BARYONYX: Original Thinking

In 1983, at a clay pit at Surrey, England, an unusual dinosaur was found – one that hunted fish. William Walker, an amateur fossil hunter, found a huge claw and later the skeleton it had come from buried nearby. After his discovery, paleontologists uncovered more specimens of Baryonyx, after re-examining old fossils that had been collected years before. Because Baryonyx was a Meat-eater, her discovery was more remarkable since previous fossils from this quarry had yielded only Plant-eaters.

The most surprising about this Dinosaur from the early Cretaceous (about 125 million years ago), was the half-digested remains of fish, as well as, an Iguanodonwithin her skeletal remains. As scientists studied the fossilized bones of Baryonyx, they realized that her long slender jaws were ideal for fishing. Moreover, her front teeth stuck out from her narrow jaws. Larger than the rest, these teeth formed a rosette pattern ideal for the stabbing and retention of a struggling fish. Possessing almost twice as many teeth as Tyrannosaurus rex, Baryonyx could easily snag a fish with her small sharp teeth.

With a body similar to a modern crocodile, Baryonyx was built for swimming in swamps. Her long, streamlined body was perfect for moving about in water. With her extended neck, Baryonyx could lunge and spear a tasty fish, before It could escape. With her nostrils placed back along her snout, Baryonyx would remain nearly submerged in the water, patiently waiting for her next meal.
Furthermore, her huge claws allowed Baryonyx to fish whilst wading in streams. Standing in the water, She would wait for a fish to swim by. Because each of her first fingers was tipped with a large, barbed claw, Baryonyx could swipe at and hook fish.

At a time, when other carnivorous Dinosaurs hunted only on land, Baryonyx looked to the water. An original thinker, Baryonyx pondered other ways of getting her food. Rather than compete on land with the other Dinosaurs, She hunted in the ancient swamps and streams. Before there were Bears, She was in streams hooking fish with her claws. When faced with a baffling problem, ask Baryonyx for her insights. Since She could envision things that others could not, Baryonyx will offer you novel answers. Sort out which idea makes sense to you and go with it.

Animals of the Way

 From my blog at Witches and Pagan's Pagan Square:

"Animals who stay to help you after delivering their message are known as “Animals of the Way.” They will travel with you for a part of your life’s journey. Although these animals are not life-long companions, they may stay with you for years. Once they are no longer needed, “Animals of the Way” will leave. As with “Message Animals,” you need to accept them. Of course, find out about who they are and how they live. Enter into conversations with them, and ask how they can help you.

Sometimes you can ask a particular animal for help for temporary aid. But first, figure out whether the animal can work with you. Some animals are better equipped to help with particular problems. For example, Ferret is preferable to Sloth in increasing your physical energy. Moreover, animals that you have a relations with will be more disposed to helping you. Before asking a “strange” animal for assistance, do something to honor them first.

For example, I was grieving over the loss of a family member, and had asked the Manatees to comfort me. Since I assisted in various conservation efforts for manatees, They were more than happy to help. These friendly vegetarians know loss, for They have grieved over their fellow Manatees killed by motor boats. Soft and peaceful, the Manatees were all encompassing in giving their love to me. Through them, I was healed."

READ THE REST AT : Animal Wisdom: Animals of the Way

Indian Flying Fox: Fearless Exploring

By Dibyendu Ash [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

One of the largest of Bats, Indian Flying Fox (Pteropus giganteus) has a wingspan of more than a child's height. During her flight, She extends her legs outward to expand the span of her wings. A strong swimmer, Indian Flying Fox crosses rivers using her wings as flippers.

Less feared than other types of Bats, Indian Flying Fox eats only fruit. Her favorite is very soft bananas which She swallows whole.  However, with mangoes, She extracts the juice and spits out the seeds. Indian Flying Fox is an important pollinator in the tropics, and a major dispenser of seeds. In certain parts of India, She is regarded as sacred.

Unfortunately for Her, her desire for fruit has led Indian Flying Fox in conflict with people. Because She causes extensive damage to fruit orchards, many farmers consider Indian Flying Fox to be a pest. Governments in South Asia have instituted kill programs to stop Her, since they consider Indian Flying Fox to be “vermin.”

Found throughout South Asia and the Maldives, Indian Flying Fox prefers living near large areas of water. She is often found in tropical forests and swamps. Once, She settles into a suitable place, Indian Flying Fox makes it her permanent Camp. (Groups of Flying Foxes are called “camps.”) Because of her strong flying abilities, Indian Flying Fox colonized many islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Many species of Flying Foxes found on these islands can be traced to her.

Indian Flying Fox flies long distances at night to search for her food. Some of her travels have led her to distant lands. She is fearless in what She does knowing that She can navigate anywhere. A dauntless explorer, Indian Flying Fox travels to islands near and far. Traversing over vast stretches of ocean, She is unafraid of never reaching land. Indian Flying Fox is confident in her navigation skills. Because of her self-assuredness, She has become the mother of many island species. Take wing and fly. Just be care not to be a pest.

Wisdom of Indian Flying Fox:
 Strength
 Confidence
Having Adventures
Learning Not to be a Pest  

Note: Indian Flying Fox is also known as Greater Indian Fruit Bat.

CAPE GROUND SQUIRREL: Doing What Works

© Hans Hillewaert / , via Wikimedia Commons

Living in the semiarid places of southern Africa, Cape Ground Squirrel (Xerus inauris) shades Herself with her tail from the hot sun. Active during the day, She likes to eat in the morning. Afternoons are for socializing and grooming. During other times of the day, Cape Ground Squirrel will sunbathe if the weather turns chilly.

Cape Ground Squirrel will share her burrow with Meerkats and Yellow Mongooses. In gratitude, Meerkats will call alarms to warn Her. The two mammal species will live in a mutual relationship.

Cape Ground Squirrel lives with other Female Squirrels in large underground burrows. She usually feeds on seeds, leaves, and roots. However, Cape Ground Squirrel is not above acting cute and begging from people. Her favorite haunts are the rest camps of the governmental parks in South Africa.

Cape Ground Squirrel has a unique social system for Mammals. She lives with her female Friends separate from Male Cape Ground Squirrels. In her social group, They raise their Children together. Unlike other mammal groups, the Females have no “Alpha” or Head Squirrel.

Meanwhile, Male Cape Ground Squirrels live in friendly social groups by Themselves. The Males are not territorial, and will welcome other groups. (This is unusual amongst Mammals.) The only time that the Males are with the Females is when They want to mate. Even then, when Male Cape Ground Squirrels compete for mates, They rarely injure each other. Instead, the Males hold leaping displays for the Females.

Cape Ground Squirrel teaches doing what works. She may live differently than other Squirrels but that is all right with Her. Learn from Cape Ground Squirrel to find out what works for you. Living in same sex groups and being welcoming helps Her to survive in her harsh environment.

Cape Ground Squirrel’s Wisdom Includes:
Trusting
Friendship
Living in Single Sex Groups
Hospitality