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While we as humans continue to try (and fail) to live in peace and harmony, it is worth remembering that the world around us is a brutal, unforgiving place.

We have tamed our lives to such an extent that it is easy to turn a blind eye to the horrors of nature, sure, we as a species are far more damaging to our planet than all others put together, but let's not pretend that it's all sweetness and light out there!

This list, compiled by Bored Panda, is a reminder that we live in a scary world. Some of these things are simply wonders of nature that we may not like the look of, like spiders and centipedes. Some show the raw power of the elements, while others illustrate the horrific things that other creatures to do each other in order to survive. All of these things are awe-inspiring examples of nature, something not to be feared, but to be respected. Scroll down below to check them out for yourself, and let us know what you think in the comments!

#1

Wrap Around Spider, Named For Its Ability To Flatten And Wrap Its Body Around Tree Limbs

Wrap Around Spider, Named For Its Ability To Flatten And Wrap Its Body Around Tree Limbs

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    #2

    Spiderbro Guarding Me From Malaria Outside My Window

    Spiderbro Guarding Me From Malaria Outside My Window

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    Zori the degu
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love "pet" spiders, as I call them. They live in one corner of your apartment, feed on insects and sometimes climb down to investigate your belongings. If I happen to become roommates with one, I always make a point to leave some water for it to drink, if it needs it. My favourite spider of this kind used to live in my mom's bedroom. It only had 5 legs and we named it Oggie. The tiny spider loved to crawl on my mom's sketches(she's an engineer) and kept her company. I was 5 at the time and it was one of the first examples of invertebrates' personalities I was to see.

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    #4

    Xylaria Polymorpha, Commonly Known As Dead Man's Fingers, Is A Saprobic Fungus

    Xylaria Polymorpha, Commonly Known As Dead Man's Fingers, Is A Saprobic Fungus

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    Hans
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You can almost feel them reaching for your feet...first gently stroking, then all of a sudden gripping fast...

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    #5

    A Firefly Kept Right On Flashing After Being Eaten By A Frog

    A Firefly Kept Right On Flashing After Being Eaten By A Frog

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    #6

    This Frog Was Found All Dried Up And Withered Outside The Store In The Morning... The Store Manager Said, "Let's Try Splashing Some Water On It," And Holy Sh*t It Came Back To Life

    This Frog Was Found All Dried Up And Withered Outside The Store In The Morning... The Store Manager Said, "Let's Try Splashing Some Water On It," And Holy Sh*t It Came Back To Life

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    Zori the degu
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Something similar happened to me once, but well, the other way round. I was on a sea holiday and came upon a large blue dragonfly, drowned in the sea. Now, I was saddened for the poor thing, but also ecstatic, for I have a collection of pinned insects, all of which were found dead, for I just can't bring myself to kill alive ones for the purpose. I carried it around in my palm, wondering where exactly was I to put it, for I didn't have any other dragonflies and the thing was huge. Suddenly, it moved! A second later, again! It became progressively more active, until it could stand on its legs and turn his head around in curiosity! I separated its wings carefully(they stuck to each other from the salty water) and it shook itself a little. I left it cleaning itself on an oak on a quiet path and I do hope it recovered completely. :)

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    #8

    Damn Nature, You Scary...

    Damn Nature, You Scary...

    WoahitsWelker Report

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    Luna rivers
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A planting enthusiast wasn’t scared of anything, but when they found a skull of a 50 year old oojomaku breed, their life changed.

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    #10

    My Mum's Toilet After A Recent Flood

    My Mum's Toilet After A Recent Flood

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    Nadja Lambacher
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I actually think those frogs are cute. Not the best place to find them, but not terrifying.

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    #11

    Snapdragon Seed Pods Look Like Skulls

    Snapdragon Seed Pods Look Like Skulls

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    #12

    Those Fishes Are Literally Lit

    Those Fishes Are Literally Lit

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    #14

    This Is A Hammerhead Bat And Is By Far The Creepiest Animal I've Seen

    This Is A Hammerhead Bat And Is By Far The Creepiest Animal I've Seen

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    Grumble O'Pug
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is not a creepy animal. It is a bat. A harmless fruit eating species. I hope this imbecile released it. It could be pregnant. I hate how ignorant people are about bats.

    Zori the degu
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If they wake you up in the middle of a good sleep and hold you like that, you'd look the same too.

    Lisa DeJarnette
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I cant stop giggling at this. Lol. oh my Gosh! Its just so. Well...... yep. Hahaha. Its really strange. I did not know that bats and horses could mate. Lmbo.

    Amina Hays
    Community Member
    6 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    You didn't? Surprising; that bizarre rant you went on about the gecko eating it's own tail gave the impression you know everything!

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    alwaysMispelled
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's the cutest face on a bat I've ever seen! Kinda looks like a horse!

    Marina
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This photo made me think that these creatures might have inspired people to place gargoyles on gothic buildings, especially since back then they probably thought these bats were demonic presences. But I'm not sure where this species can be found so I might be highly inaccurate.

    Wyndmere
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    he's just a bat being a bath. Now he's got a bad reputation - thanks a lot.

    Wyndmere
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He probably thinks you're pretty creepy too by the way you're holding him.

    Blue Cicada
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or just fruit bats in Africa! Bats are vital in pollination and dispersal of seeds.

    Blacksheep
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No it's not. I've seen way creepier humans... In fact I see way creepier humans everyday almost everywhere.

    NanZ
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't really know, but if he is holding it that way I would think it was dead. I hope it isn't.

    Sandy Herman
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Imagine that swooping over you head, it's huge and gives me the w*****s.

    Liz Sahlin Johansson
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don’t think it’s creepy at all! Goofy cute is my though about him/her.

    Leslie Cully
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not scary at all. Poor baby! That must hurt being held like that!

    Sheila Lovelace
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is most likely a hammer-headed bat. Native to New Guinea and the Bismark Archipelago, the world’s largest known species of modern-day bat is the Bismark fruit bat Pteropus neohibernicus, which sports an extremely impressive wingspan of up to approximately 5.5 ft, and there are several other fruit bat species with sizeable spans too. From: The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats: a huge example of P. neohibernicus from New Guinea preserved in the American Museum of Natural History, New York, has a head and body length of 455 mm 17.9 in and a span of 1.65 m 5 ft 5 in.

    Timothy Mathews
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I lived in Sydney for ten years and every night flying foxes(giant black fruit bats) would fly overhead. It often felt like something out of a horror movie.

    rustic raven
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm so happy you said that cause it really does look like a donkey's face with a large set of wings ;=]]

    Teresa Dougan
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    are we sure this was not photoshopped? It looks like a moose head

    Florian Zwiestein
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you think giant centipedes are fluffy, this bat might seem to be the creepiest animal for you...

    Ana M
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Please is not scary and is not a monster. Is a bat who likes to be alone.

    Tom Lippert
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thats a great way to contract one of several deadly hemorrhagic diseases.

    zef rose
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Have you no respect? No mercy? No pity? Look at that animal. That is the picture of despondency. I hope you let this poor creature go!

    Yasmin Janette
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OMG Look at the size of that.. I am scared of bats, even little ones

    3ke
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I didn't realize they were that big. What the what??

    Angie Chan
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, looks like we found the inspiration for chiropterans in Blood+.

    Just Curious
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like one of the "brute men"! 10 points to whoever knows what that's from.

    Kathleen Moore
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Where the hell do these things live? I mean because I NEVER want to accidentally go there!

    tarebear
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's adorable it kinda looks like a flying horse....or donkey....a mule that's what it is

    Lisa DeJarnette
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How in the world can it fly with a head that big?? It looks like a bug eyed horse. Lol

    Max L.
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think I understand where Duke Nukem 3d authors took ideas for the bad guys in the game

    Cindy Johnston
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Holy s**t! I've watched A LOT of animal shows and I've never seen this hellish creature before.

    Sharon Frank
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OH DEAR GOD -- I always thought bats were cute little things!!!!

    Ash E
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What.the.F*CK!!! That looks like a theatre prop from a horror show. D@mn it's ugly!

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    #16

    This Is Why You Always Have To Check The Toilet In Australia

    This Is Why You Always Have To Check The Toilet In Australia

    Meanwhile in Australia Report

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    #18

    The Clathrus Archeri Fungus Resembles Some Pretty Metal Tentacles Sprouting From An Alien Egg When It Blooms

    The Clathrus Archeri Fungus Resembles Some Pretty Metal Tentacles Sprouting From An Alien Egg When It Blooms

    reddit.com Report

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    Ladies and Gentlemen
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have watched too many alien movies which have gutted my mind to point that I refuse to believe its a plant! Fck me, I am running from here and calling ARMY, NAVY or fckng SWAT team.

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    #19

    Currently Renovating Our Floors. Seems Everyone Has Come Out Of Hiding

    Currently Renovating Our Floors. Seems Everyone Has Come Out Of Hiding

    fingerbus Report

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    MeggersTheFox
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That was in your house and you just chilled and took a picture of it. Your bravery has no end

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    #20

    All I Know Is That It Needs To Burn

    All I Know Is That It Needs To Burn

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    #21

    Deer Skull After Sitting In Water For Over A Year

    Deer Skull After Sitting In Water For Over A Year

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    #22

    The Frog That Caught A Spider

    The Frog That Caught A Spider

    Dan-68 Report

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    Braineating Spleen
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ...that wriggled and wriggled and jiggled inside her. She swallowed the spider to catch the fly. I don't know why she swallowed the fly, perhaps she'll die.

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    #23

    A Leopard Seal Peering Through A Veil Of Plankton

    A Leopard Seal Peering Through A Veil Of Plankton

    Bill Curtsinger Report

    #24

    Acid Spitting Ants

    Acid Spitting Ants

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    Ellis
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What the f***!?! Do these exist? What part of evolution came up with that?

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    #25

    Articulated Cobra Skeleton

    Articulated Cobra Skeleton

    beckhard Report

    #26

    Black Swallower Died Trying To Eat A Fish 4 Times Its Size

    Black Swallower Died Trying To Eat A Fish 4 Times Its Size

    Xavimoose Report

    #27

    The Statue Being Swallowed By A Tree

    The Statue Being Swallowed By A Tree

    edward Report

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    A random Goat
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Once upon a time there was a man who did very bad things. The emperor turned him into a statue and trapped him in a tree. If he's freed the whole world is doomed. I made up this story

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    #28

    A Lizard Eating A Cockroach Alive At My House Porch

    A Lizard Eating A Cockroach Alive At My House Porch

    julifallesen Report

    #29

    My Dad Sent Me This Photo. Water Mocassin? Tennessee

    My Dad Sent Me This Photo. Water Mocassin? Tennessee

    robster644 Report

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    Sally Appleton
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Give a snake a fish an he'll eat it. Teach a snake to fish and he'll become the fishing rod.

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    #30

    Attack Of Legionary Ants (Also Known As Army Ants Or Marabunta) To A Wasp Honeycomb

    Attack Of Legionary Ants (Also Known As Army Ants Or Marabunta) To A Wasp Honeycomb

    boni_bo Report

    #31

    Chameleon Mummified Alive By The Tropical Sun

    Chameleon Mummified Alive By The Tropical Sun

    YoSoyUnPayaso Report

    #32

    The Inside Of A Gooses Mouth

    The Inside Of A Gooses Mouth

    cruciatus_curse Report

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    Zori the degu
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, I knew they have teeth, but I didn't know they have some on the tongue as well!

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    #33

    This Snake Covered In Ticks

    This Snake Covered In Ticks

    s18m Report

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    Ellis
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Didn’t think I could ever feel sorry for a snake, until I saw this post...

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    #34

    These New Fish Species Can Survive In Volcanoes And They’re The Stuff Of Nightmares

    These New Fish Species Can Survive In Volcanoes And They’re The Stuff Of Nightmares

    csiro Report

    #35

    After A Weekend Storm In New England, A Puffer Fish Was Found In A Tree

    After A Weekend Storm In New England, A Puffer Fish Was Found In A Tree

    bassistmuzikman Report

    #37

    A Mother Whip Spider Carrying Her Babies On Her Back

    A Mother Whip Spider Carrying Her Babies On Her Back

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    #38

    5-Legged Frog That Lives In The Marsh Behind Our Neighborhood

    5-Legged Frog That Lives In The Marsh Behind Our Neighborhood

    brykupono Report

    #40

    Dolphin Caught A Squid, Trailing The Ink Behind It

    Dolphin Caught A Squid, Trailing The Ink Behind It

    Sumit316 Report

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    #43

    This Spider Web That Looks Like A Spider-Man Mask

    This Spider Web That Looks Like A Spider-Man Mask

    meistertigran Report

    #44

    The Giant Isopod, Found In The Deep Seas And Is An Example Of Deep-Sea Gigantism

    The Giant Isopod, Found In The Deep Seas And Is An Example Of Deep-Sea Gigantism

    TCIGOD Report

    #45

    One Big Spider

    One Big Spider

    Frank Goodale Report

    #47

    Goliath Tiger Fish, Congo River

    Goliath Tiger Fish, Congo River

    PrestonGarvey1 Report

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    Ladies and Gentlemen
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When you boss tells you a joke which isn't funny at all, but you gotta pretend its funny as heck!

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    #48

    Sweet Potato Creepily Resembles Human Heart

    Sweet Potato Creepily Resembles Human Heart

    Blindfiretom Report

    #49

    The Largest Scar You'll Ever See

    The Largest Scar You'll Ever See

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    #50

    Close Up Of Moth Outside My Window

    Close Up Of Moth Outside My Window

    No_Reason27 Report

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    #51

    Something Took Two Clean Bites Out Of This Poor Sea Ravioli

    Something Took Two Clean Bites Out Of This Poor Sea Ravioli

    GallowBoob Report

    #53

    Ant On My Porch Carrying The Head Of His Vanquished Enemy

    Ant On My Porch Carrying The Head Of His Vanquished Enemy

    liedel Report

    #54

    Eels In The Stream At Battle Hill Farm

    Eels In The Stream At Battle Hill Farm

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    #55

    Found Out The House We Are Living In Has A Bunker Below. I Managed To Squeeze My Phone In One Of The Cracks Of The Door To Take This Creepy Picture

    Found Out The House We Are Living In Has A Bunker Below. I Managed To Squeeze My Phone In One Of The Cracks Of The Door To Take This Creepy Picture

    Colombianthunder Report

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    Mark Fergel
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Several names. Camel crickets in my area. Dang things are a pain in the b***.

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    #56

    Found An Icicle Held Only By A Spider's Web

    Found An Icicle Held Only By A Spider's Web

    Momizer Report

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    M.Shallow
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That looks really wrong. Or maybe it's just because I have a dirty mind.

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    #57

    Found In Mexico. Battle To The Death

    Found In Mexico. Battle To The Death

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    Ellis
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Judging by the snake’s shape, that thing with legs is already halfway in the snake. Am I right?

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    #58

    Oregon Fires Next To A Golf Course

    Oregon Fires Next To A Golf Course

    Kolsefur Report

    #59

    My Inlaws Are In A Bit Of A Froggy Situation Right Now

    My Inlaws Are In A Bit Of A Froggy Situation Right Now

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    #61

    A Lizard On Its Final Journey

    A Lizard On Its Final Journey

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    #62

    Something Crawled Through The Keyhole And Made A Hive In The Garage Door Handle

    Something Crawled Through The Keyhole And Made A Hive In The Garage Door Handle

    v-j Report

    #63

    These Ants Forming A Question Mark

    These Ants Forming A Question Mark

    DivineEnergies Report

    #64

    Thousands Of Mosquitos Outside Of My Window At Work

    Thousands Of Mosquitos Outside Of My Window At Work

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    #66

    So My Friend Got Something In His Eye While We Were Walking Home

    So My Friend Got Something In His Eye While We Were Walking Home

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    brown_panda
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    and you took a picture instead of getting it out. wow! we r intelligent beings.

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    #67

    This Sick Washed Up Gar Skeleton I Found

    This Sick Washed Up Gar Skeleton I Found

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    Zori the degu
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You kept it, didn't you? No, wait, there are probably laws for it, right? Gars are rare, after all. Pity, it's a nice skeleton for studies.

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    #68

    Millions Of Fire Ants Floating In Flooding From Harvey

    Millions Of Fire Ants Floating In Flooding From Harvey

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    #69

    Fireants Create A Floating Island Of Themselves To Ride Out The Houston Flooding

    Fireants Create A Floating Island Of Themselves To Ride Out The Houston Flooding

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    #70

    This Coyote Froze Solid During The Recent Winter Storm (Pine Barrens, Southern New Jersey)

    This Coyote Froze Solid During The Recent Winter Storm (Pine Barrens, Southern New Jersey)

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