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Animals and Insects

Urban legends and Netlore about animals and insects: Alligators in the Sewers; Maggots in the Brain; Spiders in the Hairdo; The Mexican Pet; The Choking Doberman.
412-Pound Deer Killed (Photos)
Emailed photos allegedly show a 412-pound deer killed by a hunter in Clarion County, Pennsylvania (or in Nebraska).
800-Pound Razorback Hog Killed in Arkansas (Photo)
Emailed photo shows a hunter posing beside a dead razorback hog purportedly 8 feet long and weighing 800 lbs.
Albino Fawn (Photos)
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.
Days of Owls and Dances with Cows
There is a Chinese fable that tells of a man who sat near his cow playing a graceful melody on his lute for her. As he played he noticed that the cow simply kept eating grass and did not respond in any way to the lovely music, just as if she did not even hear it...
Dead Frog Found in Can of Kroger's Peas (Photos)
Irate consumer complains in forwarded email about finding a tiny dead frog inside a can of Kroger peas. True, with photo documentation!
Deer on a Pole (Photos)
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).
Elephant Paints Self-Portrait (Video)
Viral video appears to show an elephant painting a "self-portrait" unguided by human hands.
Febreze Kills Pets
Email rumor alleges that the fabric deodorizer Febreze has been responsible for the deaths of many pets.
The Hare Dryer
Dead bunny rises from the grave with the help of a meddling neighbor.
Herman the Giant Bunny Rabbit (Photo)
Authentic emailed image of a very large "German Giant" rabbit named Herman, held by his owner, Hans Wagner.
'I Buy Strays' Website
Ibuystrays.com purports to offer cash for unwanted pets to be resold to companies engaged in animal experimentation.
The Kangaroo Thief
Having had a bit too much to drink, a group of tourists bump into a kangaroo with their car. Assuming they have killed it, they decide to pose for pictures...
Mountain Lion Killed in West Va. (Photos)
Emailed photos show an unusually large mountain lion (cougar) allegedly killed between Grantsville and Walker near Parkersburg, West Virginia.
Mule Attacks Mountain Lion (Photo)
Emailed photos purportedly show a mule attacking and killing a mountain lion in Arizona (or Wyoming, depending on version).
Please Don't Intoxicate the Animals
Some rowdy Swedes learn a lesson in how not to behave in a safari theme park.
ProMeris Safety Warning
Forwarded email warns pet owners of possible health hazards associated with using ProMeris flea and tick treatments based on the author's personal experience with adverse reactions.
The Queen. the President and the Flatulent Horse
During a state visit to England, President G.W. Bush goes on a fateful coach ride to Buckingham Palace with the Queen of England and a farting horse.
Swiffer WetJet Is Toxic to Pets
Forwarded email claims that the Swiffer WetJet disposable floor cleaner contains a substance toxic to dogs and cats.
The Thief and the Flutter Mouse
Of mice and bats: Peter Kohler takes a look at the lore surrounding these two modest creatures
Elephants and Enemas
Tale of a German zookeeper who ended up buried in pachyderm poop!
The Cow Who Fell to Earth
From the Urban Legends Reference Pages: Flash! Russian trawler sunk by falling cow!
Moostaken Identity
Every now and then an urban legend turns out to be based in fact. Case in point: the lonely moose who mated with a lawn ornament, from the Urban Legends Reference Pages.

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