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#survivaltips
#brightside
Animation is created by Bright Side.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Music from TheSoul Sound: https://thesoul-sound.com/
Listen to Bright Side on:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0hUkPxD...
Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id...
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LifestyleTranscript
00:00 Texas is home to some of the oddest, creepiest, and most unusual animals you've ever heard of.
00:06 It might come as a surprise, but this state is full of creatures you'll hardly see in other places.
00:12 So, let's have a look at the most amazing ones!
00:16 This truly beautiful bright blue creature is called the Blue Sea Dragon.
00:23 Despite such an imposing name, the critter is actually tiny.
00:27 Usually no bigger than a grape.
00:30 You may find it on the beach or floating beside you in the water.
00:34 Now, you need to remember one thing.
00:37 However pretty this little slug may look, never ever touch it!
00:42 One tourist spotted a few of these pretty dragons on the shore of Mustang Island.
00:47 He scooped one of the creatures up. He wanted to film it.
00:51 Luckily, he put it back into the water before it could sting him.
00:55 Otherwise, it would have ended badly since the Blue Sea Dragon is venomous.
01:00 Despite their tiny size, their sting can pack a punch.
01:05 All because of their diet.
01:07 Their favorite dish is the Portuguese Man o' War,
01:10 a jellyfish that has enough venom to paralyze small fish and crustaceans.
01:15 The Blue Dragons first use mucus to neutralize the jellyfish's infamous stinging cells.
01:21 They steal these cells from the Man o' War's tentacles and store and concentrate them within their own tissues.
01:27 Then they release these stinging cells on contact,
01:30 which makes their own sting more powerful, even worse than that of the Man o' War itself.
01:36 These awesome creatures are also extremely sneaky.
01:41 Even though their appearance is bright to say the least, they're well-known masters of disguise.
01:46 You see that vibrant blue coloring is actually on their bellies.
01:50 And when they float on their backs, they simply blend with the water.
01:54 As for their backs, they're great to camouflage these animals on the seafloor.
01:59 Now how about a funny fact?
02:01 A group of tiny dragons floating together is called a Blue Fleet.
02:06 And another fact.
02:07 Blue Dragons normally lay a string of around 16 eggs.
02:11 And it takes them three days or so to hatch into larvae.
02:15 Blue Sea Dragons rarely make it to the shore.
02:19 They're soft-bodied, so when the animals finally get through the surf zone and are deposited on the shore,
02:25 they're already broken apart.
02:27 And still, watch out!
02:29 Even in this case, the venom in their bodies doesn't dissipate.
02:33 But of course, Blue Sea Dragons aren't the only unusual animals inhabiting Texas.
02:39 Have a look at this nightmarish creature.
02:42 Poisonous, slimy, and kinda immortal.
02:45 Meet the Hammerhead Worm.
02:47 The worst thing?
02:49 It might be lurking in your garden while you're watching this video.
02:53 You can easily recognize this worm by its creepy, spade-shaped head.
02:58 It doesn't look like any other invertebrate you've ever seen.
03:02 Or any other creature, that is.
03:04 At first, it was only found in East Texas.
03:07 But later, researchers spotted these spine-chilling creatures in North, Central, and South Texas.
03:14 Basically everywhere but the arid areas of West Texas.
03:19 One of the most terrifying things about this worm might be its length.
03:24 This creature can grow as long as one foot.
03:28 Luckily, such giants aren't very common.
03:31 Most Hammerhead Worms only reach 6 inches in length.
03:34 You can come across two species of these worms in Texas, and both of them will have a dark stripe down the middle.
03:40 The larger of these two species munches on earthworms, which is actually a big problem.
03:46 You might know that earthworms play an important role in keeping the soil rich in minerals and overall healthy.
03:54 If earthworms disappear, plants in such areas won't be getting the nutrients they need.
04:00 Even for humans and pets, meeting a Hammerhead Worm isn't the most pleasant experience either.
04:06 Hammerheads are the only terrestrial invertebrates that secrete a very dangerous neurotoxin, the same as pufferfish produce.
04:15 Thanks to the sheer size of the human body, touching a Hammerhead Worm won't hurt you too much,
04:21 but it may still cause your hand to start tingling or even go numb.
04:25 It's much more dangerous for pets.
04:28 There have been cases when dogs ate Hammerheads which left them feeling sick for the whole day.
04:34 Interestingly, these worms are native to Southeast Asia,
04:38 but they must have mastered the art of hitchhiking since in the early 1900s they were already found in the US.
04:45 Keep in mind that if you want to get rid of a Hammerhead Worm, which is the best course of action,
04:53 the worst thing you can do is chop it with a shovel.
04:56 The thing is, flatworms reproduce by ripping themselves in half,
05:00 so by cutting it, you actually help the populations of the worms, turning one into two.
05:06 That's the reason why Hammerheads are sometimes described as immortal,
05:10 which is a bit of a stretch since these creatures can't survive in vinegar or salt.
05:15 Now even though you're safe from the Hammerhead Worm in West Texas,
05:20 it doesn't mean you can't come across another dangerous animal, such as the Land Lobster from Hell.
05:27 These creatures are also known as Vinegaroons, and they're not real crustaceans, they're arachnids!
05:34 Huh? Who would have guessed?
05:36 Anyway, these eight-legged critters have a really nasty bite, but it's not the worst thing about them.
05:43 Land Lobsters, brace yourself, spray vinegar-like 85% acid from their tails.
05:50 Mostly they do it to protect themselves, but it still sounds like an unfriendly thing to do, right?
05:56 A Land Lobster can also pinch a finger that's gotten too close with its heavy mouth parts.
06:02 At the base of their abdomens, Vinegaroons have long whip-like tails.
06:07 That's why these arachnids are often called Whip Scorpions,
06:11 even though they're neither related to scorpions nor have stingers.
06:15 Summer rains lure these arachnids out of their burrows in search of food and love.
06:22 Luckily, experts claim that Land Lobsters aren't poisonous to humans,
06:26 but they're very likely to leave a mark with their large pinchers, which they use to capture insects.
06:32 Vinegaroons can be considered useful since they eat millipedes, crickets, scorpions, and cockroaches.
06:39 They hunt by sensing the vibrations of their prey with those long front legs of theirs.
06:44 Since Land Lobsters prefer to come out after dark, you aren't likely to see one in the daylight.
06:51 But if you stumble upon one, check it out!
06:54 If it's a female, it may be carrying her hatchlings on her back.
06:58 Are you used to picking up hitchhikers on your long commute to work?
07:02 You might want to hear about the Hitchhiker Road Scam.
07:06 This trick preys on unsuspecting drivers.
07:09 The scam typically starts with a person posing as a hitchhiker,
07:13 who flags down a car on the side of the road.
07:16 They may claim to be stranded or in need of a ride to a nearby town or city.
07:21 In some cases, the hitchhiker may ask the driver to pull over at a specific location,
07:28 such as a gas station or convenience store,
07:30 where they will then disappear with the driver's money or other valuables.
07:34 This scam can also be done in groups,
07:37 where a bunch of people will flag down a car and ask for a ride,
07:41 and once the car is on the move, they will threaten the driver
07:44 and steal money, valuables, or even the car itself.
07:48 It's important to be aware of this scam,
07:52 and to always be cautious when picking up hitchhikers.
07:55 It's best to avoid giving money or other valuables to anyone who claims to need a ride,
08:00 and to never pull over at a location that is not safe or familiar.
08:04 Hitchhikers are not the only reason why you might get into trouble on the road.
08:10 A slice of cheese isn't something you'd expect to find on your parked car, am I right?
08:15 Well, it might indicate something quite dangerous.
08:19 One woman told the story of such an experience online,
08:22 thinking it was just a prank made by some neighborhood youngster.
08:26 She decided to call a friend and ask for help with cleaning the car up.
08:30 But once the two ladies started rubbing off the melted cheese from her windshield,
08:34 they saw something strange nearby.
08:37 She remembered seeing a white van arriving.
08:40 In it were a bunch of men, suspiciously staring at them.
08:44 She wasn't alone, so she decided it was safe enough to finish cleaning up the car,
08:50 even though they didn't feel comfortable being stared at.
08:53 It took them almost an hour to scrape off the cheese that had melted under the heat.
08:58 She did wonder, though, if this wasn't a tactic to rob a person.
09:02 That's because most people would be so focused on cleaning up the mess on their car,
09:07 they'd be distracted from keeping an eye on the thing they left in the car,
09:11 like bags, wallets, or even recent shopping items.
09:14 Or worse, what if it was a kidnapping strategy?
09:18 That sticky cheese would keep a person really concentrated on fixing the car,
09:22 so they wouldn't be able to see suspicious people coming at them in due course.
09:27 The key takeaway from this story,
09:29 if you ever see a piece of cheese on your car, might as well leave it as it is,
09:34 as long as it's not blocking your view and it doesn't really affect your driving.
09:38 Your safest bet is to just clean it at home, or take it to the nearest car wash.
09:43 They'll know the best way to clean up the vehicle without ruining the paint.
09:47 Sure, the "piece of cheese on a car" scam might just be a coincidence,
09:52 but some scams out there are more legitimate,
09:55 this next one being quite the unusual method when it comes to snatching away other people's cars.
10:01 If you notice a t-shirt or a hoodie on your windshield,
10:04 or even wrapped between your wiper blades, don't be so quick to take it away.
10:09 Again, it can be placed there on purpose to distract you while your car gets taken away.
10:15 Drive away as quickly as possible if you can,
10:18 and get to a safe location that's well lit and filled with many people.
10:22 There you can remove whatever object you have on the car without any risks.
10:27 Some people have even found money under their wiper blades.
10:30 It's easy to imagine that those who left it there probably had the same intention in mind.
10:36 There are methods to help when it comes to decreasing your odds of getting your car snatched away.
10:43 Keep your tires turned to the curb whenever you park it.
10:46 If your car wheels are in that position, thieves are less likely to be able to move around with the vehicle.
10:52 They'll see that your car requires more time and energy to be moved,
10:56 so it'll become less of a target.
10:58 Sadly, scams on the road are quite common,
11:04 and one of the most widespread types is the infamous tow truck scam.
11:09 This scam involves leaving oil, metal nails, or glass shards on the road,
11:14 and waiting for drivers to fall into the trap.
11:17 If your car gets damaged in such a situation,
11:21 the scammers will suddenly appear out of nowhere,
11:24 and offer to provide towing service at extremely high prices.
11:28 They'll try to pressure you into using their services,
11:31 because most of the time, they place these traps in strategic locations.
11:36 They make sure people get stranded where there's low visibility,
11:39 and no gas station in sight where you can assess the damage done to your car.
11:44 In a situation where you have no other option but to give consent for them to tow your car,
11:50 they'll also take advantage of the situation,
11:52 and take it to workshops unapproved by your insurance company.
11:56 This means you'll have to pay even more money to get your car back.
12:00 If you've been a driver for long enough,
12:05 you know that the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is always at fault.
12:09 That's because you should always keep a comfortable distance from the car in front of you,
12:13 so you can safely stop the car in case of an emergency.
12:16 Some scammers will take advantage of this by repeatedly braking suddenly,
12:21 causing you to hit them.
12:22 This dangerous tactic is used to get money for supposed damages,
12:26 and even for make-believe medical expenses.
12:29 To avoid falling victim to this scam,
12:31 you should reduce your speed and keep a safe distance,
12:35 especially from suspicious vehicles or chaotic drivers.
12:38 If a scammer continues to bother you in traffic,
12:41 the best force of action is to drive to the nearest police station and report them.
12:46 Picture this.
12:48 You're driving on the road,
12:50 and suddenly a motorcyclist gets your attention,
12:53 and points out that your wheels are smoking.
12:55 You quickly pull over to the side of the road.
12:58 The motorcyclist then offers to "help" by calling a "mechanic" to check your wheels.
13:04 Surprisingly, the "mechanic" gets there really fast,
13:08 but proceeds to disable your braking system while "inspecting" the cause of the smoke.
13:14 He then asks you to test your brakes,
13:16 which of course won't be working since he's already disabled them.
13:20 Pretending to be helpful, he offers to "fix" your brakes for you,
13:24 but will charge an enormous price for it.
13:26 Moral of the story?
13:28 Stick to your trusted mechanic or towing company.
13:31 You never know who you'll find on the road.
13:33 Some scams aren't even that.
13:38 They're just urban legends.
13:40 Many people claim to have seen the "wrong way man" on the roads.
13:44 One version of this story mentions a man stuck driving down one-way streets in the opposite direction,
13:50 causing chaos and confusion as other drivers try to avoid him.
13:54 The man is said to be crazed and dangerous,
13:57 with a wild look in his eyes and a penchant for reckless driving.
14:01 Other stories say he's not even driving,
14:04 but that once you've seen this mysterious person on the side of the road while driving home,
14:08 you should turn around to keep from going back to your house for at least a week.
14:13 That is, if you don't want anything bad to happen.
14:16 There are countless stories of near-misses and close calls with this mysterious figure.
14:22 Some even say that they've been hit by the man and that they suffered serious injuries as a result.
14:28 Despite the many sightings and stories,
14:32 there's no concrete evidence to suggest that the "wrong way man" actually exists.
14:37 Many experts believe that the legend is simply a cautionary tale
14:41 meant to remind people to be aware of their surroundings and to drive safely.
14:46 However, the legend persists and continues to be passed down through generations,
14:51 making it one of the most enduring urban myths of all time.
14:55 In the heart of a dense forest, a person embarks on a forest hike,
15:03 delving into the hidden depths of nature's playground.
15:06 But this isn't your ordinary stroll through the trees.
15:10 It takes a turn towards an eerie and spine-chilling discovery.
15:15 Our protagonist, with a twinkle of curiosity in his eyes,
15:19 discovers a burrow hiding in the shadows.
15:22 Curiosity outweighs fear, and our explorer comes up closer.
15:27 It's not some random burrow.
15:29 This one belongs to a fox.
15:32 So, what if it's the wrong move and they should just run away?
15:36 In the joyful season of spring, when nature comes alive with vibrant energy,
15:45 foxes engage in their intricate dance of life.
15:48 It's during this time that foxes seek solace in their underground sanctuaries.
15:53 Throughout the rest of the year, when the world around them flourishes,
15:57 foxes prefer to bask in the sun, finding comfort above ground,
16:02 except when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
16:05 It's in the most inclement conditions that they seek refuge in their burrows,
16:09 shielding themselves from the elements.
16:13 These burrows, known as fox earths, typically consist of only a few entrances,
16:19 occasionally covered with scattered soil and debris.
16:23 During winter months, industrious foxes diligently dig additional burrows
16:28 in anticipation of the forthcoming spring.
16:31 Sometimes, among the remnants of their subterranean journeys,
16:34 lie the remains of fallen foxes,
16:37 a testament to the cycle of life within these intricate underground networks.
16:43 If one were to explore the vicinity of a fox earth,
16:46 one would notice fresh traces of food remaining outside the burrows
16:51 during the months of April to June.
16:53 It's during this period, when playful fox cubs grace the earth with their presence,
16:58 that remnants of their feasts can be found,
17:01 a delightful sign of life unfolding.
17:04 So, what do these earths look like?
17:09 After all, there are other animals with dens in the forest, too.
17:13 Now, let's get to the heart of the matter.
17:16 Fox dens, the elusive abodes of these mischievous beings,
17:20 tend to be located in areas abundant in lush greenery.
17:23 You might find these creatures hiding beneath the sheltering branches of a tree,
17:28 or seeking refuge beneath imposing rocks.
17:31 If you stumble upon a cozy little hole that appears tailor-made for a fox,
17:36 and catch a whiff of that unmistakable "aroma"
17:39 accompanied by other intriguing clues like scattered bones,
17:43 you've likely discovered a fox den.
17:46 Alas, my curious friend, there's no foolproof recipe
17:51 for where these sly foxes choose to build their dens.
17:55 They possess an uncanny ability to adapt to diverse environments,
17:59 be it open grasslands, dense forests, or even the unforgiving tundra.
18:06 Picture this. A fox's den consists of a minimum of four to five sections.
18:12 We have the grand entrance, the ever-important ramp,
18:15 the main den itself, and a secret room that doubles as a food stash.
18:20 Depending on the size of the pack,
18:22 there might be additional rooms to accommodate the whole gang of foxes.
18:27 Now imagine the grand opening to a fox's den.
18:32 The entrance and the ramp form a corridor leading about three to eight feet deep into the earth,
18:37 connecting the outer world with the cozy haven within.
18:41 Ah, but there's more.
18:45 Foxes, being savvy planners, stockpile their foraged treasures in their dens.
18:50 Yes, they have their own food caches where they hide all their scrumptious finds.
18:55 The number of rooms within the den may vary,
18:58 adapting to the size of the pack as these crafty creatures ensure there's enough space for giving birth
19:04 and raising their adorable offspring.
19:07 They might even dig extra tunnels and create additional entrances just to keep things interesting.
19:13 Now let's talk about culinary affairs.
19:18 Foxes are savvy gourmands who store food in large quantities,
19:22 ready to weather the winter and the mating season.
19:26 However, they're not extravagant hoarders.
19:29 They usually stash away just enough to last them a few days,
19:33 considering they don't dine on fresh prey every single day.
19:37 Berries and fruits often grace their storage chambers,
19:40 while any delectable meat takes center stage in their culinary adventures.
19:46 Curious about the proximity of fox dens to one another?
19:51 Well, if the land is bountiful with abundant food and fresh water,
19:55 you might stumble upon two or three fox dens within a 10-square-mile radius.
20:01 But if resources are scarce,
20:03 oh, you might have to expand your search to cover a sprawling 20 square miles to find just one den.
20:10 But the saga doesn't end there.
20:14 Foxes, true to their resourceful nature, often have multiple dens.
20:18 They maintain the primary den,
20:21 often known as the "natal den," which holds sentimental value.
20:25 Additionally, they keep a backup den for some unpredictable circumstances.
20:30 And let's not forget their knack for claiming abandoned or borrowed dens as their own.
20:35 Such clever tricksters, aren't they?
20:38 Now, let's talk about these marvelous creatures themselves.
20:43 Foxes come in a delightful array of species, sizes, and variations scattered all across our planet.
20:50 But the star of the show is the red fox, found on every continent except frosty Antarctica.
20:57 While most foxes prefer the tranquility of rural landscapes,
21:03 don't be surprised if they venture into the realms of urban and suburban dwellings,
21:08 where their path might cross with humans.
21:11 Ah, the encounters between a fox and a human.
21:15 A tale of two extremes.
21:17 Some kind souls attempt to win over these animals,
21:21 offering them tidbits and coaxing them into their palms.
21:24 On the other hand, there are those who tremble at the mere thought of a fox,
21:29 fearing their crafty and ferocious nature.
21:32 Now picture this scenario.
21:36 What if a fox approaches you or launches an attack?
21:42 Typically, foxes pose no threat to humans and harbor no ill intentions.
21:47 They prefer to feast upon small mammals or livestock,
21:51 reserving their aggression for hunting or self-defense.
21:54 Yet, there have been reported cases of foxes crossing paths with humans, including incidents.
22:01 Therefore, knowing what steps to take if a fox approaches or pounces on you is crucial.
22:10 Foxes can indeed be domesticated.
22:12 Yet, they remain wild at heart, and their actions can be wildly unpredictable.
22:17 They might momentarily embrace their tamed side,
22:20 only to snap back into their untamed instincts when feeling cornered, threatened, hungry, or simply scared.
22:27 Naturally, foxes view us humans as potential threats,
22:33 and it's in our best interest to reciprocate their cautious approach.
22:37 Never attempt to approach a fox, even if it appears docile and friendly,
22:42 as its temperament can shift within seconds, catching you off guard.
22:47 Avoid sudden movements, and resist the urge to inch closer,
22:53 as doing so might agitate or frighten our fox friend.
22:57 In most cases, when a fox spots a human nearby,
23:00 it will swiftly scamper away or seek refuge in hiding.
23:04 However, should you find yourself locked in a standoff with a fox,
23:08 the best course of action is to take a step back and allow it the space it craves.
23:14 Should a fox persist in its approach, or if you encounter several foxes nearby,
23:21 my dear friend, give them a wide berth and allow them their space.
23:25 Refrain from approaching or attempting to feed them, especially by hand.
23:30 Let them carry on with their foxy affairs while you observe them from a distance.
23:35 In a situation where a fox becomes trapped, such as finding its way into a room,
23:42 I implore you to remain calm.
23:45 Avoid raising your voice or causing unnecessary commotion,
23:49 as it may provoke the fox to attack.
23:52 Instead, remain silent, keep a safe distance from the creature,
23:56 and provide it with an escape route.
23:58 Ensure the doors and windows remain unobstructed, granting the fox the freedom it seeks.
24:04 In due time, it will make its swift exit.
24:08 However, if fortune frowns upon you,
24:12 and you find yourself in the unfortunate circumstance of a fox attack,
24:16 remember to stay composed.
24:18 Refrain from unleashing your pets or pursuing the fox.
24:22 Just allow it to retreat on its own accord.
24:25 If the fox persists and refuses to back down,
24:28 a simple round of applause or a few claps might startle it away.
24:33 Now you can enjoy the forest.
24:38 [music]
24:41 (upbeat music)