Through countless movies and urban myths, the piranha has developed an unfounded reputation for being a terrifying fish that will consume anything in its path, including humans. And, while piranhas… Read More
By Doug Shaffer 18 hours ago
Doug Shaffer
Doug Shaffer is a writer for A-Z-Animals.com, primarily covering marine life, reptiles, and insects. Doug has been writing and researching about animals for over 4 years and holds a Master's Degree from Bowling Green State University, which he earned in 2016.
A resident of Ohio, Doug enjoys exploring wilderness trails with his family and helping his two-year-old son experience the beauty of nature.
Witnessing an apex predator is often enough for most people. But what happens when two of the most powerful shallow-water hunters cross paths? In most instances, not much. However, there… Read More
By Doug Shaffer 2 days ago
Dogs have always held a special place in the hearts of humans, dating back hundreds of years. While today's pups may not serve the same roles as their ancestors, they… Read More
By Doug Shaffer 5 days ago
Strange and exotic animals have always captured the imagination of people worldwide. But when a photo of an unusual, fluffy moth began circulating online in 2009, many experts were skeptical… Read More
By Doug Shaffer 1 week ago
Insects have long rivaled the best human illusionists, creating magic right before our eyes. However, one particular bug stands out from the rest, not only in size but in its… Read More
By Doug Shaffer 1 week ago
When danger strikes, humans usually have two choices — run or fight. But in the wild, some animals have figured out a third, much stranger option: drop part of their… Read More
By Doug Shaffer 2 weeks ago
There's unique, and then there's the pangolin. These incredible creatures resemble something from prehistoric times with their protective suit of armor. However, it isn't just how they look that sets… Read More
By Doug Shaffer 2 weeks ago
To most people, deer are kind and gentle creatures that frolic in the forest. Whether it's children's movies or books that paint this friendly version of the animal, everyone seems… Read More
By Doug Shaffer 3 weeks ago
The ocean has been a source of food and sustainability for thousands of years. And even though we don't necessarily need to hunt for our next meal, many people still… Read More
By Doug Shaffer 4 weeks ago
The lion has earned a reputation for being an apex predator and the king of the jungle. However, in a recent YouTube video, what seemed like the perfect ambush turned… Read More
By Doug Shaffer 4 weeks ago
For most people, slipping on a pair of running shoes is part of a normal morning routine. But for one man, that everyday habit turned into a terrifying surprise when… Read More
By Doug Shaffer 1 month ago
The ocean is full of wondrous creatures, from small plankton to enormous whales. However, a different kind of animal has taken the world by storm thanks to a viral YouTube… Read More
By Doug Shaffer 1 month ago
Even for snake lovers, spotting a dark slithering silhouette emerge from the opening in your ceiling fan can cause a second of fright. In a viral YouTube video, a homeowner… Read More
By Doug Shaffer 1 month ago
Many people view their backyard as a private oasis where they can relax and unwind. However, for Florida residents, there is also a chance that an unexpected guest could be… Read More
By Doug Shaffer 2 months ago
For many of us, the ocean is a beautiful place full of wonder and mystery. On the surface, the water is an amazing scene that offers a calm and relaxing… Read More
By Doug Shaffer 2 months ago
Wild hogs aren't just a nuisance — they're one of North America's most destructive invasive species. With no natural predators and an explosive reproductive rate, their population has surged past… Read More
By Doug Shaffer 2 months ago
A mountain lion is one of the most powerful predators in North America. It moves silently through forests and mountains, relying on its stealth, speed, and strength to take down… Read More
By Doug Shaffer 2 months ago
On January 31, 1961, a chimpanzee named Ham became the first great ape to travel to space. His mission was crucial in proving that living beings could survive and function… Read More
By Doug Shaffer 2 months ago
As chance encounters with wild animals are increasing in areas across the world, people need to take a cautious approach to these interactions. While some animals, like the lynx, may… Read More
By Doug Shaffer 2 months ago
As a golfer, shooting a good round with the natural hazards around the course is challenging enough. However, the presence of two large, brawling alligators adds a new difficulty, making… Read More
By Doug Shaffer 3 months ago
Generally, when we're stuck in traffic, we assume it's due to construction or an accident. However, drivers in a remote part of Brazil were shocked to discover their commute was… Read More
By Doug Shaffer 3 months ago
Most divers hope to get a better look at the marine life and underwater ecosystems close to shore when diving in the ocean. Yet, a group took diving to another… Read More
By Doug Shaffer 3 months ago
Biking can be a fun way to pass the time and get some exercise in the great outdoors. However, depending on your chosen trail, a joyful ride can quickly become… Read More
By Doug Shaffer 3 months ago
For many animals, the sound of a youngling causes quite a stir. Alligators are no different in this sense. In fact, a simple baby alligator chirp can cause adult alligators… Read More
By Doug Shaffer 3 months ago
Hamsters are wonderful pets for children and adults alike. They are low maintenance and don’t require as much attention as a dog. However, there are still several things you’ll need… Read More
By Doug Shaffer 2 years ago
As the fourth largest country in the world, China is home to various plants and animals. The region has a varied climate that provides suitable habitats for different species of… Read More
By Doug Shaffer 2 years ago
When looking at the Green June Beetle (Cotinis nitida), it's easy to see why many people refer to the little bug as a beautiful menace. The striking emerald-green color that spreads across… Read More
By Doug Shaffer 2 years ago
Key Points: The largest Striped Bass ever was caught from the Black Warrior River in Alabama by James Bramlett on February 28th, 2013. A large portion of the Striped Bass… Read More
By Doug Shaffer 2 years ago
Most people assume you must live in a dirty home to have a cockroach infestation, but that isn’t true. Many species of cockroaches thrive around human dwellings regardless of how… Read More
By Doug Shaffer 2 years ago
For many people in Texas, seeing a cockroach causes screams or looks of horror and disgust. However, these little insects play a vital role in the ecosystem around our home… Read More
By Doug Shaffer 2 years ago
Key Points: Bullheads are often mistaken to be similar to other catfish species. One distinguishing feature of bullheads compared to most other catfish species is their preferred habitat. The largest… Read More
By Doug Shaffer 2 years ago
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