangrene.”

Officially, the advice when dealing with a snakebite is that the “wound should not be tampered with in any way” – i.e. you shouldn’t use tourniquets, you shouldn’t “cut, suck, or scarify the wound or apply chemicals or electric shock,” and most of all, you shouldn’t panic.

Easier said than done, of course, but I’d say allowing a doctor to cut off any limbs that need cutting is probably your best course of action.

And you know, not all of us have an axe at the ready, so it’s hard to say what we might do if we did. No judgement.

The post A Man Finds out His Snakebite “Wasn’t That Bad”…After He Chops off His Finger appeared first on UberFacts.

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This Man Takes in Dogs No One Wants, Now Runs a Shelter with 750 Dogs

I love a wholesome story about animals and this one certainly checks all the boxes.

In the city of Niš, Serbia, a man named Sasha Pesic has been running a shelter for dogs since 2008. Pesic originally came up with the plan for the sanctuary after he discovered four abandoned puppies on his way home from work one night. Pesic enlisted six volunteers and opened a shelter in Niš to feed and give dogs a home. He runs his shelter from contributions and donations from around the globe.

In addition to feeding and sheltering the dogs, Pesic sterilizes them, vaccinates them, and microchips them. Today, the shelter has roughly 750 dogs. Here’s a video of Pesic rescuing some abandoned pooches.

Pesic’s shelter has taken in about 1,200 dogs over the years, and roughly 400 of them have been adopted by people around the world. Pesic said, “I receive zero assistance from the government and some vets are actually charging me more than regular prices because they think I have a lot of money from donations. I’m all on my own and I cover the veterinary treatment and everything necessary out of donations and my own pocket.”

He added, “These dogs just need a little love, food and care, many come to the shelter sad and scared but in time their joy is returned.”

Let’s take a look a video of Pesic’s shelter.

Finally, take a look at Sasha’s Patreon page and consider donating some of your money to this wonderful cause. I love this story!

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