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If you think that you’ll ever encounter camouflage on the battlefield or deep in the jungle, you might not be quite right. There are plenty of optical illusions far closer to home. And they don’t require ghillie suits. All it takes is the right angle and lighting, and an animal, object, or person can blend right into their surroundings with near perfection.

Our team here at Bored Panda has traveled to the farthest reaches of the internet to compile this list of fantastic photos of accidental camouflage. They’re bound to make you do a double-take! Grab your binoculars, scroll down, and make sure to upvote your fave pics.

#1

I Painted At My Favorite Stream Today. I Think It Blends In Pretty Well

I Painted At My Favorite Stream Today. I Think It Blends In Pretty Well

bunkerbash Report

#3

A Cat That Plays Too Many Stealth Games

A Cat That Plays Too Many Stealth Games

reddit.com Report

The entire point of camouflage as a whole is to confuse the senses. People tend to rely very heavily on vision, so camouflage aims to hide someone or something with the help of fabric, paint, and patterns.

What colors and patterns end up being used on uniforms will depend a lot on the local terrain. For instance, shades of brown and yellow might be used in the desert, compared to browns and greens in wooded locales. Meanwhile, black, grey, and white will often be found on camo gear meant for snowy areas.

#4

My Brother Was Joking About How He Dresses Like A 5-Year-Old. Then He Found This

My Brother Was Joking About How He Dresses Like A 5-Year-Old. Then He Found This

dm919 Report

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Huddo's sister
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The kid's one should donate one pocket to the big one (my dad only buys shirts if they have a breast pocket).

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#5

I Didn't Think I'd Actually Lose In A Hide A Seek Game With My Nephew. Told Him To Pose For A Pic

I Didn't Think I'd Actually Lose In A Hide A Seek Game With My Nephew. Told Him To Pose For A Pic

NOCHNOY_ Report

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It’s not just people that use camouflage. It’s an integral part of survival in the animal kingdom. Broadly speaking, there are three main categories of camouflage. The first one is called background matching, where animals have colors and patterns that match their surroundings.

#7

This Is Aspen. She’s Visiting A Friend’s House For Dinner, But After Seeing The Rug She Thinks It’s Time To Leave. 13/10 Would Start The Car

This Is Aspen. She’s Visiting A Friend’s House For Dinner, But After Seeing The Rug She Thinks It’s Time To Leave. 13/10 Would Start The Car

dog_rates Report

#8

Just A Mat, Nothing More

Just A Mat, Nothing More

urkelnsfw Report

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Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

omg he/she looks like my dog!! he's white, and i have a floofy white rug, and he blends in lmao

Catharina Geerts
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, I really had to look twice! First I thought it was an impression of where he had been resting

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With background matching, animals are harder for predators to spot. That means that they survive longer and can end up passing their genes down more effectively because they have more time to breed. Chameleons, for instance, are legendary for their ability to change their color to match their surroundings.

#10

My Handsome Boy Using Camouflage At The Vet

My Handsome Boy Using Camouflage At The Vet

catjesuslol Report

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#12

Had No Idea My Wife Was Partly Dog

Had No Idea My Wife Was Partly Dog

mepfeiff Report

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mulk
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

kind of centaur`? a Dogtaur? [edit: misspelling, wrote "Dagtaur"]

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The second type of camo is known as disruptive coloration. It’s a tad sneakier. Essentially, it breaks up the outline of the animal’s body, making it more difficult for predators to home in on them.

One example of this would be how stripes work on a zebra’s fur. Some animals, however, go the route of mimicry, where they imitate another animal or an inanimate object. Stick insects, (obviously) look like sticks.

#14

Almost Sat On My Dog Accidentally

Almost Sat On My Dog Accidentally

Jk_dragonght Report

However, nobody should think that camouflage somehow perfectly defends a person or an animal. That would be a huge mistake to make. It’s far better than nothing, but predators have evolved ways to spot their prey better.

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Some animals might be able to see into different spectrums, for example. Meanwhile, leaps and bounds in technology mean that people are constantly finding new ways to find what others try to hide.

#16

This Levitating Dirt Bike

This Levitating Dirt Bike

mickeyslim Report

#17

A Snowy Owl And An Owl Made Of Snow

A Snowy Owl And An Owl Made Of Snow

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#18

A Very Hairy Wedding Dress

A Very Hairy Wedding Dress

VisDev82 Report

Some predators have camouflage of their own to make sneaking easier and their hunts more successful. Tigers blend in with the tall grass thanks to their stripes. Octopuses change their texture and color to match their surroundings, avoid predators, and hunt their prey.

Meanwhile, polar bears have white fur, meaning that they blend into the snowy background of the Arctic. Polar bears’ skin is actually black and their hairs are translucent, so they appear white because of how they reflect the light. 

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#19

The Void Has Such A Good Camouflage. So Many Potential Pounce Places

The Void Has Such A Good Camouflage. So Many Potential Pounce Places

Chippedforsafety Report

#20

Parent's Dog On The Nearly Identical Rug

Parent's Dog On The Nearly Identical Rug

Psydreus Report

#21

The Truck In Front Of Us Lined Up Perfectly With The Mountains

The Truck In Front Of Us Lined Up Perfectly With The Mountains

SugmaDoink Report

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cerinamroth
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Accent is wrong on après - they could have asked anyone with basic French to proofread that (eyeroll).

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Ultimately, animals that develop camouflage that isn’t useful for the environment that they’re in typically do not survive. On the flip side, the animals that better match their surroundings have a higher chance of surviving and breeding. Their offspring will look similar to them. Gradually, over many generations, the animals will match their environments better and better.

#22

My Friend's Outfit Exactly Matched My Coffee Cup Today

My Friend's Outfit Exactly Matched My Coffee Cup Today

Brentusfirmus Report

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Huddo's sister
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a kid at a holiday program who accidentally wore the same colours of their drink bottle.

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#24

Sheer Coincidence

Sheer Coincidence

Khapoya Report

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How animals will develop camo and what types of colors and patterns end up being passed on also heavily depend on the types of predators that hunt in the area. As ‘How Stuff Works’ points out, there wouldn’t be a point to animals replicating the color of their surroundings if their predators were colorblind. If new predators end up in the area, this would also disrupt how various local species develop their natural camo.

#25

My Dog’s Camouflage Game Is Spot On

My Dog’s Camouflage Game Is Spot On

binarysmart Report

#27

This Chair Leg Blends In Very Well

This Chair Leg Blends In Very Well

toeofcamell Report

A huge issue is that due to climate change and rapid urbanization, the environments in which wildlife lives can change drastically. These changes might force some species to adapt quickly in order to survive in a landscape full of new colors, drastically changing how they look. It can also force species to migrate, creating new biospheres where camo that has served some animals for dozens if not hundreds of generations is no longer a viable strategy.

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If you'd like to see some more photos of accidental camouflage, be sure to check out Bored Panda's previous features once you're done enjoying this post.

#28

Aligned Shoes' And Escalator' Stripes

Aligned Shoes' And Escalator' Stripes

Xingua92 Report

#30

My Wife And I Were Quite Happy About Our New Rug Purchase. Sadly, Though, Our Dog Ran Away The Same Day

My Wife And I Were Quite Happy About Our New Rug Purchase. Sadly, Though, Our Dog Ran Away The Same Day

madbaddangerous2know Report

#31

A Few Years Ago I Caught The Fog Blending Almost Seamlessly With The Water

A Few Years Ago I Caught The Fog Blending Almost Seamlessly With The Water

Kubikake Report

#32

My Husband Ken Found A Mini Plastic Version Of Himself At HomeGoods

My Husband Ken Found A Mini Plastic Version Of Himself At HomeGoods

mizzroberts Report

#33

I No Longer Have A Cat, Just Two Croissants

I No Longer Have A Cat, Just Two Croissants

_Gree Report

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#34

I Tried To Take A Photo Of A Small Cat Whilst I Was About To Leave For My Doctor’s Appointment

I Tried To Take A Photo Of A Small Cat Whilst I Was About To Leave For My Doctor’s Appointment

Crustynutbutter Report

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mushroomman
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope that one day I have the ability to ✨disappear✨ when someone tries to look at me

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#35

A Feral Kitty Sleeping In Our 50-Year-Old Tree Trunk

A Feral Kitty Sleeping In Our 50-Year-Old Tree Trunk

bl4ck-lizard Report

#37

My Girlfriend's Cat That Blends Into His Bed

My Girlfriend's Cat That Blends Into His Bed

Comfortable_Funny91 Report

#38

Bet You Can't Tell Which One Is A Real Dog

Bet You Can't Tell Which One Is A Real Dog

PoonSwoggle Report

#39

Little Nyko Is The Reason I Can’t Just Jump Into Bed Anymore Without Thoroughly Scanning The Blanket First

Little Nyko Is The Reason I Can’t Just Jump Into Bed Anymore Without Thoroughly Scanning The Blanket First

moodymystik Report

#40

My Daughter's Shirt At The Art Museum

My Daughter's Shirt At The Art Museum

KingGizmotious Report

#41

Pic My Husband Took Of Me Passing Him A Pencil

Pic My Husband Took Of Me Passing Him A Pencil

kitschier Report

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#42

This Camouflaged Chair

This Camouflaged Chair

fartisfaction Report

#43

Can You See Her? My Friend’s Dog In Her Bed

Can You See Her? My Friend’s Dog In Her Bed

namonroe Report

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ConstantlyJon
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one actually got me for a second. The dog is on the bottom, but the bed looks kinda like a dog head in the top right corner, as if its nose is touching at 2 o'clock.

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#44

Accidentally Recreated My Kitchen Counter's Pattern On A Plate While Seasoning A Burger

Accidentally Recreated My Kitchen Counter's Pattern On A Plate While Seasoning A Burger

Tiddleyjuggs Report

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Phobrek
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That counter would make me unhappy. Is that a crumb of something? No. Is that? Maybe...

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#45

My Poor Choice Of Dinner Attire

My Poor Choice Of Dinner Attire

walters89 Report

#46

My Face Mask Dried Unevenly And Now Matches My Sweatshirt

My Face Mask Dried Unevenly And Now Matches My Sweatshirt

Monsteradeliciosous Report

#47

These Pants vs. The Gravel

These Pants vs. The Gravel

canusa101 Report

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Petra
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just goes to show that cheetahs camouflage themselves very well!

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#48

This Frog Blends In With The Concrete Bench It Is Sitting On

This Frog Blends In With The Concrete Bench It Is Sitting On

scottsinct Report

#49

Every Time I Take My Glasses Off In Bed I Lose Them For A Minute

Every Time I Take My Glasses Off In Bed I Lose Them For A Minute

lets-work-together Report

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GlixDrap
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I misplaced my computer glassed. Looked all over the place for them. Turned up 3 weeks later in the washing machine (they did survive). Don't ask, I have no idea - no kids at home before anyone asks.

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#51

Noticed This Ad In The Mail And Couldn't Help But Notice A Similarity

Noticed This Ad In The Mail And Couldn't Help But Notice A Similarity

DiepSleep Report

#52

Mayble Has Perfected The Art Of Camouflage

Mayble Has Perfected The Art Of Camouflage

PixelatedStitch Report

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David A Paterson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's a beautiful video of a walking Dalmatian somewhere. It completely vanishes when it stands still.

#54

Went To The Grand Canyon A Few Weeks Ago. I Had Seen This Camper And Thought It Was Ironic, Didn’t Realize How Perfectly It Lined Up Until Today

Went To The Grand Canyon A Few Weeks Ago. I Had Seen This Camper And Thought It Was Ironic, Didn’t Realize How Perfectly It Lined Up Until Today

560guy Report

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#56

A Lot Of Leopard Going On

A Lot Of Leopard Going On

reddit.com Report

#57

Just A Couch With Pillows

Just A Couch With Pillows

ChicagoRex Report

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#59

These Chips Were Camouflaged On My Countertop

These Chips Were Camouflaged On My Countertop

radroman Report

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#61

We Found Neighboring Houses With The Same Colors As Our Jackets

We Found Neighboring Houses With The Same Colors As Our Jackets

pantalooon Report

#62

My Leggings Matched The Chair At The Vacation Rental

My Leggings Matched The Chair At The Vacation Rental

EmeraldOwl11 Report

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Ace
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just spent about five minutes trying to match the pattern up exactly; didn't quite succeed... ETA: got it now, couple of seams threw me. Yes, it is exactly the same.

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#63

My Dog And Boyfriend’s Hair Match

My Dog And Boyfriend’s Hair Match

melflaelff Report

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#64

The Way The Sky Reflected Off The Glass At Sunset Made The Balconies Look As Though They Were Floating

The Way The Sky Reflected Off The Glass At Sunset Made The Balconies Look As Though They Were Floating

Sure_K_Fine_Whatevs Report

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#65

Just Looked Down At The Floor In My Hotel Room

Just Looked Down At The Floor In My Hotel Room

Garr52 Report

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#66

She Was The Show

She Was The Show

TheSaih Report

#68

My Dog Is Really Well-Camouflaged On This Carpet

My Dog Is Really Well-Camouflaged On This Carpet

RB9k Report

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#69

Not Sure What We Expected Wearing Plaid At A Canadian Bar

Not Sure What We Expected Wearing Plaid At A Canadian Bar

Normal_Blueberry Report

#71

My Ceiling Fan Looks Like It’s Missing A Blade In The Right Lighting

My Ceiling Fan Looks Like It’s Missing A Blade In The Right Lighting

Flaky_Ad_7205 Report

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#72

I Found Some Candles At Work Today That Matched My Nails

I Found Some Candles At Work Today That Matched My Nails

Snurptastic Report

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#73

The Sky's And Sea's Colors Blended In So Well Yesterday, That It Seemed Like They Had Become One

The Sky's And Sea's Colors Blended In So Well Yesterday, That It Seemed Like They Had Become One

uoll-n Report

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#74

The Way Her Hair Blends In With The Grass

The Way Her Hair Blends In With The Grass

augustostberg Report

#75

Nap Time Away From Her Litter. Love That She Feels Safe Enough To Relax On My Porch

Nap Time Away From Her Litter. Love That She Feels Safe Enough To Relax On My Porch

Lolli_R1 Report

#77

Spent About 10 Minutes Looking For My Dad's Dog

Spent About 10 Minutes Looking For My Dad's Dog

Sherman_Beardman Report

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#78

Splooting In The Cow Hide

Splooting In The Cow Hide

TheLegosaurus Report

#80

My Brother's Dog Jake

My Brother's Dog Jake

Swaisian1 Report

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#81

How This Cracker Blends In With My Kitchen Worktop

How This Cracker Blends In With My Kitchen Worktop

dial888 Report

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#82

My Leather Wallet Was Camouflaged With The Poker Table's Arm Rest

My Leather Wallet Was Camouflaged With The Poker Table's Arm Rest

boysoyroy Report

#84

My Frenchie Disappeared, Help

My Frenchie Disappeared, Help

1sTlm34N1lvSi0N Report

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Woltax
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cutie! But hope Frenchie is from animal shelter and not from breeder.🙈

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#85

This Guy's "Safety Gear" Actually Camouflaged Him

This Guy's "Safety Gear" Actually Camouflaged Him

kirk-steele Report

#86

I Made A Boston Subway Seat Matching Set

I Made A Boston Subway Seat Matching Set

passthegoldenbutter Report

#87

In The Subway Today

In The Subway Today

raketentreibstoff Report

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#88

Looked Down And Realized That My Adidas Ultraboost Match The Carpet At Work

Looked Down And Realized That My Adidas Ultraboost Match The Carpet At Work

mixtape82 Report

#89

The Way This Ivy Blends With The Back Of This House (Hudson, NY)

The Way This Ivy Blends With The Back Of This House (Hudson, NY)

ratttttty Report

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#90

This Christmas Tree Has Legs

This Christmas Tree Has Legs

dabason Report

#91

Find The Backpack On The Jacket. Perfect Fit

Find The Backpack On The Jacket. Perfect Fit

reddit.com Report

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#92

I Lose The Remote At Some Point Every Single Day

I Lose The Remote At Some Point Every Single Day

eelannalee Report

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The Deez
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

LOL! We added a tennis ball to the end of our Firestick remote because we kept losing it down the crack in the sofa!

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#93

I Didn’t Know This Sweater Came In With A Chair

I Didn’t Know This Sweater Came In With A Chair

SarahJulie18 Report

#94

Staying At A Hotel For A Wedding In Wisconsin, And My Friend's Shirt Blends In With The Furniture

Staying At A Hotel For A Wedding In Wisconsin, And My Friend's Shirt Blends In With The Furniture

Rocky4OnDVD Report

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#95

I Slid My Shoes Off For A Second At Work Today And My Coworker Noticed That My Feet Vanished

I Slid My Shoes Off For A Second At Work Today And My Coworker Noticed That My Feet Vanished

Local_Crow Report

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#96

Punter Walks In Like This The Day I Got New Menus Delivered

Punter Walks In Like This The Day I Got New Menus Delivered

LexGixxerRider Report

#97

Lost My T-Shirt On My Unmade Bed

Lost My T-Shirt On My Unmade Bed

The_Weirdo_Beardo Report

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#98

Liked That Coincidence

Liked That Coincidence

madmina99 Report

#99

Lady On My Flight Wore Her Camouflage Shoes

Lady On My Flight Wore Her Camouflage Shoes

mritaki Report

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#100

My Dog Blending With The Floor

My Dog Blending With The Floor

SAVARD3435 Report

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#101

First Time This Happened In The Newly-Remodeled Shower. I Was Immediately Upset

First Time This Happened In The Newly-Remodeled Shower. I Was Immediately Upset

KNOTwendy Report

#103

The Fabric Of A Shirt At A Thrift Store Is The Same As My Scrunchie

The Fabric Of A Shirt At A Thrift Store Is The Same As My Scrunchie

maddiepuppy31 Report

#104

My Shoes Blend In With A Public Bathroom Floor

My Shoes Blend In With A Public Bathroom Floor

qyteria Report

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#105

Almost Couldn’t Find It

Almost Couldn’t Find It

xmastyme Report

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#106

This Pan Matches My Sink

This Pan Matches My Sink

cosmyjtg Report

#107

Forbidden Giant Nature Valley Bar

Forbidden Giant Nature Valley Bar

QuintoJinete Report

#108

Okay But Where Is The Storage Bin?

Okay But Where Is The Storage Bin?

RonPalancik Report

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#109

My Socks On The Bathroom Rug

My Socks On The Bathroom Rug

sandbee2 Report

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#110

Can I Get $100 On "Christ That's Lucky" Please Jim

Can I Get $100 On "Christ That's Lucky" Please Jim

Starskeyhq Report

#111

My Wrap Is Camouflaged On The Bench

My Wrap Is Camouflaged On The Bench

averysadbunny Report

#112

Poor Shirt Choice At A Mexican Restaurant

Poor Shirt Choice At A Mexican Restaurant

-GinjaNinja- Report

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#114

Got A New Carpet And Lost My Wife’s Feet

Got A New Carpet And Lost My Wife’s Feet

tonxsmash47 Report

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#115

My Uber Driver And I Matched

My Uber Driver And I Matched

buterbetterbater Report

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#116

My Girlfriend's Pajamas Camouflage (Sort Of) With The Bed Sheets

My Girlfriend's Pajamas Camouflage (Sort Of) With The Bed Sheets

DadBangz Report

#117

My Girlfriend Thought She Lost Me At The Art Gallery Today

My Girlfriend Thought She Lost Me At The Art Gallery Today

Leuke Report

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#119

Camouflage Socks

Camouflage Socks

elansealybass Report

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#120

My Niece's Shoes At A Beach Side Restaurant

My Niece's Shoes At A Beach Side Restaurant

Strange-Act7264 Report

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