The World’s Oddest Creatures
Planet Earth is home to millions of different species of animals. Just like many human families, the animal kingdom has some odd members. Three examples are star-nosed moles, axolotls, and aye-ayes; their appearance and mannerisms make them some of the weirdest rare animals in the world.
Star-nosed moles are found in Canada and the United States. They live in wetland areas and are proficient swimmers. Similar to other types of moles, they dig tunnels to travel through; however, unlike most other species, these moles often build tunnels that can be entered or exited in the water. They do not hibernate. They have been seen burrowing in the snow and moving down icy streams in the winter. Unlike other types of moles, their tails are long and thick in order to store fat. The weirdest part of this creature is the snout. It consists of twenty-two pink tentacles that form a star-like shape. The snout is used to identify food, but makes the star-nosed mole look very strange indeed.
Axolotls are a type of salamander indigenous to Mexico. They do not undergo metamorphosis like many other kinds of salamanders, so the adults and young are gilled and live in the water. In addition to having a bizarre appearance, this animal has the ability to regenerate almost any body part. The unique characteristics of the axolotl make it one of the world’s most peculiar animals.
Aye-ayes are unusual creatures that originated in Madagascar. Though they look more like rodents, they are part of the primate family. They are most memorable for their appearance. These primates have large eyes, big ears, and pointed claws. Their middle claw is the longest and serves a purpose similar to a woodpecker’s beak. They tap this finger on trees and listen for insects, then use it to scoop out any bugs that they hear. Their odd appearance has caused them to become endangered; the people of Madagascar consider them to be an omen of bad luck and until recent years, killed them whenever they saw them.
Star-nosed moles, axolotls, and aye-ayes are some of the weirdest creatures known to man. Their anomalous appearances and weird mannerisms make them truly strange animals.