Special Species

American bison were nearly hunted to extinction in the 1800s, and most of those that were left were crossbred with cattle. Genetically pure bison are now rare, but researchers have uncovered a population of about 350 such animals in the mountains of Utah.

Corporations keep these animals for human entertainment and their own financial gain, yet the suffering these incredible animals must endure far exceeds your price of admission. You'll never view these popular attractions the same way again after you discover their dark, hidden truths.

Hedgehogs are native to Asia, Africa, and Europe, but in the US they're domesticated and often sold as pets. These intriguing insectivores have unique methods of self-defense and, if socialized from a young age, can even bond with their owners — but do hedgehogs really make good pets?

You may be accidentally sabotaging these little pollinators — even while trying to protect them. In Europe, it's less of an issue, but in the US, this single mistake could be doing more harm than good. Be careful, know what to choose, and what to avoid.

As flight animals, horses have developed a unique set of highly perceptive senses, skills, and behaviors to help them survive. By delving into their ingrained instincts to flee, we can begin to unravel some of the ways that horses' minds work and ultimately strengthen the human-equine bond.

People aren't the only ones who can become anorexic — these creatures do too. These eight reasons may give you a hint about why they're rejecting food. And what to take note of his 'strike against eating' that lasts more than a few weeks.

According to National Geographic, the first scientists to examine one of these unlikely animals believed they were the victims of a hoax, as it was a strange hodgepodge of other species. Six features that make them truly unique.

As long as you don't live in any of these locations that are off limits, and you know what you're getting into, these domesticated animals can make wonderful pets. Just make sure you learn all you can first, including their unique nutritional and behavioral needs, as they're not for everyone.