If there's one thing we know about nature, it's that it's really weird. Here are 13 animals you might not know about — but won't soon forget.

 Tibetan sand fox: This little-known fox is native to parts of Tibet, China and a few other Asian countries. Their behavior is similar to that of other fox species, but they stand out for their unusual facial features.

Tibetan foxes are small and compact, with soft, dense coats and conspicuously narrow muzzles and bushy tails. Their muzzles, crowns, necks, backs and lower legs are tan to rufous coloured, while their cheeks, flanks, upper legs and rumps are grey. Their tails have white tips. The short ears are tan to greyish tan on the back, while the insides and undersides are white.

The sand fox is found primarily in semi-arid to arid grasslands, well away from humans or from heavy vegetation cover. It inhabits upland plains and hills from 3,500 to 5,200 metres

Long-eared jerboa: This tiny rodent was first caught on film in 2007. They live in parts of China and Mongolia, and it's believed that their ears help them cool off in the desert.

Chevrotain: Also known as mouse-deer, chevrotains live in parts of Asia and Africa. There are several different species, but the smallest ones weigh as little as 4.4 pounds and are the tiniest known ungulates.

Honduran white bat: At less than two inches long, these bats would be cute even if they weren't fuzzy. They make tents out of leaves to shelter themselves and their white fur helps them blend into the green glow of the leaves when the sun shines on them. They live in Honduras and other parts of South America.

Shoebill: These prehistoric (and angry) looking birds are found in the swamps of South Sudan and neighboring African countries. Reaching up to five feet in height, they're related to pelicans and use their notable beaks to go after fish, turtles and even small crocodiles.

Gelada: Geladas live in the Ethiopian mountains and are the last living species of grass-eating primates. They're noteworthy for their impressive hair coats and the patch of hairless skin on their chests that can be a bright crimson color.

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Golden snub-nosed monkey: This monkey's heavy coat helps it survive the cold mountain climate of central China. They're endangered due to habitat loss and poaching for fur, meat and use in traditional medicine.

Orange tortoise spider: While this rare spider is almost too cute to be real, very little is known about the species except that they live in South America.

Pink fairy armadillo: These tiny armadillos, which look like furry beetles, are endemic to Argentina. They're less than five inches long and are excellent burrowers.

Patagonian mara: These cute rodents look like a cross between a deer and a rabbit. They live in Argentina and form monogamous pairs, and closely resemble their cousin the capybara.

Fossa: The fossa is the largest predator on Madagascar and is a strange mix between a weasel and a cat. Growing up to six feet in length, including their tails, they're believed to have descended from a mongoose-like animal.

Eastern long-necked turtle: These Australian turtles are half turtle, half snake. They use their necks, which they tuck sideways into their shells rather than withdrawing like most turtles, to quickly strike at passing prey.

Sunda colugo: Also known as the Sunda flying lemur, these big-eyed primates live in Southeast Asia and spend their time gliding between trees.

Responses to "Strange-Looking Animals You Had No Idea Existed"

  1. GNS1992 says:


  2. Dreamokwa says:


  3. pilvikki says:


  4. That fox should be in the Hobbit movie.

  5. interestingly

  6. Spike says:

    Too cool. Thanks for sharing such interesting critters.

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