Critter Country

Pity the poor animal — rarely does anything good happen to him in the realm of urban legends. If he isn’t the object of some unfortunate mishap, he’s being treated cruelly, causing a calamity, being unceremoniously disposed of, or forming the main course of someone’s meal. And when the animal’s turn to be the star of the story comes, it’s usually because he’s attacked some unsuspecting human being. Since we like to provide our readers with all the creature comforts of home, we’ve given our friendly critters their due and included a fair share of tales that highlight the lighter side of the animal kingdom as well.

Latest in Critter Country

Duck Eats Yeast, Quacks, Explodes; Man Loses Eye

Duck Eats Yeast, Quacks, Explodes; Man Loses Eye

Poultry shows are all fun and games until someone loses an eye.

Are ‘Murder Hornets’ Really This Size?

Are ‘Murder Hornets’ Really This Size?

A photograph appeared to show four of a kind, queens. Asian giant hornet queens, that is.

Can Honeybees ‘Cook’ a ‘Murder Hornet’ Alive?

Can Honeybees ‘Cook’ a ‘Murder Hornet’ Alive?

The Asian giant hornet may have rightly earned the nickname "murder hornet," but don't underestimate the Japanese honeybee.

Did an Orangutan Start Hand-Washing During COVID-19 Pandemic?

Did an Orangutan Start Hand-Washing During COVID-19 Pandemic?

Sandra the orangutan loves to wash her hands. We should all be more like Sandra.

Was a Rare Malabar Civet Spotted During COVID-19 Lockdown?

Was a Rare Malabar Civet Spotted During COVID-19 Lockdown?

Shelter-in-place orders amid the coronavirus pandemic may have given wildlife ⁠— and our imaginations ⁠— a little extra room to roam.

Does Using Hand Sanitizer Pose a Danger to Pets?

Does Using Hand Sanitizer Pose a Danger to Pets?

Ethylene glycol, used in antifreeze, is indeed extremely poisonous to animals. But does hand sanitizer actually contain this chemical?

Was a Rare White Giraffe Killed by Poachers in Kenya?

Was a Rare White Giraffe Killed by Poachers in Kenya?

The giraffe and her calf, which both had a condition known as leucism, went missing over four months ago.

Is the Quokka a Real Animal?

Is the Quokka a Real Animal?

Understandably, some readers found this critter's natural smile too good to be true.

A Zebra with Dots Instead of Stripes?

A Zebra with Dots Instead of Stripes?

We weren't expecting that.

Was a Suitcase Full of Dead Birds from China Seized at Dulles Airport?

Was a Suitcase Full of Dead Birds from China Seized at Dulles Airport?

A relatively mundane incident went viral due in part to rising fears about an outbreak of a new coronavirus.

Are Cats with Purple Paws Used as Dogfighting Bait?

Are Cats with Purple Paws Used as Dogfighting Bait?

Dogfighting remains a disturbing and prevalent practice. But does it have any connection to cats with dyed fur?

Is The Lake Michigan Dolphin Population On the Rise?

Is The Lake Michigan Dolphin Population On the Rise?

A routine review of content labeled satire.

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