Special Species

Is this kiddie amusement idea really as benign as people think? It destroys these birds' ability to fly and makes them easy prey by causing undue stress and twisting to their wings. What to tell your children when they ask you to do this next time.

They may only weigh a total of ten pounds but they have the best vision in the animal kingdom, with eyes that weigh more than their brains. They can see four to five times further than we can, and when they set their sight on prey, even your small pet, watch out.

It's one of nature's great paradoxes. Humans generally take great pains to avoid these powerful critter toxins, yet researchers are now discovering that many can be harnessed to provide potent healing for chronic pain, hearty conditions, and even diabetes.

Researchers were stunned to discover how this mammal slays ticks by eating or removing up to 96% of them. And once shed, they don't go on to infect other mammals. With just the potential of one animal to wipe out an astonishing 4,000 ticks in a single week, this is a wild beast you may want around.

Many people cringe at the thought, but that's only until they get to appreciate their intelligence, affection and charm. They're actually very clean pets, and you may be stunned to learn that you can teach them to come when called by name and to do tricks.

If you are healthy and got bit by one, you probably wouldn't die — but that's not the case for your pet. Watch out especially for the females of this species — they have evolved to have extra-potent venom that hijacks its poor victim's nervous system.

They have an uncanny knack for survival. One method is to move into your kitchen where a ready supply of food resides. But if you're as grossed out and squeamish about these critters as most are, you'll be glad to learn five natural methods to outsmart these fast movers.

The perception is far different from reality. That's why these long-lived pets so often fail to thrive, and die within a few weeks of going to their forever home. And that's just one in a string of common misconceptions people have about these beautiful and unique animals.