Photo Foolery: Animals and Insects
Weird, wacky images circulated on the Internet featuring quirky - if not downright bogus - denizens of the animal kingdom.
Image Gallery: Crazy Critters
A gallery of viral images depicting animals in a variety of credulity-stretching contexts: giant housepets, wayward predators, albino wildlife, and more. Some of these photos are authentic, others are fakes. See if you can tell which is which...
A gallery of viral images depicting animals in a variety of credulity-stretching contexts: giant housepets, wayward predators, albino wildlife, and more. Some of these photos are authentic, others are fakes. See if you can tell which is which...
412-Pound Deer Killed
Emailed photos allegedly show a 412-pound deer killed by a hunter in Clarion County, Pennsylvania (or in Nebraska -- take your pick).
Emailed photos allegedly show a 412-pound deer killed by a hunter in Clarion County, Pennsylvania (or in Nebraska -- take your pick).
800-Pound Razorback Hog Killed in Arkansas
Emailed photo shows a hunter posing beside a dead razorback hog purportedly 8 feet long and weighing 800 lbs.
Emailed photo shows a hunter posing beside a dead razorback hog purportedly 8 feet long and weighing 800 lbs.
Abandoned Black Lab Puppies Need a Home
September 2007 email flier of indeterminate origin purports to seek a home for six abandoned black lab mix puppies.
September 2007 email flier of indeterminate origin purports to seek a home for six abandoned black lab mix puppies.
Albino Fawn
Emailed images of an albino fawn found near Stanley, North Dakota, the Bolivar Peninsula in Texas, or West Liberty, Kentucky, depending on which version of the story you believe.
Emailed images of an albino fawn found near Stanley, North Dakota, the Bolivar Peninsula in Texas, or West Liberty, Kentucky, depending on which version of the story you believe.
Alligator with Deer in Its Mouth on Cross Lake
Emailed photos purportedly taken at Cross Lake, Louisiana show a gator moving through the water with a full-grown deer in its mouth.
Emailed photos purportedly taken at Cross Lake, Louisiana show a gator moving through the water with a full-grown deer in its mouth.
Animal-Human Hybrid?
Circulating via email, an unsettling photograph of what appears to be a half-human, half-animal creature suckling her hybrid offspring.
Circulating via email, an unsettling photograph of what appears to be a half-human, half-animal creature suckling her hybrid offspring.
Bear vs. Combine
Emailed photos taken in a cornfield in Illinois, Minnesota, or Wisconsin (depending on version) show a black bear awakened from hibernation by a combine harvester.
Emailed photos taken in a cornfield in Illinois, Minnesota, or Wisconsin (depending on version) show a black bear awakened from hibernation by a combine harvester.
Brown Recluse Spider Bite
Emailed photos purport to show the progressive deterioration of a wound caused by the bite of a brown recluse spider.
Emailed photos purport to show the progressive deterioration of a wound caused by the bite of a brown recluse spider.
Bungee Jumper vs. Crocodile
Emailed video of a grizzly encounter between a bungee jumper and the crocodile awaiting him in the river below.
Emailed video of a grizzly encounter between a bungee jumper and the crocodile awaiting him in the river below.
Camel Spiders Found in Iraq
Emailed photo taken by U.S. soldiers stationed in Iraq show a pair of huge, scary-looking arachnids called camel spiders. Do they really eat human flesh?
Emailed photo taken by U.S. soldiers stationed in Iraq show a pair of huge, scary-looking arachnids called camel spiders. Do they really eat human flesh?
Catfish Eats Basketball
Emailed photos show a flathead catfish with a child's basketball stuck in its mouth.
Emailed photos show a flathead catfish with a child's basketball stuck in its mouth.
Christian the Lion (Video)
Viral video tells the true, heartwarming tale of the reunion between Christian the Lion and the two men who adopted him as a cub in the 1970s.
Viral video tells the true, heartwarming tale of the reunion between Christian the Lion and the two men who adopted him as a cub in the 1970s.
Cougar on the Porch!
Authentic / Mislabeled: Emailed photos taken through a screen door show a cougar (mountain lion) prowling the porch or patio of someone's home.
Authentic / Mislabeled: Emailed photos taken through a screen door show a cougar (mountain lion) prowling the porch or patio of someone's home.
Crocodile Eats Golfer
Little did the Palm Beach golfer realize as he tramped off alone to the seventh hole that he was about to become Ol' Mose's last meal.
Little did the Palm Beach golfer realize as he tramped off alone to the seventh hole that he was about to become Ol' Mose's last meal.
Cyclops, the One-Eyed Kitten
Authentic emailed image of a one-eyed kitten named Cyclops who lived only one day before succumbing to a rare medical condition known as "holoprosencephaly."
Authentic emailed image of a one-eyed kitten named Cyclops who lived only one day before succumbing to a rare medical condition known as "holoprosencephaly."
Deep-Sea Creatures Washed Up on Phuket by Tsunami
Set of emailed images purports to show rare deep-sea creatures washed up on the beaches of Phuket, Thailand by the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004.
Set of emailed images purports to show rare deep-sea creatures washed up on the beaches of Phuket, Thailand by the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004.
Deer on a Pole
Emailed photos document the discovery of a dead deer high atop a power pole in a remote area of Baltimore (or Winnipeg, Manitoba, depending on version).
Emailed photos document the discovery of a dead deer high atop a power pole in a remote area of Baltimore (or Winnipeg, Manitoba, depending on version).
Dog Starved in the Name of Art?
Forwarded email urges recipients to sign a petition preventing artist "Habacuc" Guillermo Vargas (aka "Habakkuk") from participating in the Central American Biennial of Art because he created an exhibition in which a stray dog was allegedly starved to death in the name of art. Attached photos appear to be authentic.
Forwarded email urges recipients to sign a petition preventing artist "Habacuc" Guillermo Vargas (aka "Habakkuk") from participating in the Central American Biennial of Art because he created an exhibition in which a stray dog was allegedly starved to death in the name of art. Attached photos appear to be authentic.
Elephant Paints Self-Portrait (Video)
Viral video appears to show an elephant painting a "self-portrait" unguided by human hands.
Viral video appears to show an elephant painting a "self-portrait" unguided by human hands.
Giant Cat #1
Direct from our inbox, the email tale of an 87-pound housecat named "Snowball." You won't believe the photo!
Direct from our inbox, the email tale of an 87-pound housecat named "Snowball." You won't believe the photo!
Giant Cat #2
Despite its resemblance to the infamous "mutant cat" hoax above, this 2004 image appears to be authentic.
Despite its resemblance to the infamous "mutant cat" hoax above, this 2004 image appears to be authentic.
Giant Catfish Caught in Lake Texoma, TX
Emailed photo - apparently real - of a huge, 140-pound catfish supposedly caught in Lake Texoma, Texas.
Emailed photo - apparently real - of a huge, 140-pound catfish supposedly caught in Lake Texoma, Texas.
Giant Gator Bagged in Texas (or Florida)
Emailed image of a large alligator allegedly shot in Texas or Florida (depending on version) by a game warden named Joe Goff.
Emailed image of a large alligator allegedly shot in Texas or Florida (depending on version) by a game warden named Joe Goff.
The Giant Grizzly Bear
Are emailed pictures of a giant, 1,600-pound, man-eating grizzly bear allegedly killed in Alaska by a hunter or Forest Service employee real?
Are emailed pictures of a giant, 1,600-pound, man-eating grizzly bear allegedly killed in Alaska by a hunter or Forest Service employee real?
Hand-Feeding Hummingbirds
Authentic emailed images show several hummingbirds calmly feeding from a woman's outstretched hand.
Authentic emailed images show several hummingbirds calmly feeding from a woman's outstretched hand.
Hercules the Liger
Authentic emailed photos of a 10-foot "liger" (a cross between a lion and a tiger) named Hercules.
Authentic emailed photos of a 10-foot "liger" (a cross between a lion and a tiger) named Hercules.
Hercules, World's Biggest Dog
Emailed image of a gargantuan dog named Hercules, purportedly the Guinness Record holder for World's Biggest Dog.
Emailed image of a gargantuan dog named Hercules, purportedly the Guinness Record holder for World's Biggest Dog.
Herman the Giant Bunny Rabbit
Authentic emailed image of a very large "German Giant" rabbit named Herman, held by his owner, Hans Wagner.
Authentic emailed image of a very large "German Giant" rabbit named Herman, held by his owner, Hans Wagner.
Humpback Whale Rescued by Divers
Forwarded email recounts the true story of the rescue of a female humpback whale trapped in a web of crab lines in the Pacific Ocean near the Farallon Islands.
Forwarded email recounts the true story of the rescue of a female humpback whale trapped in a web of crab lines in the Pacific Ocean near the Farallon Islands.
The Lion Cut
Actually, we think these photos of a "seriously pissed-off cat" just back from the groomer are real, but the accompanying story is too good to be true.
Actually, we think these photos of a "seriously pissed-off cat" just back from the groomer are real, but the accompanying story is too good to be true.
Man-Eating Catfish of Furong Reservoir
Emailed photos purport to show a giant, man-eating catfish caught in the Furong Reservoir of Huadu, China.
Emailed photos purport to show a giant, man-eating catfish caught in the Furong Reservoir of Huadu, China.
The Monster Crocodile of Pointe-Noire
Emailed photos of a huge crocodile fished from the sea in the port of Pointe-Noire, Republic of the Congo.
Emailed photos of a huge crocodile fished from the sea in the port of Pointe-Noire, Republic of the Congo.
Moose Harnessed for Hauling Wood
Emailed image purportedly shows a full-grown 'work moose' being harnessed to haul wood in a logging operation.
Emailed image purportedly shows a full-grown 'work moose' being harnessed to haul wood in a logging operation.
Moose on a Wire
Emailed image shows an unfortunate moose accidentally strung up on power cables by a utility crew near Fairbanks, Alaska.
Emailed image shows an unfortunate moose accidentally strung up on power cables by a utility crew near Fairbanks, Alaska.
Mountain Lion Killed in West Va.
Emailed photos show an unusually large mountain lion (cougar) allegedly killed between Grantsville and Walker near Parkersburg, West Virginia.
Emailed photos show an unusually large mountain lion (cougar) allegedly killed between Grantsville and Walker near Parkersburg, West Virginia.
Mouse Stuck in Printer Cartridge
Emailed images appear to document one of the more unusual causes of a printer jam - a mouse stuck in the printer's ink toner cartridge.
Emailed images appear to document one of the more unusual causes of a printer jam - a mouse stuck in the printer's ink toner cartridge.
Mule Attacks Mountain Lion
Emailed photos purportedly show a mule attacking and killing a mountain lion in Arizona (or Wyoming, depending on version).
Emailed photos purportedly show a mule attacking and killing a mountain lion in Arizona (or Wyoming, depending on version).
Painted Cats
Images circulating via email purport to show common housecats hand-painted in a variety of decorative colors and designs.
Images circulating via email purport to show common housecats hand-painted in a variety of decorative colors and designs.
Pink Dolphin
AUTHENTIC: Emailed pictures of an extremely rare albino dolphin with red eyes and pink skin taken on Calcasieu Lake, Louisiana.
AUTHENTIC: Emailed pictures of an extremely rare albino dolphin with red eyes and pink skin taken on Calcasieu Lake, Louisiana.
Piranha on Steroids
Emailed pictures of fishermen holding a large fish with a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth, variously captioned: "Piranha on Steroids" or "World Record Piranha."
Emailed pictures of fishermen holding a large fish with a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth, variously captioned: "Piranha on Steroids" or "World Record Piranha."
Pit Bull vs. Porcupine
Emailed images show the result of an unfortunate encounter between a "pit bull" and a porcupine.
Emailed images show the result of an unfortunate encounter between a "pit bull" and a porcupine.
Polar Bear Attack
Emailed photos authentically (and graphically) document injuries sustained by the survivor of a polar bear attack.
Emailed photos authentically (and graphically) document injuries sustained by the survivor of a polar bear attack.
Polar Bear and Huskies at Play
Emailed images show a 1,200-pound polar bear playing with husky sled dogs in the sub-arctic wilderness of northern Canada.
Emailed images show a 1,200-pound polar bear playing with husky sled dogs in the sub-arctic wilderness of northern Canada.
Puppy with a Heart
Authentic: Emailed photos show a chihuahua puppy born in Japan with a heart-shaped pattern in its coat.
Authentic: Emailed photos show a chihuahua puppy born in Japan with a heart-shaped pattern in its coat.
Shark Attacks Helicopter!
Dramatic still photo shows a great white shark lunging out of the water towards a diver dangling precariously from low-flying helicopter.
Dramatic still photo shows a great white shark lunging out of the water towards a diver dangling precariously from low-flying helicopter.
Shark Sneaks Up Behind Divers
Emailed image shows a massive shark looming behind two blissfully unaware scuba divers vacationing in Australia.
Emailed image shows a massive shark looming behind two blissfully unaware scuba divers vacationing in Australia.
The Snake in the Computer
Has your computer ever hissed at you? Here's a tale, complete with shocking photos, of a woman who probably wishes she'd called Animal Control instead of Tech Support when her PC began making strange noises.
Has your computer ever hissed at you? Here's a tale, complete with shocking photos, of a woman who probably wishes she'd called Animal Control instead of Tech Support when her PC began making strange noises.
Snake vs. Electric Fence
Various tales, some taller than others, accompany these authentic images of a python who tangled with an electric fence and lost.
Various tales, some taller than others, accompany these authentic images of a python who tangled with an electric fence and lost.
A Snake Fishes for Its Prey
Emailed image shows a very large snake (evidently a python) pulling its prey (evidently a wallaby, though some have labeled it a "cow") out of a body of water in Western Australia.
Emailed image shows a very large snake (evidently a python) pulling its prey (evidently a wallaby, though some have labeled it a "cow") out of a body of water in Western Australia.
Snakes in a Potted Plant
Emailed photos purport to show a nest of baby copperhead snakes found in the bottom of a plastic flower pot purchased at a grocery store.
Emailed photos purport to show a nest of baby copperhead snakes found in the bottom of a plastic flower pot purchased at a grocery store.
Snake Swallows Man!
This charming series of photographs purports to show a gigantic serpent killed and dissected in the process of swallowing a full-grown human being.
This charming series of photographs purports to show a gigantic serpent killed and dissected in the process of swallowing a full-grown human being.
Texas Rattlesnake
Emailed picture of a giant rattlesnake killed in Texas, allegedly measuring 9 feet 1 inch in length and weighing 97 pounds.
Emailed picture of a giant rattlesnake killed in Texas, allegedly measuring 9 feet 1 inch in length and weighing 97 pounds.
Tiger Nurses Piglets
Emailed snapshots taken at a zoo show a mother tiger nursing a brood of piglets costumed in tiger skins.
Emailed snapshots taken at a zoo show a mother tiger nursing a brood of piglets costumed in tiger skins.
A Whale of a Penis
Forwarded email accompanied by a photo purportedly depicting the penis of a blue whale claims that the male of that species produces over 400 gallons of sperm in a single mating session.
Forwarded email accompanied by a photo purportedly depicting the penis of a blue whale claims that the male of that species produces over 400 gallons of sperm in a single mating session.