Oct. 14/2026

                           

Black Bear Gets Caught Red-Handed Breaking Into A Home For Snack Time

By Katy Kroll  

Oct. 1/2026 

We all know bears love food. From Winnie the Pooh's endless desire for honey to Yogi Bear stealing picnic baskets, the running jokes about bears' love for snacks abound. There's a reason for that stereotype, as real-life bears are known to forage for food around backyards & campgrounds. But wait till you see this black bear who got caught red-handed on camera breaking into a Lake Tahoe home to grab a few snacks! 

In August 2026, some vacationers came back to a surprise at their California cabin — a hungry black bear had broken in & stolen some snacks. In the surveillance clip, you see the bear on the porch casually ripping out a window screen before pulling itself up & disappearing inside, only to come back out with a pack of brioche buns in its mouth. A report by the Sacramento Bee shared that the unexpected visitor also ate some croissants & steaks out on the porch & then wandered back off into the woods.

"I too like brioche buns," said someone on the ABC News X post. Meanwhile, another person added, "Am I the only one who finds those fluffy creatures cute?🥰 If they weren't so dangerous, I would pet them all day! 😆" Forget the picnic basket — this bear went straight for the kitchen!

Black bears are natural foragers

Black bears are basically opportunistic omnivores, meaning they'll eat whatever is available instead of sticking to one favorite meal. A bear might munch on berries, roll a rotten log for insects, or happily snack on unattended people food left behind at a campsite, making them the ultimate foragers. For the most part, black bears eat a plant-based diet, though they do eat smaller animals & fish. The time of year plays a big role in a black bear's daily food hunt. In spring, they often focus on vegetation & scavenge dead animals after emerging from their dens after a long winter. Meanwhile, summer means plenty of insects, nuts & berries, & other easy-to-find snacks. 

In fall, when bears enter an intense period of eating before winter, they can spend much of their day searching for calorie-rich foods to build up fat reserves for hibernation. Of course, sometimes, a bear's idea of a buffet suspiciously looks like someone's backyard when unsecured garbage, bird feeders, & other household goodies can provide an easy meal, which is why bears occasionally wander into neighborhoods. To a hungry bear, a yard can seem like a convenience store, especially when natural food is harder to find, so keep that in mind & just let them pass through with little fanfare.

Read More: https://www.cuteness.com/2267836/black-bear-breaks-into-home-and-steals-snacks/

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Oct. 7/2026

                           

Why Do Dogs Like Squeaky Toys?

By Jennifer Coates, DVM

Published Apr. 2/2026

Watching your dog play with a new toy is certainly entertaining, but why do dogs like squeaky toys so much? And if your dog couldn’t care less about them, are they missing out? 

Understanding what drives your dog’s preferences can help you choose better toys & keep playtime as entertaining (& safe!) as possible. 

3 Reasons Why Dogs Like Squeaky Toys

Squeaky dog toys tap into some of a dog’s most deep-seated instincts & desires.  

1. It Triggers Their Prey Drive 

Dogs descend from predators. Even the most pampered pooch has an instinctive predatory sequence that involves hunting, stalking, & catching prey.  

When the hunt is successful (from the dog’s point of view), their prey often lets out a high-pitched sound, which squeaky toys effectively mimic. For many dogs, a toy that makes that noise when it’s bitten is simply irresistible because, to them, it means “I caught something!” 

2. The Sound is Immediately Rewarding 

Dogs can quickly develop strong associations between sounds & rewards—that’s the foundation of clicker training, after all.   

When it comes to chewing on a squeaky toy, each bite produces an instant, rewarding sound indicating success, which keeps dogs coming back for more. 

3. People Reinforce the Behavior 

Squeaky toys are also hard for people to ignore. If you give your dog attention when they’re making noise with a toy, you are providing them with another type of reward, making it more likely they’re going to grab a squeaky toy in the future. 

Are Squeaky Toys Good for Dogs?

Yes, squeaky toys for dogs offer benefits that go beyond simple entertainment. 

Mental stimulation: Boredom in dogs is a real problem, & good toys can provide relief. The best options for keeping dogs engaged for as long as possible produce rewards like squeaks or small treats.  

Stress & anxiety relief: When dogs are stressed or anxious, they need a way to release energy & soothe themselves. A play session with a squeaky toy can do both.  

Provides an outlet for normal behavior: Dogs are natural chewers. Supporting teething puppies is important, but chewing is a natural behavior throughout a dog’s life. A squeaky toy that rewards chewing with noise provides positive feedback. 

The Best Squeaky Toys for Dogs

The best squeaky toy depends on your dog’s size, play style, & how aggressively they chew. Here are five good options: 

GNAWSOME Squeaker Bone Dog Toy: A durable, spiky rubber bone that has a satisfying squeak & comes in 2 sizes. 

FuzzWoof FluffBunny Squeaky Plush Dog Toy: A stuffing-free squeaky toy made with tear-resistant fabric & triple-stitched seams. 

Hartz Dura Play Ball Squeaky Latex Dog Toy: A bacon-scented, latex squeaky ball that is available in 2 sizes & great for games of fetch. 

Frisco Monkey Plush Rope Squeaky Dog Toy: Combines the appeal of a rope toy & a squeaky toy. A good option for dogs who like both tugging & chewing.

Ethical Pet Fun Sloth Squeaky Plush Dog Toy: An adorable plush option for dogs who love carrying their toys around & giving them a good squeak. Available in 2 sizes. 

Always supervise your dog with any new squeaky toy before letting them play with it alone. 

And there’s no need to worry if your dog doesn’t like squeaky toys. You can meet all your dog’s needs in other ways, including quieter puzzle feeders, chews, & other types of dog toys. 

Safety Tips for Dog Squeaky Toys

Squeaky toys are great for most dogs, but they do come with some risks. Here’s what to keep in mind. 

Always Supervise Your Dog With a New Squeaky Toy 

Aggressive chewers can destroy squeaky toys & swallow the squeaker or other parts. If your dog eats their toys, it can lead to dangerous gastrointestinal obstructions that often require surgery to correct.  

Watch your dog the first few times they interact with any new toy to ensure it’s safe for them. 

Match the Toy to Your Dog’s Size & Chewing Behavior 

Large dogs who are powerful chewers need durable toys that don’t fit completely in their mouths. Meanwhile, small dogs & careful chewers can get frustrated with toys that are too big & too tough. 

Rotate Toys to Maintain Interest 

Dogs can become bored with toys that are always left out. Rotate through a selection of squeaky toys to help keep your pup interested. 

Inspect Toys Regularly 

Check all of your dog’s toys, including their squeaky toys, for tears, loose parts, or damage before each play session. A toy that was safe yesterday may not be safe today, so always keep a few replacements on hand. 

Dog Squeaky Toys FAQs

What do dogs think when they hear a squeaky toy?

When a dog is chewing on a toy & hears a squeak, they likely think it sounds like a small prey animal that has been caught. This triggers excitement & the urge to continue biting or shaking the toy.  

Are squeaky toys stimulating for dogs? 

Yes, squeaky toys are both physically & mentally stimulating for dogs. The sound provides immediate feedback that reinforces chewing behavior, & the toy's interactive nature keeps dogs engaged. 

Why do dogs rip out the squeaker from toys?

Some dogs are driven to find the source of the squeaking noise & will destroy a toy in the process. Ripping a squeaker from a toy can be seen as part of a dog’s natural predatory sequence.  

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Sept. 30/2026

                      

Thinking Beyond the Dog: Guard Llamas

By Anna O'Brien, DVM

July 26/ 2013

Today I’d like to tell you folks about a neat niche industry that I wasn’t aware of until I started practicing: guard llamas. I first came across a guard llama at a client’s alpaca farm. Amongst the alpacas, I spied a much taller, & much more serious, llama. Thinking he was just a fellow camelid, I was quickly corrected by his owner. “That’s our guard llama.”

Guard llama? Who ever heard of such a thing?

As it turns out, guard llamas are commonly employed out west on sheep & goat farms where predation, especially from coyotes & feral dogs, is a major problem. Alpaca farms, although much smaller venues than sheep farms on the range out west, also have problems with canids, usually in the form of neighbors’ unleashed dogs.

So why pick a llama over a guard dog, with breeds tailored specifically for guarding livestock, such as the Great Pyrenees, Komondors, Akbash, & Anatolian Shepherds? As it turns out, there are many great reasons. Llamas are naturally aggressive toward coyotes & dogs. If they see a predator, they will make a distinctive alarm call & will either run after the predator or gather the flock & stand between the flock & the predator. Although llamas may lack the snarling, growling appearance of an aggressive guard dog, the image of a 600-pound llama running in your direction with ears back should be enough to discourage intrusion!

In 1990, researchers from Iowa State University surveyed sheep farmers in Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, California, & Oregon regarding their experiences with guard llamas. Respondents reported an average loss of 21% in sheep annually before getting a llama, & 7% loss afterwards. 80% of the respondents considered their guard llamas as “effective” or “very effective.”

Other than being good at their job, guard llamas have other perks. Firstly, they don’t need to be specifically trained as a guard animal nor do they need to be raised with sheep, as guard dogs require. Llamas aren’t as susceptible to traps & poisons as guard dogs are given their size & generally less inquisitive nature, & “accidents,” meaning a guard animal going after the animals he is supposed to be protecting, are virtually non-existent. Additionally, llamas can eat the same feed as the sheep, be treated with the same medications, vaccinated & dewormed the same way, & can live out on pasture with the sheep. Llamas also have longer life spans than dogs of any breed, frequently living over 20 years.

Donkeys are also sometimes used as guard animals & have most of the same perks as guard llamas over guard dogs, although donkeys are less popular than llamas in this pursuit. Although some donkeys are aggressive to dogs & coyotes, others are complacent, so choosing the right kind of donkey is important for the job at hand.

It is recommended that only one llama be used to protect a flock. A group of llamas will often form their own “clique” & ignore the sheep, goats, or alpacas, which is obviously not conducive to protecting them. Being herd-oriented animals, using a single llama entices him to understand that the sheep/goat flock is now his own herd, & the large size disparity between the llama & the small ruminants encourages dominance in the llama. There are many reports of guard llamas out west becoming very bonded to the small ruminants that they guard.

My first experience with a guard llama gave me the impression he was just a freeloader. He didn’t appear “on guard” or vigilant. In fact, he looked a little too laidback. I was skeptical. However, at a visit to another alpaca farm, while taking care of some young stock, I heard a noise. Inquiring what it was, the client looked up & explained it was the guard llama & that he had heard something so he was raising the alarm. I looked over my shoulder & sure enough, I could see the llama at the perimeter of the pasture, ears up, pacing back & forth, his attention completely centered on whatever was in the woods beyond the fence.

After that, my opinion changed. I was impressed. Guard llamas? Yes, now I’ve heard of them. And I’m a fan.

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Sept. 23/2026

                              

Scientists Discover Strange New Deep-Sea Fish Species

By Raúl Nava, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute

Sept. 20/2025

The bumpy snailfish is one of 3 newly identified deep-sea snailfish species described by MBARI collaborators at SUNY Geneseo.

MBARI’s cutting-edge underwater tools are uncovering unique species that inhabit the deep ocean. In 2019, researchers observed a pink snailfish gliding just above the seafloor that did not match any known species. Follow-up research has now confirmed that this fish is a newly identified species, the bumpy snailfish (Careproctus colliculi).

Scientists from the State University of New York at Geneseo (SUNY Geneseo), working with colleagues from the University of Montana & the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, reported their findings in the journal Ichthyology & Herpetology. Their publication describes the bumpy snailfish documented by MBARI researchers along with 2 additional snailfish species found on the abyssal seafloor off the coast of California.

“MBARI seeks to make ocean exploration more accessible by sharing our data & technology with our peers in the science community. We welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with researchers from SUNY Geneseo to expand our understanding of life in the deep ocean, especially since documenting deep-sea biodiversity is critical to detecting any changes that may be occurring in this environment,” said MBARI Senior Scientist Steven Haddock, who led the research expedition that encountered the bumpy snailfish.

Uncovering secrets to survival in extreme environments

Snailfishes are members of the family Liparidae. They are characterized by their large heads, soft, gelatinous bodies with loose skin, & slender tails. Many species possess a specialized disk on their underside that helps them attach to the seafloor or even ride along on larger animals like deep-sea crabs. In shallower waters, some species use this disk to cling to rocks & seaweed, curling their bodies much like a snail.

More than 400 species of snailfish have been formally identified across the globe. They occupy an impressive range of marine environments, from coastal tide pools to the planet’s deepest ocean trenches. In fact, the deepest-living fish ever recorded is a snailfish.

At SUNY Geneseo, Associate Professor Mackenzie Gerringer focuses on deep-sea snailfishes while studying physiology & ecology in extreme environments. Her research combines taxonomy, functional morphology, & physiology to uncover how these fishes survive in conditions defined by immense pressure, freezing temperatures, & constant darkness.

“The deep sea is home to an incredible diversity of organisms & a truly beautiful array of adaptations. Our discovery of not one, but 3, new species of snailfishes is a reminder of how much we have yet to learn about life on Earth & of the power of curiosity & exploration,” said Gerringer.

Chance encounters spark new discoveries

MBARI’s Biodiversity & Biooptics Team observed the newly described bumpy snailfish during an expedition aboard the institute’s retired flagship research vessel Western Flyer. Haddock & his team were exploring the outer reaches of Monterey Canyon, approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) offshore of Central California, with MBARI’s remotely operated vehicle Doc Ricketts at a depth of 3,268 meters (10,722 feet) when they observed this small snailfish swimming above the abyssal seafloor.

MBARI researchers collected this individual—an adult female 9.2 centimeters (3.6 inches) long—for further study in the laboratory. With features unlike other deep-sea snailfishes that MBARI had encountered offshore of California, Haddock reached out to Gerringer for more detailed analysis. MBARI frequently collaborates with expert taxonomists to review footage & specimens. These partnerships offer fresh perspectives that often spark new discoveries.

New additions to the family

Gerringer & researchers from the University of Montana & the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, including former MBARI postdoctoral fellow Jeff Drazen, examined the bumpy snailfish as part of a comprehensive analysis of 3 unusual snailfish specimens collected offshore of California. The team combined imaging, morphological, & genetic approaches to compare these snailfishes to other known fishes.

Using microscopy, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scanning, & careful measurements, the team collected detailed information about the size, shape, & physical characteristics of the 3 fishes, distinguishing them from all known species. They also sequenced the DNA of the specimens to compare these animals to other snailfishes & determine their evolutionary position in the family Liparidae. Their examination confirmed that all 3 snailfishes were new to science. The team has made their CT scan data publicly available via MorphoSource & genetic sequence data via GenBank (PV300955-PV300957 & PV298545-PV298546).

In addition to the bumpy snailfish, the SUNY Geneseo team described the dark snailfish (Careproctus yanceyi) & the sleek snailfish (Paraliparis em).

The bumpy snailfish has a distinctive pink color, a round head with large eyes, wide pectoral fins with long uppermost rays, & a bumpy texture. The dark snailfish has a fully black body with a rounded head & horizontal mouth. The sleek snailfish is distinguished from other snailfishes by a long, black, laterally compressed body, absence of a suction disk, & prominently angled jaw.

Both the dark & sleek snailfishes were collected in 2019 by Drazen & colleagues during an expedition with the submersible Alvin at Station M, a research site operated by MBARI offshore of Central California at a depth of approximately 4,000 meters (13,100 feet). MBARI scientists & researchers worldwide have leveraged a unique 30-year dataset collected by a suite of advanced instruments at Station M to make several important discoveries about abyssal ecosystems & the ocean-climate connection. The species name of the sleek snailfish, Paraliparis em, recognizes this unique research site & the people & programs that have supported the Station M time series.

Haddock’s encounter is the only confirmed observation of the bumpy snailfish, so the full geographic distribution & depth range of this species remain unknown. However, a closer look at MBARI’s extensive archive of underwater video suggests this species may have been previously encountered offshore of Oregon in 2009 and mistaken for a similar species, the bigtail snailfish (Osteodiscus cascadiae).

Cataloging life in the depths

The deep sea is the largest living space on Earth. The inky waters beneath the ocean’s surface teem with life, including many species unknown to science. With threats like climate change & mining putting deep-sea communities at risk, documenting the residents of this environment is more urgent than ever.

Over the past 38 years, MBARI researchers & our collaborators have discovered more than 300 new species. We share video footage & specimens with taxonomy experts around the world, giving other researchers access to the deep sea. MBARI science & technology are helping establish a baseline understanding of ocean health & deep-sea biodiversity so we can better assess how climate change, pollution, mining, & other human activities will affect the marine ecosystems. From the mesmerizing “mystery mollusk” to the carnivorous harp sponge, each discovery is a new piece of the puzzle.

Reference: “Descriptions of 3 Newly Discovered Abyssal Snailfishes (Liparidae) from the Eastern Pacific Ocean” by Mackenzie E. Gerringer, Sarah Suplicz, Jessica L. Palmeri, Lydia Fregosi, Brett H. Woodworth, Emily McMahon, Samantha Shepard, Logan M. Peoples, & Jeffrey C. Drazen, 27 August 2025, Ichthyology & Herpetology.

DOI: 10.1643/i2024069

Funding for this work was provided by the U.S. National Science Foundation Division of Ocean Sciences (OCE-1829612), the David & Lucile Packard Foundation, & the SUNY Geneseo Research Foundation.

Scientists Discover Strange New Deep-Sea Fish Species

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Sept. 16/2026

                           
Are Ducks Good Pets? What To Know About Pet Ducks

By Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP. Reviewed by Teresa Manucy, DVM

Updated Oct. 17/2024

Have you ever seen ducks swimming happily in a park pond & wondered, “can you have a duck as a pet?” You’re not alone.

If you think pet ducks might be the right fit for you, here are some tips for duck care & issues to consider before adopting a duck as a pet.

Can You Have a Duck as a Pet?

It depends on where you live. If you’re considering adding pet ducks to your family, the first step is to see if your local municipality allows you to keep ducks as pets. 

Some areas won’t permit any poultry (such as ducks & chickens) to be kept as pets. Some cities will allow only chickens, & others are more flexible. Certain areas might also only allow only a certain number of birds or restrict the hours that birds may be allowed outside.

Be sure you know what your town permits; there is nothing worse for you to be bonded to your birds & then forced to give them up because you didn’t follow local guidelines.

Are Ducks Good Pets?

For the dedicated pet parent, ducks can make great pets. They are feathered balls of personality—each one is different, & it’s fun getting to know them as individuals.

They are relatively long-lived pets; the average domestic duck lifespan is 10–15 years when they’re well cared for. Ducks also lay eggs more regularly than chickens.

Ducks also produce lots of manure, so they’re great pets to have if you have a garden to fertilize. They are less damaging on your yard & landscaping than chickens are, & ducks eat a lot of pesky insects.

The Best Kinds of Pet Ducks

If you are looking for a pet duck consider these types of domestic ducks that make ideal pets:

- Mallard ducks

- Indian Runner ducks

- Call ducks

- Pekin ducks

- Cayuga ducks

- Harlequin ducks

- Rouen ducks

- Swedish ducks

- Mandarin ducks

- Muscovy ducks

Things To Consider Before Adopting Pet Ducks

Ducks are high-maintenance pets. There’s a lot of cleanup needed, & it’s often a wet & stinky job. For example: Ducks need lots of fresh water, & they soil it frequently. So you’ll spend a lot of time refreshing their water.

Pet ducks usually are unable to fly, so they are a big target for local wildlife predators like coyotes, birds of prey, & even stray cats. This means you have to provide hawk covers, which should be placed over their pens. When outside, your pet ducks will also need to be supervised & protected from potential animal attacks.

Ducks also don't do well in colder climates. If temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, ducks are prone to frostbite on their feet. If you live in an area where it gets colder during winter, it’s important to offer treats that are high in fat & calories. Treats such as cracked corn, warm oatmeal, & peanuts may help provide additional warmth overnight as the food digests.

You should also provide additional warmth in their environment, such as a layer of straw to place on the coop floor. Wooden plants, benches, or stumps are also helpful in keeping ducks off the ground.

Be sure to insulate your duck house with bales of hay along the inner walls—this will limit how much cold air comes through & allows them to stay warm in their duck house

Pet ducks can also be noisy, especially when they want something. Neighbors may not appreciate the enthusiastic quacks as much as you do.

How To Take Care of Pet Ducks

If all of this sounds like a good fit for you & your lifestyle, you’ll want to take some time to set up your yard before bringing your new family members home.

Preparation is key. Finding pet duck supplies can be challenging, so time & planning is needed. Here are a few basic duck supplies you’ll need to get before bringing home pet ducks.

Duck Coop

You will need a completely enclosed, predator-proof coop for your ducks.

Ducks do not tend to fly up & perch like chickens, so height is not important. What you do need to consider is setup & floor space:

You’ll likely want to leave water in the coop with your ducks, so it’s important to have waterproof flooring & bedding material. You can use linoleum, tarps, or a rubberized floor coating to protect your floors from water damage.

You need a layer of absorbent bedding on top of the waterproof flooring, such as soft wood chips or recycled paper.

Ducks can’t jump wall into their coop, so the coop you choose should have a low opening or a wide, stable ramp to get through the entry.

Enclosed Yard

You need to have a safe place for your pet ducks to play when they are not in the coop. Having a fenced-in yard is the best solution, but know that this “free time” should be supervised because the risk of predators is still there, even with a fence.  

In addition to a fenced-in yard, pet ducks should have a secure, enclosed area that can serve as a safe place to be when you can’t watch them. This area should be surrounded with an electric fence & covered in hawk netting—even if you live in an urban area.  Many species of predators find pet ducks appealing.

Swimming Tub

Ducks love to swim, splash, drink, & bathe. Everything in their life revolves around water, which means the bigger the tub, the better.

Remember that ducks will soil their water with amazing speed, so the tub needs to be changed regularly—sometimes even several times per day. You’ll want to find a tub that has enough room for your ducks to swim but is small enough to clean easily.

A moderately large dog swimming pool, like the TRIXIE® Dog Splash Pool, works for most birds. Be sure that your ducks can both get in & get out of it easily, especially if you’re raising young ducklings that aren’t quite coordinated yet.

Duck Food

Many people choose to feed their pet ducks chicken food, but this is not recommended. Ducks have different nutritional needs than chickens, & these needs won’t be met if they eat chicken food.

Think of it this way: You wouldn’t consider feeding your dog exclusively cat food or your cat exclusively dog food, right? In the same way, ducks shouldn’t be fed exclusively chicken food. 

Instead, feed your ducks a commercially designed duck food, such as Mazuri® Waterfowl Maintenance Feed.

Duck Treats

Ducks love treats, & healthy treats that complement their diet are the best option.

Foods like fresh, leafy green vegetables are always favored. Carrots, ripe tomatoes, pumpkin, squash, oats, berries, bananas—the sky is the limit here! Corn, green beans, & Brussels sprouts are also go-to snacks.

For the most part, anything that is in season at the local farmer’s market or grocery store is probably fair game for the ducks.

Are You Ready for Pet Ducks?

Ducks can be amazingly fun & interesting pets. They do require more work—& more expense—than keeping chickens, but the payback can be worth every bit. 

Ducks tend to be more consistent about laying eggs, & duck eggs are richer & creamier than chicken eggs, prized by bakers everywhere.  

So, if you are ready for lots of baked goods & plenty of manure for your garden, pick up a good book or 2 on keeping ducks, find a source for waterfowl food, & get ready to start on a great adventure!

Pet Ducks FAQs

How long do ducks live?

When well cared for, the average duck lifespan is 10–15 years.

Can ducks fly?

Most pet ducks don’t fly, but some breeds such as the Muscovy duck, Call duck, East Indie duck, & some domesticated Mallard ducks can fly to some degree. For these breeds, it’s recommended to clip their wings to limit flight.

Where do you buy ducks?

Pet ducks can be purchased online from farms & hatcheries. Local private breeders & local feed supply stores may also sell them.

Are Ducks Good Pets? What To Know About Pet Ducks | PetMD

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Sept. 9/2026

                                  

Meet Timber, The Large Beaver Who 'Looks Like A Capybara' (& You Can Feed Him!)

By Katy Kroll  

Aug. 23, 2026 

Many people think of beavers as being relatively small, resembling a groundhog or muskrat, but in reality they are quite big, just like this guy Timber who lives at the Turtle Bay Exploration Park in California. He's so big, in fact, he could be mistaken for a capybara because of his enormous size.

According to Turtle Bay Exploration Park's Instagram post, Timber is a North American beaver who is 12 years old, weighs 48 pounds, & serves as an "animal ambassador" along with other non-releasable animals who offer a unique story to hopefully help inspire a respect for wildlife. To that end, visitors can schedule a personal encounter with the oversized rodent, who will sit on your lap & eat food out of your hand — a little more interactive than the sleepy capybara whose snoring earned the nickname "capysnora" on social media.

In the comments, one person replied to a "capybara" mention saying, "Funny enough they're a cousin to the capybara. Beavers are the second largest rodent right behind their cousin." And another admitted, "As a [Canadian], I'm ashamed to say that I had no idea they get this large. I mean, I knew they were chonky, but 48lbs?!" Now, imagine one sitting on your lap! For perspective, Timber's 48-pound weight puts him around the heft of a typical kindergartener, making his size even more surprising for a rodent that many people assume is small. Hey, at least he's tame & docile enough to be considered one of the friendliest wild animals that love humans! 

Just how large can a beaver get?

Beavers, which are technically part of the rodent family just like capybaras, can get surprisingly large. There are 2 species of beaver, the North American beaver & the Eurasian beaver, which come from exactly where their names suggest — North America & Europe/Asia, respectively.

The North American beaver, like Timber, is the continent's largest rodent, typically weighing 35 to 65 pounds & measuring up to 4 feet from nose to rump. Its broad, paddle-shaped tail can add another foot or more in length, too. A full-grown North American beaver can be comparable in size to a medium-breed dog, making it much larger than most people expect. The Eurasian beaver boasts a similar size & length, too.

A beaver's size usually varies with age, food availability, habitat, & genetics, but most healthy adults have stocky, muscular bodies suited to life in & around water. Their substantial build supports a busy lifestyle that includes swimming, gnawing down trees, & building dams. While today's North American beaver is eye-poppingly large for a rodent, it was once dwarfed by an extinct relative, the giant beaver, which lived in the same region until about 10,000 years ago & could grow to around 7 feet long & weigh as much as 200 pounds. Yikes!

Read More: https://www.cuteness.com/2238389/meet-timber-large-beaver-looks-like-capybara-can-meet-feed/

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