Australia is globally recognized for its exotic and often dangerous wildlife, from vicious snakes to massive spiders. But what about North America? In an interesting conversation on an online forum, Australians shared their thoughts and fears about some lesser-known and strange animals native to North America. Some of these North American animals can cause a feeling of apprehension even among the most courageous Australians.
The Moose
One online user was captivated by the moose’s impressive size and gangly appearance, calling them “gentle giants.” Moose, the largest members of the deer family, are known for their huge, palmate antlers and incredible swimming abilities.
Opossums
Aussie users found North America’s only marsupial intriguing, comparing them to Australia’s kangaroos and wallabies. Opossums play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by eating carrion, insects, and rodents, and they exhibit a unique defense mechanism of “playing possum.”
The Skunk
Skunks evoked mixed reactions due to their adorable appearance and notorious reputation for emitting a foul smell when threatened. “You’d think they’d look meaner, but they’re actually pretty darn adorable. Just don’t get too close!” Skunks are shy by nature and help control pests by feasting on insects and small rodents.
The American Bison
Australians appreciated the bison’s resilience and strength, with one commenter calling them “the buff older brother of our kangaroos.” The American bison, a symbol of the Wild West, once roamed the plains in vast herds but were nearly hunted to extinction.
The Hellbender
The ancient amphibian known as the hellbender fascinated Aussie online users, who likened them to “finding a living fossil in your backyard!” Hellbenders are large, aquatic salamanders that can grow up to 29 inches long and have remained relatively unchanged for millions of years.
The Pronghorn
Speedy and unique, pronghorns captured Australian attention for their impressive speed, reaching over 60 miles per hour, and distinctive horns that are shed and regrown annually. “Watch out, cheetahs, there’s a new sheriff in town!”
The North American Porcupine
The “walking cactus” – North American porcupines, the second-largest rodents on the continent, are known for their formidable quills that deter predators and their primarily herbivorous diet.
The Gila Monster
Australians admired the venomous lizard’s vibrant colors and patterns while acknowledging their potentially dangerous nature. One commenter wrote, “Their vibrant colors and patterns are amazing! But they’re not as cuddly as they look.” The Gila monster’s venom is potent, but this slow-moving reptile poses little threat to humans.
Raccoons
These intelligent, masked creatures intrigued users with their dexterous paws, urban adaptability, and reputation as notorious garbage raiders. One Australian user commented, “They’re like sneaky little bandits, always causing mischief.”
Alligators
Aussie online users marveled at these powerful reptiles, which share similarities with their native saltwater crocodiles. One commenter noted, “They’re like our crocs, just with a more distinct snout.”
Pika
Small and elusive, the pika was described by one user as “adorable little fluff balls hiding in the mountains.” Pikas are cute, rabbit-like creatures that live in alpine environments and are known for their unique, high-pitched calls.
Axolotl
These fascinating aquatic creatures, with their unique regenerative abilities, caught the attention of Australian online members. One participant mentioned, “They look like they’re straight out of a fantasy book with their feathery gills!”
Bald Eagle
A symbol of the United States, bald eagles intrigued Aussies with their striking appearance and hunting prowess. One member said, “These magnificent birds embody freedom and strength.”
Mountain Goat
The agile and nimble mountain goats inspired awe in Australian users for their ability to navigate treacherous mountain terrain. One participant commented, “They’re like the parkour masters of the animal kingdom!”
Beavers
Aussies admired beavers for their architectural skills and ability to transform entire ecosystems. A member noted, “Their dams are incredible feats of engineering that would put some humans to shame.”
Aye-Aye
This peculiar nocturnal primate caught Australian attention with its unique, elongated finger used for tapping and extracting insects. One commenter wrote, “Their creepy, long middle finger is weirdly fascinating!”
Monarch Butterfly
The long migratory journeys of these beautiful insects were a source of fascination for Australian online members. One user commented, “It’s amazing how such delicate creatures can travel thousands of miles!”
Gray Wolf
These majestic and intelligent predators captivated Aussie online users with their complex social structures and pack dynamics. One participant mentioned, “Gray wolves embody strength and unity in the animal kingdom.”
STUCK IN THE 60S: 10 THINGS BABY BOOMERS REFUSE TO LET GO OF
Memories of the “good old days” keep us trapped in the past. Baby boomers love to retell tales of how it was “in my day.” At the same time, millennials will tell them to get with the times. Being stuck in a time warp from which they don’t want to snap out of, here are things that baby boomers still think are fantastic. STUCK IN THE 60S: 10 THINGS BABY BOOMERS REFUSE TO LET GO OF
16 ANNOYING PHRASES THAT MAKE PEOPLE IMMEDIATELY HATE YOU!
We wanted to know the most irksome things someone can say that turn you off! These online forum users didn’t hold back! 16 ANNOYING PHRASES THAT MAKE PEOPLE IMMEDIATELY HATE YOU!
OBSOLETE MILLENNIALS: 14 SKILLS THEY LEARNED IN THE 90S THAT HAVE NO PLACE IN TODAY’S WORLD
A lot has changed since the turn of the century – just ask this nostalgic lot!
OBSOLETE MILLENNIALS: 14 SKILLS THEY LEARNED IN THE 90S THAT HAVE NO PLACE IN TODAY’S WORLD
THE FALL FROM GRACE: 12 PROFESSIONS THAT WERE ONCE REVERED, NOW A TOTAL JOKE
These 12 professions that are now obsolete show how much the times have changed.
THE FALL FROM GRACE: 12 PROFESSIONS THAT WERE ONCE REVERED, NOW A TOTAL JOKE
FROM ‘OKAY BOOMER’ TO ‘UGH BOOMER’: 10 HABITS THAT IRRITATE MILLENNIALS
Each generation has its quirks. Most label it as an “old person thing” when asked why grandpa or grandma does something unusual. The defense from the other side is that “it was the way things were back in our day.”
FROM ‘OKAY BOOMER’ TO ‘UGH BOOMER’: 10 HABITS THAT IRRITATE MILLENNIALS