DavidMcNab

Golden retrievers are one of the most beloved dog breeds in the world. Intelligent, loyal, affectionate, and fun-loving, these breeds capture the hearts of anyone who knows them. Aurora is a 6 month old puppy who is exploring at the cottage with her family. She has been left for the weekend with her "doggy grandparents" while her human Christian, is traveling. And spoiling puppies is the right of all doggy grandparents. Aurora has been taken on hikes in the forest and for a boat ride to the family cottage. A tradition at this time of year is to pick cranberries from the flooded grassland at the side of the lake. Aurora has been invited along with Raven, the Great Dane. Cranberry marshes are a delight for any water loving dog because they are shallow and perfect for bounding and splashing. The water is cold at this time of year, but the day is a surprisingly warm one for October and Aurora is thrilled to discover such a wonderful playground. Dave has a tub of berries and Aurora is adorably curious so he shows her what is in the tub. It shouldn't surprise him when Aurora snatches a few, but who would have guessed that a puppy would actually eat a tart cranberry? Aurora took an instant liking to them and she quickly learned that her family was picking them from the underwater shrubs. She stuck her nose in to get her share, as well as some that were floating on the surface. She munches happily and then bounds away to see what Raven is up to on the edge of the marsh. Aurora is a beautiful soul with a loving personality. She delights her family as they share new experiences with her as often as they can.

This monkey lives in a wonderful sanctuary known as the Monkey Forest in Ubud, on the Island of Bali in Indonesia. He's a wise old soul who has become accustomed to the guides and the fact that they have food. Although the monkeys roam freely and wild, they are provided with food supplementation and veterinary care when needed. They have learned that the guides will give them a treat if they tug gently on the pants or shirts and then sit patiently. As predicted, this guide reaches into his pocket and provides his little friend with a peanut. The monkey takes the peanut gently and then asks for another. The monkeys here will approach and move among the guests, delighting tourists and residents as they do so.

This is the spiny devil fish. It is a bizarre fish in many ways. It can grow up to 25cm in length (10 inches) and although it is small in stature, it packs a serious wallop with its venomous spines. Their colouration and texture closely matches the sea bed on which they are typically found. They are almost impossible to detect against the coral or rubble. In fact, the spiny devil fish has no known predators. The most unusual aspect of this fish' behaviour is that it propels itself over the ocean floor using two rays on either side. These are part of the dorsal fins. The eyes, mouth and nostrils all project upwards, which is fitting since this animal rarely leaves the protection of the bottom. It is an ambush predator that will sit and wait until an unsuspecting meal swims with reach. It will quickly be inhaled as the devil fish lunges forward and gulps the fish in with lightning speed.

Komodo dragons are the largest lizard in the world, growing to 3m in length (10 feet) and weighing up to 70kg (150lbs). They are powerful animals and capable hunters, possessing strong jaws, ferocious claws, and surprising strength and speed. Although these dragons are rumoured to kill their prey with toxic saliva, the truth is that they attack with the intent to kill immediately. They do track prey if it escapes, but this is not their preferred means of hunting. Occasionally, animals die of blood loss or fatigue after injury and the Komodo dragon's keen sense allows it to track prey at a great distance. This contributes to the success of hunting following an attack, as well as to the myth of prey death due to sepsis. A recent discovery on 2005 showed that the dragons do have mild venom which interferes with blood clotting. This would cause prey to die after otherwise non-lethal injuries. MRI examinations of Komodo dragons showed venom glands in the lower jaws of the animals. Toxic proteins in the glands not only inhibit blood clotting, but they also reduce blood pressure and cause muscle paralysis. Prey will suffer from hypothermia and shock as the result of a venomous bite. Komodo dragons are fiercely competitive when it comes to mating rights, battling other males and pinning them to the ground. Even the female will fight to resist mating and the male struggles to restrain her to allow for successful intercourse. Mating pairs are often monogamous, which is very rare among lizards. This Komodo dragon was observed wandering the woodlands of Komodo Island in Indonesia, one of the few islands in the world where these incredible lizards reside. This is a wild dragon that was resting under branches as he made his way through the forest. To witness a Komodo dragon in the wild is a rare and wonderful experience.

The African plain is home to some of the most majestic and beautiful animals in the world. These wild giraffes inhabit the grasslands of Kenya, a large country on the west side of Africa. Deep within the grasslands, a herd of giraffes grazes and wanders in the sunshine. Ever alert for predators, these animals are the tallest land dwellers and they have a vantage point that allows them to see lions and other big cats from that are a long way off. The giraffes spend their time contentedly roaming free. But within the herd, there is a hierarchy that must be maintained. These young males, known as bulls, grow to nearly 6m (18 feet) in height and can weigh as much as 1500kg (3,600 lbs). They are giants and they are powerful. The bulls are constantly sizing each other up and reminding the others of who is in charge. When two mature males are present, the ensuing battle will often result on one of them leaving the herd. These young bulls are just beginning to test each other. They swing their large heads and strike each other with their necks, or even their hooves. As they grow older and larger, the battles will become more serious. But, for now, this is no more than a minor scuffle with no injuries and little accomplished. These bouts will also help the giraffes to learn how to battle predators when the time comes. Many herbivores rely on the safety of the herd and the ability to dissuade even the most determined lion. A strike with these antlers, or a well placed hoof could prove fatal for a cat. They will usually only attack a giraffe that seems exhausted or injured, or one who ventures too far from the others. A mother giraffe will ferociously defend her calf, often killing several lions, if needed.

Stargazers are aptly named for their fixed upward gaze, as if they are observing the constellations in the sky. In truth though, their eyes are fixed upward due to their method of hunting by lying burrowed into the sand, waiting for an unsuspecting fish to swim over their large mouths. The eyes of the stargazer are elevated in order to stick out of the sand as the fish hides the rest of its body. Prey will eventually wander over the top of this larger fish, but the stargazer also has a small appendage in its mouth that acts as a lure to attract smaller fish close. The lure protrudes from the upturned mouth and wiggles like a worm or small eel. Unwary fish that come close for a snack will suddenly find that they, themselves are the snack. Stargazers lunge forward with incredible speed and engulf their prey with their large mouths. Rows of razor sharp teeth can seize or sever a fish with ease. These same teeth are arranged in an interlocking fashion that prevents sand from entering the mouth of the stargazer as it breathes or lies still in the sand. This stargazer moves over the ocean bottom, disguising itself in the loose sand with surprising quickness. A few wiggles are all it takes to create a burrow and a covering that looks like an undisturbed patch of sand. Except for the two motionless eyes, nothing is visible from above. Aside from being capable ambush predators, the stargazer also has venomous spines and some species have the ability to deliver an electric shock. Used for hunting or for self defense, these traits provide the stargazer with a considerable chance of avoiding being eaten. It is often surprising what lurks in the ocean, unseen, and unnoticed. We are only beginning to understand the beautiful and bizarre creatures that call this their home.

This troop of monkeys lives in what is known as the Ubud Monkey Forest, situated in Pandangtegal, a village in Bali, Indonesia. This is a sanctuary where the monkeys live as they would in the wild. It is an important spiritual and conservation centre for the village. Thousands of tourists explore this forest each month, being given a chance to watch and possibly even interact with the monkeys on their own terms. Kristy took a seat on a small brick wall and found that a few of the monkeys were as curious about her as she was about them. They began using her as a climbing toy to get a better vantage point to watch the tourists. One even pulled so hard on her nose that it appears he thought that it would come right off. Kristy was instructed by the guides to stand up at that point to end the interaction. The tourism that occurs here supports maintenance and conservation of the sacred forest and sustains the village economically. Rare plants and animals thrive here, providing a sanctuary for more than just monkeys. The monkeys' food is supplemented, although much of their diet is obtained naturally within the forest. The monkeys are long tailed macaques and they are generally friendly and playful animals that approach visitors curiously. They are still wild animals and should be treated respectfully, but there is no threat to people who do not try to handle them inappropriately. For most people, a friendly encounter with such an adorable little primate is a dream come true. Perhaps the reason that we identify so well with monkeys is that they remind us of ourselves. With similar features and a similar social structure, they are a lot like we are.

Crocodiles in Kenya are at the top of the food chain. They eat almost anything that they can catch, including large animals such as zebras and gazelles. Stealthy and cunning, they can remain motionless in water with only their eyes and nostrils above the surface. They patiently wait for animals to approach the water to drink, or to cross the river. This herd of zebras was making their way across the plain, when they came to a river. They knew that they needed to cross, but most animals in Africa are wary of rivers, as they know that crocodiles lie in wait for any opportunity to snatch an animal from the banks. Even better if they can seize an animal in mid crossing. The first two zebras obviously see the crocs but they take their chances and the crocodiles seem unsure of what they should do. A zebra in the shallows is capable of delivering a powerful blow that could cause serious injury, even to a well armoured crocodile. Another zebra unbelievably survives after taking a path between two of the crocodiles. They make half-hearted lunges at the zebras but it doesn't seem that they get a proper bite. One of the smaller zebras wades through deeper water and the advantage goes to the crocodiles in such a case, but he miraculously makes it past as well. It seems that the zebras benefit from a rapid crossing close on the heels of the zebra ahead. The water is murky and quick flowing, and the hooves of the zebra stir up the mud creating poor visibility. This makes it difficult for a crocodile to see the legs of its prey. Safety in numbers definitely seems to apply in this daring river crossing. All of the zebras lived through this incident.

Kristy has been scuba diving for 30 years, having dipped her fins in the waters of Belize, Mexico, Galapagos Islands, Cuba, Cayman Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia. She is a seasoned diver who has met whale sharks, turtles, and many other creatures who call the ocean home. But until this moment, she had never had an encounter with a manta ray. It was on her bucket list to see these magnificent animals in the wild so she traveled to the island of Komodo in Indonesia. Kristy drifted along with her camera, 20m (60 feet beneath the waves, watching white tipped reef sharks and sea turtles glide by. Suddenly, out of the blue, an enormous manta ray appeared and headed straight for her. It changed its course to meet her face on, as if curious about this clumsy human. Just before colliding with her, it slowly banked to the left and passed almost directly over here head. Kristy was given a close look at the underside of one of the world's most majestic animals. and to make things even better, the first manta ray was followed closely by a second. The trailing manta passed by almost as closely, leaving Kristy astonished and thrilled with the encounter. Many scuba divers go their whole lives without seeing one of these rays. They are huge, sporting wingspans of up to 6m (18 feet). When fully grown, only large sharks and killer whales are a threat to these rays. They can swim very rapidly to escape predators. But manta rays have only one pup at a time, making it difficult for them to compensate for losses due to fishing. Unsubstantiated claims that their gill rakes have medicinal properties have made the manta a popular catch for the Chinese markets.

This mother monkey keeps a close eye on her baby by hanging onto its tail. The troop lives in what is known as the Ubud Monkey Forest, situated in Pandangtegal, a village in Bali, Indonesia. This is a sanctuary where the monkeys live as they would in the wild. It is an important spiritual and conservation centre for the village. Thousands of tourists explore this forest each month, being given a chance to watch and possibly even interact with the monkeys on their own terms. The tourism that occurs here supports maintenance and conservation of the sacred forest and sustains the village economically. Rare plants and animals thrive here, providing a sanctuary for more than just monkeys. The monkeys' food is supplemented, although much of their diet is obtained naturally within the forest. These tourists were taking a break from the hike and a troop of curious monkeys came through where they were seated. The monkeys are long tailed macaques and they are generally friendly and playful animals that approach visitors curiously. They are still wild animals and should be treated respectfully, but there is no threat to people who do not try to handle them inappropriately. This monkey climbs on Kristy and watches the guests as he explores her nose and face with his hands. He is as fascinated with the wide eyed people as they are with him. Eventually, a guide suggests that Kristy should stand up and walk away, ending the interaction with the monkey. For most people, a friendly encounter with such an adorable little primate is a dream come true. Perhaps the reason that we identify so well with monkeys is that they remind us of ourselves. With similar features and a similar social structure, they are a lot like we are.

Hummingbirds are among the smallest birds in the world. They are ornate and colourful, and truly beautiful to behold. They are tiny and frail with bones as thin as threads. They are among the smallest of the bird species. Their miniature bodies are fragile. And yet, these gorgeous little birds trustingly perch on the hand of this gigantic human to sip nectar from a tiny cup in his outstretched palm. Such a wonderful interaction with these birds is heart warming. Hummingbirds are not only beautiful, they are also very fascinating. They have the highest metabolic rate of any warm blooded animal. They are able to enter a hibernation-like state during food scarcity or periods of rest to compensate for their lower caloric intake. During these times, their metabolism may be reduced to 1/15th its normal rate. There are 360 species of hummingbird found throughout the Americas, from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. All species eat insects, although their primary source of food is nectar which they sip from flowers with their specialized beaks and tongues. Aptly named, hummingbirds make an audible humming sound as they hover, due to their rapid wingbeats. Some species flap their wings as many as 90 times per second. Swift flyers, they are also capable of reaching speeds up to 80km/h (50mph) during steep dives. Interacting with nature and observing animals on their own terms is an unforgettable experience. Having such a tiny animal perch contentedly on your hand is something that warms the heart.

While filming at the cottage for a "how to" video, this cameraman captured something unintentional and surprising. He was planning to create a short video about how to make a campfire treat (S'mores) on a Swedish stove. But when he looked thorough his video, he something in the background that caught his eye. What appears to be a person walking towards the beach can be seen. He's carrying something and all appears normal enough. Until the figure simply fades into nothing as quickly as he appeared. There isn't an obvious explanation for this. This is a remote lake in Northern Ontario, but there have been stories and whispered tales for generations on this lake. People swear they have seen mysterious balls of lightning moving up the lake at just above the water level. Others claim to see canoes in the distance with figures that appear hazy before they fade into nothing. There have been many stories that connect these sightings with the fact that this lake was a popular area for nomadic indigenous people hundreds of years before. Whatever the explanation, the appearance and disappearance of this person in the background will leave you guessing.

This baby elephant lives free on the plains of Kenya, Africa. He's very young, and very small, compared with his mother and the other elephants in his herd. He follows them and watches so that he can learn from everything that they do. He cannot yet digest much of the food around him, but he tries to imitate his herd. In the end, he decides that the brush makes a great place to scratch. He will need the protection of the herd, as lions and hyenas also roam freely here, and either would consider such a young elephant to be an easy meal. But the grown elephants around him will not allow this to happen easily. Baby elephants nurse milk from their mothers until they are old enough to graze and digest foliage. As adults, they eat only plants. African elephants are the largest land animals on earth. They grow rapidly to become massive and powerful, and formidable in their ability to defend themselves. But for now, this adorable little fellow will stick close and learn from his elders.

Raven is a big puppy with a big love for unusual foods. She adores strawberries almost as much as she adores steak or chicken. As her family sits outside at the picnic table, Raven makes sure that they don't forget about her share! Raven is a dog who has found her forever family and she has them wrapped around her finger. She enjoys free roam of several acres of grass and trees throughout the day. She also lives very near an immense forest where she is taken almost every day. She explores off leash, romping along the trails and running freely through the trees. She chases chipmunks, although she has never caught one and she gallops with the grace and beauty of a thoroughbred horse. In the summers, Raven spends a lot of her time at a cottage where she roams freely on the island. She has huge dog beds in every room, but she prefers the couch and she stretches out like she owns it. Anyone who has ever owned a Great Dane knows that they take up space and command the room with their massive presence. Raven is a big baby and she takes her stuffed animals to bed each night. She loves to be tucked in with her cozy blanket and she snores away until it is time for breakfast. Raven is living the life. She is a beautiful soul.

Lions are among the most powerful and majestic animals on earth. Often referred to as the King of Beasts", there are few creatures that inspire such awe and wonder. These contented lions roll in the grass, enjoying the sunshine on the African plain in Kenya. Male lions are larger than females and the dominant male rules the pride. The pride consists of a few younger males, several females and their cubs. Lionesses hunt in groups, preying on larger herbivores such as wildebeest, antelope, gazelles, and even giraffes. Although lions occasionally hunt humans, this is extremely rare behaviour. Lions are active during the day, but they can adapt to become more active at night. Lions are one of the most recognizable animal symbols in human culture, being depicted as an example of bravery and courage, strength and power. They have been the subject of stories and paintings for thousands of years. They have also been common in movies for decades. Lions can reach an impressive size of 175kg or 386lbs. Solid muscle, they are formidable and ferocious beasts. As hunters, they are among the most capable on the plains. Often, lions will come across the kill of other predators and they will chase them away to scavenge a meal. They rely on an ambush attack in many cases because they do not possess great endurance. A short burst of speed and a final leap is their preferred method of taking down prey. They will capture an animal and bite it on the throat or enclose its muzzle in their mouth to suffocate it. These lions have possibly eaten very recently as they seem more interested in resting and playing than looking for a meal. A lion rolling happily in the grass is a rare and delightful sight.

Transport truck drivers have difficult jobs and they do a great job of transporting vital goods across the continent. Many of us would not have food on our tables or clothes to wear without them. But occasionally, they make mistakes that have disastrous consequences. Driving such huge rigs, there is little room for error and a collision with a small car can be deadly. This truck driver approached an intersection of a private drive where it meets a roadway. The law in this province is clear that drivers approaching a roadway from a private road, drive, or parking lot must first ensure that it is safe to enter the roadway. If their actions affect vehicles traveling on the roadway, they must stop or yield. Simply put, the vehicles on the roadway have the right of way in all cases. Otherwise, traffic moving on a highway would have to stop at driveways. Sometimes there is a traffic control sign such as a stop or yield sign. But even when no such sign is posted, the driver knows he must yield. For whatever reason, this big rig driver didn't seem to see the car coming. He rounded the corner, turning left onto the roadway without stopping. The driver of the oncoming car was aware at the last second that he needed to take action and he pulled onto the shoulder of the road to avoid a collision and a certain disaster. Although the driver comments that there was a stop sign, the footage suggests that no sign is visible. That does not change who has the right of way. After passing by the truck, the car driver reached his destination and turned to pull over on the shoulder. As he did so, the truck driver rounded the corner and saw that the car had stopped. The two drivers made eye contact and, in true Canadian fashion, the truck driver waved apologetically. The car driver returned this gesture with a nod and an ok sign and the interaction was over. With no hard feelings, both will go on about their day without an angry confrontation. Mistakes happen and nobody needs more than an acknowledgement to understand that everybody agreed what happened here. Both of these drivers will remember this close call on future trips.

Pileated woodpeckers are enormous birds with powerful beaks that splinter logs and trees with ease. They are the largest woodpeckers in North America and they are a beautiful sight at a backyard feeder or in the trees around any home. With their beautiful red crest, they are a sight to behold. This woodpecker and his mate have been coming to this yard for several years. The nest in a nearby tree but they arrive daily to peck at the suet that the family puts out. Usually, the male announces his arrival with a loud, cackling cry as he swoops in to land on one of the feeders. Today, this woodpecker has had a drink at the pond and then he hopped up onto the cedar deck. He casually inspects the deck as the family, and even Raven, the Great Dane watch in awe of this majestic fellow. But he decides to peck the railing of the deck and in seconds, he has a chunk carved out. The wood splinters easily as he chisels away and the couple who own the deck are too amazed to do anything but chuckle. The deck is weathered and faded and these bird lovers are more attached to the woodpecker family than they are to their railing. They joke about calling the insurance and they watch amusedly. Raven's head is on the back of the couch and she watches silently too. Raven also appreciates nature and her little bird friends. The woodpecker loses interest quickly and hops over to the other railing where he perches and looks around. He may be waiting for his mate to arrive so that they can go to the suet cakes together. Or he may just be enjoying the gentle rain. It's even possible that he can see the family in the window and he is watching them with equal curiosity. Backyard feeders are a great way to attract wildlife that can be enjoyed daily. Woodpeckers love suet cakes and feed with insects in it. They will also take advantage of any opportunity to peck at dead or dying trees where grubs make their homes.

These beautiful animals were just out enjoying the sunshine. These lucky motorists were in complete awe.as they watched two of the tallest terrestrial animals casually strolled down the road toward them. Capturing the moment on video and in photographs, the tourists were amazed by how unconcerned they were with the humans being present. Giraffes feed on leaves, fruits and flowers, with the ability to reach food that other herbivores cannot. Lions, leopards, hyenas and wild dogs all prey on giraffes, when they can, but a full grown giraffe is a formidable animal. They can swing their head like a club and their powerful legs enable them to deliver deadly hoof strikes. The long neck of the giraffe allows it to see predators a long way off. Other species rely on this, using the giraffe like a sentinel to warn of approaching danger. Herds of other animals will often follow the giraffe and keep a close eye on their behaviour, for safety. Male giraffes closely follow the females during mating seasons, but they do not take an active role in the care of the young. A male will taste the urine of the female to determine her fertility state. After breeding, the female will carry the baby for 400-460m days before she gives birth. She does so standing up and the calf will fall to the ground, severing the umbilical cord. A newborn will be able to walk and run within hours and is as mobile as a one week old calf. During the first 2-3 weeks of their life, the calf will remain hidden while the mother grazes and keeps a watchful eye out for danger. If all goes well, the calf will live up to 38 years. Giraffes are perhaps the most majestic, and one of the most beautiful animals on earth.

Raven is a big puppy with a big attitude and a big appetite. She has just been fed a big dinner, but her big stomach is still growling in a big way. Her owners have just sat down to their dinner and Raven can smell it. She gets the odd treat here and there but she is never fed from the table. She should know that she won't be getting any steak or potatoes, at least until the human dinner time is over, and only from her dish. But Raven is a saucy dog and she complains loudly about the house rules. She reluctantly listens as she is told to distance herself from the table and the food, but she insists on not being forgotten as each bite is taken. A slight head nod, or even a raised eyebrow will make Raven jump back because she knows that the table food is off limits. She nudges Kristy with her nose with such enthusiasm that Kristy is knocked back slightly. Great Danes don't know their own strength and they seem to lack understanding of their size. Her attempt at a gentle nudge is anything but gentle. Raven's owners adore her and she gets treated like true family. She is treated to free runs in the nearby forest almost every day. She has her own couch to stretch out on and she has an oversized dog bed by the fire when the winter comes. She gets to share the king sized bed and she has a whole bench seat in the family van. Great Danes are enormous and they are more than a handful, but they are endearing and fiercely loyal. Anyone who has ever owned one has fallen completely in love with these gentle giants.

S'mores are an important part of summer for many North Americans. Anyone who has camped or who has even had a backyard campfire probably remembers at least one occasion where they made S'mores. The typical recipe is simple. You toast a marshmallow and get the Graham wafers ready. Adding a square of chocolate, the marshmallow gets sandwiched between two wafers. The heat of the toasted marshmallow melts the chocolate and the result is a warm, gooey sandwich that is as sweet as an ice cream bar. Kids delight in toasting marshmallows and the added taste of chocolate and Graham wafers makes them a delicacy that becomes one of our fondest childhood memories. Campfires themselves are hypnotic and fun, allowing family to gather and talk without the distraction of electronics or phone calls. A quiet night with the sound of a loon call, the crackle of the fire, and a delicious, sweet treat is one of the best gifts we can give our family. This family takes their S'mores seriously and they cook them up in bulk. This approach gives this treat a twist, allowing the wafers to be dipped. As a second option, shortbread biscuits can also be used. Marshmallows are arranged sop that they cover the pan in an even layer. Chocolate is poured on top and a lid is placed over it to keep the heat in. The log is sawn so that it has grooves that can be filled with birch bark and twigs. The bark is lit and the fire spreads rapidly. A small pile of tinder on the top creates a bed of coals that sinks down into the centre of the log. When the twigs on top have burned down, the frying pan goes on it like it would on a stove top. After 5-10 minutes of low heat, the marshmallows have melted and the whole thing can be stirred. Hungry campers dip their wafers into the marshmallows and scoop it up like it's a S'mores fondue. Of course, marshmallows can still be toasted and S'mores can be made in the traditional manner, but this S'mores fondue will also be an unforgettable family memory that is talked about years later!

This is a remote lake in Northern Ontario, but it's much like any other lake in cottage country North America. During the day, the water is clear and clean and there is no sign of tiny creatures that are shown in this video. At night, shining a flashlight on the water will bring a swarm of tiny animals that too small to see clearly. As a group, they fill the water like a black cloud of rapidly swirling organisms. Investigation reveals that these are spiny water fleas, small and ferocious creatures that consume enormous amounts of daphnia, the naturally existing animals that are critical to the health of freshwater lakes across the continent. The daphnia consume algae, making the water clear, allowing sunlight to penetrate deeper. The daphnia are also a source of food for small fish and fish larvae. The spiny water fleas also consume algae, competing with the daphnia. However, the spiny water flea is an animal that fish larvae cannot consume. The presence of the spiny water flea is a threat to the daphnia and other organisms that are critical to the balance of the food chain. They negatively impact fish populations, which will also affect other food chains. Because of the spines and hooks on their tails, these water fleas are impossible for the smaller creatures to eat. They grow larger than daphnia and they have stronger and larger mandibles, making them titans of the water flea world. They are capable of completely eradication some species of zooplankton in a lake. Zooplankton are the backbone of the food chain. It is believed that the spiny water flea was brought to North America in ballast water of cargo ships prior to the 1980s. As recreational fishing increases in popularity, further spread of the animals and their eggs is taking place at an alarming rate. The eggs can survive being dried out in the sun, as well as the digestive tract of fish. The eggs are nearly indestructible and the proliferation of a lake is unavoidable once the spiny water flea takes up residence. Since the arrival of these ferocious little animals, the numbers of other larger species have declined, although the exact correlation is difficult to accurately measure. An interesting experiment involves shining a light into the water for a minute or more to see what comes to the surface. In many fresh water lakes, it is these invasive spiny water fleas that can be seen.

Raven is a big puppy with a big dog attitude. But when it's time for bed, she's a big baby. Raven has a big collection of stuffed toys and things to chew on. But here favourite has always been this stuffed bunny. It's one of the few toys that has not been ripped apart. She adores her bunny and carries it to bed with her each night. Raven's routine involves jumping up on the bed with her stuffy in her mouth and turning around 6-8 times as many dogs do. Then she settles down and chews gently or sucks on the bunny like it is a pacifier. She often falls asleep with her mouth on the toy. What makes this even more adorable is the huge, floppy lips that envelop the stuffed bunny almost completely. Raven wakes up in the morning and carries the bunny with her to her dish where she waits for breakfast. She leaves her bunny on the floor after breakfast but always goes looking for it when it is nap or bed time. Great Danes are a magnificent animal and the breed is fiercely loyal. Anyone who has ever owned one has fallen in love with these great beasts.

The house wren is a small and dainty looking bird, but its behaviour is that of a feisty and competitive animal with a dark side. The female is known to be a cantankerous and demanding mate. Eager to impress her, the male builds a nest and awaits her approval. In more than half of the cases, the female discards most of the sticks and rebuilds it, having little regard for the male's feelings about watching his work being picked apart. The male house wren will often watch this process patiently and take his place alongside the female as she lays eggs. Together, they will raise the young. The female spends most of the time on the nest and the male brings her food as she does her job keeping the eggs warm. But occasionally, the male has a wandering eye while the female is dismantling his nest. In some cases, he finds himself with a more accepting female and the two will pair up as a more agreeable couple. The female house wren's cranky side extends beyond her own nest and is directed toward others in the area. She is not tolerant of other birds in the area that would compete for her food supply or nesting grounds. She fills the nests with sticks to make them unusable, driving the birds away from her territory. Those who persist and successfully lay eggs might find their nests under attack as the female house wren will peck holes in the shells of the eggs. She earns the label "homewrecker" for her aggressive intolerance of other bird families in her neighbourhood.

Bees are the pollinators of the world, gathering pollen from flowers to make their honey. The pollen is made of simple sugars, protein, vitamins and minerals. When combined with bee saliva, a fermentation process begins. A biochemical transformation takes place, breaking down the walls of the flower pollen grains and making the nutrients more readily available. Ironically, the bees that gather the pollen cannot actually eat it. They lack the proteolytic enzymes to digest it. Instead, they eat a substance known as bee bread, which is created in the cells in the hive. In the process of gathering pollen, some of the grains are transferred from the male part of the flower to the female part, allowing reproduction to occur. This is the process that is crucial to the production of most fruit, vegetables and the breeding of other plants. It is widely known that without bees, the world would be at risk of losing the majority of plants, and with them, many animals. We understand our dependence on the survival and health of these tiny creatures. This bee is gathering pollen on a beautiful thistle flower. Usually, bees pack pollen on their leg hairs, resembling small yellow baskets. They carry the pollen back to the nest with these baskets that look a lot like saddle bags on a motorcycle. But this bee actually packs the pollen onto her underbelly, using a deliberate patting motion with her hind legs. The thistle is a gorgeous backdrop for such a spectacular little beast. She is more than beautiful. She is critical.

Yellowjacket wasps are ferocious insects with a well deserved reputation for being creatures to avoid. They deliver an extremely painful sting and they are capable of stinging repeatedly. They have powerful mandibles for battling and chewing other insects. They also have proboscis for sipping nectar and other liquids. Yellowjacket wasps are so feared in the insect world that many flies and bees mimic the yellowjacket for protection. This housefly knows the yellowjacket is a large and formidable predator, but it faces off against the wasp in an attempt to bully it away from the cola spill that he found first. The fly is outmatched. It has no sting and no ability to bite the wasp. It is less than half the size of the wasp. Yet, it stands up to the wasp like a true champ. As the two sip on opposites sides of the soda puddle, all seems friendly at first. But the fly suddenly buzzes in a bluff that makes it appear that he's taking off. The wasp startles and takes off first. Both fly off to the left but the wasp returns immediately. She drinks greedily for a few seconds before the fly returns and takes a spot across the spill. The wasp watches warily and the fly makes an unbelievably gutsy approach. It raises a front leg in an attempt to intimidate the wasp. The wasp will have none of it, and she lifts off toward the fly, buzzing angrily. She returns to the cola, more interested in the sugar than the fight. The wasp disappears and the fly moves back in for the prize. Houseflies have hundreds of eyes and unmatched reflexes. As the wasp swoops in, the fly makes a quick getaway. The wasp takes up a position and drinks away in peace. The fly, thinking wisely doesn't return to challenge the wasp. Few insects would have the nerve to challenge a yellowjacket wasp. It is surprising to see a meagre housefly do so in such a brazen and fearless way.