CATEGORY

Crocodiles lure unsuspecting, sympathetic victims towards them by crying. Hedgehogs steal apples by collecting them on their spikes. The chronicle of natural history is absolutely littered with mistaken notions like these, some embarrassing, some bizarre, and some downright hilarious. How did these fantasies ever come about? Take a look at a bevy of bestial boo-boos, wildlife no-nos, and artistic animal atrocities and discover the reality behind each myth. Among the astounding beliefs: that swallows hibernate under riverside mud (which explained their winter absence); that lemmings hurl themselves over cliffs (blame that one on Walt Disney); and that some creatures could kill with just a glance. Plus, there’s a look at misconceptions from everyday speech—including “blind as a bat.” (They’re not!)