Learn More About The Animals That You Love - https://mymodernmet.com/category/animals/ The Big City That Celebrates Creative Ideas Sun, 05 May 2024 17:15:44 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://mymodernmet.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-My-Modern-Met-Favicon-1-32x32.png Learn More About The Animals That You Love - https://mymodernmet.com/category/animals/ 32 32 Incredible 4K Footage of Sweeping Starling Murmuration Over the Yorkshire Wetlands https://mymodernmet.com/winter-starling-murmuration-yorkshire-4k/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Sat, 04 May 2024 12:55:08 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=665620 Incredible 4K Footage of Sweeping Starling Murmuration Over the Yorkshire Wetlands

Starling murmurations are one of the most mind-blowing phenomena of the animal kingdom. Before dusk, thousands of these birds fly in a group, twisting and swirling to form shape-shifting dark clouds. Wildlife artist and filmmaker Robert E. Fuller captured sweeping 4K footage of a winter starling murmuration over the Ripon City Wetlands in Yorkshire, England. […]

READ: Incredible 4K Footage of Sweeping Starling Murmuration Over the Yorkshire Wetlands

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Incredible 4K Footage of Sweeping Starling Murmuration Over the Yorkshire Wetlands

Starling murmurations are one of the most mind-blowing phenomena of the animal kingdom. Before dusk, thousands of these birds fly in a group, twisting and swirling to form shape-shifting dark clouds. Wildlife artist and filmmaker Robert E. Fuller captured sweeping 4K footage of a winter starling murmuration over the Ripon City Wetlands in Yorkshire, England. The spectacular video offers a front-row seat to this breathtaking natural spectacle.

“Starling murmurations are one of Britain's greatest wildlife spectacles. Studies suggest the birds congregate in great swirling masses to confuse predators,” explains Fuller on his YouTube Channel. “This was filmed at Ripon City Wetlands, a wildlife reserve managed by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.”

The starlings make it to this area of the United Kingdom during the winter to escape the colder weather of Scandinavia. There, they are able to congregate for the season before disbanding in the spring. These formations work against predators because it makes it harder for them to focus on a single individual or simply scares them off, given the sheer size of the black cloud of birds. This is a prime example that there truly is power in numbers.

For all the beauty of these murmurations, their inner workings remain a mystery for ornithologists, especially as to how communication works among the birds. “Scientists say each starling keeps an eye on six to nine of those flying nearest to them,” Jono Leadley, North Region Manager for The Wildlife Trust, tells the Harrrogate Advertiser. “If their neighbors move, then they follow, creating a wave without hitting each other. Everything about the experience, from the sound to the synchronized aerial dance, is a staggeringly beautiful spectacle.”

Robert E. Fuller: Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram
h/t: [Laughing Squid]

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READ: Incredible 4K Footage of Sweeping Starling Murmuration Over the Yorkshire Wetlands

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Ancient Burial Site Reveals Foxes May Have Been Human‘s Best Friend Before Dogs https://mymodernmet.com/foxes-humans-best-friend/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Fri, 03 May 2024 16:35:17 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=669020 Ancient Burial Site Reveals Foxes May Have Been Human‘s Best Friend Before Dogs

Dogs and cats have been human's most popular pet companions throughout history. But it turns out, another mammal could have once held a similar rank. A 1,500-year-old burial site found in Patagonia, Argentina, features a human skeleton laid to rest alongside a fox. This unique placement sparked questions about the bond these two may have […]

READ: Ancient Burial Site Reveals Foxes May Have Been Human‘s Best Friend Before Dogs

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Ancient Burial Site Reveals Foxes May Have Been Human‘s Best Friend Before Dogs

Photo: VolodymyrBur/Depositphotos

Dogs and cats have been human's most popular pet companions throughout history. But it turns out, another mammal could have once held a similar rank. A 1,500-year-old burial site found in Patagonia, Argentina, features a human skeleton laid to rest alongside a fox. This unique placement sparked questions about the bond these two may have shared during their lifetimes.

A group of scientists launched an investigation on this archeological site, publishing their findings in the Royal Society Open Science. The human-fox pair is part of the larger archeological site of Cañada Seca. Originally discovered in 1991, it contains the remains of at least 24 members of a hunter-gatherer community.

Before the research was done, even the species of the furry companion was a mystery. First thought of as an unknown canid, likely a gray fox. The researchers determined that the fox was of the Dusicyon avus type, a now-extinct species that roamed South America until around 500 years ago.

By conducting in-depth genetic, morphological, and isotopic analyses of the ancient bones, they were not only able to learn about the fox, but also the relationship to its human. A carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis in the fox bones revealed that it had a a human-like diet, as it had more greens and less meat than a wild fox would usually eat. This pointed to a pattern of “systematic feeding,” meaning that the fox was “a valuable individual” and likely “a companion or a pet for the hunter-gatherers during the late Holocene.”

The carbon analysis of the fox's bones also indicate that it was buried at around the same time as its grave mate. “Although the reasons for its inclusion in a mortuary context remain unclear, the most plausible explanation is that this fox was a valuable companion to the hunter-gatherer groups,” write the study authors. “Its strong bond with human individuals during its life would have been the primary factor for its placement as a grave good after the death of its owners or the people with whom it interacted.”

As for the fox species as a whole, researchers believe their extinction may be attributed to a combination of climate change and human interference—contrary to the thought that they disappeared after breeding with domestic dogs. They conclude: “While hybridization may have influenced population dynamics to some extent, its contribution to the extinction event appears to be limited by the lack of fertile offspring.”

A 1,500-year-old burial site features a human skeleton laid to rest alongside a fox. This unique placement sparked questions about the bond these two may have shared.

Photo: pimleijen/Depositphotos

h/t: [IFL Science]

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READ: Ancient Burial Site Reveals Foxes May Have Been Human‘s Best Friend Before Dogs

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Make Room for Your Kitty in Your Workspace in a Stylish Way With this Desk Nest Cat Bed https://mymodernmet.com/desk-nest-cat-bed-kickstarter/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Fri, 03 May 2024 13:50:14 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=670050 Make Room for Your Kitty in Your Workspace in a Stylish Way With this Desk Nest Cat Bed

Many people who work from home love the extra time that gives them with their beloved pets. But as anyone with a cat will tell you, the situation can be a little tricky. Best case scenario, they may just lie next to you on the ground or perhaps settle on your lap. Most likely, though, […]

READ: Make Room for Your Kitty in Your Workspace in a Stylish Way With this Desk Nest Cat Bed

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Make Room for Your Kitty in Your Workspace in a Stylish Way With this Desk Nest Cat Bed
Cat sitting on wooden Desk Nest cat bed next to computer

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Many people who work from home love the extra time that gives them with their beloved pets. But as anyone with a cat will tell you, the situation can be a little tricky. Best case scenario, they may just lie next to you on the ground or perhaps settle on your lap. Most likely, though, kitties can be much quirkier (and sometimes naughtier) than that and they like to block screens and sprawl across keyboards. But what if they had a dedicated space next to you without disturbing your work day? The Desk Nest Cat Bed may be the answer.

The company behind this new piece of pet furniture, Quantum Mango, describes the Desk Nest Cat Bed as a “lifestyle upgrade for people who want to keep their beloved cats close without interruptions, compromising workspace or comfort.” This round bed rises over your desk, standing 12 inches tall on a 4.5-inch round metal base. Despite its tiny size, it can hold up to 25 pounds, and it is able to spin a full 360º around.

The Desk Nest Cat Bed is also easy to set up, without the need to drill or permanently modify your desk. All you have to do is attach the bed to the edge of your desk, adjust it to where you want it to be, and then just place your cat. For extra safety and coziness, the bed features raised walls and a padded cushion.

While it was designed with people who work from home in mind, the Desk Nest Cat Bed is also suited for students and gamers. Its clever design lets your furry friend get comfortable and stay close while keeping your workspace tidy and optimized. Its stylish design also comes in two colors—walnut and white oak—allowing it fit right in with just about any office decor.

This Desk Nest Cat Bed is so beloved that its fundraising campaign has already been fully funded. In fact, it was funded in only six minutes! If you'd like to get one for your feline coworker, you can buy it for a special price on Kickstarter.

What if your cat had a dedicated space next to you at your home office? Take a look at the clever Desk Nest Cat Bed.

Cat sitting on wooden Desk Nest cat bed next to woman writing on the computer

This round bed rises over your desk, standing 12 inches tall on a 4.5-inch round metal base. Despite its tiny size, it can hold up to 25 lbs and spin a full 360º around.

Cat sitting on wooden Desk Nest cat bed next to computer

For extra safety and coziness, the bed features raised walls and a padded cushion.

Cat sitting on wooden Desk Nest cat bed next to computer

If you'd like to get one for your feline coworker, you can buy it now for a discounted early bird price on Kickstarter.

Cats sitting on wooden Desk Nest cat bed next to computer

Quantum Mango: Website | Kickstarter

All images via Quantum Mango.

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READ: Make Room for Your Kitty in Your Workspace in a Stylish Way With this Desk Nest Cat Bed

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These Orangutan Videos Show off How Smart the Critically Endangered Primates Are https://mymodernmet.com/orangutan-videos/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Thu, 02 May 2024 16:35:52 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=670148 These Orangutan Videos Show off How Smart the Critically Endangered Primates Are

Orangutans are majestic primates who share 97% of their DNA with humans. These deliberate and capable animals are known for their ingenuity and ability to use simple logic. Unfortunately, both Bornean and Sumatran orangutans are critically endangered due to deforestation, fires, poaching, and the illegal pet trade. Luckily, there are organizations like Borneo Orangutan Survival […]

READ: These Orangutan Videos Show off How Smart the Critically Endangered Primates Are

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These Orangutan Videos Show off How Smart the Critically Endangered Primates Are
Orangutan in a tree in Indonesia

Photo: matejh/Depositphotos

Orangutans are majestic primates who share 97% of their DNA with humans. These deliberate and capable animals are known for their ingenuity and ability to use simple logic. Unfortunately, both Bornean and Sumatran orangutans are critically endangered due to deforestation, fires, poaching, and the illegal pet trade. Luckily, there are organizations like Borneo Orangutan Survival Australia (BOSA) that are working for the survival of the species.

While the non-profit works to protect existing rainforest habitat and rescue, rehabilitate, and reintroduce orangutans into the wild, a large part of its mission is to educate the public about these incredible animals. BOSA often posts videos that show the remarkable behavior of these primates, providing an important reminder of what we stand to lose if we don't come to their rescue.

In one video, we join volunteers as they meet up with rescued orangutans at a sanctuary in Borneo. It's incredible to see the primates in their own habitat, following the boat as it floats down the river and gratefully extending a hand to accept the food offered. Another informational video shows how orangutans build their nests. Their careful foraging and skillful weaving are just further demonstration of their intelligence.

Part of the important work BOSA does is to equip orphaned orangutans with the life skills they need to survive in the wild. It's a critical issue, as many orangutans lose their families at a young age. In this “jungle school,” orphaned orangutans learn to forage, recognize predators, build nests, and much more. Once they “graduate,” they are then able to be released into the wild. Clips of these orphaned orangutans fill the organization's Instagram feed and are an incredible look at how these primates learn.

With fewer than 14,000 Sumatran orangutans and 57,000 Bornean orangutans left in the wild, BOSA's work is more important than ever. Orangutans face an uphill battle. In just 16 years, from 1999 to 2015, more than half of Borneo's orangutan population was wiped out. According to BOSA, without effective habitat protection, the species will be extinct in 10 to 20 years. By donating to these organizations and learning more about these primates, you can do your part to turn back the tide.

Orangutans are incredible primates that are closely related to humans.

Unfortunately, both Bornean and Sumatran orangutans are critically endangered.

By posting videos of their behaviors, Borneo Survival Australia hopes to raise awareness.

The non-profit runs a “jungle school” to teach orphaned orangutans life skills.

Then, they are released into the wild.


Borneo Orangutan Survival Australia: Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

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READ: These Orangutan Videos Show off How Smart the Critically Endangered Primates Are

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Kitty Wearing Camera Captures POV of a Thrilling Cat Chase https://mymodernmet.com/cat-chase-pov/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Tue, 30 Apr 2024 17:30:07 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=669803 Kitty Wearing Camera Captures POV of a Thrilling Cat Chase

@ih.gcj #catsoftiktok ♬ original sound – Ih Gcj Have you ever wondered what your pet gets up to all day? One TikToker (known simply as ih.gcj) recently decided that they were tired of pondering and attached a small camera to their cat's collar to keep track of what their daily routine was like. The results […]

READ: Kitty Wearing Camera Captures POV of a Thrilling Cat Chase

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Kitty Wearing Camera Captures POV of a Thrilling Cat Chase
@ih.gcj #catsoftiktok ♬ original sound – Ih Gcj

Have you ever wondered what your pet gets up to all day? One TikToker (known simply as ih.gcj) recently decided that they were tired of pondering and attached a small camera to their cat's collar to keep track of what their daily routine was like. The results may not have been quite what they expected, but they are extremely entertaining nonetheless.

Thanks to the camera, internet users were treated to a video of a high-speed chase from the cat's point of view. It shows our feline tour guide chasing another cat outside of an apartment complex. The purr-suit is seriously intense, filled with hissing, panting, and a brief scrap between the two cats, during which the camera goes black and all we can hear are the noises of an active cat fight. The animals run beneath cars, leap over mopeds, and streak across grass and pavement at breakneck speed, all in a dazzling display of purr-kour.

It’s hard to look away during the chase, anticipating a final showdown between the cats with an ultimate victor; but, unfortunately, the video cuts off before we see whether or not the cat successfully catches up to its foe. It's hard to say what the offending feline did to enrage the other so deeply, but hopefully fights like these are rare and both cats got away unscathed. Regardless, the video certainly took watchers on a wild ride. Many viewers point out the similarities between the captured footage and scenes from nail-biting action movies; some even argue it's better than most blockbusters out there.

If you found yourself unable to look away, you're in luck. It looks like the pet owner’s entire TikTok account is dedicated to addictive videos such as these. Their cat is undeniably the faceless star of this POV show and strangers around the world are tuning in to see what mischief they get up to next.

Scroll down to see more videos of this feisty feline and follow them on TikTok for more adventures.

A pet owner decided to stick a camera on their cat to see what they got up to on the streets.

@ih.gcj #catsoftiktok ♬ original sound – Ih Gcj

It turns out this kitty has a full life filled with friends, enemies, and perhaps frenemies.

@ih.gcj #catsoftiktok ♬ original sound – Ih Gcj

@ih.gcj #catsoftiktok ♬ original sound – Ih Gcj

@ih.gcj #catsoftiktok ♬ original sound – Ih Gcj

ih.gcj: TikTok
h/t: [Neatorama]

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READ: Kitty Wearing Camera Captures POV of a Thrilling Cat Chase

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Tiny Fish the Size of a Fingernail Can Produce Noises as Loud as an Elephant https://mymodernmet.com/danionella-cerebrum-noise/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Sun, 28 Apr 2024 12:55:28 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=658560 Tiny Fish the Size of a Fingernail Can Produce Noises as Loud as an Elephant

A recent study discovered that a transparent fish native to Myanmar called Danionella cerebrum is capable of making sounds that exceed 140 decibels, which rivals the sound of a firecracker, an elephant blowing its trunk, or an airplane taking off approximately 330 feet away. Producing noise of that volume would be an accomplishment for any […]

READ: Tiny Fish the Size of a Fingernail Can Produce Noises as Loud as an Elephant

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Tiny Fish the Size of a Fingernail Can Produce Noises as Loud as an Elephant

A recent study discovered that a transparent fish native to Myanmar called Danionella cerebrum is capable of making sounds that exceed 140 decibels, which rivals the sound of a firecracker, an elephant blowing its trunk, or an airplane taking off approximately 330 feet away. Producing noise of that volume would be an accomplishment for any creature, but it becomes even more impressive upon learning that the fish is no more than half an inch (13.5 millimeters) long.

How is the Danionella cerebrum capable of making such loud noises? The answer, according to scientists, lies within their swim bladders. According to the report, a special muscle pulls a fish's rib close to a ridged piece of cartilage. When the muscle is relaxed, the rib collides with the swim bladder, which results in a loud drumming noise.

Interestingly, only male members of the species can produce this drumming sound. Scientists still don't know why this is the case, as males have harder ribs than females. And while they also aren't sure why these tiny fish make such loud noises, there are a few theories. Researchers believe that it could either be a way to help them navigate cloudy water or a defense mechanism to deter potential predators.

“We assume that competition between males in this visually restricted environment contributed to the development of the special mechanism for acoustic communication,” shares Dr. Ralf Britz, lead author of this study and head of section ichthyology of the Senckenberg Natural History Collections in Dresden. (He was also part of the team that discovered the species in 2021.)

The Danionella cerebrum is far from the only sea creature with the ability to create incredible sounds, however. The snapping shrimp, for instance, is able to create popping sounds with their claws that can measure up to 218 decibels. This sound is so loud that it can create a shockwave strong enough to kill its prey instantaneously.

For an example of the sound that the Danionella cerebrum creates, check out the video below.

A recent study revealed that a tiny fish is capable of making a sound louder than a jet engine taking off.

h/t: [CNN]

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READ: Tiny Fish the Size of a Fingernail Can Produce Noises as Loud as an Elephant

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Dog Changes Completely From Black to White Over the Course of Two Years Due to Skin Condition https://mymodernmet.com/buster-dog-vitiligo/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Tue, 23 Apr 2024 19:20:12 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=668712 Dog Changes Completely From Black to White Over the Course of Two Years Due to Skin Condition

One of the most endearing aspects of living with a dog is seeing them grow up and change. Many go from naughty little puppies to faithful companions, all while becoming several times bigger. For a dog named Buster, the changes were a bit more different. Over the last two and a half years, Buster's fur […]

READ: Dog Changes Completely From Black to White Over the Course of Two Years Due to Skin Condition

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Dog Changes Completely From Black to White Over the Course of Two Years Due to Skin Condition
Close up on black dog in front of black background

Photo: mythja/Depositphotos (Not an actual photo of Buster the dog.)

One of the most endearing aspects of living with a dog is seeing them grow up and change. Many go from naughty little puppies to faithful companions, all while becoming several times bigger. For a dog named Buster, the changes were a bit more different. Over the last two and a half years, Buster's fur has completely changed from black to white.

The process was documented by Buster's human, Matt Smith. In late 2021, when Buster was only 2 years old, the dog was diagnosed with vitiligo. This skin condition is due to an autoimmune disorder that causes patches of skin to lose pigment or color. After taking him to the vet, Smith was told to keep an eye out for other skin issues or irritation, but otherwise there was nothing wrong with Buster's health.

Buster's vitiligo first showed up as patches around his eyes and chin. In less than nine months, his face was almost covered in white, giving him the appearance of a pup who played a little too long in the snow. Interested in keeping a record of the changes, Smith continued to dutifully photograph his dog.

Almost two years after his diagnosis, Buster looks completely different. Smith's images show Buster slowly losing his color—first around his face and then the rest of his body. At a certain point, he looked like a border collie, with the black pigment just showing up on the sides of his body. Then, he started to resemble a Dalmatian with black spots. “He would lose his black fur and new white fur would come in,” Smith wrote. “So there was a point in time where he was balding in areas until his fresh fluffy white fur grew in”

And now, the 4-year-old dog has gone from a completely black pup to an all-white dog. People with vitiligo have expressed their love for this dog, and others have even drawn out some clever pop culture references. Could Buster's ink toner be low? One Redditor compared him to the journey of Gandalf, explaining his changes as going from “Buster the Gray” to “Buster the White.” Others referenced Michael Jackson, who was diagnosed with vitiligo. A Redditor summarized this loving comparison as “He protecc. He attacc. But most importantly, He He.”

Meet Buster, a dog diagnosed with vitiligo.

Buster has vitiligo (also pictured: Rowdy)
byu/TallyMatty inrarepuppers

At first, Buster's vitiligo showed up as patches around his eyes and chin.

[OC] My dog Buster has the skin condition vitiligo. It causes depigmentation of the skin (and fur). The left photo is from 9 months ago. The right photo was taken today!
byu/TallyMatty inaww

Over the last two and a half years, Buster's fur has completely changed from black to white.

My boy Buster (4yo) has completely changed from black to white over the course of the last 2.5 years.
byu/TallyMatty inaww

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READ: Dog Changes Completely From Black to White Over the Course of Two Years Due to Skin Condition

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Arctic Researchers Get Surprised by Polar Bear Visitors While Making Breakfast https://mymodernmet.com/polar-bears-outside-window-research-station/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Mon, 22 Apr 2024 21:10:15 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=666679 Arctic Researchers Get Surprised by Polar Bear Visitors While Making Breakfast

Many unique creatures call the Arctic home, but few humans have the luxury of ever getting face-to-face with these animals. In late March, meteorologist Katarzyna Kudłacz was making breakfast at her research station on the tiny island of Spitsbergen, when she realized that she had a small group of visitors watching her from outside the […]

READ: Arctic Researchers Get Surprised by Polar Bear Visitors While Making Breakfast

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Arctic Researchers Get Surprised by Polar Bear Visitors While Making Breakfast
Nature - polar bear on drifting ice with snow feeding on killed seal, skeleton and blood, wildlife Svalbard, Norway. Beras with carcass, wildlife nature. Carcass with blue sky and clouds.

Photo: OndrejProsicky/Depositphotos (Not a photo of the actual polar bears.)

Many unique creatures call the Arctic home, but few humans have the luxury of ever getting face-to-face with these animals. In late March, meteorologist Katarzyna Kudłacz was making breakfast at her research station on the tiny island of Spitsbergen, when she realized that she had a small group of visitors watching her from outside the window. When she turned to look at them, she realized that her nosy visitors were polar bears.

Kudłacz and her fellow researchers at the Polish Polar Station Hornsund are no strangers to these creatures, as there are many just like them living in the area. Since they are wild animals, however, the researchers are careful to keep their distance. It is much more rare for the bears to come up to the windows of their station, which caused some surprise on the part of Kudłacz and her peers. Thankfully, they were able to peacefully drive the bears—a mother and two of her cubs—away from their station using noisemakers.

The research station posted photos and a video from their encounter on Facebook with the caption, “We didn’t need coffee to wake us up this morning.” As for Kudłacz, she isn't likely to forget her interaction with the curious bears anytime soon. “It was wonderful experience,” the meteorologist says. “But also a bit stressful.”

A meteorologist posted at a research station in the Arctic Ocean was startled to find a family of polar bears staring in through the window as they watched her make breakfast.

Polish Polar Station Hornsund: Website | Facebook
h/t: [The Dodo]

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READ: Arctic Researchers Get Surprised by Polar Bear Visitors While Making Breakfast

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Watch Penguin Chicks Jump off 50-Foot Ice Cliff To Go for Their First Swim in Unprecedented Footage https://mymodernmet.com/emperor-penguin-chicks-jump-off-cliff/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Wed, 17 Apr 2024 17:30:42 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=667392 Watch Penguin Chicks Jump off 50-Foot Ice Cliff To Go for Their First Swim in Unprecedented Footage

Baby penguins are born into the hostile conditions of Antarctica. The survival of a penguin chick requires attentive care from both of its parents, taking turns to keep the fledgling warm and fed. By the time they are 6 months old, penguin chicks go out on a daring adventure of their own—their first swim. A […]

READ: Watch Penguin Chicks Jump off 50-Foot Ice Cliff To Go for Their First Swim in Unprecedented Footage

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Watch Penguin Chicks Jump off 50-Foot Ice Cliff To Go for Their First Swim in Unprecedented Footage
Penguin Chicks Jumping Off Ice Shelf Edge for First Swim

Emperor penguin chicks jumping off the ice shelf edge for their first swim at Atka Bay on the Ekström Ice Shelf in Antarctica. (Photo: National Geographic/Bertie Gregory)

Baby penguins are born into the hostile conditions of Antarctica. The survival of a penguin chick requires attentive care from both of its parents, taking turns to keep the fledgling warm and fed. By the time they are 6 months old, penguin chicks go out on a daring adventure of their own—their first swim. A team of National Geographic videographers led by Bertie Gregory captured a thrilling video of baby penguins taking a leap of faith into the gelid waters.

“Since 2009, satellites have recorded evidence that some head towards sheer ice cliffs. What happens next has remained a mystery,” states the clip. While penguin chicks usually jump about 2 feet to take their first swim, this particular group of penguins spotted in January 2024 had to leap off of a 50-foot ice cliff.

The footage shows hundreds of penguins marching to the edge of the ice—they approximate that there were 700 hundred of them. Looking out into the sea, they can be seen surveying the landscape and hesitating about their next move. Suddenly, a brave penguin leaps into the water like an olympic diver. There is a moment of suspense, but then the daring chick is seen happily wading in the frigid waters. A few others follow its example, and that's when the commotion starts. As the curious penguins try to peek over the edge, they can't help but comically fall and plop into the water. Some mindlessly slip from the edge, while others willingly take the leap. On the way down, they bat their arms in panic, delivering an adorable belly flop.

This footage of the never-before-seen penguin dive is part of an upcoming television program titled Secrets of the Penguins, which will premiere on Earth Day 2025. To stay up to date with National Geographic, visit their website.

A team of National Geographic videographers led by Bertie Gregory visited Antarctica to track Emperor penguin chicks on a thrilling expedition.

The huddle of penguin chicks gathered at the edge of Atka Bay on the Ekström Ice Shelf, where they finally took the leap.

One after the other, the chicks started jumping, diving, and even comically falling into the frigid waters 50 feet below.

This remarkable footage is now the first of its kind to capture this behavior.

Watch the video of baby penguins taking a leap of faith into the gelid waters of Antarctica:

Bertie Gregory: Website | Instagram | Facebook
h/t: [Kottke]

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Man Shares Cute Clips of Driving With (And Being Driven By) His Adorable Dogs https://mymodernmet.com/artwood-photographer-driving-dogs/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Sun, 14 Apr 2024 12:50:17 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=656949 Man Shares Cute Clips of Driving With (And Being Driven By) His Adorable Dogs

  Ver esta publicación en Instagram   Una publicación compartida por ArtWood (@artwood.ig) For some people, two of the most relaxing things in life are hanging out with their dog and going for a drive. That's why when a Thailand-based photographer Kuttiya Kanchanasopawong, known as ArtWood, shares videos of his life featuring both, his followers […]

READ: Man Shares Cute Clips of Driving With (And Being Driven By) His Adorable Dogs

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Man Shares Cute Clips of Driving With (And Being Driven By) His Adorable Dogs

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por ArtWood (@artwood.ig)

For some people, two of the most relaxing things in life are hanging out with their dog and going for a drive. That's why when a Thailand-based photographer Kuttiya Kanchanasopawong, known as ArtWood, shares videos of his life featuring both, his followers can't help but daydream of a life like the one he leads. It's just him, his camera, his beloved dogs, and the road. What else could one ask for?

One of Kanchanasopawong's most popular clips shows him driving on a dirt road, with the afternoon sun lighting up the scene. Beside him, two of his Labrador retrievers—a pup and an adult—sleep belly up and cuddled together. They truly appear to be having the best nap of all time.

But for all of the scene's endearing qualities, Kanchanasopawong's followers know this is rarely how his adventures go. Actually, many of his posts show the adult dog in the driver's seat. Since the vehicle seems to be moving forward, he's created the illusion that the pooch is really driving. Meanwhile, the photographer and his other dogs get to doze off in the backseat or enjoy the view from the truck bed. The retriever is such a responsible driver that it even secured the pup in a child seat. Good dog!

Kanchanasopawong also likes to play with his dogs in different settings. They seem to enjoy riding a motorcycle together, although sometimes there's no room left for him, or he has to settle for the back seat. The pups have even taken over the photography duties, having ArtWood pose for the camera with the other dogs while they work behind the lens.

While the photographer has yet to reveal his secrets for achieving these beautiful images, we can only guess that having a huge expanse of land is the perfect environment for letting a dog “drive.” To stay up to date with Kanchanasopawong and his dog family, make sure to follow him on Instagram.

Thailand-based photographer Kuttiya Kanchanasopawong seems to lead a perfect life. It's just him, his camera, his beloved dogs, and the road.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por ArtWood (@artwood.ig)

While Kanchanasopawong loves to drive around with his Labrador retrievers, some of his most popular videos actually feature a pooch in the driver's seat.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por ArtWood (@artwood.ig)

Since the vehicle seems to be moving forward, he's created the illusion that the pooch is really driving.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por ArtWood (@artwood.ig)

Kanchanasopawong also likes to play with his dogs in different settings.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por ArtWood (@artwood.ig)

The dogs also seem to love going for a motorcycle ride—although the photographer has to settle for a backseat.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ArtWood (@artwood.ig)

Kuttiya Kanchanasopawong: Instagram | Facebook

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READ: Man Shares Cute Clips of Driving With (And Being Driven By) His Adorable Dogs

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