AnimalCrazed

Manta Ray…?

Personally, I have always believed that manta rays are awesome.  The way they glide around in the water, their shape, their color, they’re just beautiful.  Today, while me and my mother were in a taxi leaving the Orlando International Airport on our way to the Renaissance Hotel, I saw a billboard for a roller coaster.  It’s called the Manta Ray Roller Coaster and it reminded me of a question that’s come to my mind many times… what the heck is a manta ray anyway?  Is it a fish?  Is it a shark?  A mammal?  WHAT IS IT?!  Well, according to wikiepdia, they are rays. (’Cause we couldn’t figure that out, right?)  Which brings up our next question:  Then… what’s a ray…?  Well, to be honest, I don’t know, but I’d like to find out.  Let’s find out what we can about them and what they do; then come to a conclusion about what they really are.

According to Wiki, they:

1. are cartilaginous fish.
2. are part of the superorder, ‘Batoidea’, and the order, ‘Rajiformes’, meaning the ‘true rays’.
3. live in the open sea.
4. are filter feeders and consume plankton.
5. have been commonly called Atlantic manta.
6. Also: Pacific manta, devilfish, and sometimes, simply manta.
7. are called Manta birostris in latin.
8. are the largest of rays.
9. live in the open ocean.
10. have a very thick coating of body mucus

Now, I’m sure that these probably aren’t the most awe-provoking  things you’ve ever heard, but what would you say if you found out that a.) they are so massive that it is rare to see them is captivity? (Although, I was lucky enough to actually swim with them!) or b.) a manta ray has been found on a sidewalk in California? (If you’re thinking “……?……”, then good! We’re on the same page!)

Alright, so, can we agree that these creatures are both really cool looking and a complete mystery?  If not then… well… you’re on your own, buddy! :]

How To Avoid A Shark Attack

The best of days can easily be turned upside-down and inside-out when you add the ocean. Swimming, surfing, scuba diving – whatever it is – hearing ‘be careful’ always sends up a red flag for me. To me it means there’s possible danger coming and that I need to be very aware of my surroundings. Don’t get me wrong, the ocean isn’t a giant killer waiting for innocent victims- but it can and has been very dangerous. Since there are numerous things to be careful of in the ocean; let’s stick to sharks.

Why They Attack:

• “Oops, you’re not a seal… mmm… I’ll eat you anyway.” From below, when they’re seeking their meals, they can only see silhouettes of the bodies above. From the pictures to the right, I think you can understand why. Now, while you’re comparing these too pictures you may be thinking, “Oh come on! It’s like so obvious which one’s the seal and which one’s the person,” which is true, but you’re no shark and any person is most likely much, much smarter than a shark.
• “Oooooh! SHINY! FISH SCALES! LOOKS LIKE DINNER!! I’M GONNA GO CATCH THAT ! ” *10 seconds later* “OH NO!! IT WAS A LADY’S JEWELRY! Ehh well let’s not waste her.” Now of course this isn’t exactly possible, and I’m not quite sure that shark’s can even think the way we do. But they still make mistakes.
• “Blooooooooood. I SMELL BLOOOOOOOOD. I MUST KNOW WHERE THIS BLOOOOOD ISSSSSSS! ” Sharks have an extremely sensitive sense of smell (say that 5 times fast!) in which they can smell the scent of blood from miles and miles away. For a funny little bit of an example of this, try watching Finding Nemo. The part where the sharks have their little ‘Fish are friends, not food ‘ seminar in the sunken plane in the middle of the minefield.
• And why else do they attack? Hungry, maybe. Possibly desperate for food? Who knows. Guess we’ll just have to wait until we come across a family of talking sharks.

Tips:

• Never wear jewelry into the water. Because:: Sharks could easily mistake them for fish scales A.K.A. prey. My advice? Find a log or tree stump or boulder to set your belongings so that waves can’t sweep them away.
• Never go into the water at dusk or dawn. These two times are main feeding times for sharks and is when they are most active. +Plus, do you really want to be swimming when it’s that dark anyway? Probably not.

• Never go into the water when you’re bleeding. If there’s no sharks in sight now, given 5 minutes I’m sure you’ll notice that that’ll change.

Before I go any further, I want to make note that your chances of being attacked are very minute and that you have a better chance of being struck by lightening, winning the lottery, or even drowning. And the chances of those happening are very slim as well.

• Never swim alone. One target is much easier to take down than a group (who’d be working together). Also, if you don’t have a buddy with you and you do encounter trouble, who’s going to get you help? Without immediate help you could suffer deeply from blood loss.

• Though splashing can be fun and entertaining, it can attract sharks… not something we want. Or maybe try splashing around in water that is extremely shallow – say, a couple inches? If that – and  then avoiding going any deeper because of potential sharks already in the area. Yelling is also a no-no.

• Last of all, avoid swimming in sand bars, drop-offs, and river mouths. These are common shark grounds where people are often attacked at. Not to mention fishing grounds, but that’s an obvious one. Also, try wearing a non-flashy bathing suit. Bright colors can easily resemble fish scales and again, not something we want.

Unless you want this, this, or this to be you, follow these guidelines. Beware, some of these pictures are graphic, so ask before clicking on the link.

Little Penguin

• I’ve heard of Emperor Penguins, Humboldt Penguins, and even King Penguins… but never Little Penguins! Their names really speak for themselves! These little dudes are the cutest little guys you’ll ever see! But the question really is what is there to about them? Well let’s find out shall we? (:
  • 1) Their Latin, or ’scientific’ name is Eudyptula minor.
  • 2) They are the smallest species of penguin.
  • 3) They weigh , on average, about 1 kilogram, or 2.2 pounds.
  • 4) Normally, they grow up to 43 centimeters, or about 16 inches tall.
  • 5) They enjoy chowing down on fish, squid, & other sea animals.
  • 6) They live in colonies year-round.
  • 7) They can be found breeding along New Zealand, the Chatham Islands, Tasmania, & southern Australia.
  • They’ve also been spotted in Chile!!
  • 9) On average they live to 6.5 years old.
  • 10) But in experiments were conditions are monitored, they can live up to 20 years!! That’s one old penguin!!

There’s even a colonies of these little cuties living at Sea World!!

Also, fortunately, of all the Endangered species in this world… Little Penguins aren’t on the list!!

Great White Shark

“Swim for your life!!!”

“It’s gaining on us!!!”

“We’re gonna die!!!”

If you wouldn’t be screaming 1 of these possible quotes or something like it when your being attacked by a Great White Shark, what would you be yelling???  Here is the top 20 facts about Great White Sharks:

1. Nicknames: – White Pointer, White Shark – White Death.
2. Their scientific name is Carcharodon carcharias.
3. They have a length of up to 6m.
4. They weigh up to 2,250 kg or 5000 lbs.
5. They are the largest known predatory fish.
6. Carolus Linnaeus gave the Great White Shark its first scientific name, Squalus carcharias, in 1758.
7. The Great White Shark is classified as a mackerel (Lamnidae ) shark.
8. They have huge teeth, but, their relative, the Megalodon (extinct) had teeth that looked 10x the size.
9. Yet these Great White Sharks are much closer to the Mako Shark than the Megalodon.
10. They live in all coastal & offshore waters with  temperature between 54* – 75*F.
11. There are greater concentrations off the coasts of southern Australia, South Africa, California, Central Mediterannean & Adriatic Seas.
12. They are Pelagic fish.
13. They are considered an open-ocean dwelling shark.
14. They have been recorded at depths of 1,280m or 4,199ft.
15. They have a robust, large conical-shaped snout.
16. They have very serrated teeth.
17. Like all sharks, the Great White Shark has an extra sense given by the Ampullae of Lorenzini.
18. They are conivorous- primarily eating fish including rays, tuna, & smaller sharks. Also dolphins, porpoises, whale carcasses, seals, fur seals, sea lions, and even sea turtles. Though it is not normal, they have also been known to attack sea otters and penguins.
19. Females of these sharks are dominant over males. GO GIRLS!!! :]
20. They have caused over 311 recorded deaths — and still counting.

Right now you may be thinking “… why are people so deathly afraid of these fish?” Well you can thank Hollywood for that scare. Jaws. Directed by Steven Spielburg. Not that I am not a fan. I certainly am. But, the movie is probably a big reason why many people now-a-days are scared of the ocean. But did you ever think that maybe, just maybe they are mistaking us for something else? I say so. What if they were to mistake you for a seal or dolphin. I know what your probably thinking now, ” I do not look like a seal! Or a dolphin!”. But have you even accidentally left jewelry on while swimming in these waters where they live? They might just mistake your necklace for the brilliant scales of a fish of their diet. Hmmm.

Manatee

The West African Manatee is not your average marine animal… but a little known about creature. Their scientific name is Trichechus senegalensis. They are the least studied of all manatees and pictures of their kind are extremely rare. Luckily I was able to find one of it! This photo is of one in Toba Aquarium in Japan.  Scientists believe that they may be similar to the West Indian Manatee. These large but gentle animals are found in coastal marine and estuarine habitats. Though crocodiles and sharks have been known to kill them as prey, their main life threats come from us, yes us. Our threat comes from poaching, habitat loss, and other environmental impacts. These creatures are becoming vulnerable meaning that they are at risk of being endangered. Sadly little is known about this magnificent creature.

Animal of the Day – Flying Squirrel!

Flying Squirrels

There are 43 species of flying squirrels. 2 of those 43 species are native to North America. With them living in North America don’t be thinking that you will find one in New York City. You are more likely to find one in Mexico, Central America, and Cuba/Jamaica. Though most are found in Asia. In the wild these animals live to about 5 years but in captivity they can live for a whole 10-15 years. This is mainly because of predators. These harmful predators include arboreal snakes, raccoons, nocturnal owls, martens, fishers, coyotes, and the domestic house cat. These creatures have even been kept as pets. That is Southern Flying Squirrels. They have been kept as pets since the U.S. colonial era. They can ‘glide’ from heights of 50 feet in the air for 100 straight feet through the air. They weigh between 4 – 6 1/2 oz. . They are mammals and are considered rodents. But still cute!

Animal of the Week – Chipmunks!

Chipmunks!

All of us know about chipmunks-

They’re like mini squirrels and they’re always running across streets.

But how much do we really know about these little cuties?

For one there are 25 different species (or types) of chipmunks.

Their diets include nuts, grain, birds’ eggs, fungi,worms, and insects.

Chipmunks are only about 1/3 the size of most squirrels.

Their underground burrows can be more than 3.5 meters in length.

The Eastern Chipmunk is most likely the most common and famous.

Their average lifespan is 2-4 or more years. ( in the wild)

They average 2.5-5 inches in length.

They have many bird – sounding chirping sounds.

Plus their predators include hawks, foxes, raccoons,

weasels, snakes, and cats.

Top 10 Strangest Creatures Ever

10. Octopus.

• There are 289 different species of octopus.
• They are very smart.
• They have both short and long term memory.
• How much they can learn is limited by their short life spans.
• They have three defense ways.

1. Ink sacs
2. Camouflage
3. Auto missing limbs

The Strangest Fact:

Mother octopuses stay with their 50,000 eggs for six months and by the time they hatch the mother has starved to death. She is killed by predators because she is too weak to ward them off.

9. Cookie Cutter Shark.

• This shark is a small dogfish that normally has a greenish glow.
• It is also known as the Cigar Shark and the Luminous Shark.
• They live worldwide in deep water.
• They get their main name from how they feed, they swiftly take a chunk of flesh from their prey wich is normally whales and large fish.
• They have been found at depths of 3,300 ft. below surface.

8. Parrot Fish.

• Live largely on shallow reefs of the Indian, Pacific, Atlantic, and Red Sea.
• There are 90 species of Parrot Fish.
• Their teeth are arranged in a parrot’s – beak way which is how they got their name.
• Sizes vary from 20 cm. to 1.5 meters within different species.
• Parrot fish are diurnal meaning they are active during the day and not at night.

The Strangest Fact:
Parrot Fish eat ROCKS!
7. Barnacle Goose.

• They breed normally on Arctic islands of the North Atlantic.
• Barnacle Geese mainly build their nests high up on mountain cliffs, far from hungry predators such as Polar Bears and Arctic Foxes.
• But also far from food.
• Baby Barnacle geese , unable to fly, at three days of age, and who’s parents DO NOT feed are forced to jump to off cliffs.
• But they are unhurt!! Since their small, feathery, and light weight they hit the ground without a scratch!!(the ground is covered in huge rocks and boulders!!!)

6. Argentine Horned Frog.

• The average lifespan of these frogs are 6-7 years.

• Males can grow to 15cm but are normally 10cm, and females can grow to 14 cm.
• In pet stores they are known as Pacman Frogs.
• Here’s something crazy!!!! Their mouths take up about half their size!!!
• So their mouths are about 5 cm!!

5. Hippopotamus.

• There are only two species of hippopotamus.
• In Greek terms ‘hippopotamus’ means ‘river horse’.
• It is an African mammal that is mainly plant-eating.
• Their closest non-extinct relatives are whales and porpoises.
• It is hairless.
• They are lose in size to the White Rhinoceros.
• The only animal that is always larger is the elephant.

4. Poison Dart Frog.

• They mainly live in Central and South America.
• The reason that these frogs are named such is because South American tribes manufacture the poison and spread it on darts and arrows.
• They are also called Poison Arrow frogs.
• There are over 175 different species of Poison Dart Frog.
• Captive bred poison frogs are harmless.
• But, a poison frog caught from the wild can produce toxins(poison) for years.
• Poison Frogs have no natural predators because of their toxins.
  

3. Ring Tailed Lemur.

• The Ring-Tailed Lemur (like all lemurs) are only on Madagascar(which is off the coast of South Africa)
• They are the popular lemurs WORLDWIDE.
• Their tails are longer than their body its self.(tails-up to 56cm)(body-up to 46cm)
• They mainly eat fruit but will also eat plants.
• They may travel in groups of up to 25 individuals.
• Between each group, the high males will be kicked out and join another group every 3 1/2 years.
• The groups can cover their entire territory in a day looking for food.(their territory can be up to 3 1/2 square miles).
• When threatened, these lemurs have been known to throw their own poop.

2. Platypus.

• They are one of five of the only known mammals that lay eggs.
• They are on the back of the Australia 20 cent.
• It is one of the VERY few poisonous mammals.
• They were first discovered in 1798 by Europeans .
• It was so strange looking at the time to them that they thought that someone had sewn a duck’s bill to a beaver type animal.
• In Latin Platypus means ‘flat foot’.

1. King Cobra:

• The King Cobra’s the world’s most venomous snake.
• If it wanted it could kill a person it could do it in a single bite.
• It can grow up to 18 1/2 ft. long.
• It mainly eats other snakes.
• It has been known to attack larger snakes such as the python.
• It mainly lives in South East Asia.
• It may lay up to 50 eggs in one nest.
• It is actually a shy animal!!( despite their nasty reputation)
  

Bengal Tigers

Tigers are awesome but how much do you really know about them?

My favorite type of tiger is probably going to have to be the Bengal Tiger. Why is it my favorite tiger, that I can not answer because I do not know. It just is.

Here are some Bengal Tiger facts and stats:

• Bengal tigers range from Pakistan, India, Southern Asia, and Bangladesh.
• They come from the family of Felidae.
• The scientific name for Bengal Tiger is Panthera Tigris Tigris.
• Bengal Tigers are the second largest cats in the world, the largest cats in the world are cousins of the Bengal , the Siberian Tigers.
• Male Bengals have an average size of 10 ft. long, while female Bengal Tigers’ average size is 8-9 ft. long.
  
• Female Bengal tigers average weight is about 300 lbs., but the males’ is 500 lbs.(which is a whole 200 lbs. bigger)
• Have you ever wondered ” Why do tigers have stripes?”, Well the answer is that they make it harder for a tiger to be seen by its prey when it is hunting. Clever!
• Have you ever thought “Why are some Tigers white” and ” What kind are they” … well they are actually Bengal tigers. They are not Albino. But they are lucistic. It is similar to the albinism mutation because it prevents the melanin production.
• Bengal Tigers normally live about 23 years in captivity and about 18 years in the wild.
  

If you haven’t found what you are looking check out these great links.

• Amazing Animal Articles
• Wikipedia.com/bengaltigers
• Bengal Tigers
  

Battle of The Pets: Dogs vs. Cats

In all the cartoons it’s all ways the dog chasing the cat and the cat who is the one coming up with all the schemes. Evil schemes. But what animal really is preferred as a pet? Which is the superior pet?

Cats: They’re fluffy, furry, and cute. They are very popular pets. They are smart, sophisticated, and protective. Cats are easy to care for not to mention they’re independent. Since cats clean themselves they tend to need little daily care. Our little friends are very cuddly and love attention, but that doesn’t mean they don’t like their independence here and there. Cats really are great pets.

Dogs: Playful, energetic, adorable. All ways to describe them. According to the latest survey of most popular pets in America , dogs happened to be in 36.1% of homes while cats came in at 31.6%. Though daily exercise and frequent feeding and bathing may take up time it is worth it. Dogs are totally awesome as pets.

I don’t think that I can choose between a cat being better than a dog or a dog being better than a cat. I have personally had both. In my case I would go after the pocket pets like hamsters, guinea pigs, and gerbils. If I had to pick between cats and dogs I would say that they are equally awesome pets.