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Their skills eluded observation until early this century, but you can add another animal on to the list of those who have developed the ability to glide.  Joining snakes, squirrels, frogs and lizards with those superhero-like gliding skills is a species of ant. 

And what an Ant!  The Darth Vader of the insect world, Cephalotes atratus, inhabits the canopy of the tropical forest systems of Central and South America.  That’s a long way up and if an ant was to fall it would lead to almost certain death on the floor of the forest.  Either that or a trip that would make The Incredible Journey look like a walk in the park, but one which would probably be impossible due to the lack of chemical trails to guide the ant back home.

When you think about where giant salamanders come from, most people would normally associate them with China and Japan.  Yet while it is true that almost all members of the giant salamander family, the Cryptobranchidae, originate in Asia there is one species which calls the eastern United States its home.  It is Cryptobranchus alleganiensis, known otherwise and popularly as the hellbender.

Why this giant salamander, which can grow up to 30 inches in length, acquired this name is lost to history.  Some say it is because of its strange looks which bewildered early European settlers who imagined that it was a creature from the underworld, bent on returning there.  While this is hardly fair, it is not its only unflattering moniker: it also goes by the names mud-devil, devil-dog and more recently, the snotty otter.  The first name, as we shall see is the most inaccurate: the hellbender doesn’t like mud one little bit.

This remarkable structure can be found in Place des Jardins  in Paris and is known as a bee hotel. You may be wondering what bees need a hotel for, when they make their own hives. The truth is that many species of bees are solitary – the do not live in hives but instead construct their own nest. The main reason for this is because in these species every female is fertile and this would not make for comfortable communal living in a hive.

Bee hotels are necessary for a number of different reasons. To begin with bee populations have been on a decline in recent years. Part of the problem is that their natural habitats have been cleared to make way for intensive agriculture. Pesticides have also been instrumental in their decline. 

The old proverb is true. In a cat's eye, everything belongs to cats. That includes, well, everything - including your sink. What has a certain use for us may be interpreted as useful in an altogether different way by our feline friends.  So it is with that useful household item, the sink.  Cats love them - but for very different reasons to us.  Prepared to be bemused and amused at the same time.  The words are related - we need no better excuse. So, because they can so can we - welcome to the world of cats in sinks.

They may always be quite certain what they are doing there themselves, as Phoebe the gorgeous Persian here seems to be indicating with that rather sullen but perplexed look on her face.  Perhaps that old Moroccan saying is true, after all - you cannot teach an old cat to dance.

The Trogon – it sounds like a species of alien out of Star Trek or Doctor Who. However, this family of somewhat overlooked birds has its roots very firmly on planet Earth. If asked to list bird families, where would the Trogonidae be on your list? Chances are, way down or not at all. However, these exquisite birds are well worth a look. Here are ten of the thirty nine species.

 
Pet insurance may sound like a wasteful expense, but it is a necessity for many pet owners, especially if you have an expensive pet. From annual checkups to accidents, vet bills can be costly. Pet insurance can help pet owners cover these costs and shield them from unexpected vet bills. However, not all pet insurance policies are created equal. Like human health insurance, pet insurance can do much more than just cover veterinary bills. Pet insurance can be an important tool in your pet’s overall wellness program.

Is it like Human Health Insurance?

Pet insurance is insurance that covers your pet’s medical expenses. Unlike human health insurance, pet insurance is not health insurance for pets; therefore, it cannot provide coverage for routine visits such as checkups, vaccinations, or flea and tick preventatives. Instead, pet insurance will cover treatment for life-threatening illnesses or injuries. Pet insurance is kind of like health insurance for humans. It provides coverage for accidental injuries, illnesses, and surgeries. And just like with human health insurance, pet insurance is quite expensive.

Who is it for?

If you decide to bring your pet to the veterinarian, you’ll be asked important questions about your pet’s health. One of the most important questions is: “Who is it for?” A dog or a cat? Both? Is it only for healthy animals? Or can sick animals be covered as well? Pet insurance is designed to protect your pet from unexpected veterinary costs. Unfortunately, not all pets can be insured.

Pet insurance is a good idea, whether for your first dog or 10th. If you don’t already have one, it’s highly recommended that you consider pet insurance before you even consider getting a pet. There are a variety of pet insurance policies out there to choose from, and there are usually options for all budgets. 

What does it Cover?

Pet insurance is a type of insurance designed to help treatment facilities cover medical expenses for pets. When pet owners sign up for pet insurance, they agree to pay a monthly or yearly fee. In return, they also receive various health benefits for their pet. Pet insurance can cover the following expenses:

* Routine preventative care

* Emergency care

* Surgery

* Dental care

* Diagnostics

* Prescription drugs

* Treatment

* Additional expenses

Are there Different Types of Pet Insurance?

If you are thinking about pet insurance, you may be asking yourself, are there different types of pet insurance? Yes, there are different pet insurance options for you to consider. Pet insurance is available for dogs and cats. Some pet insurance options include:

Pet health insurance: This type of insurance is to cover unexpected medical costs. Pet insurance can be great if your pet gets sick or injured, but it helps if you pay more towards your pet’s medical coverage each year. 

Pet accident insurance: This type of insurance is to cover injuries that are not life-threatening, such as broken limbs. Pet accident insurance helps cover some of the cost of vet bills, but it’s typically not the best option. 

Pet wellness insurance: This type of insurance is to cover preventive care and annual exams for pets.

What about Pre-existing Conditions?

Some health conditions of cats and dogs prevent them from being approved for pet insurance. However, some conditions may be covered by pet insurance. Pre-existing conditions mean a medical condition your pet has had in the past. While your pet’s illness is cured, you are still responsible for paying its medical bills. However, if your pet’s condition is back, you no longer worry about payments. Pet insurance, however, also covers pre-existing conditions, but your pet will be required to pay more.

How Much does it Cost?

Owning a pet can be a lot of fun, but pets can also cost a pretty penny. Pet insurance is one way you can protect your pet financially if he or she develops an issue. But is pet insurance really worth it? A six-month-old puppy or kitten is that little bundle of joy, but how much will it cost to take care of your pet throughout its life? Veterinary bills for dogs, cats, fish and even pocket pets can range anywhere from $200 to $10,000.

What can I Expect to Pay before my Pet’s Care is Covered?

It’s easy to assume your pet’s insurance will cover all your costs. However, that isn’t always the case. Before enrolling your pet in pet insurance, it’s a good idea to find out what your coverage options are. Many pet insurance companies offer different reimbursement rates for different procedures, and usually, the reimbursement rate will be influenced by your pet’s age, breed, and pre-existing medical conditions.

How does Reimbursement Work?

Pet insurance is a type of health insurance that pays for the cost of pet care. The insured animal owner pays a premium, and the insurance company reimburses their veterinarian for covered expenses. Coverage and reimbursement vary by policy, so it’s important to read your policy’s details to ensure it’s right for you.

Reimbursement for pet-related expenses is not dependent on whether the veterinarian visits in-network or out-of-network. In fact, a pet owner can use an in-network veterinarian (or a veterinarian who is not in-network) as long as the vet submits an invoice and treatment receipt for reimbursement.

Does my pet need insurance?

Pets are part of the family, so when they get sick, we want the best for them. Whether they get sick from an illness, an accident, medication, or an infection, we want them to get better, and we want to get them better quickly. Pet insurance can help. Pet insurance is an affordable solution that allows you to get quality care for your pets and gives you peace of mind knowing that you are getting the best medical care for them.

What are the Alternatives?

When it comes to pet insurance, there are many options available for pet owners to choose from. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to choose one. There are many things to consider, including the type of coverage you want—whether you want to pay a specific amount each month to cover vet bills or if you want to choose a per-incident reimbursement amount—and how much money you are willing to pay.

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Exuma, a district in the Bahamas is stunningly beautiful.  It consists of almost four hundred small islands, positioned languidly along 250 miles of the Atlantic Ocean north of Cuba.  Many of the islands are uninhabited.  Yet one of them, Big Major Cay has a population that might surprise you.  There are pigs on the island and when they are not doing their best impression of beach bums they take to the water.  These are the swimming pigs of the Bahamas.

Many people dream of the Bahamas as their ultimate holiday destination.  For these lucky pigs, however, what was probably intended only as a brief prelude to their place on the dinner table has become a life of lazy leisure.  When they are not enjoying the beach they take to the water to retrieve food thrown from passing yachts.  They may not qualify for the next Olympic games but they know how to do a rather graceful piggy paddle.

Most people know that alpacas are capable of spitting huge gobs of greeny fluid. Yet why do they do it? It certainly isn’t to simply clear their airways, but the answer is not as straightforward as you might think. Alpacas spit for two main reasons, and both are ways to communicate something essential. If they could talk there would probably be a simple, polite request from an alpaca. As they cannot, spitting is about the only way that they can get a point across quickly and decidedly. It’s also a message easily understood by the recipient of the gooey salivary mess that is ejected from their mouths.

Many invertebrates go through a process called ecdysis.  Taken from the ancient Greek the word means, literally, to strip off.  It leaves behind an exuviae (often spelled with the final e omitted), the remains of the exoskeleton which has been shed, often with related structures still attached. For some invertebrates it can be a regular occurrence to facilitate growth.  For others it can be part of a series of instars which culminate in the emergence of the finished, adult form.  It is a fascinating process where beauty can be found in the grotesque. For these animals, however, the process of growing up is far more than simply skin deep.
Essentially, ecdysis is the molting of the cuticle, the tough multi-layered cover outside the epidermis that provides protection as an exoskeleton. The exoskeleton must be shed as it constrains growth. First, the cuticle separates from the epidermis – yet the arthropod remains inside for now - this is called apolysis. Next, a hormone called ecdysone is secreted from the epidermis. It fills the gap between the old cuticle and the epidermis which is known as the exuvial space. The enzymes in the hormone are not activated until a new epicuticle (the outermost waxy layer of the arthropod exoskeleton) is formed. Once this is done they kick in and the lower regions of the old cuticle are digested. Finally the process of molting can start.

One of the best ways to keep your dog healthy is by using apps and websites to help your dog stay in its best shape. Apps and websites have continued to develop rapidly over the last few decades, and nowadays, there’s probably an app, website or another online resource you can use to keep your pets of all kinds safe and healthy. If you’re looking for the best ways to keep an eye on your dog’s health, here are five apps and websites that you can use to do just that.

1. Rover – Dog Walking & Pet Sitting

Rover is a very popular app that allows you to book individuals in your local neighborhood for pet sitting and dog walking. You can also find options for house sitting, doggy daycare and drop-in visits. You can read reviews from other pet owners in your area who have booked with the same individual, ensuring that your dog ends up in the best hands. Rover is primarily for dogs but also provides services for cats.

2. BringFido - Dog Travel

If you love traveling with your furry friend, BringFido is the website for you. With BringFido, you can find dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, activities, and events worldwide. This way, you don’t have to worry whether or not your furry friend will be able to accompany you on your travels; you’ll know that they are. Plus, its network is constantly expanding, always bringing you the best information about dog-friendly events and services.

3. Dog Buddy – Virtual Diary

The Dog Buddy app is essentially a virtual diary for your dog. You can track veterinary visits, medications, vaccinations, allergies, weight and other information about your dog. That makes it easy for you to understand more about your dog’s health and well-being, as well as keep track of it over time.

4. FitBark – Health & Location

FitBark is both an app and a physical tool. It bills itself as the world’s “smallest and lightest dog GPS tracker.” You can purchase one of the FitBark models from the company’s website, then attach it to your dog’s collar. It can help you track your pet’s health, location and more, allowing you to tell if your furry friend has any health concerns you should bring up with your vet.

5. Vetster – Pet Telehealth

Telehealth is becoming a more popular way to get answers to health questions and also to help you when you’re not sure if you need urgent care right away. Book a pet telehealth appointment to get the help you need for your dog. If you’re looking to see a veterinarian, consider Vetster for online pet telehealth.

Use Your Phone to Take Care of Your Furry Friend

Apps and websites are a great way to stay on top of your dog’s health, no matter where you live or what conditions your dog may have. Whether you already have a super healthy dog that you’re just trying to take care of or you’re managing a dog’s existing health problems, these apps can help you stay on track and understand what’s happening with your dog’s health, keeping them happy and safe for years to come.

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There are a number of reasons why animals can have one eye of one color and the second of another, but the term for the most likely cause is heterochromia.  It is more often than not to do with melanin. This is a pigment that is found almost everywhere in nature (spiders being a notable exception) and it dictates such things are skin and eye color.

Adopting a puppy is always a good thing, whether you do it from a shelter or from a breeder, but buying a puppy from a breeder has recently been frowned on by those who believe there are so many dogs up for adoption from shelters that no one should have to purchase a dog. While it is true that shelters are full of loveable dogs, there are still reasons why some people want or need to buy from a breeder such as those that use an adoption site like californiapuppiesforsale.com. The thing is, buying from a breeder really isn’t much different from getting a dog from a shelter. You’re adopting a new pet either way.

Special Needs

Not everyone can just go into a shelter and adopt the first dog that they connect with. Some people who really want to become dog owners have to have a specific type of dog for one reason or another. For instance, people who suffer from allergies usually can’t adopt a dog that sheds because they’re allergic to their dander. They need a dog that has a hypoallergenic coat and these dogs don’t come up for adoption through shelters very often, or if they do, they are adopted right away, especially if they are on the younger side.

Other people may need to adopt a specific breed of dog to train as a service dog. Not every breed is well-suited for this purpose and those that are don’t often find their way to shelters. Plus, it’s harder to train an older dog to become a service animal even if they have the temperament to learn how to be one. You might be able to find an already-trained dog at a breed-specific shelter, but there’s usually a reason why a dog is at a shelter in the first place, and that reason may not make it suitable for the important work that a service dog has to do.

Health

When you get a dog at a shelter, you probably aren’t going to know its health history, which can be important if you don’t have the financial means to take care of a dog with a lot of medical problems. While you don’t know for certain that any dog that you adopt won’t have health issues, you can better understand what you’re facing if you get a dog from a reputable breeder. You can choose to adopt a pet with medical needs knowing you’ll be able to afford the medical care. But with a shelter dog, you may not know that a dog has a hereditary medical problem that will arise as it ages. 

Certainly, every shelter dog is carefully examined by a veterinarian, but they can only tell you if the animal is currently healthy or not. They can’t really clue you in on a condition that is going to develop in the future. Whereas a breeder will know this information and be able to provide you with tips to keep the condition at bay or what to do when it does arise. Knowing the puppy’s parents is also a benefit that you’ll get from a breeder. If the parents are both healthy, you’ll feel better knowing your puppy is likely to be healthy too.

Conclusion

Don’t let shelter activists deter you from buying a puppy from a breeder if that’s what you want or need to do. Only you know what’s best for your family and after all, you’re still adopting a dog whether you do it through a shelter or a breeder. Just make sure you choose an experienced breeder with a good reputation to ensure your puppy is as healthy as possible.

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If you’ve recently adopted a puppy from a shelter or a site like texaspuppiesforsale.com, you’re probably excited about taking it to a dog park. You might want to show off your new cute, furry friend or just want to ensure your puppy gets lots of exposure to strangers and other dogs. Whatever your reason is for taking your dog to a dog park, you’ll need to understand two main rules for any dog park. This will make sure the visit is enjoyable for you, your puppy, and everyone else who’s there at the same time.

Pick Up After Your Dog

This should go without saying, but when your dog does its business inside the dog park enclosure, be a good pet owner and pick it up. Most dog parks provide supplies for picking up your dog’s poop and disposing of it in a trash can. But you’d be surprised at the number of dog owners who conveniently “don’t see” their dog when they go number two in on the grounds. Perhaps they’re too engrossed in their phone or they’re busy talking to another dog owner, but whatever the excuse, there really is no excuse for not picking up after your dog.

The dog park is meant for everyone, so it’s everyone’s responsibility to keep it clean and poop-free. You would want other owners to pick up after their pets, so don’t be that owner who thinks the rules only apply to other people. If the dog park you go to doesn’t provide doggy doo bags, be sure to bring your own so that you can take responsibility for your dog’s mess.

Keep Your Dog in the Right Area

Most dog parks will have a written rule not to let dogs in or out of the enclosure so that owners can feel comfortable letting their dogs off leash inside the dog park. But one of the unwritten rules is to keep your dog in the right area for its size. You’ll usually find that dog parks have a separate area designed just for small dogs that keeps them away from the more energetic larger dogs. Even if you really think your dog would love to play on or with one of the structures in the small dog area, don’t bring your large breed dog into that section if small dogs are present.

The purpose of a dog park is to allow dogs of all sizes the opportunity to enjoy a yard-like environment without being on a leash and without the risk of other dogs hurting them. Although a large dog might not intend to hurt a smaller canine, it can happen accidentally, which is why most parks separate the two. If your large breed dog takes a while to warm up to other dogs, you might be able to use the small dog area to get it used to the idea of playing with other dogs, but be sure to ask any small dog owners first.

Conclusion

These rules are usually universal for all dog parks, but you should always check the specific regulations for any dog park you’re visiting before you bring your dog to the area. This will help you and your dog have a good experience at the park and other owners will welcome your return.

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You’ve been looking at all the cute puppies available on Uptown Puppies and you’re really leaning toward adopting one. But is it the right time? There certainly are better times than others to add a four-legged friend to your family, but when are those times? Here’s a short guide that can help you decide whether or not a new puppy is in your future.

 Can You Provide What a Puppy Needs?

This is by far the number one thing you must consider before getting a puppy. Are you able to provide food, shelter, exercise, company, and medical attention for a dog? If the answer is no or maybe, it’s not the right time for you to adopt a dog. You have to be in a financial situation that allows you to pay for the things your dog will need to survive. Obviously, they have to eat and they need a place to live that’s safe and comfortable. But the less obvious needs such as exercise and company are just as important.

If you live in a small apartment that doesn’t have an easily accessible yard, you should not get a dog or at least a large dog that requires a lot of exercise and outdoor activity. If you work 12-hour days and the dog is going to be left alone for that time, you’re not ready to adopt a dog. Puppies are very social animals and need to be around their human owners often for them to have a happy life. If you can’t dedicate a large portion of your day to their well-being, it’s better not to have a dog for now.

Medical attention is another requirement for dogs, but especially puppies. You’ll need to pay for a wellness exam, vaccinations, and tests to make sure your pet is healthy and stays that way. Plus, if your puppy gets into something it shouldn’t, you may have unexpected veterinarian bills as well. Be sure you can afford these services because your dog is depending on you to take care of it.

Do You Have Time to Train a Puppy?

Adopting a puppy means you’re getting a dog that is basically a clean slate. While this is an opportunity for you to raise it the right way, it also means that you’re going to have to dedicate a significant chunk of time training it. If you work a lot or have upcoming travel plans, it might be better to wait to get a puppy until you’re going to be home for a while so you can help your puppy develop good habits.

Are Your Kids Old Enough?

We’ve all seen the darling photos of a toddler cuddling a puppy, but having a young child and a young dog at the same time isn’t always a good idea. Children need to be old enough to understand how to treat and handle the dog and you might also want them to be old enough to be able to take some responsibility for the dog. You don’t want to create a dangerous situation for either your children or the puppy.

Conclusion

If you can answer “yes” to all of these questions, then you’re probably ready to get a puppy. Make sure you research the different breeds so you’re sure to get the dog that fits perfectly into your lifestyle and if you’re not 100% sure you want a dog, wait until you are.

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How do I look in these?  That age old question about sunglasses is now not only restricted to our own species.  Now the dogs are getting in on the act too.  A surprise hit, it has been described as one of those money making ideas that should never have worked but in fact makes millions.

Very probably not, but it must be said that the mask worn by the brilliantly colored Paradise Tanger is more than a little reminiscent of the entire Green Lantern Corps.  This medium sized songbird is more than just a mask, however.  It has sky blue underparts and its upper body is a glossy black.  As for the tail – it can be either yellow and red or all red, depending on the species.

The bird is found in the Amazon Basin in South America, in over half a dozen countries there.  Such is the brilliance of the bird’s plumage that it is known locally as siete colores, which means seven colors.  There is no sexual dimorphism which means that the female, so often a dowdy color in other species, has the same magnificent plumage as the male.

As such it can be quite difficult to tell the genders apart.  The only thing which differentiates is that the male calls out more often than the female (whether or not you agree that that is extended to other species is entirely a matter of opinion).  Fortunately, the future of this species seems, for the moment, secure.  Although their exact number is not known, they are described as common throughout their extensive range.

The Paradise Tanager is a clean freak.  Each morning when the mist descends they awake before many other species of bird and ruffle and preen their feathers in order to keep them in tip top condition. Once a male has found a mate the pair elopes to the canopy of the rainforest.  This is because the higher they nest it becomes less likely that their eggs will be eaten by predators.  They chose a nesting spot and then the majority of each day is spent searching for nesting material, finding fruit to eat and hunting insects on the wing.

The species rarely lays more than two eggs at a time and another reason they nest in the canopy is because it puts them at a height where the humidity is just right for the eggs to develop.  After about two weeks the eggs will hatch.

A startlingly beautiful species, the Green Lantern may not, after all, have used them as an inspiration for his mask.  The Paradise Tanager is, however, a super bird in its own right.

Badlands National Park, in southwest South Dakota, United States preserves 242,756 acres (98,240 ha) of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires blended with the largest protected mixed grass prairie in the United States. Bizarre and beautiful formations jut out of the fractured prairie in various shades of pink, red and yellow. Bison and bighorn sheep are a few of the parks multiple inhabitants.

Sit back and take in this glorious landscape with its wildlife through this short film created by Matt Brass.  The music is The Temperature of the Air on the Bow of the Kaleetan" by Chris Zabriskie.

The Hyrax may look like a guinea pig to the casual observer but looks can be very deceptive.  It has even been called the rock rabbit but its family tree is much stranger than you might expect. Its nearest living relatives are the elephant and, bizarrely, the sea cow.

You may have been lucky enough to have encountered a peacock or two in your time.  If you are like me then these beautiful, iridescent birds stop will stop you in your tracks.  Yet few people have seen one take to the air – and many assume that the three species are flightless.  Although the sheer mass of feathers precludes any avian marathon, they can and do take flight, normally to get to their chosen spot for the evening.  It may be a roof or a tree, but somewhere safe from most predators.

Nothing can quite prepare you for the exquisite sight of a hummingbird on the wing. Nature has truly spoiled us with this astonishing spectacle. Take a look as ten different species take flight in their search for food and marvel at the aerodynamics of one of the world's truly astonishing species.

Image Credit Flickr User Ingrid Taylor This beautiful specimen is known as an Anna’s Hummingbird and was named after Anna Messina, the Duchess of Rivoli. It is found along the Pacific Coast from British Columbia to Arizona. Males perform remarkable display dives during the courtship season. The male, when his territory is threatened, rises up around a hundred feet before diving on to his rival. The dive is so fast it produces an “explosive squeak” as the wind rushes through the tail feathers.