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.

Are Cicadas Poisonous to Dogs? Too much of anything isn't good.

Mostly False

Is This a Real Cat Sanctuary on an Island in Hawaii? A space for more than 600 cats could be “purr-adise.”

True

Do Polar Bears Yell When They Poop? If you repeat a joke over and over, it may eventually be considered an interesting...

False

Does Video Show ‘Starfish with Buttcheeks’? Is it funny? Yes. Is it true? That's another story.

Miscaptioned

Did an Octopus Throw a Spoiled Shrimp at Its Handler? We call that a tale with a twist.

False

Is This ‘Frog Buttcheeks’ Photo Real? The following image contains cartoon (and frog) nudity. You have been warned.

Mostly True

Do Dryer Sheets Repel Wasps From Mailboxes? If they do, shouldn't laundry companies get in the insect repellent business?

Unproven

Did an ‘Extremely Rare’ Anglerfish Wash Ashore in California? The species is found at ocean depths more than a half-mile down.

True

Can Some Turtles Breathe Through Their Butts? And you thought mouth breathers were weird.

True

Do Photos Show People With a Dead Tiger Shark in Florida’s Chassahowitzka River? The harvesting of tiger sharks is prohibited under Florida law.

True

Does a Photo Show a Fish Trapped in a Jellyfish? Who was controlling whom? That is the question.

True

Why Does This Calf Have ‘Dumbo’ Ears? Don't worry, the cow appears to be perfectly healthy.

True