Ned Hardy

Do Animals Get Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

July 17, 2020

As we’ve explored in previous features, animal sexual relationships can be as loving as the human variety, but also – and again like humans – can sometimes lean towards strangeness and darkness. It therefore shouldn’t surprise us that just as sex can place humans at risk from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), the same applies to the animal kingdom. Or, as Dr Barbara Natterson-Horowitz, a consultant for the Los Angeles zoo, told the Huffington Post rather more bluntly: “wild animals don’t practice safe sex – of course they have STIs!”.

How Do Butterflies Reproduce?

November 18, 2023

Butterflies often indicate the beginning of spring and summer and are a welcomed pollinator throughout the world. While beautiful, the butterfly has one sole mission in its short life – reproduction. Below you’ll discover more about how butterflies find a partner and reproduce.

Is It Cruel To Dock Your Dog’s Tail?

July 21, 2020

Some dogs have naturally short tails. Other breeds, however, have their tails shortened through a procedure called docking. The practice has existed since at least Roman times for a variety of reasons. This hotly debated topic rarely sees middle-of-the-road positions. People are either for or against docking. Let’s explore docking so that you can form an opinion on this surgery.

Are Presa Canarios Dangerous Dogs?

November 18, 2023

The Canary Islands are an archipelago that tectonically lies in Africa but is part of the European Union, specifically Spain. While many may think of the little yellow bird when hearing the name of this area of the world, the name comes from the Latin for “dog.” And for good reason! Pliny the Elder talked of the significant number of large dogs on the island. These dogs are called Presa Canario and many believe them to be dangerous. Are they? We’ll break that down today.

Why Bald Eagles Are Some Of The Most Romantic And Monogamous Animals

November 18, 2023

If you’ve been reading our recent posts about animal mating but found the sexual habits of hippos and snails a little disgusting or the behavior of male ducks downright disturbing, then this next article will come as a relief. Bald eagles are much more romantic in their sexual attitudes, beginning their courtships in extravagant and moving dances in the air, and then bringing up their offspring as loving and monogamous couples. They are one of the few animals whose love lives really do seem romantic and affectionate, rather than alien and terrifying.

How Do Snails Mate?

November 18, 2023

Most snails, including the commonly known garden snail, are hermaphrodites. This means they contain both male and female reproductive organs and produce eggs and sperm. The pomatidae family is the exception, in which males and females are separate, denoted by a smaller and larger shell, respectively. Although in species that host both parts the snails are capable of self fertilization, or asexual reproduction, they will still often mate with another snail.

[Read more…] about How Do Snails Mate?

Rottweiler vs Cane Corso: Which is the Better Guard Dog?

June 15, 2020

If you’re looking for a dog to act as a guard dog, it can be overwhelming with all the information out there. Everyone seems to have an opinion and a favorite breed of guard dog so it’s hard to just get the facts. We’re here to settle an age old question of whether a Rottweiler or Cane Corso makes the better guard dog.

How Do Crocodiles Mate?

July 21, 2020

There’s just something about crocodiles. Are they immortal? Are they vestiges of the dinosaurs that once walked the earth? People are curious about these creatures who can go from chill to deadly in a second. A common question people have about crocs? How they mate. If you’re someone who’s wondered that, you’ve found the right article because we’re going to break down exactly that today. Spoiler alert: Elton John was right. Crocodile Rocking is something shocking!

Is It Cruel To Crop Your Pitbull’s Ear?

July 21, 2020

Cropping the ears of a dog is a very controversial subject around any dinner table. Some breeders are adamant it’s in the dogs best interests or there’s nothing wrong with it but others are fundamentally opposed to ear cropping under any circumstances. We’re going to take a look at what exactly ear cropping is, why people do it and whether it’s necessary or even harmful to the dog. In particular, we’re looking at the cropping of Pitbull’s ears.

How Smart Are Raccoons?

November 18, 2023

Raccoons are common in many local wildlife populations throughout the world. These crafty critters are some of the most adaptable animals, able to survive in both the wild and urban environments, as well as many different continents- a feat not seen in many species. Due to their adaptability, they are one of only a few species that have actually benefited from the exponential growth of the human race.

How Do Pangolins Protect Themselves?

April 13, 2020

(photo: David Brossard)

Pangolins are small animals found in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. While they might look like simple creatures, they have a unique built-in defensive system to help protect themselves from danger.

Which Animals Mate The Longest?

April 13, 2020

Admit it, there’s something weirdly fascinating about the sex lives of animals. We’ve all witnessed a curious kid asking why a dog in the park looks like it’s glued itself to another dog and is trying to shake itself free. Even when we’re older we may stumble upon some strange animal behavior and wonder “what are they doing?” before realizing, red-faced.