Odd News Show

Nature

No no no - I said I wanted a large Coke and a water, not a large amount of cocaine in water. WPBF 25 News/Youtube

Nature

Cocaine’s Vacation Ruined By Tropical Storm Debby

Tropical Storm Debby is bringing out a lot in people - grit, perseverance, a desire to get the hell away from it and stay dry. It’s also bringing out other things, like illegal drugs washing up on shore in Florida to the tune of over $1 million.

Waterworks in court win the day! Nick Youngson/Pix4free

Nature

Jury Pool: Environmentalist Juror Swears His Oath on Water

Turns out you don’t have to follow the age-old oaths sworn before serving jury duty. This past week in a British court, one juror was permitted to swear on a river, which came as a surprise to many, not to mention to the river itself.

Shots shots shots shots sho - uh, never mind. Marcello Consolo/Creative Commons

Nature

Illinois Bar Offering Cicada-Infused Malört

When life gives you cicadas, make cicada-ade. Or perhaps combine the noisy insects having a once-in-a-17-year season throughout the Midwest with another regional phenomenon, disgusting Chicago liqueur Malört?

yippee ki yay, mother f'er. Forest Service, USDA/Flickr

Nature

Mormon Crickets Spread Their Gospel Across Nevada

Usually, the sound of crickets brings to mind a relaxing, quiet nightscape… or the sound of epically bombing at an open mic. But for some towns in the west this spring, the sound—and sight—of crickets is deafening. 

Some people just know how to party: Found items at New Jersey beaches included a severed Barbie head, a Christmas wreath with a large bow, and a full-length mirror. cleanoceanaction/Instagram

Nature

The Weird Objects People Leave on New Jersey Beaches Will Have You Saying, “Yeah, that seems about right”

A voodoo doll, a pregnancy test, and denture powder were among the recently found items during a cleanup of New Jersey beaches, along with lots of insecurity over whether New York’s beaches were better.

Turn around, bad guys: a total eclipse of the... sun ESA/CESAR/Wouter van Reeven/Creative Commons

Nature

Prisoners Sue After Buzzkill Jail Officials Deny Them Eclipse

New York state puts the kibosh on a captive audience wanting to witness next week’s eclipse, and prisoners are suing for the right to go blind.

A nocturnal lemur from Madagascar, the aye-aye, uses its elongated middle finger for percussive foraging. Despite its fascinating adaptations, it faces threats from local superstitions and conservation challenges. Ze Frank/YouTube

Nature

Aye-Aye Bye Bye? Nocturnal Marvel Faces Extinction

A nocturnal lemur from Madagascar, the aye-aye, uses its elongated middle finger for percussive foraging, aka getting to third base with female aye-ayes. Despite its fascinating adaptations, it faces threats from jealous locals who can’t please their women.

Wiry hair obscuring eyes, smooshed faces lacking symmetry, gangly legs that seem too long or short — these pooches will win no beauty pageants. Some dog breeds are considered downright ugly by most people's standards. However, beauty is only fur-deep, and they can still be sweet pets. Here are the top contenders for the ugliest canines out there. Tommy Gildseth / Wikimedia

Nature

15 of the World’s Oddest Looking Dog Breeds

Wiry hair obscuring eyes, smooshed faces lacking symmetry, gangly legs that seem too long or short — these pooches will win no beauty pageants. Some dog breeds are considered downright ugly by most people’s standards. However, beauty is only fur-deep, and their owners have nothing but unconditional love for them. Here are the top contenders for the oddest-looking canines out there.

Shocker: Marine life with glow-in-the-dark neckwear is down to rave Florida Fish and Wildlife/Flickr

Nature

Turns Out Scallops Are the Club Kids of the Ocean

Scientists in the UK discovered that if you have the bright lights, the scallops will come. Velvet ropes and bouncers can’t be far behind.

Wilbur and Baby Palm Beach Zoo/Twitter

Nature

Rare Sloth Birth at Zoo, Part of Crucial Conservation Program

Wilbur, a Hoffman’s two-toed sloth at Palm Beach Zoo, gave birth to a healthy baby as part of a Species Survival Plan. The pair are doing well, under close observation in their habitat, contributing to the conservation of their species.

Loggerhead Turtle Stranded & Cold-Stunned at Earnse Bay Beach Sarah Neill Marine Conservation Society/Facebook

Nature

Cold-Stunned Loggerhead Turtle Rescued on British Beach

In a rare occurrence, a 4-foot-long loggerhead turtle was found cold-stunned on Earnse Bay beach in northwestern England. Prompt action by local resident Paul Knight and marine biologist Sarah Neill leads to its rescue and transfer to Blackpool Sea Life Center.

In the enchanting realms of New Zealand and Australia, the Little Blue Penguins, also known as Fairy Penguins, and the smallest penguins in the world, captivate onlookers with their diminutive stature and distinctive blue plumage. Kevin McKernan/Flickr

Nature

Meet the Southern Hemisphere’s Tiny Blue Wonders

Little Blue Penguins, or “Fairy” Penguins charm onlookers with their diminutive stature and distinctive blue plumage. These aquatic maestros exhibit serial monogamy, nest in burrows, and engage in courtship dances, and are a marvel of the Southern Hemisphere.

Estimated 1200lb+ 12ft Great White Shark Coastal WorldWide/Facebook

Nature

Fisherman Singlehandedly Reels in ‘Monster’ Great White Shark

Shark fishing experts Blaine Kenny and Dylan Wier reel in a 1,200-pound, 12-foot great white shark off Navarre Beach, Florida. The hour-long battle, captured on their YouTube channel, ends with the shark’s release back into the ocean.

The Strid at the Bolton Abbey Benjamin Griffiths/Flickr

Nature

The Terrifying Truth Behind This Seemingly Innocent River

Deceptively serene, the Bolton Strid in Yorkshire, England, conceals a deadly secret beneath its calm surface. Known as the world’s most dangerous waterway, it has claimed numerous lives with its lethal currents and submerged rocks, and legend of a chilling 100% fatality rate.

Honshu the Escaped Macaque Highland Wildlife Park/Facebook

Nature

Monkey Captured After Five-Day Adventure in Scottish Highlands

Honshu, a Japanese macaque, embarked on a five-day adventure in the Scottish Highlands before being safely returned to the Highland Wildlife Park. The escapade, dubbed the ‘Highland Monkey Adventure,’ captivated the community and ended with a successful capture.

Snake Swallowed Gear Shift Knob Second Chance Wildlife Center in Gaithersburg, MD/Facebook

Nature

Snake Undergoes Surgery After Swallowing Gear Shift Knob

An eastern rat snake, having swallowed a gear shift knob, underwent successful surgery at the Second Chance Wildlife Center. The unusual case left both herpetology and automotive communities astonished, and it’s believed that the snake mistook the knob as an egg.

Flaco David Barrett/Wikimedia

Nature

Unsolved Mystery: Flaco the Owl Captivates New Yorkers

Flaco, a Eurasian eagle owl, escaped from Central Park Zoo a year ago, becoming a symbol of resilience and freedom. Despite the mystery of his daring escape, he thrives in the urban wilds, captivating New Yorkers and obtaining international attention.

Baby Great White Shark The Malibu Artist/Facebook

Nature

First Ever Video of Newborn Great White Shark Captured… Maybe

Researchers at UC Riverside captured the first-ever footage of a newborn great white shark, challenging long-standing mysteries of their birthing habits. If confirmed, this discovery could have significant implications for the conservation of this endangered species.

King Penguin in the Coorong Area the.tiser/TikTok

Nature

Rare Sighting of King Penguin on Australian Beach

South Australian birdwatchers were astounded to spot a king penguin, typically found in Antarctica, on a local beach. Despite concerns for its well-being, the National Parks and Wildlife Service reassured the public about the penguin’s welfare.

Mystic and Mayhem Gatorland Orlando/Facebook

Nature

Gatorland Celebrates Birth of Rare White Gators

Mystic and Mayhem are the names given to the alligator siblings at Gatorland Orlando. A dedicated exhibit is being built for these rare creatures, enhancing our knowledge of genetic diversity in alligators.

Plastic straws, one of the most common plastic pollutants found on coastlines, may soon be a thing of the past. Scientists at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) have identified promising new materials that break down quickly in the ocean. Public Domain/RawPixel

Nature

New Hope in Fight Against Plastic Straw Pollution

Plastic straws, one of the most common plastic pollutants found on coastlines, may soon be a thing of the past. Scientists at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) have identified promising new materials that break down quickly in the ocean.

Alston's singing mouse Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

Nature

Tiny Mice Reveal How We Master Time’s Tempo

Breakthrough research from Cold Spring Harbor Lab reveals how Alston’s singing mice provide insights into the brain’s time processing. Neurons in the orofacial motor cortex exhibit temporal scaling, offering clues to adaptive behavior.

Rattlesnake Stuck in the Spokes Rattlesnake Solutions/Facebook

Nature

Diamondback Rattlesnake Found Entangled in Bicycle

A western diamondback rattlesnake found itself entangled in a bicycle’s spokes in an Arizona garage. The snake was safely removed by Bryce Anderson of Rattlesnake Solutions and released into the wild.

Hundreds of sea turtles in North Carolina’s coastal regions fell victim to frigid temperatures, prompting rescue and rehabilitation efforts by several conservation teams. Despite the loss, the community’s vigilance and timely interventions offer hope for the survival of these creatures. North Carolina Aquarium Society/Facebook

Nature

Rescuers Race to Save Cold-Stunned Sea Turtles

Hundreds of sea turtles in North Carolina’s coastal regions fell victim to frigid temperatures, prompting rescue and rehabilitation efforts by several conservation teams. Despite the loss, the community’s vigilance and timely interventions offer hope for the survival of these creatures.

Booralana nickorum School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences/Facebook

Nature

Marine Biologists Unveil Extraordinary Translucent Deep-Sea Discovery

A new deep-sea isopod species has been discovered in the Exuma Sound, Bahamas, and has been named Booralana nickorum. This large-eyed translucent crustacean plays a vital role in deep-sea ecosystems, contributing to the ecological health and balance.

Alligator Under Icy Pond gatorcountrytx/TikTok

Nature

Texas Gator’s Remarkable Winter Hibernation Strategy

A viral TikTok video from Gator Country, Texas, reveals an alligator’s survival strategy in freezing temperatures, submerging in ice with its snout poking through to breathe. This winter behavior, called brumation is an example of nature’s amazing adaptability.

The remarkable influx of 932 manatees seeking refuge from the cold at Blue Spring State Park in Florida not only shattered previous records but demonstrated the critical role the park plays in the conservation of these gentle giants. Florida Dive Company/Facebook

Nature

Manatees Seek Warm Refuge in Record Numbers

The remarkable influx of 932 manatees seeking refuge from the cold at Blue Spring State Park in Florida not only shattered previous records but demonstrated the critical role the park plays in the conservation of these gentle giants.

The Upcoming Wolf Moon Aron Visuals + Marc-Olivier Jodoin/Unsplash

Nature

Wolf Moon’s Upcoming Mesmerizing Display

The first full moon of 2024 is a celestial event known as the “Wolf Moon” which has inspired folklore and myths for centuries. Peaking on January 25, it symbolizes inner strength and courage, offering an opportunity to clarify goals and strengthen bonds.

An octopus hatchling emerges from a group of eggs. ROV SuBastian/Schmidt Ocean Institute

Nature

Four New Octopus Species Discovered in Pacific Ocean

An international team aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falkor discovered four new deep-sea octopus species near Costa Rica. These findings, including a distinct Muusoctopus species, help expand our understanding of deep-sea ecosystems.

One of two new species of the mysterious Urodacus genus of burrowing scorpions B Buzatto/Flinders University

Nature

Researchers Discover Two New Venomous Scorpion Species

Researchers in Western Australia have discovered two new venomous scorpion species, Urodacus uncinus and Urodacus lunatus. This significant find of arachnids with uncommon reproductive structures reinforces the need for understanding and conservation of these creatures.

A recent study reveals that Southern Africa's rhinoceros populations face severe threats from climate change, with rising temperatures rendering their habitats increasingly unsuitable. Urgent adaptation strategies are needed to preserve the future of these iconic species. Lucas Alexander/Wikimedia

Nature

Rising Temperatures Pose Unprecedented Threat to Rhino Populations

A recent study reveals that Southern Africa’s rhinoceros populations face severe threats from climate change, with rising temperatures rendering their habitats increasingly unsuitable. Urgent adaptation strategies are needed to preserve the future of these iconic species.

Pink Fairy Armadillo David J. Stang/Wikimedia Commons

Nature

Scientists Uncover Pink Fairy Armadillo’s Peculiar Double Skin

The pink fairy armadillo, a tiny mammal from central Argentina, exhibits a unique double skin layer, an adaptation to its subterranean lifestyle. Threatened by human activities, its elusive nature leaves many questions about its population and conservation status unanswered.

Hummingbird hovering Creative Commons/PickPik

Nature

New Study Shows Hummingbirds Feel The Need… The Need for Speed

A recent study has shown that hummingbirds master flight with a surprising mix of “autopilot” for forward motion and precise vision for hovering, offering clues for programming next-gen autonomous drones and flying cars.

Bobcat in the snow ForestWander/Wikimedia Commons

Nature

Bobcat Pawprint DNA Recovery Revolutionizes Wildlife Tracking

University of Florida researchers discovered a groundbreaking method to recover bobcat DNA from pawprints. Published in Biological Conservation, the study unveiled insights into bobcats’ ancestry and microbial communities.

Manatees at Three Sisters Springs WaterMattersTV/YouTube

Nature

Mesmerizing Footage Captures Manatee Paradise in Southwest Florida

Southwest Florida’s manatee conservation triumph shines through restored sanctuaries such as Three Sisters Springs and Warm Mineral Springs. These refuges, fueled by committed initiatives, curb erosion and also provide vital havens for these gentle giants in the colder months.

The venus flytrap or Audrey II? Hornbeam Arts/Flickr

Nature

National Houseplant Day - Because Plants Deserve Their Own Holiday Too!

It’s National Houseplant Day, the one day a year when we celebrate the unsung heroes of our living rooms—those resilient green companions that have survived our sporadic watering habits and questionable singing in the name of ambiance.

Welsh Tidy Mouse at Work Rodney Holbrook/Facebook

Nature

Wildlife Photographer Discovers Tidy Mouse Organizing His Shed

Rodney Holbrook, a wildlife photographer in Wales discovered a diligent rodent, dubbed “Welsh Tidy Mouse,” tidying up his shed each night. The mouse’s meticulous organization of small items into a tray captured on camera, highlighting its hoarding instincts.

Hercules the Giant Sydney Funnel-Web Spider australianreptilepark/Instagram

Nature

Arachnophobes Beware: World’s Largest Sydney Funnel-Web Spider Discovered

The largest Sydney funnel-web spider ever has been discovered on Australia’s Central Coast. Nicknamed “Hercules”, he has been donated to the Australian Reptile Park, where his substantial venom yield is expected to significantly contribute to the park’s anti-venom production.

Green Honeycreeper with distinct half green, or female, and half blue, male, plumage. University of Otago/Website/John Murillo

Nature

Half-Female, Half-Male Green Honeycreeper Bird Spotted

A Green Honeycreeper exhibiting half-female, half-male plumage, a rare phenomenon known as bilateral gynandromorphism, was documented in Columbia by a University of Otago zoologist. This second recorded instance in over a century offers valuable insights into avian biology.

Ice Pancakes on the Mustinka River Carol Bauer/Twitter

Nature

Rare Ice Pancakes Float Down Minnesota River on New Year’s Day

On New Year’s Day, a Minnesota resident captured rare aerial footage of “ice pancakes,” circular-shaped ice formations, floating along the Mustinka River. The phenomenon, typically associated with cold oceans and lakes, occurred due to specific weather conditions.

The tiger's resting place Twitter/Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

Nature

Escaped Tiger’s Unusual Resting Spot Becomes Local Attraction

A young tigress ventured from the confines of the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, perching on the wall of a gurdwara in Atkona village and drawing a massive crowd. Swiftly responding, forest officials orchestrated a delicate mission to safely return it to the reserve.

9-Foot Python Caught Using Golf Clubs Marco Island Police Department/Facebook

Nature

Police Use Golf Clubs to Subdue Nine-Foot Python at Golf Course

At Florida’s Hideaway Beach Club, police officers used golf clubs from the nine-hole course to subdue a nine-foot Burmese python. The creative and resourceful approach of law enforcement has helped address the persistent threat posed by these exotic snakes in the Sunshine State.

Massive Bear Exiting Crawlspace tahoetoogee/Instagram

Nature

Black Bear Evicted From Crawl Space With Paintball Gun

A man in South Lake Tahoe undertook the mission to remove a large black bear that had selected a crawlspace beneath a cabin for hibernation. Armed solely with a paintball gun and a flashlight, he successfully prompted the bear to swiftly vacate its winter den.

Rosealini the Arctic Duck Hancock Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation / Facebook Screenshot

Nature

Rare Injured Arctic Duck Rescued in Indiana

A Good Samaritan and her daughter rescued Rosealini, a rare long-tailed duck from the Arctic, found bleeding in the middle of a town street. The Indiana community came together to rehabilitate and release the unexpected visitor back to nature

The jaws of a megadolon. Museum of Natural History/Public Domain

Nature

Groundbreaking Discovery of 3.5-Million-Year-Old Megalodon Tooth Near Hawaii

A tooth of the gigantic Megalodon has been found in the Pacific Ocean close to Hawaii. While teeth from this ancient creature aren’t particularly rare, this is the first tooth found “in situ”, meaning its discovery is believed to be at the location where it came out of the creature’s mouth.

Neil the Seal Instagram Screenshot / neiltheseal22

Nature

Neil the Seal is Tasmania’s Unlikely New Celebrity

Rising to viral fame, a 600kg southern elephant seal is captivating social media with his mischievous adventures in Tasmania’s beach towns. Conservation concerns raised by marine scientists highlight the delicate balance between human fascination and wildlife preservation.

Blue Dragon Instagram Screenshot / sri_vat_san Srivatsan Ramkumar

Nature

Mystery and Concerns Rise as Rare and Venomous Sea Creatures Wash Ashore in India

Rarely seen venomous sea creatures, Blue Sea Dragons and Blue Buttons, washed ashore in India following floods and an industrial oil spill. Residents and visitors have been urged to exercise caution due to the creatures’ venomous nature, raising concerns about public safety.

Jim Abernethy Petting Emma YouTube Screenshot / Jim Abernethy Sharks & Wildlife

Nature

A Diver’s Unlikely Bond with a 15-Foot Tiger Shark

In the azure waters of Tiger Beach in the Bahamas, a remarkable friendship began in 2001, unveiling the gentle and playful nature of these often misunderstood apex predators. This bond serves as evidence of sharks’ sentient nature, advocating for a shift in public perception.

An AI-generated image of what the extinct birds might have looked like. Credit: UKCEH

Nature

Study Reveals Hidden Human-Driven Extinction of Over 1,400 Bird Species

A new study reveals a devastating truth: human activities have driven the extinction of twice as many bird species as we previously knew. The disappearance of these birds signifies more than their vanishing, it also disrupts crucial ecological roles essential for the balance of ecosystems.

A Humpback Whale Wikimedia Commons/Sylke Rohrlach

Nature

Researchers Communicate with Humpback Whale to Practice Conversing with Aliens

A team of scientists had a remarkable encounter with a humpback whale named “Twain” during their study of whale communication. The team aims to apply their findings to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, utilizing the study of non-human communication systems.

Lagoons surrounded by salt flats in Argentina’s Puna de Atacama YouTube Screenshot/University of Colorado Boulder

Nature

Scientists Uncover ‘Prehistoric World’ in Remote Argentina Desert

Scientists have stumbled upon a hidden prehistoric world in Argentina’s Puna de Atacama desert. The discovery of green lagoons teeming with ancient bacteria may rewrite our understanding of Earth’s early life forms and inform future Mars exploration.

Juvenile gorgosaurus feeding on prey @RoyalTyrrell/X (formerly Twitter)

Nature

Two DinoNuggets Were The Last Meal of This Gorgosaurus

The fossil of a gorgosaurus, a cousin of the Tyrannosaurus Rex, has revealed what this juvenile dinosaur’s last meal was - two small dinosaurs called citipes. The findings have shed light on the difference in hunting habits of the juveniles compared to their adult counterparts.

Ram on a Roof Facebook Screenshot / Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Nature

Bighorn Sheep’s Rooftop Escapade

A bighorn sheep found itself on the roof of a Boulder County home after spending 36 hours at the house, both on the roof and the deck. After a wildlife officer intervened, the adventurous ram finally made his way back to the familiar foothills.

Rare White Alligator YouTube Screenshot / Gatorland VLOGS

Nature

Florida Welcomes a Rare White Alligator Wonder

Florida witnesses history as a white alligator, born in captivity, captivates hearts with its unique charm. The Sunshine State’s wildlife preserve celebrates the arrival of this leucistic marvel, marking a groundbreaking moment in the world of reptilian wonders.

A23a Iceberg YouTube Screenshot / British Antarctic Survey

Nature

Iceberg A23a’s Epic Journey from Antarctica to the Open Ocean

The monumental voyage of Iceberg A23a, an ice mass larger than New York City, from Antarctica to the open ocean is altering the marine environment. This significant journey, closely monitored by scientists, is a unique opportunity to study our planet’s dynamic polar regions.

Jawlene at Gatorland YouTube Screenshot / Gatorland VLOGS

Nature

Florida Alligator with Missing Jaw Gains Strength and Hearts at Gatorland

An alligator missing her upper jaw, “Jawlene” is making remarkable progress at Gatorland in Orlando, Florida. Despite her injury, she’s gaining weight and strength, exhibiting the adaptability of the American Alligator.

Sammie Camenzind is with Brenton Lammers and Cole Bures Facebook / Sammie Camenzind

Nature

Nebraska Woman Bags Big Buck and Surprise Marriage Proposal on Hunting Expedition

On a hunting trip, Nebraska’s Samantha Camenzind bagged a big buck and received a surprise proposal from boyfriend Cole. Their unique love story, blending a shared passion for hunting with a romantic engagement, captivated friends and a fall wedding is planned.

Wild Boar Pexels / Magda Ehlers

Nature

The Menace of ‘Super Pigs’ Threatening North America

Proliferating in Canada, “super pigs,” a hybrid of Eurasian wild boar and domestic swine, pose a threat to invade the U.S., causing significant agricultural damage and spreading disease. Described as an “ecological train wreck,” aggressive measures are deemed necessary for effective control.

Bowie the Rare Lobster, Half Blue, Half Orange, Half Male, Half Female! YouTube Screenshot / Jacob Knowles

Nature

Bowie, the Half-Blue, Half-Intersex Lobster and TikTok Sensation

Jacob Knowles, a Maine lobsterman, introduces Bowie, a one-in-50-million lobster, to his 2.6M TikTok followers, captivating millions with its rare split color and gender. Named after David Bowie, it adds an extraordinary chapter to Knowles’ oceanic adventures.