50+ Safety Tips to Conquer Any Threat

Bright Side

Gear up with 50+ epic safety tips to tackle any threat! Stay safe, stay smart, and be ready for anything!  #SafetyFirst #BePrepared  Animation is created by Bright Side. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Music from TheSoul Sound: https://thesoul-sound.com/   Check our Bright Side podcast on Spotify and leave a positive review! https://open.spotify.com/show/0hUkPxD34jRLrMrJux4VxV   Subscribe to Bright Side: https://goo.gl/rQTJZz ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Our Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brightside Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightside.official TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brightside.official?lang=en   Stock materials (photos, footages and other): https://www.depositphotos.com https://www.shutterstock.com https://www.eastnews.ru ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  For more videos and articles visit: http://www.brightside.me  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This video is made for entertainment purposes. We do not make any warranties about the completeness, safety and reliability. Any action you take upon the information in this video is strictly at your own risk, and we will not be liable for any damages or losses. It is the viewer's responsibility to use judgement, care and precaution if you plan to replicate.

Transcript

00:00:00You're partying in the backyard with your friends.

00:00:04Some people are tossing a frisbee around, but it ends up behind your shed.

00:00:08One of your friends heads over there to fetch it, but she notices something that looks like

00:00:12a giant ball.

00:00:14When trying to get the frisbee, she sees some wasps buzzing around.

00:00:18Little did you know there was a giant wasp nest right in your backyard!

00:00:23Your friend runs back and rushes inside your house.

00:00:25Everyone's confused and watches her sprint out of nowhere.

00:00:29Then you see a swarm of wasps invading the party.

00:00:33You and your friends freak out and rush inside until your living room is completely cramped

00:00:37up.

00:00:38Everyone looks outside in frustration as wasps take over your party.

00:00:42They land on the snacks and grilled food.

00:00:45They're completely covering the entire backyard.

00:00:48You have no choice but to send everyone home and clean up.

00:00:53Wasps aren't usually dangerous unless provoked, but still, it's better to avoid them at

00:00:57all costs.

00:00:59You call pest control to report the hive, and all you can do is sit and wait for them

00:01:03to arrive.

00:01:05Looks like one wasp managed to get inside the house.

00:01:08Everyone panics and knocks over your furniture and stuff.

00:01:11You open the front door to let them out.

00:01:14The best way to detect if a wasp nest is around is by observing their flight patterns.

00:01:19If you see one of them constantly flying back to a certain spot, then chances are a hive

00:01:24is just around the corner.

00:01:27And keep an eye out if you see more than one of these stingers.

00:01:30Some wasps are known to travel solo, but they also live together in colonies.

00:01:36Wasps have an amazing engineering instinct.

00:01:39They build their nests mainly out of wood fibers mixed with their saliva.

00:01:43They turn it into paper-like material and make hexagon-shaped constructions.

00:01:48They find wood pieces from trees, or if they live near humans, then from fences, windowsills,

00:01:53and anything of the sort.

00:01:55The pest control arrives wearing protective gear, looking like they're about to save

00:01:59the world.

00:02:00You sit back and watch them do things.

00:02:03You finally see the nest after they extracted it.

00:02:06And good thing it was just in your backyard.

00:02:08There have been reports of wasp nests inside homes of people, behind closets, inside garages,

00:02:15and even on the top of their windows.

00:02:17They're technically outside, but you wouldn't open a window for a breath of fresh air.

00:02:22Like most pest controllers, your rescuers took out the nest the size of a football and

00:02:27relocated to another, safer area in the wild.

00:02:31Wasps are actually nature's pest controllers.

00:02:34Not all insects dare to mess with them.

00:02:36Wasps just end up preying upon anything that comes their way.

00:02:40In fact, some farmers praise their work and keep them around their crops to protect them.

00:02:45But at least you can go back outside and throw an even better party than before.

00:02:50Time to fire up that grill!

00:02:52In April 1963, a farm in a remote area had to deal with the largest known wasp nest.

00:03:00It weighed so much that it actually fell from the tree it was hanging on and split into

00:03:04two.

00:03:05The whole thing was around 12 feet long, that's the size of a Volkswagen Beetle, and 5 feet

00:03:11in diameter, as tall as a fridge.

00:03:13I wouldn't want to have a romantic picnic under that tree!

00:03:17You're going on a nice little hike in the northeastern region of Brazil, when suddenly

00:03:22you realize something doesn't feel right.

00:03:25No, it's not your stomach, so you're fine, but just the landscape.

00:03:29It feels… off.

00:03:31Like you're standing on something ancient.

00:03:33You see a group of scientists pointing at you to move.

00:03:37At first, you can't really understand what they're saying, but then you realize you're

00:03:42standing on a large termite mill.

00:03:44You know those insects that love nibbling on wood so much they build their entire lives

00:03:49around it?

00:03:50And even though termites have a colony mentality like ants and bees, they're actually related

00:03:55to cockroaches.

00:03:57Termites are mainly found in North and South America, but also have traces in Europe and

00:04:01Asia.

00:04:02You can credit that to humans for transporting them all around in ships and crates.

00:04:07Anything wooden they could get their hands on, or rather their jaws.

00:04:11So after moving from the mill, you realize you notice many mills resembling the one you

00:04:16were standing on as far as the eye can see.

00:04:20You rush over to them to try to make sense of it, and they tell you that you're standing

00:04:24on an enormous complex of 200 million termite mounds.

00:04:29Even though many of these mills are around 10 feet tall, many of them create a beautiful

00:04:34scene.

00:04:35According to scientists, they might be up to 4,000 years old and are visible from a

00:04:40satellite in the sky.

00:04:42These mills cover the size of Great Britain.

00:04:45That's an equivalent of discovering 4,000 Great Pyramids of Giza if you were just a

00:04:49tiny termite.

00:04:52And although abandoned, these mills aren't active nests, but an entire network of interconnecting

00:04:57tunnels.

00:04:59Scientists are still searching for answers about this entire termite supercolony, but

00:05:03so far no more details could be found.

00:05:06They still haven't found a queen chamber, and by the size of it, it doesn't look like

00:05:10it'll happen anytime soon.

00:05:14Termites are actually resourceful creatures, but can do a lot of harm to human-made structures

00:05:19and even crops and plantations.

00:05:22Since termites have migrated with people overseas, many of them aren't accustomed to the natural

00:05:26environment around them.

00:05:28So they end up seeking shelter in anything, including houses and buildings.

00:05:33Termites are responsible for many property destructions, and even collapsing of wooden

00:05:38structures.

00:05:39If you have a cabin in the woods with much of your furniture made of wood, you're basically

00:05:43setting an open buffet for these pests.

00:05:46But since these creatures feast on wood, aka cellulose, they can break it down into substances

00:05:52that are spread all around to support other plant growth in the ecosystem.

00:05:58You're walking around in the open savannah enjoying the nice warm sun, when in an instant,

00:06:05the entire sun is blocked.

00:06:07And these aren't thick dark clouds about to drop some rain on you.

00:06:10You look closely, and after noticing some of its weird movements, you find out it's

00:06:15a huge swarm of locusts, probably the biggest you've ever seen.

00:06:20In 2020, East Africa saw an invasion of locusts that can cover an area three times the size

00:06:26of New York City.

00:06:28These waves of swarms hit East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Middle East, eating

00:06:33away crops that fed entire populations.

00:06:37Scientists claim that this is the biggest locust invasion in the last 50 years.

00:06:41Locusts are considered to be the worst pests.

00:06:44Now an individual locust doesn't seem too bad.

00:06:47Even two.

00:06:48They look rather harmless and eat a tiny bit of vegetation.

00:06:52But when about 80 million of these bugs get together, well, it's not good news.

00:06:57With those numbers, it's no wonder the whole world stops and pays attention to them when

00:07:02they're on the loose.

00:07:04It took so much effort to control them, but in many cases, the rescue was too late.

00:07:09So after seeing such a mega swarm heading your way, you seek shelter.

00:07:14But these creatures can cut through anything.

00:07:16You find a small shack to hide in, but as soon as they fly by, it's like living through

00:07:21a hurricane.

00:07:22Ah, the coast is clear.

00:07:24You look outside and see everything around toppled over and eaten away.

00:07:29All those crops completely gone.

00:07:32You can finally see the sun again, but the swarm is on the loose.

00:07:36Another insect that got famous and caused all kinds of trouble in 2020 was the Asian

00:07:41hornet.

00:07:42Scientists claim these creatures aren't aggressive towards humans unless provoked.

00:07:47But they can be really violent toward honeybees.

00:07:50The hornets can ruin entire hives in a matter of hours.

00:07:54Tiny honeybees can't do much to protect themselves from full-grown 2-inch monsters.

00:07:59Mmm.

00:08:00Endless hot deserts seem lifeless at first glance.

00:08:07But among these sands, you can meet dangerous and sometimes creepy creatures.

00:08:13Some of them can only cause health problems, but some can stay in your memory forever.

00:08:20Let's get to know them, starting with dangerous ones and finishing with real nightmares.

00:08:26So you're walking through a desert and see a big teddy bear with open hands.

00:08:31You understand that it's probably a mirage, but still, you come closer.

00:08:36You were right.

00:08:38It's not a plush toy, but a giant cactus.

00:08:42There's something strange about it.

00:08:44Thanks to some strange fluff, the branches resemble the arms of a teddy bear.

00:08:49However, this is not fluff, but thousands of thin needles.

00:08:53And they are the reason you shouldn't come closer.

00:08:57The cactus is called the jumping cholla, or teddy bear cholla.

00:09:01It grows in the desert areas of Arizona and in the northern part of Mexico.

00:09:06Don't worry, this cactus won't attack you, but it will cling to your skin or clothes

00:09:11if you touch it.

00:09:14Such a fur coat protects the cactus from animals, creates shade, and saves it from

00:09:19heat.

00:09:20The lateral branches are the most important parts of the plant as they carry out photosynthesis

00:09:25and accumulate a large amount of moisture inside.

00:09:29So despite all the danger, the cactus can be helpful for desert wanderers.

00:09:34And the danger here is needles.

00:09:36If you look closer at them, you will see they have the shape of hooks.

00:09:40One touch and hundreds of thorns are already in your finger.

00:09:44It's pretty difficult to get rid of them and the needles cause unpleasant painful sensations.

00:09:50But the coolest thing about this cactus is the way it reproduces.

00:09:54The plant clones itself in a new place.

00:09:58When animals and people pass the jumping cholla and touch it, the cactus gives them a small

00:10:03piece of itself along with the needles.

00:10:06As soon as you throw this piece to the ground, it takes root and starts growing.

00:10:13The degree of danger is rising.

00:10:15The next monster from the desert is running toward us, and that is an ostrich.

00:10:21Many think these animals are cowards hiding their heads in the sand.

00:10:25You will most likely change your mind if you're unlucky enough to meet one.

00:10:30Usually, ostriches are not aggressive, but you should run if you come closer to their

00:10:34nest.

00:10:36On the other hand, you won't be able to do that because ostriches move at a speed

00:10:40of 43 miles per hour.

00:10:43You need a car to get away from them.

00:10:45They run and hit their enemy with their chests.

00:10:48There have been cases when ostriches attacked vans and caused significant damage to them.

00:10:55But the main danger these birds present is their powerful legs with sharp claws.

00:11:00They can deliver strong blows with them and even beat a prone opponent.

00:11:04So yes, if you see an ostrich in the distance, go the other way.

00:11:10This small spotted lizard lives underground almost all the time in the arid deserts of

00:11:15the southwestern U.S. and northwestern Mexico.

00:11:18Sometimes, it goes outside to find lunch.

00:11:22It only seems cute, but in fact, it's a dangerous gila monster.

00:11:27Its thick skin protects the reptile from hawks, coyotes, and other predators.

00:11:33But its main protection is its venom.

00:11:37Snakes and spiders inject their toxins using long, needle-like fangs.

00:11:42The gila monster clamps down and chews the prey to spread the venom.

00:11:47And when it bites a person, it can keep its jaws closed for a long time.

00:11:53Getting rid of the animal is a tricky feat.

00:11:56People who have experienced the effects of the venom say it feels as if hot magma passes

00:12:01through the veins.

00:12:02Despite this, the lizard turned out to be useful for science.

00:12:06Doctors used its venom to create medicines for diabetes and obesity.

00:12:12The time has come.

00:12:14Now you're about to meet one of the creepiest creatures living in the desert.

00:12:19Be quiet and listen to the silence.

00:12:22Stand still.

00:12:23There's no one around.

00:12:25Suddenly, you hear some hissing coming from below.

00:12:29You lower your head and see it.

00:12:31A big, yellow spider the size of a human palm with strong jaws and long legs hides

00:12:37in the shadow of your body.

00:12:39In horror, you run away from this monster.

00:12:42But it goes after you.

00:12:44It isn't easy to do it in this situation.

00:12:47But try to calm down.

00:12:49The creature isn't interested in you.

00:12:51It wants only your shadow to hide from the scorching sun.

00:12:55Anyway, it's better not to touch it.

00:12:58The powerful jaws of the camel spider can cause unpleasant sensations, to put it mildly.

00:13:05And by the way, this creature isn't really a spider.

00:13:09Yeah, it belongs to the class of arachnids.

00:13:12But it's a separate species, Salpagid.

00:13:17It likes to bite.

00:13:18It's fearless and pretty aggressive.

00:13:20The spider preys on insects, lizards, rodents, and small birds.

00:13:25It can also move at a speed of 10 miles per hour.

00:13:28For their small size, this is very fast.

00:13:32You need to be a professional athlete to run away from it.

00:13:36Most often, you can find camel spiders in the deserts of the Middle East.

00:13:40But they also live in Mexico and the southwestern US.

00:13:44These runners are nocturnal and try to avoid the sun during the day.

00:13:48So they are always hunting your shadow.

00:13:51By the way, they got their name because they often hide in the shadows of camels.

00:13:56You won't hide from them during the day, but they will also want to come after you at night,

00:14:01especially if you make a fire.

00:14:03Salpagids always run to the light in the hope of eating something.

00:14:07Some species of these spiders make a hissing sound to scare their enemies away.

00:14:12Now, let's calm down for a second and leave the hot desert.

00:14:16We're going into the humid tropics of Tanzania.

00:14:20Under tree bark, fallen leaves, and in dark caves, you can meet one of the most terrifying

00:14:25creatures on Earth.

00:14:27A tailless whip scorpion.

00:14:29Imagine a big scorpion without a tail with a flat body that looks like it has been pressed

00:14:34by something.

00:14:35It's similar to spiders, but has no venom glands and can't spin a web.

00:14:40This monster is silent and fast.

00:14:43But the scariest thing is its two front claws, twice as long as the creature itself.

00:14:49Any prey it catches will never escape.

00:14:53Life in a dark cave has spoiled its eyesight, so the whip scorpion tries to avoid sunlight.

00:15:00During molting, it climbs up to the ceiling and slowly comes out of its old skin.

00:15:06Imagine directing your flashlight there and seeing small cocoons out of which pale spiders

00:15:10with excessively long legs crawl.

00:15:14If you really meet it, be calm and slowly go away as far as possible.

00:15:21Be careful.

00:15:22The flat scorpion can crawl under your clothes in a second and bite you in the stomach.

00:15:27And that's not the worst part.

00:15:29Okay, this is a joke.

00:15:32This pretty guy is one of the shyest and most harmless creatures among spiders and scorpions.

00:15:37It's afraid of you and will never attack.

00:15:40Many consider it beautiful and keep whip scorpions in glass terrariums.

00:15:44If you want such a pet, carefully watch it so that it doesn't run away from its house.

00:15:49If it happens, it will be pretty challenging to catch it again.

00:15:53In a matter of moments, it can get under your bed or go through gaps in the floor.

00:15:58Then it'll go to your neighbor's apartment through a ventilation system and scare people

00:16:03there.

00:16:04Okay, how about one more scorpion?

00:16:09It's not as creepy as the other creatures in this video, but it's the most venomous

00:16:13scorpion in the USA.

00:16:15This is the Arizona bark scorpion.

00:16:18The problem is that you can see it in the desert, in your home, or in the yard.

00:16:23These dangerous venomous beasts crawl into rooms and often sting people.

00:16:27One time is enough to cause pain, similar to a bee sting.

00:16:31But someone with an allergy may experience paralysis, breathing problems, and other health

00:16:35issues.

00:16:39Ah, a purple sunset.

00:16:41You must've seen one of those at least once in your life.

00:16:44Normally, it's nothing ominous and has to do with the way light travels.

00:16:49The light that the sun produces is white.

00:16:51When it goes through a prism, you see light waves of different colors, from red and orange

00:16:56to blue, green, and indigo.

00:16:59Light normally travels in a straight line if there's no obstacle in its way.

00:17:03The shorter light waves, including blues and purples, are scattered easier when they meet

00:17:08with those obstacles, like molecules and aerosols in the atmosphere.

00:17:13Because the sun is low on the horizon at sunset and sunrise, its light has to pass through

00:17:18more molecules that scatter the violet and blue light.

00:17:21The colors that your eyes pick up, then, are yellow, orange, and red.

00:17:26But with the right conditions, you can see the gorgeous purple sky.

00:17:31Sometimes purple sky appears for much scarier reasons.

00:17:34It can be caused by hurricanes, wildfires, or dust storms.

00:17:38The concentration of vapor in the air increases, and the light scatters more than usual.

00:17:43Dust, a setting sun, and low cloud cover all contribute to this natural show, too.

00:17:49The sky turns orange and red at dusk if there's still enough light.

00:17:53Then, it gives off pink hues, which mix up with the dark blue sky above.

00:17:58Now, do you remember what happens when you mix pink and blue?

00:18:02You get the color purple.

00:18:05Not every hurricane makes the sky turn purple, and trying to predict if it's going to happen

00:18:10is like trying to forecast a rainbow.

00:18:12Still, people reported several major hurricanes made the skies turn purple.

00:18:18Green skies might look just as spectacular as purple ones, but they actually also scream

00:18:24danger.

00:18:25They're usually there to tell you a thunderstorm, hailstorm, or tornado is somewhere nearby.

00:18:31The unique color is a result of yellow sun rays getting mixed with the blue light coming

00:18:36from storm clouds.

00:18:38So you're enjoying a nice day by the ocean with a fresh breeze in your hair, when suddenly,

00:18:44you notice the water starts retreating from the beach at a huge speed.

00:18:49This is a sign for you to start running as fast and far away from the beach as you can.

00:18:54This most likely means that a tsunami is on the way.

00:18:57A quick reaction maximizes your chances of survival.

00:19:02If you notice the sea level is rising, but it doesn't seem too extreme, it could be another

00:19:07sign of an approaching tsunami.

00:19:10It happens in 40% of cases, and the incoming water is the first tsunami wave.

00:19:16The next one, way larger and more dangerous, usually follows in about 10 minutes.

00:19:22Another thing about tsunamis is that they like to arrive with some loud sounds.

00:19:26People describe them as thunder, the sound of a locomotive, a helicopter, or just a loud

00:19:31boom.

00:19:32Do you see a channel of choppy water on the beach?

00:19:36It's in your best interest to stay away from the water.

00:19:39There might be a rip current under the surface that can be extremely dangerous.

00:19:44Sometimes waves hit the shore in a weird way, which forms these rip currents.

00:19:49You might see a strange break in the waves, or an area with a different color than the

00:19:53rest of the water.

00:19:55Seeing bits of seaweed going in all directions is another rip current warning sign.

00:20:00If you happen to find yourself caught in a rip current, try to stay afloat, but don't

00:20:05try to go against the current.

00:20:07You'll only waste precious energy.

00:20:09Scream for help and try to float your way along the beach.

00:20:13Once you break out of the current, swim diagonally to the shore.

00:20:18The next time you spot conically shaped clouds in the sky, remember it's a good time to

00:20:23start looking for some shelter.

00:20:25If it just stays like that, a severe storm is on the way.

00:20:29But if a cloud of that shape starts spinning around, it means it's about to transform

00:20:34into a tornado.

00:20:37If you have bees nearby, they can save you from big trouble one day.

00:20:41These hard-working little guys get more active than usual when they feel like a storm is

00:20:46on the way.

00:20:47They speed up to collect more nectar before it hits them.

00:20:50But once they're done with it, they'll always come back to the hive 10-15 minutes

00:20:54before heavy rain, even when there are no obvious signs of it coming.

00:20:59Their secret is super-sensitive hairs on the back that can pick up electrostatic build-ups

00:21:04from storm clouds.

00:21:07For centuries, people have noticed that animals act weirdly a couple of days before big seismic

00:21:12events.

00:21:13Dogs can't start barking, cows halt their milk, and toads, rats, and snakes leave their

00:21:19homes.

00:21:20It looks like animals can feel smaller initial shock waves that humans don't even notice.

00:21:26Scientists have tried to find some legit explanation for it and run endless tests and experiments.

00:21:31But so far, they're still on their way to explaining this mystery.

00:21:36Can you smell ozone in the air?

00:21:38When a thunderstorm is on the way, it's the most distinct and pungent smell you can

00:21:42pick up.

00:21:43An electrical charge of lightning sets it free from higher altitudes.

00:21:48The other, more pleasant smell of rain is petrichor.

00:21:52Rainwater wakes up molecules on plants, trees, concrete, and asphalt.

00:21:56Their aroma spreads all over the place.

00:21:59You can even feel that smell in your own mouth.

00:22:02All those positive ions in the air that a lightning bolt sets free gets mixed with ozone

00:22:07and your saliva, and that's how you get that bitter metallic taste.

00:22:13When lightning is about to strike, you might hear bizarre crackling, buzzing, or vibrating

00:22:18sounds coming from metal objects nearby.

00:22:21Your palms may begin to sweat, and then you can feel your hair stand on end.

00:22:26That's a clear call for action, and that action is to run for your life.

00:22:31Positive charges are going through your body, trying to reach toward the negatively charged

00:22:35part of the storm.

00:22:37Trust me, you don't want these charges to meet.

00:22:40If you see no shelter that you can reach fast, try to make yourself smaller than the

00:22:45objects around you.

00:22:46Drop down your umbrella and stay away from wire fences, metal pipes, rails, and other

00:22:51metallic objects.

00:22:53And don't lie flat on the ground – it's likely wet, which means it's a great conductor

00:22:58of electricity.

00:23:00If you suddenly notice crevices in the asphalt next to your house, it could be a sinkhole

00:23:05warning sign.

00:23:07Inspect your house on the inside – does that door begin to jam?

00:23:11Or maybe there's a gap where the walls meet the ceiling.

00:23:14Uneven kitchen cabinets and drawers, slanted floors, stairs that begin to slope, water

00:23:20leaking after every rain, and displaced moldings are all signs that a sinkhole is about to

00:23:26open.

00:23:27To find out if it's definitely a sinkhole and how dangerous it is, you gotta consult

00:23:32with an engineering company.

00:23:34If you find a sinkhole that's already there, you gotta stay away from the sinkhole area.

00:23:39Fence or rope it off to make it less dangerous for others.

00:23:42You'll need professional help to fix it.

00:23:46Some volcanoes scream when they're about to erupt.

00:23:50Small earthquakes, which often happen before, produce a hum.

00:23:53It's mostly non-audible to human ears, but sometimes it reaches a frequency that lets

00:23:59you hear it as a strange rumbling or hissing sound coming from the ground.

00:24:04This noise is known as a harmonic tremor.

00:24:07With some volcanoes, it's the sound of magma bubbles vibrating when they're going through

00:24:11crevices in the crust of the Earth.

00:24:14But it's not always like this.

00:24:16If scientists managed to understand what exactly causes these volcanic screams, they could

00:24:21create a limited early warning system for volcanic eruptions.

00:24:26If you're out in the wild, pay attention to the water in creeks, streams, and rivers.

00:24:31If its level is quickly falling, even if it's raining, this might be a sign of a nearing

00:24:36landslide.

00:24:38And if you hear a faint rumbling noise or unusual sounds, like boulders knocking together,

00:24:44it could mean debris is on its way to you.

00:24:46It's a sign to head to safety immediately, like right now.

00:24:53Brace yourself everyone, because we're about to discuss the most famous cursed items around

00:24:58the globe.

00:25:00This vintage cutie has inspired some well-known Hollywood horror movies.

00:25:04But the real-life demon doll can be a lot more frightening than fake jump scares on

00:25:09the screen.

00:25:11In 1970, a young student nurse named Donna Jennings received a Raggedy Ann doll as a

00:25:17birthday gift.

00:25:18Her mother found this toy at an antique shop.

00:25:21Soon, Donna noticed that the doll appeared to move around the house on its own from places

00:25:27where she left it.

00:25:28But she didn't get rid of it until the situation got way worse.

00:25:33Donna's boyfriend began to mysteriously receive claw marks on his chest when he had sleepovers

00:25:38in her house.

00:25:40The family called famed demonologists Elizabeth and Ed Warren, who agreed to investigate that

00:25:46mystery.

00:25:47The couple claimed that the doll had all signs of demonic possession.

00:25:51They locked it in a specially made glass cabinet in their Occult Museum in Connecticut.

00:25:57To keep the evil powers under control, they regularly read prayers.

00:26:02Of course, demonology can hardly be called a classic science.

00:26:06But unfortunately, classic scientists were not brave enough to take the doll into a lab

00:26:10for testing.

00:26:11And while we're talking about creepy dolls, we can't skip this gentleman.

00:26:17Robert, the evil doll is known to have caused several incidents, ranging from car accidents

00:26:23to divorces.

00:26:25In 1904, Robert Eugene Otto received this toy for his birthday.

00:26:30He belonged to a prominent Key West family.

00:26:34Some reports claim that his grandfather brought this souvenir from Germany.

00:26:38Others say it was gifted by one of the maids.

00:26:40Soon, the family began to notice the doll knocking furniture over during the night,

00:26:46teleporting, and even talking.

00:26:49The housemaids claimed to hear Otto having a conversation with the doll alone, in two

00:26:53distinct voices.

00:26:56When Otto passed away, a couple bought the house, and eventually, their 8-year-old daughter

00:27:02found Robert the doll in the attic.

00:27:04Soon, she complained to her parents that the toy was evil and tried to attack her.

00:27:10Thankfully, today the doll is locked in a glass box.

00:27:14It's displayed in a museum in Key West, but it's still believed to curse people.

00:27:19So if you ever want to go see it, take your time to research the safety rules.

00:27:25This modest wedding dress is not so innocent as it seems.

00:27:29It belonged to Anna Baker, the only daughter of a wealthy merchant.

00:27:34They lived in a fancy mansion in Altoona, USA.

00:27:38Anna's father wanted her to marry into an influential and rich family.

00:27:42But Anna fell in love with an ordinary ironworker, and they agreed to escape together.

00:27:48She purchased this dress for her upcoming secret wedding, but her father discovered

00:27:53their plans and ruined them.

00:27:55He forcefully locked Anna in her bedroom.

00:27:58She swore not to marry anyone else and spent the rest of her life alone.

00:28:04When her father passed away, Anna got out of the house and visited her former fiancé,

00:28:10just to see him living happily ever after with another woman.

00:28:14Anna was very disappointed, so she continued living as a hermit in the family mansion.

00:28:20Her maids would often find Anna dancing around the house, dressed in her unused wedding gown.

00:28:27After Anna passed away, the mansion turned into a museum, and the wedding dress is now

00:28:32part of the exhibition.

00:28:34Many visitors claimed to see the dress moving inside the glass box, as if it was dancing.

00:28:40Skeptics tried to find logical reasons causing the movement, but they failed to find any

00:28:45traces of wind, or any other explanation.

00:28:49The dress is also known to put visitors into some sort of trance, and make them see the

00:28:53phantom of Anna dancing around the house.

00:28:56Would you dare to try it on?

00:29:00The next cursed object is also associated with a sad love story.

00:29:05The so-called Bassano Vase was crafted of silver in the 15th century in a small Italian

00:29:11town.

00:29:12It was supposed to be a wedding gift for a young bride delivered to her anonymously before

00:29:17the wedding.

00:29:18But unfortunately, the bride didn't make it to the wedding.

00:29:22When she didn't show up, locals began to look for her.

00:29:25They found the bride breathless on the floor, with the vase clutched tightly in her cold

00:29:31hands.

00:29:32This tragic event was never explained.

00:29:36The silver vase was then passed on from one family to another, and according to the legend,

00:29:42each owner of this weird artifact lost their life.

00:29:47Then the vase disappeared and was rediscovered again in the 1980s.

00:29:51It's said that a young man dug the vase up in his backyard.

00:29:56The details of this discovery vary from story to story, but they say he also found a creepy

00:30:02note.

00:30:03It's said that the vase might cause a fatal outcome, but the man just ignored the grim

00:30:08warning and sold the treasure at an auction.

00:30:12Mysterious tragedies continued as the vase traveled from one household to another.

00:30:17Finally, it was offered to multiple museums, but all of them refused to deal with it because

00:30:23of its bad reputation.

00:30:25It remains unclear where exactly the vase is now, but some say it's hidden in a box

00:30:30underground in an inaccessible place.

00:30:34So if you ever dig this thing up in your backyard, be careful.

00:30:39The Hands Resist Him is known as one of the most haunted paintings in art history.

00:30:45Those who saw it claimed that the characters in the picture move or disappear in the nighttime.

00:30:53According to the artist Bill Stoneham, this piece represents the doorway that connects

00:30:58the world of dreams and reality.

00:31:01Stoneham first presented his creation to the public in California back in the early 1970s.

00:31:07According to reports, the gallery owner, the art critic, and the buyer passed away soon

00:31:13after coming into contact with the painting.

00:31:16After that, no one knew where the painting was for years before one family found it completely

00:31:22abandoned in a brewery building.

00:31:25And in 2000, they decided to auction it online.

00:31:29Soon the painting became a meme because it had a spooky disclaimer saying that it carried

00:31:35some form of curse.

00:31:37The seller claimed that the main character crawled out from the canvas at nighttime.

00:31:42The potential buyer had to sign an agreement absolving the seller from all liability.

00:31:47Nevertheless, the painting was sold for about $1,000, and its new owner didn't report any

00:31:53spooky events so far.

00:31:56But the auction page was viewed over 30,000 times, and many people claimed that simply

00:32:01viewing the photos of the painting made them feel sick or have unpleasant experiences.

00:32:08Here's another haunted painting, The Crying Boy, created by Italian artist Giovanni Bragolin.

00:32:15This work was mass-produced in the 1950s and gained fame worldwide.

00:32:21Looming rumors began to spread soon after multiple homes with this particular painting

00:32:25across the UK caught fire.

00:32:29But the most mysterious part is that no matter how severe the fire was, the painting each

00:32:34time remained undamaged.

00:32:37Some say those fires were just a coincidence, but still, nobody has yet found any scientific

00:32:43explanation for why the paintings are so indestructible.

00:32:48Let's take a look at this solid packaging.

00:32:51Why in the world would someone need to seal a vial in such a massive plastic cube?

00:32:56It must be really dangerous.

00:32:58A few years ago, some viral rumors around the internet claimed that this substance scares

00:33:04the life out of scientists.

00:33:06But in fact, the vial contains a tiny fragment of a zagami meteorite from Mars.

00:33:13Found in Nigeria in 1962, it became famous for being the largest single Mars meteorite

00:33:19ever found on Earth.

00:33:21Its full weight amounts to 40 pounds.

00:33:25According to the legend, coming in contact with this tiny piece of Mars was enough to

00:33:30cause fatal consequences.

00:33:32But don't worry, it's just a myth.

00:33:35Usually, meteorites are even less radioactive than typical Earth rocks.

00:33:39Good news, meteorites probably can't give you superpowers.

00:33:43But the good news is that they're not dangerous, unless you're touching them while they're

00:33:48piercing the atmosphere at the speed of 44 miles per second.

00:33:52And as for the plastic cube, it was created as a convenient packaging to sell zagami fragments

00:33:57to private collectors.

00:34:00And speaking of rocks, it's better to think twice before taking small fragments home as

00:34:05a travel souvenir.

00:34:07This epic sandstone formation is Fuluru Rock.

00:34:11Located in the Northern Territory of Australia, this place is considered sacred by the locals.

00:34:16That's why they advise visitors not to sneak anything from the site.

00:34:21But many fearless tourists ignore their recommendations.

00:34:24Those who brought home small chunks of the rock reported experiencing sickness, bad luck,

00:34:30terrible breakups, and even fatal events.

00:34:34According to reports, many people who removed Uluru fragments attempted to mail them back

00:34:39to various agencies, trying to remove the perceived curse.

00:34:45Going to the beach in winter seems like a good plan.

00:34:48You can have a bonfire, build a sandcastle, search for shells, or swim in the ocean.

00:34:55The vibe might make you overlook the dangers ahead of you.

00:34:58Do you really think through the potential risks of paying a visit to the beach in the

00:35:02winter?

00:35:05The number one risk is waves.

00:35:07You might think it's okay to admire the view on the beach a few steps back from the ocean.

00:35:12Now let me introduce you to sneakers.

00:35:15Not the chocolate bar, sneaker, or with another name, sleeper waves.

00:35:19These are oversized coastal waves.

00:35:22They catch people off guard because they occur without warning or trace.

00:35:27These waves are particularly seen in Oregon, United States.

00:35:31People have been injured and at least 17 people have been swept up into the ocean since 2000.

00:35:37It got more media attention in 2011 when a memorial statue was built honoring the two

00:35:42teens faced with sneaker waves in Oregon.

00:35:45So, how come these waves are so dangerous?

00:35:49It's about their nature.

00:35:51They come out of the blue.

00:35:53With big waves, you see them coming or growing big.

00:35:56Plus, they form in the ocean and come towards the beach.

00:36:00These waves appear near the shore.

00:36:02It leaves less time for you to run to a safer spot.

00:36:05Okay, most of the time, they're not huge, as would be seen in apocalyptic movies.

00:36:11Yet, you can never know what nature holds.

00:36:14Maybe you remember this example from Mavericks.

00:36:17In 2010, a crowd was watching the surfing competition.

00:36:20Suddenly, two large waves struck the people on the beach.

00:36:24It broke the seawall and injured more than 10 people.

00:36:29Sneaker waves don't look particularly larger than other waves until they break and quickly

00:36:33reach the beach.

00:36:35They form in a period of 10 to 20 minutes in between soft and regular-sized waves.

00:36:40They can surge more than 150 feet beyond the foam line.

00:36:45Then, they reach the land with high power.

00:36:48Plus, they carry lots of sand and gravel with them.

00:36:52Sneaker waves are more commonly seen along steep coastlines compared to beaches with

00:36:57wider and softly sloped areas.

00:37:00People named these waves, not scientists.

00:37:03They observed what waves do.

00:37:05They washed up in a sneaky way.

00:37:07I mean, scientists didn't classify this phenomenon as a distinct sort of wave like they did with

00:37:12tsunamis or rogue waves.

00:37:15There's little scientific research made about them.

00:37:18Researchers say that sneaker waves form in offshore storms.

00:37:22These storms transfer the wind energy to the water's surface.

00:37:26The waves carry this energy and then arrive at the beach during times of calm weather.

00:37:32The larger amount of energy they obtain compared to the regular waves that preceded them causes

00:37:36them to go higher up the coast.

00:37:40Imagine you go for a walk on the beach with your dog.

00:37:43The waves gently reach the beach.

00:37:45You play the throw and catch game.

00:37:47You don't know about sneaky waves, so you turn into an unwary beachgoer.

00:37:52What's the risk?

00:37:53Being washed into the water trapped against rocks.

00:37:56Since it's winter, you tend to wear heavier clothes.

00:37:59The sand that sneaker waves carry can quickly fill clothing and shoes, and that weighs you

00:38:05down.

00:38:06How can people enjoy the beach safely?

00:38:09First off, keep your distance if you're on the beach for storm watching, for instance.

00:38:13It might be mesmerizing to see how waves roll in over miles of ocean.

00:38:18The storms hit the shore, and you look at those extreme turbulent swells transform into

00:38:23strong 30-foot long waves.

00:38:26Finding a higher spot that sees the ocean and waves might be best.

00:38:31Be the eagle, not the crab.

00:38:33Did Confucius say that?

00:38:35The second tip is if you're determined to storm watch, never turn your back to the ocean.

00:38:40Yes, eyes on the water.

00:38:43Lastly, be mindful of which part of the beach you're walking on.

00:38:47Stay away from the logs because they hold water.

00:38:50The water increases their weight.

00:38:53In the worst case scenario, the ocean is powerful enough to roll the logs onto you.

00:38:59Let's assume you're hiking near the ocean.

00:39:02Use the designated trails because park authorities determine them as the safest roads possible.

00:39:08Walking off-route can sound charming, but it can be dangerous for you and harmful to

00:39:12the ecosystem in the surrounding area.

00:39:15Now that you know where to walk, you can keep your eyes open about the geological stuff.

00:39:21Like the rocks can be slippery, erosion can rip them off.

00:39:24Yeah, it's better to avoid walking near bases of cliffs and bluffs.

00:39:29You'll never know when a natural phenomenon will occur.

00:39:33It might sound a little extreme, but you may want to check the tsunami evacuation routes

00:39:38of the area you're visiting.

00:39:40Tsunamis are hard to predict, but tides aren't.

00:39:44Tide tables are available online.

00:39:46This natural phenomenon looks harmless, yet it can isolate rocks from headlands and the

00:39:52shore.

00:39:53You probably don't want to find yourself with soaked wet clothes in the ocean for no reason.

00:39:59Climbing up onto the logs might not be the best idea either.

00:40:03Sure, they look heavy and sturdy when you're climbing, but even the smallest wave can take

00:40:07you like a leaf flying in the air.

00:40:10Not just logs, but also jetties are tricky.

00:40:14Sudden waves can make you lose your balance, and you can collapse.

00:40:19Let's return to the scenario where you and your dog are walking on the beach.

00:40:23This time your pet sees shorebirds and chases them.

00:40:27Birds could be there for foraging or roosting.

00:40:29Your dog could interrupt their chill zone.

00:40:31They can lose their energy reserves.

00:40:35Can you bump into creatures hiding under the sand?

00:40:38Some sorts of creatures can be dangerous for you.

00:40:40Better not to poke someone's home.

00:40:42Take a look at this one.

00:40:44It's a horseshoe crab.

00:40:46This one looks scary, yeah, but it's safe as long as you don't step on its spines.

00:40:51So it depends on the type of creature you see, but generally it's okay to explore the

00:40:55sand with caution.

00:40:58Until now, we look at scenarios where you were on the beach when they caught up to sneaker

00:41:02waves.

00:41:04You could be in the water too.

00:41:06You could be surfing, just like the contestant in the Maverick Surf competition, or swimming,

00:41:11if swimming is the new case.

00:41:13Consider these.

00:41:14The temperature is lower, the waves are crazier, and there are probably no lifeguards there

00:41:20watching you in the winter.

00:41:22Swimming with friends is a safe option.

00:41:25Bonus, it's more fun.

00:41:28You should choose your swimming location carefully.

00:41:31Are there dangerous rocky areas?

00:41:33Can you easily go out if there's some sort of emergency?

00:41:36Know your spot.

00:41:38For that, you should check the weather too.

00:41:40Planning has a key role in winter water safety.

00:41:43A quick weather forecast and sea conditions check would do.

00:41:48You can consider buying a tow float if you're an adventurous open water swimmer.

00:41:53It's a flotation device designed to increase the swimmer's visibility in the water.

00:41:58They are lightweight and have fluorescent colors.

00:42:01Alternatively, you can wear a brightly colored swimming cap.

00:42:05We can talk more about the gear.

00:42:08Wearing a wetsuit is wise, as well as wetsuit gloves and boots.

00:42:12You can put your phone in a waterproof pouch or bag.

00:42:15Staying warm is essential in the winter.

00:42:18Don't just jump into the water at once.

00:42:21This can result in cold water shock.

00:42:23It's vital to enter the water slowly.

00:42:26In that way, your body can get used to the temperature.

00:42:30Once you take all the necessary precautions, you can enjoy the beach and explore its offers.

00:42:36What sort of gems can you find on the beach?

00:42:38A mermaid's purse?

00:42:40Maybe.

00:42:41No, it's not the purse of Ariel from Disney's Little Mermaid.

00:42:44That's actually an egg case belonging to sharks and rays.

00:42:48It's made out of keratin, kind of similar to your hair and fingernails.

00:42:52These purses are the place where the embryo grows.

00:42:56The egg hatches and the cases are carried away with the water to the beach.

00:43:00If you want to find one, you can look at the area near the seaweed.

00:43:04Have fun while searching for it!

00:43:06Now, I'm ending this video with a quick joke that's suitable for the cold weather

00:43:10of winter.

00:43:12What did the ocean say to the beach?

00:43:14Nothing.

00:43:15It just waved.

00:43:16Well, it's a nice Sunday afternoon and you're shopping at your regular grocery store when

00:43:22you stumble upon a bloated package in the fresh produce aisle.

00:43:26You check the product information.

00:43:28It seems well within its expiration date.

00:43:31Then, why the unusual shape, you may wonder?

00:43:34The answer is not always straightforward.

00:43:37For some types of fresh products, such as meat, fish, or seafood, sometimes even salads

00:43:42and cheese, scientists came up with something called MAP or Modified Atmosphere Packaging.

00:43:49To ensure that these types of products with a relatively short shelf life stay fresh for

00:43:54as long as possible, a combination of gases is introduced in the packaging.

00:43:59It happens even before the product reaches your local grocery store.

00:44:03A French professor at the Montpelier School of Pharmacy stumbled upon this method after

00:44:08he noticed that fruits tend to stay fresh for longer periods of time in low-oxygen storage

00:44:14conditions.

00:44:15The types of gases in MAP packaging can vary from product to product, but the main idea

00:44:20is to replace or reduce the content of oxygen.

00:44:24It's generally replaced with either nitrogen or carbon dioxide.

00:44:28Keep in mind that just because a bloated bag of salad is within its expiration date, it

00:44:33doesn't mean it's always safe to eat.

00:44:36The gases inside the bag may very well be there for their own purpose, but they can

00:44:40also be a sign that the product is spoiled.

00:44:44That's why the best course of action when shopping would be to check if the product

00:44:48is not expired.

00:44:50If it's still within the date, check for any unusual odors or damage to the packaging.

00:44:55If something seems off, it's best not to risk it.

00:44:58You can reach out to any of the store staff if you have any questions or concerns.

00:45:03Supermarkets these days have a layout which allows for a logical shopping order, like

00:45:08buying non-perishable items first, then adding refrigerated or frozen products.

00:45:14Fruits and vegetables should come last since you won't want them at the bottom of your

00:45:18shopping cart.

00:45:19Nobody likes a squished tomato.

00:45:21While I'm on the subject of fruits and veggies, try to get them earlier in the morning if

00:45:26possible.

00:45:27Veggies that have been sitting out all day may lose some of their shape and texture,

00:45:31while others may be a bit wilted away.

00:45:34Quick tip on waste management, never buy more produce than you intend to use in a week.

00:45:40Most fruits and vegetables don't even last that long, so it's best not to give in to

00:45:45cravings.

00:45:46Shopping on a full stomach might help with that as well, just as much as going shopping

00:45:50with a pre-made list of things you need to buy.

00:45:53Thoroughly inspecting the package of every product might save you some hustle later as

00:45:58well.

00:45:59Refrigerated products need to feel cold to the touch, whilst frozen ones need to be solid

00:46:04and with no sign of leakage.

00:46:07When you get home, make sure you refrigerate all the necessary items as soon as possible.

00:46:11Generally, they shouldn't be out of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours.

00:46:16Otherwise, their quality won't stay the same.

00:46:19Buying potted herbs from the grocery store may not be the first thing on your list, but

00:46:24it's surely something to consider.

00:46:26Not only are they available for a fraction of the cost, but they're also easy to grow

00:46:30and take care of.

00:46:32Just picture a nice herb garden right there on your balcony, or even in the kitchen.

00:46:36Wouldn't that be nice?

00:46:38You'll always have fresh basil to top a mouth-watering pasta dish.

00:46:43Since you're still at the grocery store, pick up some coffee filters while you're at it.

00:46:47You may not have a machine at home that actually uses filters, but there are a lot more things

00:46:52you can use them for around the house.

00:46:54They can be used for straining liquids, safely stacking delicate china in your cupboards,

00:46:59or even polishing windows, or shoes for that matter.

00:47:03If your favorite fruits and vegetables are on sale, but buying large quantities would

00:47:07mean they'd go to waste, consider freezing them.

00:47:10You can stock up on items for smoothies, especially for the colder season when there are limited

00:47:15options for fresh fruits.

00:47:17And don't just grab the first thing on the shelf, especially if it's likely to go bad

00:47:21quickly.

00:47:23Grocers restock their produce following a first-in-first-out layout, so the items at

00:47:28the back of the shelf will always be a tad bit fresher.

00:47:32The same goes for tea if you prefer it to coffee.

00:47:35Switch to buying loose-leaf tea, and you'll not only reduce the cost, you'll also be able

00:47:40to make your own homemade tea blends.

00:47:43Loose-leaf tea also has a stronger flavor than tea sold in teabags.

00:47:47As for the other household stuff, stock up on items such as light bulbs, paper towels,

00:47:52and batteries.

00:47:53Chances are you'll always be needing at least one of these items, so it's best to buy them

00:47:58in larger quantities when on sale.

00:48:00They never go to waste, and let's face it, it's always annoying when you run out of batteries

00:48:05at home and your TV remote stops working.

00:48:09Tell me about it!

00:48:10Try to reduce the number of times you go to the grocery store to buy just one item.

00:48:14It's inefficient, and most likely, you'll end up buying things that you don't actually

00:48:19need.

00:48:20Well that shopping list starts to make a lot more sense now, doesn't it?

00:48:24Another list worth making – the one containing whatever you have in the fridge.

00:48:29Try to create such a list at least twice a week.

00:48:32Meal planning for at least a week in advance will also help you reduce impulse buying.

00:48:37If you already know what you'll want for dinner on Wednesday, why add anything else

00:48:41to the cart if it's unnecessary?

00:48:44At the same time, start getting creative with your leftovers.

00:48:48There's no need for them to go to waste when you can mix and match or add some additional

00:48:52herbs and flavors to spice them up.

00:48:55Store leftovers in transparent containers for added visibility, and don't be afraid

00:49:00to set out a leftover day during the week.

00:49:03It's also nice to look at them as ingredients rather than leftovers.

00:49:07Use extra leftover pasta or steamed vegetables for a frittata or an omelette.

00:49:13Blend together cooked vegetables with some tomatoes to create a pasta sauce.

00:49:18Put together some wraps for the next day's lunch with anything from leftover cooked rice

00:49:22to meat and vegetables.

00:49:24Or if you're really looking for the easiest method to save leftovers, you can always turn

00:49:29them into soup.

00:49:31Last night's vegetable side dish can turn into a wholesome lunch if you simply add a

00:49:35can of broth and blend it all together.

00:49:38Even a 2-day-old loaf of bread can be salvaged if you cut it diagonally, sprinkle the slices

00:49:44with some herbs and olive oil, and pop them in the oven for a couple of minutes.

00:49:48You'll then have yourself some nice homemade croutons for that previously mentioned soup.

00:49:54A little label know-how never hurt anyone either.

00:49:57Be on the lookout for ingredients you've never heard of or those you can't pronounce.

00:50:02An item that usually has more than 5 ingredients listed on the packaging should be avoided.

00:50:08Even the way you carry your groceries in the supermarket can affect how and what you buy.

00:50:13If you prefer baskets to shopping carts, you're more prone to impulse searches.

00:50:18That's with a study published by the Journal of Marketing Research claims.

00:50:22It happens due to the effort you put in actually carrying the items around.

00:50:26Choosing a shopping cart will most likely make you comfortable enough to browse through

00:50:31enough products and read labels thoroughly.

00:50:34When your grocery list is not too big, go for the self-checkout aisle if available.

00:50:39Studies have shown that impulse purchases are lowered by up to 32% if you actually scan

00:50:45your own items on the way out.

00:50:47That's because the regular checkout line is specially designed to keep you from letting

00:50:51go of any items you might have reconsidered buying.

00:50:55There's literally nowhere you can put down your undesired products, outside of your grocery

00:50:59cart, and if there's anyone else waiting in line behind you, good luck sliding out.

00:51:05The food arrangement on the shelves can also pose a threat to both your budget and your

00:51:09habits.

00:51:10Since people are more inclined to buy the items they see first, the most expensive products

00:51:15are placed at eye level, and the budget options are placed on the top and bottom shelves.

00:51:21Take your time and scan your aisles of interest.

00:51:24You'll be surprised to see that most items placed on higher or lower shelves are often

00:51:29not only more cost-effective, but also less packed with additives or artificial flavor.

00:51:35Hey, be careful, it's a jungle in there!

00:51:40On the outside, the surface of this lake looks like the aftermath of a disaster.

00:51:45Empty tree trunks spike out of the turquoise waters.

00:51:48The lake is surrounded by mountains, making it a quiet but unsettling place.

00:51:54But those who dare to swim under these dangerous waters will soon discover a whole new world.

00:52:00This isn't the beginning of a fairy tale, it's the actual story of Kayendi Lake, located

00:52:05in Sati, Kazakhstan.

00:52:07Back in 1911, an earthquake caused a major landslide in this location.

00:52:12The valley created eventually filled up with rainwater, practically submerging the forest.

00:52:17The trees that are located above the waters might look very sad, but beneath the surface,

00:52:22they remind you of an underwater forest.

00:52:25Since the waters are crystal clear most of the time, you can still see this fascinating

00:52:30view even from its shores.

00:52:32The ice-cold water makes this lake so tricky and, at times, even dangerous.

00:52:37And don't forget about all the algae, plants, and submerged trees that can rapidly become

00:52:42risky obstacles.

00:52:44Hey, I enjoy a steamy hot bath, but this boiling lake I'll tell you about now is really the

00:52:51stuff of scary dreams.

00:52:53It's located on the Caribbean island of Dominica, and its waters have temperatures between 180

00:52:59and 197°F. And that's just around the edges, since no one has ever dared to reach the middle

00:53:06of the lake to measure its core temperature.

00:53:09It's true that the heat can go down from time to time, but you never know when these waters

00:53:14may start to boil again.

00:53:16The place is also dangerous because of the gases it releases, such as carbon dioxide.

00:53:21It doesn't smell nice, trust me, but that's mostly because of the sulfur stuck in the

00:53:25steamy air.

00:53:27This seemingly calm lake also carries a dangerous surprise.

00:53:32Lake Manan, located in West Province, Cameroon.

00:53:35It's one of the few erupting lakes on the whole planet, similar to a volcano.

00:53:40And most of the time, it does so without any warnings.

00:53:44Its last eruption dates back to 1894, when it caused serious damage.

00:53:49The chemical mechanism of such lakes works like a can of soda that you shake before opening.

00:53:55There are risky gases on the bottom of the waters, so any disturbance on the surface

00:53:59may trigger their eruption.

00:54:02Natron Lake in Tanzania may be beautiful to watch because of its unique reddish coloring,

00:54:08but it's definitely not a place you'd want to take a swim in.

00:54:11While the water is extremely salty, it also combines with algae, which, by the way, are

00:54:17responsible for the coloring.

00:54:19And that's not even the riskiest thing about it.

00:54:21Natron Lake has pH levels so high that they become corrosive.

00:54:26If you dampen a piece of dyed material in this lake, it'll soon be stripped of its

00:54:31color.

00:54:32These high levels of acidity can also cause serious problems to the human skin.

00:54:37It's not all bad for some creatures, as Lake Natron is the only home to over 2.5 million

00:54:42small flamingos.

00:54:44These acidic and brackish waters support their survival, so it's no wonder they like to

00:54:48stick around.

00:54:50Lake Nicaragua's danger factor has less to do with chemistry and more to do with its

00:54:55inhabitants.

00:54:56It's located on the border of Costa Rica and Nicaragua and is the largest freshwater

00:55:01lake in Central America.

00:55:03When you first look at it, you won't think it can be dangerous.

00:55:06But because of the bull sharks inhabiting it, I wouldn't recommend taking a swim.

00:55:12Sharks tend to be unpredictable and at times intimidating creatures.

00:55:16Plus, they will eat everything if needed.

00:55:19Scientists initially believed this species of shark was only found in this lake.

00:55:23But they soon discovered that people had seen the same sharks in the Caribbean Sea.

00:55:28These astonishing creatures not only cross a distance of over 120 miles to get here,

00:55:33but can also adapt to freshwater, something not all fish can do.

00:55:38Belize's Great Blue Hole may seem alluring to divers.

00:55:42I mean, it has a gorgeous deep blue color and is pretty close to the mainland, about

00:55:4662 miles.

00:55:48The problem is that beneath the surface of these tranquil waters is a mixed-up series

00:55:52of tunnels which contain many types of coral and other wildlife.

00:55:57These caves are what makes diving through the Great Blue Hole tricky.

00:56:01More so, specialists discovered that deeper into the waters, there are fewer and fewer

00:56:06creatures.

00:56:07Why?

00:56:08Because of a hidden layer of hydrogen sulfide that spans over the whole width of the sinkhole.

00:56:14Since there's no oxygen, no creature can ever survive this deep into the hole.

00:56:20Lake Lanier is the largest lake in the state of Georgia.

00:56:23It has a lot of visitors each year, about 11 million, so that's about the same number

00:56:27as visiting the Louvre Museum in Paris.

00:56:30Despite its popularity, a lot of accidents happen on this lake, and nobody knows for

00:56:35sure why.

00:56:37One of the explanations may lie beneath the surface of this mysterious lake.

00:56:41There's a lot of debris and rubble in there, along with random objects that have been tossed

00:56:46in, like boats, lawn chairs, and even fishing wire.

00:56:50All this creates a tricky underwater obstacle course.

00:56:54With the added low visibility on the surface of the lake, this place can become risky to

00:56:58navigate.

00:57:00Another one of those lakes that looks like someone might've overdone with editing is

00:57:04the Grand Prismatic Spring, located in Yellowstone National Park, which stretches into the states

00:57:10of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.

00:57:13Swimming here is completely prohibited.

00:57:15Why?

00:57:16Well, it's 189°F in the center, almost close to boiling temperatures, and the outermost

00:57:22ring reaches around 131°F, hence the colors.

00:57:26Since the center of the water is way too hot for any life to make it, there's nothing

00:57:30clouding the surface.

00:57:32The lack of any living organisms here creates that vivid blue that looks almost painted

00:57:37over.

00:57:39On the small Mediterranean island of Cyprus, there's not a lot of rain during the summer.

00:57:44That's why some bodies of water here become so dry that in certain areas, they get covered

00:57:49in a layer of baked salt.

00:57:52It's the case for the Larnaca Salt Lake.

00:57:55Don't be fooled by the eerie landscape.

00:57:57These lands can easily become a trap.

00:57:59That's because it's easy to get confused about what's actually a dry surface and what's

00:58:04just a thin layer of salt on top of water or mud.

00:58:08More so, underneath the crust are salt crystals, which can cause problems for people's skin.

00:58:14Semisen Hole is one of the most dangerous places to swim in the whole of Thailand.

00:58:19It's because it's very deep, reaching 280 ft, and gets extremely dark.

00:58:25At certain points, as divers get lower, they can even reach places with zero visibility.

00:58:31No wonder a lot of people get confused and can't seem to find their way up anymore.

00:58:36The largest lake in Africa, and the third largest lake in the entire world, is called

00:58:41Lake Victoria.

00:58:42Not all of its waters are unsafe for people, but some regions can rapidly cause problems.

00:58:48Why?

00:58:49Particularly because it has its own isolated weather system, and that makes the weather

00:58:54really unreliable.

00:58:56It can go from bright and sunny to terrible in a matter of seconds.

00:58:59I mean, who'd want to get caught swimming in the middle of a storm, right?

00:59:04Pustoyi Lake is located in Siberia, so I'm guessing I don't need to tell you the waters

00:59:10here get extremely cold.

00:59:12But if you look at the lake, there's nothing out of the ordinary with these waters.

00:59:16Hmm, is that completely true?

00:59:19Most likely not, and people tend to avoid swimming here at all costs, even if they can

00:59:24resist the freezing cold waters.

00:59:26So what makes Lake Pustoyi so mysterious and dangerous?

00:59:30Well, nothing seems to want to live here, and scientists have yet to discover why.

00:59:36They tried to fill the lake with many types of fish and various plant species to see if

00:59:40they could survive in the waters, but the results were, hmm, disappointing.

00:59:45Since we don't know exactly what makes it so difficult to survive here, don't go running

00:59:49for your swimming trunks just yet.

00:59:51It's best if you stay away.

00:59:53Hey, you don't have to tell me twice!

00:59:57Well, it's that time of year again – spring cleaning!

01:00:02Making your way outside, you grab the duster and broom to get rid of all those cobwebs

01:00:07on your windows.

01:00:09They don't stand a chance this time!

01:00:11Removing one cobweb after the other, you suddenly notice some weird-shaped mud stuck under the

01:00:17eaves and porch.

01:00:19What's this?

01:00:20It suddenly dawns on you – these have to be mud dauber wasp nests!

01:00:25You're probably thinking there's a swarm of them around with so many nests being side

01:00:29by side.

01:00:31Luckily, mud dauber wasps are solitary insects.

01:00:35All those little mud huts are filled with paralyzed spiders.

01:00:39Sometimes, even up to 500 spiders can be trapped in these lockers, just waiting for the wasp

01:00:45young to hatch.

01:00:47If the nest has holes, it may indicate the nest is inactive or old, as mud dauber wasps

01:00:53create holes when they leave the nest.

01:00:56If you're not going to remove them, it's best to wait till nighttime when they're

01:01:00not as active.

01:01:02While they're pretty placid, if they feel threatened, they won't hesitate to sting.

01:01:09Looking like someone got halfway through building one insect and forgot what part came next,

01:01:14the mole cricket is one insect that really looks out of this world.

01:01:19With claws like a mole, a body of a cricket, and the head of a shrimp, this critter is

01:01:25like the platypus of the insect world.

01:01:28They're not venomous and will only bite if you trap them inside your hand.

01:01:32And if you really annoy it, it's got something else up its sleeve – the wings.

01:01:38They can spit a foul-smelling brown liquid from their body, just like a skunk.

01:01:43So just let them leave your home and there will be nothing to clean up.

01:01:48Rock pools are teeming with all sorts of plant and animal life.

01:01:53Sea creatures such as starfish, seagrass, hermit crabs, tiny fish, and all types of

01:01:59octopuses.

01:02:00If you come across this tiny blue-ringed octopus, it's best to leave it alone.

01:02:05It's flashing neon blue at you for a reason.

01:02:09This miniature octopus has a venomous bite that's a thousand times stronger than cyanide

01:02:15with no antidote available.

01:02:17Don't poke it with a stick or try to pick one up – it's not worth the trip to the

01:02:21hospital or the morgue.

01:02:25Snakes on land are scary, but sea snakes are on an entirely different level.

01:02:31Found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, there are about 50 different species of sea snakes,

01:02:37and they're beautiful as much as they're dangerous.

01:02:39Luckily, they don't seem to worry about us too much.

01:02:43The Dubois sea snake is arguably the most venomous snake in the ocean, with the big

01:02:48sea snake not far behind.

01:02:51Their venom makes a cobra's bite seem like a walk in the park.

01:02:55The venom of both these snakes is extremely dangerous.

01:02:59Good thing for us that their venom can take hours to cause any symptoms in humans.

01:03:03If they can bite through your wetsuit, that is!

01:03:08If this fly lands on your arm outside, you might just scream a little.

01:03:12Hey, I wouldn't blame you!

01:03:14The scorpion fly, as its name suggests, has a curved tail that looks just like a scorpion

01:03:20stinger.

01:03:21You can breathe a sigh of relief – this is only used for mating.

01:03:25It also has a long beak-like head that's used to feed after stealing insects from spiders'

01:03:31webs.

01:03:32To find the perfect partner, they love to give the equivalent of a box of chocolates

01:03:37and flowers, except theirs is saliva.

01:03:40How romantic!

01:03:43If you happen to be in Africa, you might just miss this large bird if you're not paying

01:03:48attention.

01:03:49The shoebill will just casually stand still as you walk right on by.

01:03:54Going up to 5 feet tall with an 8-foot wingspan, the shoebill sounds like an apex predator,

01:04:01though it's anything but.

01:04:03Known as one of the most slow-moving birds, almost statue-like, the shoebill just eats

01:04:09fish near the surface of the water, without a care in the world.

01:04:14This bird isn't afraid of humans at all.

01:04:16While they won't naturally come over to talk about the weather, they'll allow us

01:04:20to get close enough for some photos.

01:04:24If you hear a small, squeaking sound while you're in the garden, it could be a mouse,

01:04:29a squirrel, or a rhinoceros beetle is letting you know that you are too close.

01:04:35They love to make a racket when bothered.

01:04:38With a giant scary horn on top of their head, they might seem like they're able to defend

01:04:43themselves with it, but that's not possible at all.

01:04:47That's only to move leaves and sticks out of their way, and to stop other males from

01:04:51coming into the female beetle's area.

01:04:55Not only have they got a horn on their head, but they've also got Herculean strength,

01:05:00able to lift 850 times their own weight.

01:05:04It's like you or me lifting 65 tons or 11 elephants.

01:05:08Hey, let's try it!

01:05:12And mainly in China, the small tufted deer looks adorable with its tuft of hair.

01:05:17That is, until it turns around.

01:05:19Oh no, it's a vampire deer!

01:05:23Luckily, this animal doesn't want to taste your blood or wear a cape.

01:05:28Only males grow these during the mating season rather than antlers to fight over territories

01:05:33in female tufted deer.

01:05:36These fangs are more like elephant tusks than sharp teeth.

01:05:39Not only do they have fangs, but they're also known to bark like a dog and flee like

01:05:44a cat when they're scared.

01:05:48Red sky at night, sailor's delight.

01:05:51Red sky in the morning, sailor's warning.

01:05:54No one said anything about a red tide, though.

01:05:58The red tide is a toxic algal bloom that rises up from the seafloor after particularly bad

01:06:04storms.

01:06:05This algae looks a lot like spilled ketchup or rust in the water, but it's much worse

01:06:10for the life around it.

01:06:12Fish and marine life will try to escape once exposed to the toxic algae in their water.

01:06:18It's not particularly harmful to humans who are exposed to it, but if you eat seafood

01:06:23contaminated with its toxins, things can become a bit more serious.

01:06:28So if the sea is red, just stay out of the water.

01:06:33Some spiders love to show off with bright colors to show they're dangerous.

01:06:38Not the Sydney funnel-web spider of Australia.

01:06:42This glossy black spider doesn't need theatrics to prove it's tough.

01:06:47These bad-tempered crawlers cause serious alarm when they decide to bite us.

01:06:51They can shut down our entire nervous system in as little as 30 minutes.

01:06:57Making their web in any shelter, like old logs, shoes, or even garden gnomes, the funnel

01:07:03web spiders like to live close to our surroundings for easy food.

01:07:08When they get tired of an area, they just leave their web behind and wander off to find

01:07:13somewhere new.

01:07:15Perfect!

01:07:17Some say honey badgers don't care, and I think they might be right.

01:07:22When you're brave enough to take food away from a jaguar, lion, or hyena, what do you

01:07:27got to fear?

01:07:29These tough relatives of the weasel aren't just ferocious, they're super smart.

01:07:34Known to even use tools to escape from enclosures, objects like rakes, stones, and mud just become

01:07:40things to climb for freedom.

01:07:43Aside from their physical similarities to the skunk, the honey badger also boasts a

01:07:48dangerous gland in its tail containing a powerful stink machine.

01:07:53So they're tough, stinky, have extremely stretchy and strong skin, and to top it all

01:07:59off, they've got a strong immunity to scorpions and snakes.

01:08:03The best thing to do if you walk into a honey badger is to leave it alone.

01:08:08What chance do we have?

01:08:11Ever heard of the fungus strawberries and cream?

01:08:14No?

01:08:15What about its other name, the bleeding tooth fungus?

01:08:19This fungus isn't toxic but tastes so bitter that you might think twice about trying some.

01:08:26When young and growing, this white mushroom appears to have red jelly coming out of its

01:08:30pores.

01:08:32This sticky liquid is sap that's pushed up from taking on too much water.

01:08:36The adult mushroom is just a boring beige compared to this.

01:08:41Underneath the mushroom cap, where its spores are produced, it has a tooth-like structure

01:08:46just to make it even weirder.

01:08:49Tasmanian devils have a reputation for being bad-tempered when threatened by a predator,

01:08:55fighting other males, or getting a place at the table for dinner.

01:08:59They're dubbed devils because of the teeth-bearing, lunging, and one of the scariest shrieks

01:09:04you'll ever hear in the middle of the night.

01:09:07They'll also eat pretty much anything they can get a hold of too.

01:09:11They don't habitually go for people, although they will defend themselves if they're cornered.

01:09:16With such a powerful bite, you wouldn't want to be on the receiving end.

01:09:21Good thing the tassie devils would much rather escape as well.

01:09:41Now that you've seen some very weird winter phenomena, let's go take a look at some of them.

01:09:47Beneath the surface of Canada's Lake Abraham in Alberta, or beneath other lakes across

01:09:53Antarctica, you'll witness a truly mesmerizing phenomenon of ice bubbles.

01:09:59From the top, they look like glittering jewels.

01:10:02But these bubbles don't meet our expectations, as they never pop.

01:10:06They just freeze midway, before ever reaching the surface.

01:10:11So how did they get there in the first place, and what are they made of?

01:10:16Some of them come from gas released from the melting of glaciers, while others are a result

01:10:21of the decomposing of organic matter lying at the bottom of the lakes.

01:10:26Now they sure look pretty, but they're also pretty harmful to human life.

01:10:31These bubbles are made of methane, and they can intoxicate you.

01:10:35So if I were you, I wouldn't get too close.

01:10:40If you're driving on a curvy hillside road when a snow squall begins, you'd be wise to

01:10:45stop driving immediately.

01:10:47A snow squall is the winter equivalent of a severe thunderstorm.

01:10:52The thing is, they're difficult to predict and very fast-moving.

01:10:56There can be sunshine, but then all of a sudden, a huge snow squall might start.

01:11:01If you haven't heard this term before, it's because the National Weather Service in the

01:11:05US only began using it in 2018.

01:11:10They called it a squall because it reduces a lot of our visibility and can be very dangerous

01:11:15if you don't take it seriously.

01:11:18But still, falling snow is beautiful, even if it's that crazy.

01:11:24Say this winter you decided to finally visit the famous Niagara Falls.

01:11:30Located between the US and Canada, these falls are the fifth largest waterfall in the world,

01:11:35with over 3,000 tons of falling water per second.

01:11:40In winter, the area looks like a winter wonderland and is home to an interesting phenomenon,

01:11:46a frozen fall.

01:11:47No, this isn't the work of Hollywood or an internet prank.

01:11:51Niagara Falls can actually form a layer of ice.

01:11:55This happens when the falls have been exposed to frigid temperatures for a long time.

01:12:00Also, the surface water and mist in the air turn to ice, giving the impression that the

01:12:05entire waterfall is frozen.

01:12:08But that's not exactly what happens.

01:12:11If you look closely into the ice, you'll notice that there's still plenty of flowing water.

01:12:18Have you ever heard of something called a natural snowball?

01:12:21This is a rare yet beautiful environmental phenomenon that happens when smaller pieces

01:12:26of ice end up being rolled by strong winds and water.

01:12:31The further they roll, the more ice they gather, and the more that ice is polished.

01:12:37They end up as giant, perfectly shaped snowballs.

01:12:41They would look pretty amazing on their own, but hundreds of them together?

01:12:45That's some scenery.

01:12:48Some snowballs turn into huge rolling doughnuts.

01:12:52These rare shapes happen only in perfect temperature conditions, when the snow is in the perfect

01:12:57state between hard and fluffy.

01:13:00It happens when a snowball begins rolling down, gathering more and more snow, until

01:13:05suddenly its middle part collapses.

01:13:08This allows for the snowball to get its doughnut shape.

01:13:12Does it also taste as good as a doughnut?

01:13:14I guess not, right?

01:13:16Oh, almost forgot.

01:13:18If you want to see them in real life, you have to go to some severely cold places.

01:13:23But still, people reported having seen them in Ottawa, in the Midwest of the U.S., and

01:13:28even in Scotland.

01:13:32If you go for a walk in the woods at the beginning of winter, you might stumble upon a magical

01:13:37phenomenon known as frost flowers.

01:13:41These flower-shaped phenomena are rare and occur only when the temperature of the air

01:13:45is freezing, but the ground is still moist.

01:13:50When the perfect conditions align, vapor coming out of stems form these veil-thin patterns

01:13:56that make up delicate flower-like ice.

01:13:59Don't try to pick them, you'll break them.

01:14:01And certainly don't try to plant them anywhere else, as they aren't real flowers.

01:14:06Oh, and be sure to go before the sun is too strong, otherwise it'll melt these delicate

01:14:12things.

01:14:14Say you just checked the forecast and the weather for the day is negative 8 degrees

01:14:19Fahrenheit.

01:14:20Maybe you'd choose staying home underneath the blankets, but I'm sure you'd change

01:14:24your mind if you had the option of this day trip.

01:14:29Picture Yellowstone Park under a few feet of snow on a sunny day.

01:14:34Well, if that didn't do it for you, then add some snow-covered bison and steamy geysers

01:14:39to the scenery.

01:14:41Still not convinced?

01:14:42How about the chance to see the rare phenomenon of hoarfrost?

01:14:47If you haven't heard of them before, they're a geometrically enchanting type of frost that

01:14:51you can see when moisture in the air skips the droplet stage and appears directly as

01:14:57ice crystals on top of a leaf.

01:15:00They're much more photogenic than your windshield or garden variety frost.

01:15:05FYI, the term hoarfrost comes from Old English, meaning a frost that resembles an old man's

01:15:12beard.

01:15:13Well, what do you say?

01:15:14Does this actually look like a beard?

01:15:18You're walking in a frost-covered forest on a freezing day when suddenly you hear a loud

01:15:24banging sound.

01:15:25No, it's not an avalanche nor an earthquake.

01:15:28You're in the middle of a frost quake.

01:15:32If only that meant that you'd see beautiful snow crystals cracking on the floor, but that's

01:15:37not quite the case.

01:15:40Frost quakes, also known as ice quakes, happen when the moisture below the ground starts

01:15:44to freeze and expand.

01:15:47It's normal for things to expand in their frozen state.

01:15:50Just look at an ice cube, for example.

01:15:53These frost quakes can move rocks and the soil above and cause loud cracking sounds

01:15:59as if the world were falling apart.

01:16:02Don't worry though, it's not.

01:16:06If you happen to see black ice, be careful.

01:16:10Although we call it that, black ice isn't really black.

01:16:14It's made up of a thin layer of ice that looks black due to the color of concrete or earthy

01:16:19ground.

01:16:20It blends in so well with the ground that it's almost impossible to spot.

01:16:25It forms during winter days when the ground is wet from rain or melted snow, and the temperature

01:16:31suddenly drops below freezing temperatures.

01:16:34Also, this thin layer emerges, multiplying considerably your chances of slipping while

01:16:39walking on bridges or overpasses.

01:16:42It's also pretty common on spots on the road that are shaded by trees.

01:16:48This next phenomenon happens in a very specific wintry context, the Antarctic one.

01:16:54Amongst the unique things that occur on the continent, Antarctica is home to an extremely

01:16:59weird waterfall.

01:17:01The year was 1911, when an Australian geologist wondered about the so-called Blood Falls.

01:17:08He was extremely puzzled by this red stream of liquid pouring from a small hillside amongst

01:17:14the Antarctic ice.

01:17:15After years of studying, it was understood that what caused the redness was the high

01:17:20iron content in the water.

01:17:23The last piece of the puzzle came when scientists discovered that there was an underground lake

01:17:28with water full of oxidized iron nearby, which was what caused the blood fall to exist in

01:17:34the first place.

01:17:36The North Pole is more than Santa's fictional home.

01:17:40Together with the South Pole, it's home to the so-called Polar Vortex, a phenomenon that

01:17:45helps to enhance our winter experience.

01:17:49The Polar Vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air.

01:17:53It's called a vortex simply because over there the air rotates counterclockwise.

01:17:59It sends a jet stream that makes you want to bundle up and helps induce several winter

01:18:04phenomena such as freezing fog.

01:18:08If fog is when a cloud touches the ground, what happens when it freezes?

01:18:13You can expect that all of the moist droplets of water that are hanging around in the air

01:18:18will possibly freeze when they touch the ground, meaning you really wouldn't want to be driving

01:18:23around in the middle of one of these things.

01:18:29Although the Da Vinci Code might not hold the same level of mystery as the Da Vinci

01:18:33Code, deciphering it can offer crucial protection against potential burglaries.

01:18:38This code consists of a series of cryptic notes and alerts that burglars use to communicate

01:18:44with each other, warning their accomplices about the risks and challenges they may face

01:18:48when targeting a specific property.

01:18:51By understanding and decoding the Da Vinci Code, we common people can effectively safeguard

01:18:57our homes and belongings against intruders, ensuring enhanced security and peace of mind.

01:19:03Look here, a cute garden gnome!

01:19:05Welp, if it doesn't belong to you and you didn't place it in your garden yourself,

01:19:09it's the Da Vinci Code!

01:19:11Police are warning about a concerning trend involving the placement of Christmas gnomes

01:19:15in gardens.

01:19:17These are not some gifts and they aren't placed by mistake, as these gnomes may be

01:19:21used as a signal by potential burglars to determine if a home is vacant.

01:19:26So you gotta always remain vigilant and take steps to secure your property.

01:19:32Some authorities report that a band of serial burglars in Fairfax County, Virginia have

01:19:36been breaking into homes using bouquets of flowers and spray paint.

01:19:41Apparently, a lady would show up at the door with flowers, but if no one answered, she'd

01:19:46head back to the car.

01:19:48Then, two guys would bust in and steal stuff like jewelry and cash.

01:19:52They've been trying to stay incognito by interfering and covering up home security cameras.

01:19:59Thieves are drawing secret symbols in the street to communicate with other criminals

01:20:03about potential targets.

01:20:05These symbols can indicate whether a home is affluent, has already been robbed, or does

01:20:09not contain valuable items.

01:20:12Alarmingly, they can also signify if there is a vulnerable woman living in the house

01:20:17or if the occupant is easily frightened or gullible.

01:20:21Law enforcement officers have deciphered the meanings behind several of these symbols.

01:20:26For example, an X suggests the home is a good target, while an X enclosed within a circle

01:20:32indicates there is nothing worth stealing inside.

01:20:35A capital D with a line through it signifies that breaking into the house is too risky,

01:20:41while five circles in the form of a star indicate a wealthy property.

01:20:47Additional symbols can reveal if a home is equipped with an alarm system or has been

01:20:50previously burglarized.

01:20:53Those signs aren't the only things you have to keep an eye out for.

01:20:57Watch out for unfamiliar solicitors who may seem out of place or suspicious when knocking

01:21:01on your door.

01:21:03If they're unable to provide proper identification or a valid reason for being there, it's best

01:21:08to proceed with vigilance.

01:21:11Be cautious of anyone claiming to be from a utility company but unable to provide a

01:21:16legitimate ID.

01:21:18They may have ulterior motives for wanting access to your home.

01:21:23It is important to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially when it comes

01:21:28to individuals who may be lingering around your residence.

01:21:31Keep a watchful eye out for anyone who appears to be loitering near your home, jotting down

01:21:36suspicious notes, or simply watching your property with a keen interest.

01:21:41This behavior could be a red flag that someone is monitoring your movements and activities,

01:21:47potentially in search of weaknesses or vulnerabilities in your home security.

01:21:51Make sure to report any suspicious behavior to the authorities and take necessary precautions

01:21:56to protect yourself and your property from potential threats.

01:22:01Also, be wary of individuals pretending to be survey takers or conducting market research.

01:22:08While some surveys may be genuine, scammers could use this as a way to gather information

01:22:12about your home security and routines.

01:22:15Keep an eye out for charity groups who may seem more interested in your home than your

01:22:19beliefs or donations.

01:22:21This could be a telltale sign of a potential scam.

01:22:24Also, look out for any unidentified vehicles in your neighborhood as they may be scouting

01:22:29for potential targets.

01:22:31If you find your mailbox jammed with unwanted leaflets or flyers, it could be a sign that

01:22:37someone is keeping a close eye on your home or trying to gather information.

01:22:42Burglars may try to create a fake accident to trick you into leaving your home.

01:22:47Be cautious and don't fall for that.

01:22:49If you're in doubt, always call 911.

01:22:52Additionally, be wary of strange phone calls where the caller remains silent.

01:22:57If you receive repeated calls like this, it could be a signal that your home is being

01:23:01targeted by burglars who want to see if you're there.

01:23:05Placing a pizza flyer or a newspaper under your welcome mat might also indicate that

01:23:10your home is being scoped out.

01:23:12If these items are left overnight, it could suggest to potential intruders that the house

01:23:17is empty.

01:23:18Be sure to remove them as soon as you return home.

01:23:21Formerly one of the most highly sought-after criminals in the country, Adrian Pritchard

01:23:26is now determined to assist individuals in avoiding the break-ins he once carried out.

01:23:32Pritchard spent a decade engaged in criminal activities, committing hundreds of burglaries

01:23:36that started when he was just a kid.

01:23:39Over 20 years since his last release from prison, Pritchard, who is now in his 50s,

01:23:43wants to share his insights on preventing crimes like the ones he used to perpetrate.

01:23:49Pritchard and his partners would conduct surveillance during the day and break into properties at

01:23:54night, employing various techniques to navigate through homes and businesses undetected.

01:23:59Moreover, he would sometimes engage in spiteful acts.

01:24:03For example, he could leave a total mess in a victim's house as a statement of defiance.

01:24:08Today, Pritchard resides in Hawks Bay with his three daughters and is committing to helping

01:24:13others avoid falling victim to burglary.

01:24:16Drawing from his past experiences, he offers valuable advice on safeguarding homes, such

01:24:22as investing in surveillance cameras, keeping objects away from windows, and avoiding common

01:24:28hiding spots for spare keys.

01:24:30Additionally, Pritchard emphasizes the importance of deadbolts, maintaining clear letterboxes,

01:24:36and utilizing barbed wire for added security measures.

01:24:40Through his efforts to educate property owners, he strives to prevent individuals from experiencing

01:24:45the same violations he once inflicted on others.

01:24:50Returning home to a fresh and organized house after a vacation is always a relief, but it's

01:24:56important to remember that a completely spotless house can signal to potential burglars that

01:25:01no one is home.

01:25:03Try leaving a few things out, like an ironing board with a pile of clothes that need to

01:25:07be pressed to make it seem like you've just stepped out for a moment, rather than being

01:25:11away for an extended period.

01:25:13Also, you should never ever post about your holiday on social media, and it's recommended

01:25:19not to write your travel dates on visible calendars as it can give criminals a timeline

01:25:24to work with.

01:25:26To give the impression that someone is still at home while you're away, you can ask your

01:25:30friend to park their car in your driveway, or leave the radio on loud.

01:25:35It would also be great if you could ask someone to close and open your curtains or blinds

01:25:39to maintain the appearance of occupancy.

01:25:42Additionally, make sure to remove any obvious signs of your absence, such as envelopes labeled

01:25:48holiday money, and ask a friend to rearrange things in your house periodically.

01:25:54It's extremely important to look after the homes of friends or neighbors who may be unable

01:25:59to do so themselves due to hospitalization or moving to residential care.

01:26:05Simple tasks like mowing the lawn, moving the mail, and even putting out your own rubbish

01:26:09can help deter potential burglars by giving the impression that someone is still around.

01:26:15Updating the appearance of the home, such as replacing faded curtains or tidying up

01:26:19the front garden, can also help prevent break-ins.

01:26:22Now, should you notice any of these warning signs or feel suspicious about door-to-door

01:26:27activity, it's important to contact the authorities for assistance.

01:26:32Always prioritize your safety and home security by staying vigilant and taking appropriate

01:26:37precautions.

01:26:38Remember, while these signs may not always indicate criminal activity, they should prompt

01:26:44you to take necessary action.

01:26:49Have you ever seen a sea cucumber lying on a bed of sand and thought it looked like a

01:26:53blob?

01:26:54Well, these creatures may seem squishy and defenseless, but they actually have some fascinating

01:26:59strategies to keep themselves safe.

01:27:02Biologists uncovered chemical compounds with the help of which sea cucumbers protect themselves

01:27:08from predators and even from their own toxins.

01:27:11Guess what?

01:27:13These compounds might be useful for human health.

01:27:18When sea cucumbers feel threatened, they can expel thread-like parts of their bodies.

01:27:23These tubes immobilize predators in a sticky, toxic embrace.

01:27:28The toxicity comes from some chemical compounds commonly found in plants.

01:27:33Interestingly, these chemicals are much less common in animals, but sea cucumbers have

01:27:38evolved to use them to their advantage.

01:27:41The substances are also known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

01:27:47They're already used in a bunch of industries, like cosmetics.

01:27:52But using these chemicals as a defense creates a big problem for sea cucumbers.

01:27:58They need to avoid damaging themselves with their own toxins.

01:28:02It means their own cells can't contain cholesterol, the target that the toxins bind to and pierce.

01:28:09Instead, sea cucumbers have developed two kinds of cholesterol alternatives.

01:28:14It's a self-defense strategy, you see.

01:28:17If you can produce these toxic substances, you have to be able to not make yourself sick.

01:28:23Smart and cute as they are, now you know not to touch a sea cucumber should you ever stumble

01:28:28upon one at the beach.

01:28:32Speaking of things you should avoid at the beach, let's move on to the marbled cone snail,

01:28:37a creature so unique and dangerous that it'll make your head spin.

01:28:42This one is quite the world traveler.

01:28:44It can be found all the way from the southern tip of India to Okinawa, Japan, and southeast

01:28:50to New Caledonia and Samoa.

01:28:53That's quite an impressive range, and it's not just where it's found that's interesting,

01:28:58it's how it hunts.

01:29:01This snail may be small, but it's a fierce predator.

01:29:04It loves to chow down on other snails, and sometimes even its own kind.

01:29:10When it's hungry, it'll stick out its long white tooth and shoot a poison-laden harpoon

01:29:15at its prey.

01:29:17And if that doesn't do the trick, it'll attack its prey multiple times over, just to be sure.

01:29:22Talk about determination, right?

01:29:25Once the harpoon hits its mark, the prey becomes immobilized and its muscles begin to relax

01:29:30irreversibly.

01:29:32And when the prey is helpless, the snail can begin to munch on it.

01:29:37Where can you find this fearsome creature, you might ask?

01:29:40Well, it's found in fairly shallow waters, typically on coral reef platforms or lagoon

01:29:46pinnacles, as well as in sand, under rocks, or among the seagrass.

01:29:51Watch your step the next time you're out for a swim, just saying.

01:29:55On the bright side, did you know that this snail's venom is being developed as a potential

01:29:59treatment for pain?

01:30:01Some of the chemicals found in this substance have been studied and they're showing promise.

01:30:07Who knew that this unusual predator could have a softer side too?

01:30:13Next on your list of creatures to avoid should be a little fish called the stonefish.

01:30:19Now you might think this sounds like a cute little pet rock, but let me tell you, it's

01:30:24not to be messed with.

01:30:26In fact, it's the most venomous fish in the entire ocean.

01:30:31These guys are masters of disguise, blending right in with their surroundings at rocky

01:30:36or muddy bottoms of marine habitats in the Indo-Pacific region.

01:30:40They're like the ninjas of the sea, waiting patiently for their prey to swim by before

01:30:45swiftly attacking and swallowing it whole.

01:30:49But here's the thing, you could easily swim right by a stonefish without even realizing

01:30:55it's there.

01:30:57Now I know what you're thinking, I don't want to accidentally step on a stonefish.

01:31:02And trust me, you really don't.

01:31:04These guys have a lot of spines lining their backs and they release venom when they're

01:31:08stepped on.

01:31:09Ouch!

01:31:10That venom can cause terrible pain, swelling, and damaged tissues.

01:31:15Not exactly a good day at the beach if you ask me.

01:31:19But don't worry, the stonefish isn't out to get you.

01:31:23It uses its spines defensively, not offensively.

01:31:26So as long as you're not disturbing it or stepping on it, you should be fine.

01:31:32Just be careful where you step and maybe invest in some water shoes.

01:31:36And if you do happen to get stung, seek specialized attention immediately.

01:31:40It's best to always look where you walk, shuffle your feet along the bottom to avoid stepping

01:31:45directly on the fish, and wear water shoes when you're in an area that could be home

01:31:50to stonefish.

01:31:52Have you ever had the pleasure of meeting a lionfish up close?

01:31:57They're such beautiful creatures with all those colors and fins that look like wings

01:32:02and accessories.

01:32:03It's easy to be mesmerized by their elegance.

01:32:07But don't be fooled by their stunning appearance.

01:32:10They're not to be messed with.

01:32:12In fact, they're one of the most dangerous fish in the ocean.

01:32:17If you get stung, you'll experience a lot of pain, maybe even some allergic reactions.

01:32:24Lionfish inject venom through their needle-sharp dorsal and pelvic fins.

01:32:28They're not aggressive and won't sting you out of the blue, but they will act in self-defense

01:32:33if provoked or caught.

01:32:35It's not just their venom that makes them dangerous.

01:32:38They also have tiny teeth.

01:32:41But instead of using them to bite predators, they have something even more dangerous.

01:32:46Their fins.

01:32:48The lionfish uses these spine-like fins to ward off predators.

01:32:52And unfortunately, that includes humans.

01:32:55So, while it might be tempting to swim up close to a fish and say hello, beware of its

01:33:01sharp spines.

01:33:04But here's the thing.

01:33:06Lionfish can be eaten.

01:33:08Some say they're actually quite delicious.

01:33:10And since they're a threat to reef ecosystems, human consumption is encouraged.

01:33:16Just make sure you remove the venomous spines first.

01:33:19If you're snorkeling or swimming near the corals in the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean, you

01:33:24might encounter these stunning fish.

01:33:26Keep a reasonable distance between you and the lionfish and they won't feel threatened

01:33:30or startle enough to sting you in self-defense.

01:33:35Sea urchins might also cause some trouble if stumbled upon.

01:33:39Don't worry, they won't be jumping off the reef and flinging spines at you.

01:33:43They're not aggressive at all.

01:33:45These creatures are everywhere, from rocky shores to coral reefs, and are quite common

01:33:50in almost every body of saltwater, including all of the world's oceans.

01:33:55So it's not surprising that sea urchin injuries are pretty common too.

01:34:00But hey, accidents happen, especially when we're distracted by a cute little turtle

01:34:05or too excited about exploring a new dive site.

01:34:09Now let's talk about their defense mechanisms.

01:34:13These little guys have two ways of defending themselves, their spines and these tiny jaw-like

01:34:18structures that can inject a painful substance.

01:34:22Some species have long, sharp spines that can easily pierce even a thick wetsuit and

01:34:27lodge deep in your skin.

01:34:30Yikes!

01:34:31But don't worry, avoiding sea urchins is not rocket science.

01:34:36Just try to maintain a good awareness of your surroundings, watch out for protruding spines

01:34:40in the sand, and control your buoyancy.

01:34:43It'll help you stay at least a few feet away from corals, which may conceal urchins in

01:34:48their crevices.

01:34:49And if a shore entry has many urchins, pick a different dive site, no biggie.

01:34:55Now let's talk about first aid for sea urchin stings.

01:34:59Soaking the area in hot water for up to an hour and a half can break down the dangerous

01:35:03substance and alleviate the pain.

01:35:06Carefully remove the spines with tweezers and shave the area to remove those pesky spikes.

01:35:12Then wash the injured area with soap and rinse with fresh water.

01:35:16Apply topical creams if you have any in your beach bag too.

01:35:20And of course, watch for signs of allergies and contact a specialist immediately if you

01:35:25notice something weird.

01:35:27But hey, let's not forget that sea urchins are just one of many hazards of the deep.

01:35:33There are bearded fireworms, pufferfish, and fire coral too.

01:35:38So let's not be too hard on our little urchin friends.

01:35:41After all, compared to some of these other creatures, they're pretty tame.

01:35:51In the heart of a dense forest, a person embarks on a forest hike, delving into the hidden

01:35:56depths of nature's playground.

01:35:58But this isn't your ordinary stroll through the trees.

01:36:02It takes a turn towards an eerie and spine-chilling discovery.

01:36:07Our protagonist, with a twinkle of curiosity in his eyes, discovers a burrow hiding in

01:36:13the shadows.

01:36:15Curiosity outweighs fear, and our explorer comes up closer.

01:36:19It's not some random burrow.

01:36:21This one belongs to a fox.

01:36:24So what if it's the wrong move and they should just run away?

01:36:32In the joyful season of spring, when nature comes alive with vibrant energy, foxes engage

01:36:38in their intricate dance of life.

01:36:41It's during this time that foxes seek solace in their underground sanctuaries.

01:36:46Throughout the rest of the year, when the world around them flourishes, foxes prefer

01:36:50to bask in the sun, finding comfort above ground, except when the weather takes a turn

01:36:56for the worse.

01:36:57It's in the most inclement conditions that they seek refuge in their burrows, shielding

01:37:02themselves from the elements.

01:37:06These burrows, known as fox-earths, typically consist of only a few entrances, occasionally

01:37:12covered with scattered soil and debris.

01:37:15During winter months, industrious foxes diligently dig additional burrows in anticipation of

01:37:21the forthcoming spring.

01:37:23Sometimes, among the remnants of their subterranean journeys, lie the remains of fallen foxes,

01:37:29a testament to the cycle of life within these intricate underground networks.

01:37:35If one were to explore the vicinity of a fox-earth, one would notice fresh traces of food remaining

01:37:42outside the burrows during the months of April to June.

01:37:46It's during this period, when playful fox-cubs grace the earth with their presence, that

01:37:51remnants of their feasts can be found, a delightful sign of life unfolding.

01:37:59So what do these earths look like?

01:38:02After all, there are other animals with dens in the forest, too.

01:38:06Now let's get to the heart of the matter.

01:38:08Fox-dens, the elusive abodes of these mischievous beings, tend to be located in areas abundant

01:38:14in lush greenery.

01:38:16You might find these creatures hiding beneath the sheltering branches of a tree, or seeking

01:38:20refuge beneath imposing rocks.

01:38:23If you stumble upon a cozy little hole that appears tailor-made for a fox, and you catch

01:38:28a whiff of that unmistakable aroma, accompanied by other intriguing clues like scattered

01:38:34bones, you've likely discovered a fox-den.

01:38:37Alas, my curious friend, there's no foolproof recipe for where these sly foxes choose to

01:38:46build their dens.

01:38:47They possess an uncanny ability to adapt to diverse environments, be it open grasslands,

01:38:54dense forests, or even the unforgiving tundra.

01:38:59Picture this, a fox's den consists of a minimum of four to five sections.

01:39:05We have the grand entrance, the ever-important ramp, the main den itself, and a secret room

01:39:10that doubles as a food stash.

01:39:13Depending on the size of the pack, there might be additional rooms to accommodate the whole

01:39:17gang of foxes.

01:39:21Now imagine the grand opening to a fox's den.

01:39:24The entrance and the ramp form a corridor leading about three to eight feet deep into

01:39:29the earth, connecting the outer world with the cozy haven within.

01:39:34Ah, but there's more.

01:39:38Foxes, being savvy planners, stockpile their foraged treasures in their dens.

01:39:43Yes, they have their own food caches where they hide all their scrumptious finds.

01:39:48The number of rooms within the den may vary, adapting to the size of the pack, as these

01:39:53crafty creatures ensure there's enough space for giving birth and raising their adorable

01:39:58offspring.

01:39:59They might even dig extra tunnels and create additional entrances just to keep things interesting.

01:40:07Now let's talk about culinary affairs.

01:40:11Foxes are savvy gourmands who store food in large quantities, ready to weather the winter

01:40:16and the mating season.

01:40:18However, they're not extravagant hoarders.

01:40:21They usually stash away just enough to last them a few days, considering they don't dine

01:40:26on fresh prey every single day.

01:40:29Berries and fruits often grace their storage chambers, while any delectable meat takes

01:40:35center stage in their culinary adventures.

01:40:40Curious about the proximity of fox dens to one another?

01:40:43Well, if the land is bountiful with abundant food and fresh water, you might stumble upon

01:40:49two or three fox dens within a 10-square-mile radius.

01:40:53But if resources are scarce, oh, you might have to expand your search to cover a sprawling

01:40:5920-square-miles to find just one den.

01:41:04But the saga doesn't end there.

01:41:06Foxes, true to their resourceful nature, often have multiple dens.

01:41:11They maintain the primary den, often known as the natal den, which holds sentimental

01:41:16value.

01:41:17Additionally, they keep a backup den for some unpredictable circumstances.

01:41:23And let's not forget their knack for claiming abandoned or borrowed dens as their own.

01:41:28Such clever tricksters, aren't they?

01:41:32Now let's talk about these marvelous creatures themselves.

01:41:36Foxes come in a delightful array of species, sizes, and variations scattered all across

01:41:42our planet.

01:41:43But the star of the show is the red fox, found on every continent except frosty Antarctica.

01:41:52While most foxes prefer the tranquility of rural landscapes, don't be surprised if they

01:41:57venture into the realms of urban and suburban dwellings, where their path might cross with

01:42:02humans.

01:42:04Ah, the encounters between a fox and a human, a tale of two extremes.

01:42:10Some kind souls attempt to win over these animals, offering them tidbits and coaxing

01:42:15them into their palms.

01:42:17On the other hand, there are those who tremble at the mere thought of a fox, fearing their

01:42:22crafty and ferocious nature.

01:42:26Now picture this scenario.

01:42:28What if a fox approaches you or launches an attack?

01:42:33Typically, foxes pose no threat to humans and harbor no ill intentions.

01:42:39They prefer to feast upon small mammals or livestock, reserving their aggression for

01:42:44hunting or self-defense.

01:42:45Yet, there have been reported cases of foxes crossing paths with humans, including incidents.

01:42:53Therefore, knowing what steps to take if a fox approaches or pounces on you is crucial.

01:43:02Foxes can indeed be domesticated, yet they remain wild at heart, and their actions can

01:43:08be wildly unpredictable.

01:43:10They might momentarily embrace their tamed side, only to snap back into their untamed

01:43:15instincts when feeling cornered, threatened, hungry, or simply scared.

01:43:22Naturally, foxes view us humans as potential threats, and it's in our best interest to

01:43:28reciprocate their cautious approach.

01:43:30Never attempt to approach a fox, even if it appears docile and friendly, as its temperament

01:43:36can shift within seconds, catching you off guard.

01:43:42Avoid sudden movements and resist the urge to inch closer, as doing so might agitate

01:43:48or frighten our fox friend.

01:43:50In most cases, when a fox spots a human nearby, it will swiftly scamper away or seek refuge

01:43:56in hiding.

01:43:57However, should you find yourself locked in a standoff with a fox, the best course of

01:44:02action is to take a step back and allow it the space it craves.

01:44:09Should a fox persist in its approach, or if you encounter several foxes nearby, my dear

01:44:15friend, give them a wide berth and allow them their space.

01:44:19Refrain from approaching or attempting to feed them, especially by hand.

01:44:24Let them carry on with their foxy affairs while you observe them from a distance.

01:44:31In a situation where a fox becomes trapped, such as finding its way into a room, I implore

01:44:37you to remain calm.

01:44:39Avoid raising your voice or causing unnecessary commotion, as it may provoke the fox to attack.

01:44:45Instead, remain silent.

01:44:48Keep a safe distance from the creature and provide it with an escape route.

01:44:52Ensure the doors and windows remain unobstructed, granting the fox the freedom it seeks.

01:44:58In due time, it will make its swift exit.

01:45:02However, if fortune frowns upon you and you find yourself in the unfortunate circumstance

01:45:08of a fox attack, remember to stay composed.

01:45:12Refrain from unleashing your pets or pursuing the fox.

01:45:16Just allow it to retreat on its own accord.

01:45:19If the fox persists and refuses to back down, a simple round of applause or a few claps

01:45:25might startle it away.

01:45:28Now you can enjoy the forest.

01:45:36Are you used to picking up hitchhikers on your long commute to work?

01:45:40You might want to hear about the hitchhiker road scam.

01:45:43This trick preys on unsuspecting drivers.

01:45:46The scam typically starts with a person posing as a hitchhiker, who flags down a car on the

01:45:52side of the road.

01:45:53They may claim to be stranded or in need of a ride to a nearby town or city.

01:45:59In some cases, the hitchhiker may ask the driver to pull over at a specific location,

01:46:05such as a gas station or convenience store, where they will then disappear with the driver's

01:46:10money or other valuables.

01:46:12This scam can also be done in groups, where a bunch of people will flag down a car and

01:46:17ask for a ride, and once the car is on the move, they will threaten the driver and steal

01:46:22money, valuables, or even the car itself.

01:46:27It's important to be aware of this scam and to always be cautious when picking up hitchhikers.

01:46:32It's best to avoid giving money or other valuables to anyone who claims to need a ride,

01:46:37and to never pull over at a location that is not safe or familiar.

01:46:44Hitchhikers are not the only reason why you might get into trouble on the road.

01:46:47A slice of cheese isn't something you'd expect to find on your parked car, am I right?

01:46:52Well, it might indicate something quite dangerous.

01:46:56One woman told the story of such an experience online, thinking it was just a prank made

01:47:01by some neighborhood youngster.

01:47:03She decided to call a friend and ask for help with cleaning the car up, but once the two

01:47:08ladies started rubbing off the melted cheese from her windshield, they saw something strange

01:47:13nearby.

01:47:14She remembered seeing a white van arriving.

01:47:16In it were a bunch of men, suspiciously staring at them.

01:47:22She wasn't alone, so she decided it was safe enough to finish cleaning up the car, even

01:47:27though they didn't feel comfortable being stared at.

01:47:30It took them almost an hour to scrape off the cheese that had melted under the heat.

01:47:35She did wonder, though, if this wasn't a tactic to rob a person.

01:47:40That's because most people would be so focused on cleaning up the mess on their car, they'd

01:47:44be distracted from keeping an eye on the thing they left in the car, like bags, wallets,

01:47:49or even recent shopping items.

01:47:51Or worse, what if it was a kidnapping strategy?

01:47:55That sticky cheese would keep a person really concentrated on fixing the car, so they wouldn't

01:48:00be able to see suspicious people coming at them in due course.

01:48:03The key takeaway from this story, if you ever see a piece of cheese on your car, might as

01:48:09well leave it as it is, as long as it's not blocking your view and it doesn't really affect

01:48:13your driving.

01:48:15Your safest bet is to just clean it at home, or take it to the nearest car wash.

01:48:20They'll know the best way to clean up the vehicle without ruining the paint.

01:48:24Sure, the piece of cheese on a car scam might just be a coincidence, but some scams out

01:48:30there are more legitimate, with this next one being quite the unusual method when it

01:48:35comes to snatching away other people's cars.

01:48:38If you notice a t-shirt or a hoodie on your windshield, or even wrapped between your wiper

01:48:43blades, don't be so quick to take it away.

01:48:46Again, it can be placed there on purpose to distract you while your car gets taken away.

01:48:52Drive away as quickly as possible if you can, and get to a safe location that's well lit

01:48:57and filled with many people.

01:49:00There you can remove whatever object you have on the car without any risks.

01:49:04Some people have even found money under their wiper blades.

01:49:08It's easy to imagine that those who left it there probably had the same intention in mind.

01:49:14There are methods to help when it comes to decreasing your odds of getting your car snatched

01:49:19away.

01:49:20Keep your tires turned to the curve whenever you park it.

01:49:23If your car wheels are in that position, thieves are less likely to be able to move around

01:49:28with the vehicle.

01:49:29They'll see that your car requires more time and energy to be moved, so it'll become less

01:49:34of a target.

01:49:37Sadly, scams on the road are quite common, and one of the most widespread types is the

01:49:43infamous tow truck scam.

01:49:46This scam involves leaving oil, metal nails, or glass shards on the road, and waiting for

01:49:51drivers to fall into the trap.

01:49:55If your car gets damaged in such a situation, the scammers will suddenly appear out of nowhere

01:50:01and offer to provide towing service at extremely high prices.

01:50:05They'll try to pressure you into using their services because, most of the time, they place

01:50:10these traps in strategic locations.

01:50:12They make sure people get stranded where there's low visibility and no gas station in sight

01:50:18where you can assess the damage done to your car.

01:50:22In a situation where you have no other option but to give consent for them to tow your car,

01:50:27they'll also take advantage of the situation and take it to workshops unapproved by your

01:50:32insurance company.

01:50:34This means you'll have to pay even more money to get your car back.

01:50:40If you've been a driver for long enough, you know that the driver who rear-ends another

01:50:44vehicle is always at fault.

01:50:47That's because you should always keep a comfortable distance from the car in front of you so you

01:50:51can safely stop the car in case of an emergency.

01:50:54Some scammers will take advantage of this by repeatedly braking suddenly, causing you

01:50:58to hit them.

01:51:00This dangerous tactic is used to get money for supposed damages and even for make-believe

01:51:05medical expenses.

01:51:06To avoid falling victim to this scam, you should reduce your speed and keep a safe distance,

01:51:12especially from suspicious vehicles or chaotic drivers.

01:51:15If a scammer continues to bother you in traffic, the best force of action is to drive to the

01:51:20nearest police station and report them.

01:51:24Picture this.

01:51:25You're driving on the road and suddenly a motorcyclist gets your attention and points

01:51:30out that your wheels are smoking.

01:51:33You quickly pull over to the side of the road.

01:51:35The motorcyclist then offers to help by calling a mechanic to check your wheels.

01:51:41Surprisingly, the mechanic gets there really fast but proceeds to disable your braking

01:51:47system while inspecting the cause of the smoke.

01:51:51He then asks you to test your brakes, which of course won't be working since he's already

01:51:56disabled them.

01:51:57Pretending to be helpful, he offers to fix your brakes for you but will charge an enormous

01:52:02price for it.

01:52:03Moral of the story, stick to your trusted mechanic or towing company.

01:52:08You never know who you'll find on the road.

01:52:13Some scams aren't even that.

01:52:15They're just urban legends.

01:52:17Many people claim to have seen the wrong-way man on the roads.

01:52:21One version of this story mentions a man stuck driving down one-way streets in the opposite

01:52:26direction, causing chaos and confusion as other drivers try to avoid him.

01:52:31The man is said to be crazed and dangerous, with a wild look in his eyes and a penchant

01:52:36for reckless driving.

01:52:38Other stories say he's not even driving, but that once you've seen this mysterious person

01:52:43on the side of the road while driving home, you should turn around to keep from going

01:52:47back to your house for at least a week.

01:52:50That is, if you don't want anything bad to happen.

01:52:54There are countless stories of near-misses and close calls with this mysterious figure.

01:52:59Some even say that they've been hit by the man and that they suffered serious injuries

01:53:03as a result.

01:53:06Despite the many sightings and stories, there's no concrete evidence to suggest that the wrong-way

01:53:12man actually exists.

01:53:14Many experts believe that the legend is simply a cautionary tale, meant to remind people

01:53:19to be aware of their surroundings and to drive safely.

01:53:22However, the legend persists and continues to be passed down through generations, making

01:53:28it one of the most enduring urban myths of all time.

01:53:37The Baltic Sea Anomaly.

01:53:39In 2011, a diving team came down to the bottom of the northern part of the Baltic Sea.

01:53:45They went on a treasure hunt, but what they came upon was a pretty weird object.

01:53:50When they took photos and showed them to others, many believed it was a sunken spaceship of

01:53:55another civilization.

01:53:59Other people thought that some natural causes formed the object, but the metals inside the

01:54:03structure definitely couldn't have been formed naturally.

01:54:07Now, some scientists even believe it was something that appeared way back in the Ice

01:54:12Age.

01:54:13Maybe it was even a meteorite that ended up trapped under ice back then.

01:54:19A maelstrom is a whirlpool, some sort of a powerful rotational current that forms when

01:54:25two currents collide and create a circular vortex.

01:54:29Even fearless Vikings were afraid of maelstroms because those were forces so powerful that

01:54:34they could sink large ships.

01:54:37These whirlpools remain dangerous even today, but luckily not for big modern ships that

01:54:42are large enough to withstand the power of maelstroms.

01:54:47But a cruise ship that gets into a maelstrom usually faces massive waves that can rock

01:54:52even big vessels from side to side pretty intensely.

01:54:57A maelstrom can be so strong it can turn into some sort of an underwater black hole.

01:55:03Yep, black holes are not only present in the cold expanse of space, you can find them here

01:55:08on our home planet too, swirling in the oceans.

01:55:12They're similar to those in space since they're compacted so tightly that nothing they trap

01:55:17can escape.

01:55:20Underwater black holes often span up to 93 miles in diameter, and if you got into one

01:55:26of those, you probably wouldn't even know it.

01:55:29These black holes act like vortices, but because of their size, even professionals

01:55:34can hardly see their boundaries.

01:55:38Here's something relaxing.

01:55:39Next time you go to the beach, pay attention, and maybe you'll see an optical phenomenon

01:55:45called the green flash.

01:55:47You can see it shortly after sunset or right before sunrise.

01:55:51It occurs when the sun is almost completely below the horizon, while its rim, the upper

01:55:56edge of the sun, is still visible.

01:55:59For just a second or two, that upper edge of the sun will appear green.

01:56:05It's because you're looking at the sun through thicker parts of the atmosphere as it's moving

01:56:09down in the sky.

01:56:10As it's dipping below the horizon, light refracts, or bends, in the atmosphere and gets dispersed.

01:56:19Wait for a clear day with no clouds or haze on the horizon to see this phenomenon better.

01:56:26You've been looking forward to a nice swim, only to realize that the water in the ocean

01:56:31is red?

01:56:33Better avoid going in.

01:56:35Florida is known for its red tides.

01:56:38It occurs when the concentration of specific microscopic algae is higher than normal.

01:56:44Thousands of species of algae in marine and fresh waters are mostly harmless to animals

01:56:49and humans.

01:56:50They even help us, since they're an important source of oxygen.

01:56:55But some, like the algae that makes the ocean red, can be extremely dangerous for marine

01:57:00animals like sea turtles, fish, and seabirds.

01:57:05This kind can grow out of control and produce neurotoxins harmful to humans, especially

01:57:11those who have some respiratory issues.

01:57:14Such people should avoid red tide areas, especially when winds are strong enough to

01:57:18push the algae toward the shore.

01:57:23Volcanoes can spew poisonous gas, ash, and red-hot lava.

01:57:27Those are the most obvious dangers most of us already know about.

01:57:31But submarine volcanoes can be very tricky in their own way.

01:57:35Sometimes, when they're located in shallow waters, they reveal their presence by blasting

01:57:40debris of rock and steam high above the surface.

01:57:45Since submarine volcanoes are surrounded by an unlimited supply of water, they can behave

01:57:50differently from those on land.

01:57:52When they erupt, seawater gets into active submarine vents.

01:57:58Lava can be spreading across a shallow seafloor, or sometimes even flowing into the sea from

01:58:03land volcanoes, when in water it may cool down so quickly that it shatters into rubble

01:58:09and sand.

01:58:10So, there are large amounts of volcanic debris left there.

01:58:14You know those popular black sand beaches in Hawaii?

01:58:18That's how they formed.

01:58:21Hot lava and powerful eruptions certainly don't sound safe.

01:58:25But submarine volcanoes in deeper waters are equally dangerous, even though they're not

01:58:30necessarily erupting.

01:58:32They produce pockets of bubbles.

01:58:34These bubbles reduce the density of the surrounding waters, which can even sink ships.

01:58:41The worst thing is that when you look at the surface of the ocean, you can't understand

01:58:45something's wrong.

01:58:47But at the same time, tiny bubbles are there, causing ships to lose buoyancy, and with very

01:58:52little warning.

01:58:56Across sea is a rare phenomenon, beautiful to observe, but also very dangerous.

01:59:01That's when you see square waves, which are more common in shallow parts of the ocean.

01:59:06That's something you can often see in France, or on certain beaches of Tel Aviv.

01:59:12But it can also happen in many coastal areas across the world.

01:59:17A cross sea occurs when two wave patterns travel at oblique angles.

01:59:22They form this checkerboard-like pattern.

01:59:25It mostly happens when two swells meet, or when a swell pushes waves in one direction

01:59:30while a strong wind pushes them in another.

01:59:34These square waves can be dangerous for swimmers and boaters.

01:59:38The waves produced by strong ocean currents can be pretty unpredictable and tall, sometimes

01:59:43up to almost 10 feet.

01:59:45This phenomenon is sometimes called white walls.

01:59:48These waves can be so powerful that they can turn over even big boats.

01:59:55If you fill a clear glass with some ocean water and take a closer look, you'll see

02:00:00it's full of very small particles.

02:00:03Seawater contains dissolved salts, fats, algae, proteins, detergents, and other bits of artificial

02:00:09and organic matter.

02:00:12If you shake that glass, you'll see tiny bubbles forming on its surface.

02:00:17That's how sea foam forms when waves and winds agitate the ocean.

02:00:21When you see thick sea foam, algal blooms might have caused it.

02:00:26When big blooms of algae fall apart in the sea, large amounts of that matter move in

02:00:30the direction of dry land.

02:00:34Most kinds of sea foam aren't dangerous to humans.

02:00:37But when blooms of algae fall apart, it can have a negative impact on both the environment

02:00:42and people.

02:00:43For example, when sea foam bubbles pop, the toxins they contain get released into the

02:00:49air, and they can irritate your eyes or cause some other health issues.

02:00:56You can see a tidal bore in the areas where a river empties into a sea or an ocean.

02:01:01It's a powerful tide that goes against the current and pushes up the river.

02:01:06A tidal bore falls into a category of something called the surge, which is a sudden change

02:01:11in depth.

02:01:12A tidal bore is a positive surge, which means it pushes up a river, making it much deeper.

02:01:19A negative surge is when the river suddenly becomes very shallow.

02:01:25You won't see tidal bores everywhere.

02:01:27The river must be fairly shallow with a narrow outlet to the sea.

02:01:31The place where the sea and the river meet must be flat and wide.

02:01:35Also, the area between low and high tide must be at least 20 feet across.

02:01:42Of course, there are some exceptions, like the Amazon River, the world's largest one.

02:01:47The mouth of the Amazon is not narrow, but the river experiences tidal bores.

02:01:53That's because its mouth is shallow and has many sandbars and low-lying islands.

02:01:58The tidal bore is so strong there that the river doesn't even have a delta.

02:02:03Its sediment goes directly into the Atlantic Ocean, where fast-moving currents take it

02:02:07away.

02:02:08A tidal bore is often unpredictable and can be extremely rough.

02:02:13In many cases, it changes the color of the river from greenish or blue to brown.

02:02:19It can damage vegetation or even tear trees out of the ground.

02:02:23So, recreation sports like kayaking and river surfing can be hazardous in these areas.

02:02:31Even if you just want to take a look at a tidal bore, be careful.

02:02:35Tidal waves can sweep over lookout points and drag whatever or whoever is there into

02:02:40the churning river.

02:02:42Hey there, car owners.

02:02:46Gee, do I have an important message for you?

02:02:50You see, our cars are like our trusty sidekicks, always by our side, even in the most public

02:02:55places.

02:02:56But sometimes we come back to find unexpected surprises waiting for us.

02:03:00Try to imagine yourself strolling up to your four-wheeled companion, and there it is.

02:03:04A flyer taunting you from under the wiper, or, heaven forbid, a parking ticket just begging

02:03:10for your attention on the windshield.

02:03:12We've all been there, right?

02:03:13Well, hold on to your steering wheels, because authorities have a brand new tip for you.

02:03:18And it's a real gem.

02:03:19If you see something on your car that doesn't belong, don't remove it with your bare hand.

02:03:24Intrigued?

02:03:25You see, police forces have been keeping a watchful eye on all things car-related, and

02:03:31they're not just about catching speedsters and enforcing traffic rules.

02:03:34They've got our backs when it comes to unveiling the latest tricks of the trade.

02:03:38Take Arlington, Virginia, for example.

02:03:40The authorities there recently noticed a spike in driver-side airbag thefts.

02:03:44To combat this madness, the police advised folks to park in well-lit areas, lock their

02:03:49vehicles, stash away their valuables, and why not throw in a steering wheel-locking

02:03:53device for good measure?

02:03:55Some car thieves have also discovered a new superpower, using their smartphone cameras

02:03:59to peek into your car.

02:04:01It's like they have X-ray vision or something.

02:04:03These sneaky people can bypass the privacy tint in your car windows and get a clear view

02:04:08of your treasures, all without even taking a photo.

02:04:12Smartphones these days, huh?

02:04:14In response, authorities launched a Stow It, Don't Show It campaign, reminding everyone

02:04:19to remove their valuables from sight or, at the very least, stash them away.

02:04:24But wait, there's more.

02:04:27Officers want us to be extra cautious about a new threat lurking around our vehicles.

02:04:31You know how it goes.

02:04:32Leaves, litter, and leaflets often find their way onto our beloved cars.

02:04:36Usually, we'd think nothing of it and simply give our vehicles a quick clean before zooming

02:04:40off.

02:04:41However, you should think twice before reaching out with your bare hands.

02:04:45Even if it's just to grab a seemingly innocent piece of trash, why all the fuss, you might

02:04:50wonder?

02:04:51Well, let's take a peek at an incident that unfolded in Houston, Texas.

02:04:55Picture this.

02:04:56One woman, fresh from celebrating her birthday at a local restaurant, heads back to her car

02:05:02only to find a napkin sticking out of her car door handle.

02:05:05Now, at first, she didn't think much of it and casually removed the napkin, thinking

02:05:11it's just some random trash.

02:05:13But as it turns out, things then took a crazy turn.

02:05:16Not long after handling that suspiciously placed napkin, she started feeling some tingling

02:05:20in her fingertips, and before she knew it, her whole arm joins the tingle party, leaving

02:05:25her feeling a bit numb.

02:05:26She got all lightheaded and even struggled to breathe.

02:05:30Being a responsible person, her husband dialed up 911 in a jiffy.

02:05:34Off she went to the hospital, racing against time to figure out what in the world caused

02:05:37this bizarre health rollercoaster.

02:05:40After a seemingly eternal six and a half hours, the doctors finally diagnosed her with acute

02:05:44poisoning from an unknown substance.

02:05:47They couldn't pinpoint the exact nature of the substance because the woman only had a

02:05:50tiny amount in her system.

02:05:53But even that tiny amount was enough to make her feel like she just hopped on the wildest

02:05:57ride at the amusement park.

02:05:59Just imagine if she had wrapped that napkin around her entire hand.

02:06:02Yikes!

02:06:03What if her doctor suggested that this whole napkin incident might have been an attempted

02:06:06kidnapping targeting her car?

02:06:09Wait, what?

02:06:10A kidnapping involving a napkin and a car door?

02:06:13It's like a bad script for a low-budget comedy film.

02:06:16But here's where things get really intriguing.

02:06:19The local police department, in their noble quest to solve this mystery, revealed that

02:06:23they didn't receive any reports of similar incidents involving car doors and napkins.

02:06:27I guess that prankster genius didn't strike again, or at least not yet.

02:06:32However, they do confirm that the woman's experience and symptoms align with other cases

02:06:36of poisoning.

02:06:38Of course, there are many other strategies to help keep both you and your car safe.

02:06:42Like when it comes to parking, it's all about that prime spot.

02:06:46Thankfully, specialists have some tips that will make your parking game strong and keep

02:06:51those pesky thieves at bay.

02:06:53First things first, if you're lucky enough to have a garage, park your precious vehicle

02:06:58in there at all times.

02:07:00But if you're out and about, it's advised that you find a well-lit and open area to

02:07:04park.

02:07:05You want your ride to be in the spotlight, not hiding in the shadows where mischief could

02:07:09be lurking.

02:07:10Now, here's a nifty little nugget of advice straight from the mouth of an ex-burglar.

02:07:16This guy knows the tricks of the trade.

02:07:18When you park, turn those wheels into the curb.

02:07:21I know it sounds weird, but trust me, it's worth it.

02:07:24By doing this, you're making life harder for those pesky intruders.

02:07:27They'll have to do some fancy maneuvering just to get away, and ain't nobody got time

02:07:31for that.

02:07:32And hey, here's an extra bonus tip for you.

02:07:35Try to find a car park that has reached the parkmark standard.

02:07:38These parking locations have passed a police risk assessment, so you know they're legit.

02:07:42With these simple tips, you'll be parking like a pro in no time.

02:07:47These days, there's still a sneaky way thieves can get their hands on your ride, and it involves

02:07:51your beloved key.

02:07:52So, let's play it safe, shall we?

02:07:55First things first, keep those keys hidden away.

02:07:57When you're home, make sure they're out of sight and far from prying eyes.

02:08:01You wouldn't want any thieves playing fishing games with sticks and hooks through your letterbox

02:08:05snatching your keys.

02:08:07Now let's talk about keyless entry.

02:08:09You know, those fancy cars that unlock themselves with a wave of the key nearby?

02:08:13Well, if you have to push a button on your key to open your car, you don't have a keyless

02:08:18entry.

02:08:19No worries though, we'll cover that too.

02:08:22Picture this, you're going about your day, minding your own business, when suddenly a

02:08:26crafty thief comes along with a little device.

02:08:29This sneaky gadget tricks your car into thinking your key is right there, unlocking it faster

02:08:33than you can imagine.

02:08:35They can even start the engine and drive off into the sunset with your beloved vehicle.

02:08:39Believe it or not, these pesky thieves only need to be a few meters away from your car

02:08:43key to capture its signal.

02:08:46That means they can work their magic even if your key is chilling inside your home,

02:08:50safe and sound.

02:08:51Fear not, because there are a few tips to keep your keyless entry car as secure as a

02:08:56fortress.

02:08:57When you're at home, keep that precious key and its spare far, far away from your vehicle.

02:09:02Maybe put them in a screened pouch or a fancy-schmancy Faraday bag to block any signals from escaping.

02:09:08Think of it as giving your key a cozy little invisible shield to protect it from those

02:09:12sneaky, signal-sniffing thieves.

02:09:15Here's another pro tip, if you ever decide to adopt a secondhand car into your loving

02:09:19car family, give those keys a little makeover.

02:09:23Reprogramming them will ensure that any old signals or sneaky surprises from the previous

02:09:27owner are wiped clean.

02:09:29To make sure your car is always safe, we also need to cover this not-so-fun subject, illegal

02:09:35tow trucks.

02:09:36Those sneaky thieves think they can snatch your precious wheels right off the street.

02:09:40Here are some tips on how to stay one step ahead of these parking lot pirates.

02:09:44First things first, keep an eye out for any tow-away crew that seems a bit fishy.

02:09:49You know, the ones who aren't sporting any fancy logos on their truck or who forgot to

02:09:53put on their snazzy uniforms.

02:09:55If something feels off, don't hesitate to report them pronto.

02:09:58Now, I know what you're thinking, but what if I'm wrong and it turns out to be a false

02:10:03alarm?

02:10:04We all should be about good faith, and nobody should blame you for a moment if it turns

02:10:07out to be a false alarm.

02:10:09Better safe than sorry, right?

02:10:19One day, the hand of Ross McPherson, a teenager from Scotland, suddenly turned red and started

02:10:30hurting badly.

02:10:31Soon, a painful blister appeared.

02:10:34It was the size of an orange.

02:10:36This made it hard for Ross to even dress himself.

02:10:39The discomfort was unbearable, and he needed doctor's help to get rid of this nightmare.

02:10:45As it turned out, he accidentally brushed his hand against the harmless-looking plant

02:10:49while riding his bike near his home.

02:10:52All this nightmare was caused by one very dangerous plant – the giant hogweed.

02:10:59The giant hogweed is a group of toxic look-alike plants that are known as Britain's most

02:11:04dangerous plant.

02:11:06Surprisingly, this plant is a member of the carrot family.

02:11:10It was originally hanging out in the Caucasus.

02:11:14People really liked it for its impressive height of over 16 feet and pleasant appearance.

02:11:19They started planting it in gardens, and then suddenly, it turned out that the plant was

02:11:23highly toxic.

02:11:25By the 80s, it was officially banned from gardens in England.

02:11:30Giant hogweed hangs out near rivers and canals.

02:11:32Recently, it started popping up in gardens and parks, too.

02:11:37People have spotted it all over the UK.

02:11:40This plant got even more attention during the recent years when everyone started spending

02:11:44more time in their gardens.

02:11:47It looks like a taller, more dangerous cousin of cow parsley or hemlock.

02:11:52It also has long stems and a bunch of white leaves.

02:11:55But its stem is pretty wide with a big, white umbrella-shaped flower on top.

02:12:01To see the difference, watch out for its leaves.

02:12:04They look sharp and divided, around 6 feet in width.

02:12:08The stems are thick and bristly with stiff white hairs and hollow ridges.

02:12:13You might notice purple blotches on the stems, like hemlock, but this plant grows much taller

02:12:17and has fewer fern leaves.

02:12:20Its flower heads can stretch up to 2 feet!

02:12:24This plant's sap can really hurt you.

02:12:26It contains a chemical called furicumaret, which makes your skin super sensitive to sunlight.

02:12:32It can also cause a long-term problem called sensitization, which means that even years

02:12:37later, your skin can still react badly to sunlight.

02:12:41So if you get it on you and you go out in the sun, you'll end up with severe burns

02:12:45that blister and take forever to heal.

02:12:48People are often left with scars that stick around for life.

02:12:52And it's not just skin burns you have to worry about.

02:12:54If the sap gets in your eyes, it could even make you go blind!

02:12:59You should be especially careful in summer when it's most active.

02:13:03Remember that you can get affected by it even if you wear clothes or shoes, so just

02:13:07try to stay away from anything suspicious looking.

02:13:12Symptoms can include a rash, itching, and painful blisters.

02:13:16If you realize that you accidentally got hurt by this plant, go to the doctor immediately,

02:13:21especially if you see the blisters.

02:13:24First aid includes washing the area with soap and water and covering it up.

02:13:30There are other very toxic plants that could be hiding in your garden or local area, looking

02:13:36harmless and pretty.

02:13:38Don't be tricked by foxglove's beauty.

02:13:41This plant contains digitoxin, which is used in medicine to stimulate the heart.

02:13:46All parts of the foxglove plant are toxic.

02:13:50If you eat the leaves, you could end up with a stomachache, nausea, vomiting, or worse.

02:13:55In serious cases, it can even mess up with your vision and cause problems with your heart

02:13:59and kidneys.

02:14:00Nightshade is another one of the most poisonous plants.

02:14:04Don't eat it!

02:14:05Just a couple of its berries contain tropane alkaloids, which can be fatal to a person.

02:14:11This plant is a member of the tomato family.

02:14:13It can be found in woodlands, although it's not as common as it used to be.

02:14:17Its family is quite extensive, including tomatoes, potatoes, chilies, aubergines, peppers, and

02:14:24henbane.

02:14:25Despite its scary nature, we can extract an antidote for nerve gas from this plant.

02:14:31So while it's dangerous, it also holds a unique quality with potential medicinal uses.

02:14:37And finally, there's the hemlock water dropwort, also known as poison parsnip.

02:14:43It's a very common plant around rivers and lakes.

02:14:47As you can guess from the name, it's related to hemlock, another toxic plant.

02:14:52Hemlock is a very dangerous plant on its own.

02:14:55It can be fatal if eaten, and it contains five different alkaloids that can lead to

02:15:00severe paralysis of the nervous system.

02:15:03What's even worse is that it's often found in the wild around pretty populated areas.

02:15:09These two plants, however, live in different places and have different toxins.

02:15:13Every part of the hemlock water dropwort, including its tubers, stems, and leaves, contains

02:15:19a powerful poison called enanthotoxin.

02:15:22This poison targets the central nervous system and can cause serious convulsions.

02:15:27So both of these plants are not to be messed with.

02:15:31These are just relatively toxic plants, but there are also those that are considered the

02:15:36most dangerous ones in the world.

02:15:39Aconite, also known as monk's hood or devil's helmet, is one of Europe's most poisonous.

02:15:46Just touching it can be harmful because of its potent neurotoxin.

02:15:51Castor oil tree is found in both Americas.

02:15:54This tree's sap can burn your skin.

02:15:56Its leaves and fruit are lethal.

02:16:01Castor bean is native to Africa.

02:16:03This shrub's seeds contain ricin, a toxin that's said to be 6,000 times more poisonous

02:16:09than cyanide.

02:16:11But it also has an upside.

02:16:13Castor oil can be extracted from these seeds.

02:16:16The seeds of Jaquarity bean are used in jewelry, but they contain a toxin called abrin, which

02:16:22is extremely poisonous.

02:16:24So be careful with these accessories.

02:16:27Oleander is a common ornamental plant.

02:16:30However, it contains toxins that make it poisonous.

02:16:34While poisonings are common, luckily, the plant is so bitter that no one wants to eat

02:16:38it in large quantities, so fatal cases are rare.

02:16:44Gimpy Gimpy is a plant from Australasia, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

02:16:48The plant has a funny name, but its stinging hairs cause extreme discomfort, lasting for

02:16:54months or even years.

02:16:57And finally, the potato plant, though not as toxic as others, can be harmful if eaten.

02:17:03The green parts of the potato plant contain toxins like solanine and chaconine.

02:17:11Getting rid of toxic plants around your garden is crucial, even though it's not legally

02:17:15required, especially because they could spread in the wild and you could get in trouble with

02:17:20the law for that.

02:17:22Here's what you can do to remove them safely.

02:17:25First, wear protective gear like gloves and face masks.

02:17:29Cover your skin completely and make sure that nothing can touch it.

02:17:33Make sure to dispose of the gear later or wash it immediately very carefully.

02:17:38Be careful not to let toxic plants flower.

02:17:42Try to dispose of them when they're small and pull them out when the soil is wet.

02:17:47For bigger plants, you might need to loosen the roots with a fork.

02:17:50It's best to leave this to professionals if it's a large area.

02:17:54Finally, make sure to dispose of the plant carefully.

02:17:58Don't just throw it anywhere, as it can spread and cause more problems.

02:18:03And stay on your guard in the future, as it can produce a lot of seeds that stick around

02:18:07for a long time.

02:18:10There's no need to panic if you see them in your garden.

02:18:13Just be careful and take action if you find it on your property.

02:18:16If you see them in your area, call the professionals to remove them.

02:18:21Luckily, fatal cases are very rare, and even if you accidentally touch the plant, you should

02:18:28be fine if you go to the doctor as soon as possible.

02:18:31But why are some plants so dangerous?

02:18:34It's all about chemistry and how plants have evolved over time.

02:18:39Plants develop toxins to protect themselves from being eaten by animals.

02:18:43If a plant is slightly more toxic than its neighbors, it has a better chance of survival

02:18:47because animals will avoid it.

02:18:50Interestingly, most of the plants became dangerous to scare away large ancient animals like woolly

02:18:55mammoths or aurochs, not humans.

02:18:59Because of that, these toxins often aren't fatal.

02:19:03The plants only wanted to make those who ate it feel unwell so animals would stop eating

02:19:07the plant.

02:19:08Now, these large animals are extinct, and nobody touches these guys.

02:19:13Unfortunately, they've already evolved to stay paranoid, so all we can do is stay as

02:19:19far away from them as possible.

02:19:26Covered in brown spiky hair with nine pairs of curly arms, the hagmoth caterpillar isn't

02:19:30like any other caterpillar.

02:19:32Its hairy appearance has given it the nickname monkey slug.

02:19:36This strange insect can be found in North America, where it lurks through shady trees

02:19:40and ornamental shrubbery.

02:19:42This hairy little creature isn't as innocent as it may appear.

02:19:45The hairs on its back connect to toxic glands within the caterpillar's skin.

02:19:50If you're curious enough to reach out and touch these hairs, your hand will instantly

02:19:54turn bright red and you'll feel a burning, itching sensation, kinda similar to a bee

02:19:58sting.

02:19:59So don't do that!

02:20:01If you have been stung by the hagmoth caterpillar, you should instantly run the sting underwater

02:20:06to remove any insect hairs that may remain.

02:20:09The sting marks should start to heal and be gone in a week.

02:20:13The bullet ant is the largest of all the ant species.

02:20:16Still, despite being the biggest, they grow no larger than the size of a penny.

02:20:20The bullet ant is most likely to be found in countries such as Nicaragua and Paraguay,

02:20:25deep within the rainforests.

02:20:28It might be small, but it has a big bite.

02:20:31The bite of a bullet ant is up to 30 times more painful than the sting of a wasp or a

02:20:36bee.

02:20:37Locals sometimes refer to the small insect as the 24-hour ant because you'll experience

02:20:41an entire day of discomfort after their bite.

02:20:44Despite the unpleasant feeling, the bite of a bullet ant isn't too dangerous and it

02:20:48should heal within a week.

02:20:50These ants have a particular habit that might make it easy to avoid their powerful bite.

02:20:54Bullet ants release a strong and disgusting stench to drive away predators.

02:20:59So if you ever find yourself trekking through the rainforest and smell an intensely unpleasant

02:21:04odor, I'm sorry!

02:21:07Kissing bugs look similar to your typical cockroach, except slimmer, wingless, and with

02:21:12an interesting line pattern on their back.

02:21:15Even though the name might sound cute, these insects are anything but.

02:21:19The kissing bug can typically be found in the warmer southern states of the US, and

02:21:23These pesky little things will hide anywhere – in cracks, under beds, and in furniture.

02:21:29These insects are nicknamed vampire bugs as they only come out at night.

02:21:33While their bite doesn't feel too painful, it can be incredibly dangerous.

02:21:37It's common for humans to be allergic to the kissing bug's saliva, and if that's

02:21:41the case, their bite will cause the skin to be incredibly itchy.

02:21:46These bugs also carry a dangerous parasite that badly affects most humans.

02:21:51If you ever get bitten by a kissing bug, make sure to visit your doctor as soon as possible.

02:21:56The Japanese hornet is the largest species of hornet in the world.

02:22:00The Japanese hornets have a yellow and black striped pattern.

02:22:03Their size and shape make them distinguishable from bees and wasps.

02:22:07The Japanese hornet is much larger and thinner than a bumblebee, and much longer than a wasp.

02:22:13These hornets, of course, live in Japan – no, not Toledo – where they travel in colonies

02:22:17of up to 700 members.

02:22:20People who have previously been stung by the Japanese hornet liken it to being struck by

02:22:24a red-hot poker.

02:22:26If you are ever unlucky enough to be stung by one of these insects, immediately call

02:22:31an ambulance, and while you wait for its arrival, wash the sting with cold water.

02:22:36The black widow spider is one of the most notoriously dangerous insects in the animal

02:22:40kingdom.

02:22:41Roughly the size of a paperclip, the hourglass-shaped red markings on the spider's belly make

02:22:46it easy to distinguish.

02:22:48These bugs often travel alone and can be found in warmer regions in dark, dry shelters such

02:22:53as basements or garages.

02:22:57Black widows are considered the most venomous spiders in North America.

02:23:00Their venom is 15 times stronger than a rattlesnake's.

02:23:03Strangely enough, the bite of a black widow doesn't feel particularly painful.

02:23:07It feels more like a pinprick, but it can make you incredibly sick.

02:23:11If you come across a black widow in your basement, don't irritate it, as they only bite when

02:23:16annoyed.

02:23:17If you get bitten, immediately seek emergency care.

02:23:20Healthcare professionals can offer you a black widow anti-venom that reduces the bite symptoms.

02:23:27The yellowjacket is a dangerous species of wasp that can be found all over the world.

02:23:32They're named for their distinctive yellow and black patterns.

02:23:35The yellow is a striking neon color much brighter than a normal wasp.

02:23:39Yellowjackets live in large colonies and build their nests in trees, bushes, and even underground.

02:23:44If you come across a yellowjacket nest, move away slowly and be careful not to threaten

02:23:49or irritate the wasps.

02:23:51The sting of a yellowjacket definitely isn't a pleasant feeling.

02:23:55While most people think that scorpions are related to crabs and other crustaceans, they're

02:24:00actually a form of insect.

02:24:02Scorpions are a type of arachnid, meaning they are closely related to spiders.

02:24:06They tend to be found in warm, dry climates like deserts.

02:24:10Scorpions most often come out at night.

02:24:12They're predatory creatures known to sting on sight.

02:24:15Their sting feels similar to a wasp's, but it can be much more dangerous.

02:24:19Scorpion stings tend to accelerate heart rates and cause difficulty breathing.

02:24:24If a scorpion stings you, immediately wash out the wound.

02:24:27Contact a healthcare professional who can give you a scorpion sting anti-venom treatment.

02:24:33There are just shy of 300 different species of fire ants all across the world.

02:24:38All of the species have the same powerful bite.

02:24:41They're tiny insects who travel in large colonies and have a distinct light brown color,

02:24:46almost red.

02:24:47Fire ants are most commonly found in the United States and are attracted to food.

02:24:51They tend to crash a lot of picnics they're not invited to.

02:24:55Kinda like my nephews.

02:24:57Fire ant bites are incredibly itchy, but not very dangerous.

02:25:00Running the bites under some cold water should help soothe the itchiness, and the bite should

02:25:04go away in a week or so.

02:25:06If you have a more severe reaction than itchiness, make sure to seek urgent care from your doctor.

02:25:12Honey bees are some of our most beloved insects.

02:25:16They pollinate our flowers, create honey for us to eat, and generally leave humans alone.

02:25:21Honey bees are social insects who live in large colonies.

02:25:24Surprisingly, a sting from a regular honey bee can be extremely dangerous to some people,

02:25:30especially the elderly.

02:25:32If a honey bee stings you, immediately remove the stinger that will be lodged in your skin.

02:25:37Wash the affected area with soap and water.

02:25:39The sting should heal within a week.

02:25:41If you suffer from more severe conditions, you should immediately contact a healthcare

02:25:45professional.

02:25:47Tarantula hawks are long, thin insects with beautiful rust-colored wings and yellow antennae.

02:25:53They tend to be found in rainforests across Asia, America, and Africa.

02:25:57They tend to live alone and make their homes by burrowing into the ground.

02:26:01If you ever come across a tarantula hawk, be sure to move away very slowly.

02:26:07These insects only attack if they sense a threat.

02:26:10Tarantula hawks are thought to have one of the most painful stings in the world.

02:26:14The pain of the tarantula hawk sting is incredibly intense and lasts for 3-4 minutes.

02:26:19After these minutes have passed, the sting won't require any urgent care and should

02:26:23heal on its own.

02:26:25The warrior wasp is a peculiar species.

02:26:28Unlike other wasps, the warrior wasp lacks any yellow stripes and is instead fully jet

02:26:34black.

02:26:35When they're jet black, they almost look blue.

02:26:39Some people refer to these insects as drumming wasps.

02:26:42When a stranger approaches, the wasps beat their wings in a synchronized fashion, like

02:26:46drummers in a marching band.

02:26:48Warrior wasps prefer warmer climates and can be found in the tropical rainforests of South

02:26:53America.

02:26:54Out of all the species of wasps, the warrior wasp has the most painful sting.

02:26:59The sting doesn't require any emergency medical help and should heal within a week.

02:27:04The Amazonian giant centipede can be found lurking throughout the tropical climates of

02:27:09South America and the Caribbean.

02:27:11With a distinguishable red color, it is the largest species of centipede in the world

02:27:15and can grow up to a foot long.

02:27:18So that's a foot-long bug with 100 feet!

02:27:21Ironic, isn't it?

02:27:22The giant centipede has a venom dangerous for other insects and smaller animals but

02:27:26isn't a risk to humans.

02:27:28Despite that, their bite is still unpleasant and causes a burning sensation.

02:27:33If you get bitten by one of these critters, the symptoms can last anywhere from a few

02:27:37hours to a few days.

02:27:39If you have a more serious reaction, you know what to do.

02:27:42Go see the doc.

02:27:45You open up your mailbox and see a dryer sheet.

02:27:48It's got no purpose in there, so you take it out, right?

02:27:52Wrong.

02:27:53Leave it there.

02:27:54You'll be doing your mail carrier a big favor.

02:27:57Here's why.

02:27:58You might think dogs are the only creatures that cause problems to mail workers when they're

02:28:02out delivering your mail.

02:28:04And with good reason.

02:28:05More than 5,800 United States postal workers had unpleasant run-ins with dogs in 2020.

02:28:12But they aren't the only inconvenience for mail carriers who are just trying to get home

02:28:16safe.

02:28:18Mail workers often leave these dryer sheets in mailboxes to protect themselves against

02:28:22wasps.

02:28:24That might sound bizarre, but even the average person can expect to be stung by a wasp around

02:28:28five times in their life.

02:28:31And it's a much more likely occurrence than getting bitten by a dog.

02:28:35Why does the dryer sheet keep wasps away?

02:28:37Well, it's pretty simple, really.

02:28:40Wasps can't handle its smell.

02:28:42It's just way too intense for them, so they try to avoid dryer sheets altogether.

02:28:47It does make sense, given that dryer sheets are meant to freshen up our clothes and make

02:28:52them smell nice.

02:28:54One could expect them to have a strong scent.

02:28:57Overall, this is just a minor disturbance in the life of a wasp.

02:29:01Thankfully so, because they don't really have any time for extra worries.

02:29:05On average, wasps have an extremely short lifespan.

02:29:09Most will live no more than 22 days.

02:29:12This of course doesn't apply to the queen, that sometimes lives for as long as a full

02:29:16year.

02:29:17But it's still nice that, while the rest are here, they don't have to worry about flying

02:29:22into a dryer sheet everywhere they go.

02:29:25It's funny that the wasps that live for such a short period of time probably relate more

02:29:30to male carriers, who are trying to avoid them, than their much-worshipped queen.

02:29:35This is because their 22 days of life are all about work.

02:29:39They each have their individual jobs, which ultimately revolve around building a suitable

02:29:43nest to ensure the protection of the queen.

02:29:47In this queen's nest, there are two different types of wasps, drones, which are males, and

02:29:52workers, which are females.

02:29:54The latter, in particular, are extremely diligent creatures.

02:29:59Worker wasps start their lives by helping to feed developing larvae.

02:30:03The larva is an immature insect, fresh out of an egg, which has yet to develop into its

02:30:08grown-up form.

02:30:10This stage of the worker wasp's life typically lasts for 3 to 4 days.

02:30:15After that, they begin to perform tasks that involve leaving the nest, such as collecting

02:30:20water or bringing back wood material, which is what nests are made of.

02:30:25The water they bring back is then spat out by the worker wasps and used to enlarge the

02:30:30entrance.

02:30:31The water mixes with the material that needs to be removed and forms pellets, which are

02:30:35then carried out of the nest.

02:30:38The worker wasp will then go through a period of focusing on building the nest itself before

02:30:42taking on the role of food gatherer.

02:30:45Worker wasps get energy from nectar or honeydew, and protein from insects or animals.

02:30:51Speaking about the selfless nature of these worker wasps, they don't even have the necessary

02:30:56enzymes in their bodies to allow them to eat most of the food they gather.

02:31:00This means that the majority of the food they bring back goes to the undeveloped wasps known

02:31:05as larvae that I mentioned earlier.

02:31:07Thankfully, the worker wasps do get some kind of reward for their diligence.

02:31:12From the food the larvae digest, they can get a creamy substance that looks like soup.

02:31:18This substance contains all the sustenance that the worker wasps need to continue carrying

02:31:22out their duties.

02:31:24This type of food exchange is called trophallaxis feeding.

02:31:28It's a key part of the social contact between the workers and the developing young.

02:31:33On most of the foraging trips, the worker wasps travel up to 1,000 feet away from the

02:31:38nest.

02:31:39But research has shown that some journeys go on for over half a mile.

02:31:43The worker wasps even follow one another to known sources of food.

02:31:48The worker wasps finish their lives back inside the nest, but they don't relax and enjoy retirement.

02:31:54Instead, they take up their final role, which is guarding the entrance to the nest.

02:31:59So, how does the life of a female worker wasp compare with that of a male drone?

02:32:05Well, their male counterparts are actually quite sluggish in comparison, even despite

02:32:10their larger size.

02:32:12The drones are, on average, over half an inch in length, whilst the female worker wasps

02:32:18are usually smaller than half an inch.

02:32:20The drones are also more brightly colored, have long drooping antennas, and don't have

02:32:25the ability to sting.

02:32:27The queen is bigger than both of those and is the closest to being a full inch in length.

02:32:34Why do I suggest the drones are lazier?

02:32:36Well, while the worker wasps are out collecting wood, water, or food, the drones can often

02:32:42be found back at the nest, putting their heads into empty cells, with only their tails visible.

02:32:48Doing something to add value?

02:32:50Not really.

02:32:51It's more likely that they're just taking a nap.

02:32:54When they're not catching some shut-eye, they're known to help distribute food to the larvae

02:32:58by going from cell to cell and popping the meals into their open mouths.

02:33:03The drones also try to pull their weight in other ways, which, in a literal sense,

02:33:08wouldn't be hard to do since most drones and workers weigh between 10 and 19 milligrams.

02:33:14Anyway, the drones also carry away and dispose of any rubbish that may gather inside the

02:33:19nest.

02:33:21These nests, where the queen, drones, and workers coexist, typically last between three

02:33:26to four months.

02:33:27They fall apart in the winter, when new queens fly away to hibernate.

02:33:32The rest of the wasps, and the nest itself, struggle to survive the cold winter conditions.

02:33:37As do the new queens.

02:33:38Research shows that as few as two out of every 4,500 queens make it through the hibernation

02:33:45period.

02:33:46This is not just because of the cold weather conditions.

02:33:49The queen wasps find dark and dry locations to hibernate, such as a crack in the wall

02:33:54inside a house.

02:33:56They tuck their antennae neatly between their legs and bite whatever surface is in front

02:34:01of them in order to hang on firmly.

02:34:03This leaves them extremely vulnerable to other insects, such as spiders.

02:34:08But those lucky queens who truly enjoy a nice long slumber during the hibernation period

02:34:13typically resurrect in the spring and begin to build a new nest.

02:34:18The queen will fly up to 47 miles just to find the perfect warm and dry spot.

02:34:23Attics and roofs often fit the bill.

02:34:26The queen will then produce new workers and drones, and the life cycle of wasps will continue.

02:34:33If you do come across a wasp nest, it's best to just leave it alone.

02:34:37You can't always know what kind of reaction you'll have to a sting from the creature.

02:34:42And who says you'll get stung by just one?

02:34:45The average wasp nest can hold up to 10,000 members during the peak of the summer.

02:34:51It's best to leave the nest to pest control services.

02:34:54But what precautions can you take to avoid any unfortunate encounters with wasps in general?

02:35:00We owe thanks to mail carriers for making us aware of dryer sheets.

02:35:04But what else can we do?

02:35:07You can start by not leaving any food lying around.

02:35:10This is the main attractor of wasps, be it foods full of protein, like chicken, or sweets,

02:35:16like ice cream.

02:35:17Make sure you wash your dishes, cover any food you keep for later, and remove all leftovers

02:35:23as soon as you're done feasting.

02:35:26While wasps hate the odor of dryer sheets, things like flowers and fruits greatly please

02:35:31their sense of smell.

02:35:33You should pay attention to any perfumes, lotions, or hair care products that you use.

02:35:39Wasps may mistake them for nectar while out looking for food.

02:35:43You can also be practical about your defensive strategy against wasps.

02:35:47You can use your clothing to your advantage.

02:35:50Wear long sleeves and trousers.

02:35:52Stay away from sandals.

02:35:54You can avoid getting unnecessary attention from any nearby wasp by wearing red clothes,

02:35:59as it's the only color of the rainbow that they can't see.

02:36:03Most importantly, and I know it's easier said than done, so don't get mad at me for saying

02:36:08it, stay calm.

02:36:10Research has shown that waving your hands, panicking, and causing a commotion when a

02:36:14wasp lands nearby actually increases your chances of getting stung.

02:36:20I hope this will help you to protect yourself when you're around wasps.

02:36:24In the meantime, keep helping our great mail workers out, and leave those dryer sheets

02:36:28exactly where they are.

02:36:35This tree has poisonous bark, leaves, and even seeds.

02:36:39What's worse, those seeds can even explode.

02:36:41Wow!

02:36:42And that's not the kind of experience you want when traveling around tropical America.

02:36:48Meet Sandbox tree, a 100-foot giant covered in conical studs.

02:36:53The tree itself looks unique, since the studs look almost like tiny pumpkins.

02:36:58But don't you dare come close and touch them.

02:37:02Just contemplate it from afar.

02:37:04Once the pumpkin-looking studs crack, they set the notorious seeds free.

02:37:09They travel at about 230 feet per second, and those have enough force to injure you.

02:37:15But hey, the Sandbox tree is not that mean.

02:37:18It just doesn't want any competition, and that's why it tries so hard to send the seeds

02:37:23as far as it can, which is about 130 feet.

02:37:27So please, stay out of the way.

02:37:30Some trees are so dangerous, they even have a warning sign.

02:37:34For example, a Manchineel tree.

02:37:36It pretends to be totally innocent, and its fruits look like regular apples.

02:37:42But eating such an apple can be the last thing you do in your life.

02:37:46Well, that sounds serious.

02:37:48Touching this tree isn't safe either.

02:37:49I mean, even looking at that tree can be dangerous.

02:37:53Not kidding.

02:37:54And people can even banish it.

02:37:56Whoever tries to do that gets punished instantly.

02:38:00You try to cut the tree, it replies by squirting blinding ooze right into your eyes.

02:38:05Yeah, this sap can cause temporary blindness.

02:38:08But if it contacts the skin, you'll get burns and blisters.

02:38:12There's only one way to tame that tree.

02:38:14To do that, people first gotta burn the tree at the base and stand far away for sure.

02:38:20Then the fallen tree is left to dry in the sun.

02:38:24Once it's dry, it's safe to use.

02:38:26There are even used-to-be-toxic pieces of furniture made of Manchineel tree.

02:38:31Hey, pull up a chair!

02:38:35This thing here, scientists call it Jatropha fruit, but it's also known as black vomit

02:38:40nut.

02:38:41Ew!

02:38:42If you ever try to eat it, the first thing you'll experience is a burning feeling in

02:38:47the throat.

02:38:48Once it reaches your stomach, you'll have a severe stomach ache.

02:38:52The result can be terrible.

02:38:53It can cause severe central nervous system depression, and it's not about being terribly

02:38:58sad.

02:38:59It's a physiological state when the breath rate is affected, the heart rate is decreased,

02:39:05and the person may even lose consciousness, not to mention a more serious aftermath.

02:39:10Ah, look at these heart-shaped leaves, they're so cute!

02:39:14Still, this tree's fruit isn't that cute.

02:39:18Pangium edulis is native to Southeast Asia, and its fruit can be eaten, but it requires

02:39:25a lot of preparation.

02:39:27First you need to grab those brownish clusters that look like pears.

02:39:31These are the fruit.

02:39:32Second, you need to boil the seeds.

02:39:35Yeah, you gotta get to those seeds through the pulp that looks soft, creamy, and possibly

02:39:40edible, but that's not.

02:39:42Third, you need to either soak them or wrap them in banana leaves for 40 days for the

02:39:48hydrogen cyanide to be released.

02:39:50Yeah, that's great that hydrogen cyanide is slightly water-soluble and can be sorta

02:39:55washed out once the seeds are boiled and fermented.

02:39:59But isn't that too much effort?

02:40:01The thing is, these seeds are usually added to some dishes, so they're more like a spice,

02:40:06not an independent dish.

02:40:07Nope, the hydrogen cyanide thing ruined it for me.

02:40:12Now some fruits require a lot of additional preparation, while others can be eaten only

02:40:17when 100% right.

02:40:20Raw elderberry is rich in vitamin C, which is good for you, and cyanide, which is not

02:40:26that good.

02:40:27These berries are quite popular, though.

02:40:29You can find them in pies, syrups, teas, jams, you name it.

02:40:34Fully ripe and cooked berries aren't dangerous.

02:40:37And nope, these berries aren't banned.

02:40:41National Jamaican fruit, ackee, has a truly unique taste.

02:40:45It's mild and buttery, and people who tried it say it tastes just like scrambled eggs.

02:40:52Just like with elderberries, it's safe to eat ackee only as long as it's fully ripe,

02:40:57though the importation of raw ackee fruit was banned in the US almost 50 years ago.

02:41:03The only edible part is the white creamy flesh itself.

02:41:07The pink flesh looks mouth-watering, but don't fall for it, it's highly toxic.

02:41:12Same with the black seeds.

02:41:14Well, let's interrupt this for a fun fact.

02:41:17People used to utilize ackee fruit for cleaning clothes, thanks to its laundering properties.

02:41:23The funny thing is, the fruit capsules have saponins that can create that lather we need

02:41:27for washing.

02:41:28Today, it's not that popular, though, and very few people prefer it to manufactured

02:41:34soap.

02:41:36Soursop is one more fruit that doesn't seem to be available in the US.

02:41:40It's also referred to as guanabana and can release dangerous toxins, leading to some

02:41:46very unpleasant consequences if not right.

02:41:50Soursop fans, don't be sad.

02:41:52Chances are, you might find some frozen pulp in supermarkets.

02:41:56The fruit itself is yummy.

02:41:58It tastes like a mix of pineapple and strawberry.

02:42:01However, this fruit is not FDA-approved because of its safety issues.

02:42:06But if you ever eat soursop, remember to avoid the seeds, as they're toxic to us human mammals.

02:42:14Lookie here, this is mango, it's safe and delicious.

02:42:18Now look over here.

02:42:19This one kinda looks like mango when it's green, but you certainly don't want to eat

02:42:24it.

02:42:25These fruits grow on a pong-pong tree, and one kernel is enough to finish any human being.

02:42:31But who said we gotta eat them?

02:42:33They can be used for deodorants.

02:42:35However, there are safer antibacterial options out there, so we'd best leave the pong-pong

02:42:41tree alone.

02:42:42Now, arboreally speaking, a tree doesn't necessarily have to be poisonous to be dangerous.

02:42:49The bunya pine, or false monkey puzzle tree, for instance, has extremely giant cones, larger

02:42:56than your head.

02:42:57Imagine the size of the nuts those cones carry.

02:43:01So the only real danger it poses is if a cone accidentally hits your head when falling.

02:43:07For the rest, the bunya pine is cool.

02:43:09If you boil the seeds, you'll get a super-flavorsome tea.

02:43:13The nuts are gluten-free, so they can be part of any trendy diet.

02:43:18It's been around for quite some time, ever since the dinos roamed the planet, but now

02:43:23it's almost unique to Queensland, Australia.

02:43:26We all know the dose that makes the poison, right?

02:43:29Milky mangrove is another proof of the same.

02:43:32It can be extremely useful for medicinal purposes, and extremely toxic when used incorrectly.

02:43:39Yeah, it may not only be the dose, but also the science that makes the poison.

02:43:45This tree's sap can cause blisters, burns, and even temporary blindness, just like a

02:43:50manchineel tree.

02:43:52Ah, here's why people also call it a blind-in-your-eye mangrove.

02:43:56Well, that makes sense.

02:43:59The bottle tree is mostly found in Namibia.

02:44:02So when traveling there and feeling thirsty, don't fall for that bottle-looking buddy.

02:44:07It has no water for you.

02:44:09The bottle tree gets its famous shape by the age of between 5 and 8 years, and is

02:44:14designed to hold the water for itself.

02:44:17Now if you dare try it, the consequences are, shall we say, sad.

02:44:22It's highly toxic for humans and animals.

02:44:25But for those toxins contained in the water, the tree would have been left with no moisture

02:44:30at all.

02:44:31Animals would have taken all the water from it.

02:44:33To avoid it, the bottle tree developed a sort of protection mechanism mostly from animals,

02:44:39and apparently from some humans too, to stay well hydrated.

02:44:43Good advice for everyone.

02:44:46The last, but not the least, jimpy-jimpy.

02:44:49Now you probably came across a stinging nettle at least once in your life.

02:44:54The aftermath of the contact with the stinging nettle isn't quite pleasant.

02:44:58Nobody likes rash and burning sensations.

02:45:01Well, it's possible to say that harmless-looking jimpy-jimpy, which is a distant relative of

02:45:07stinging nettle, has pretty much the same mechanism, but the consequences are different.

02:45:12It can even be fatal.

02:45:14Good news, there's an antidote.

02:45:16Depilatory wax or even sticky tape can help you out.

02:45:20The main problem is the little hairs stuck in the skin, and anything sticky, especially

02:45:25wax or tape, can help remove them.

02:45:28This is a first-aid treatment, but it helps a lot.

02:45:33You walk in the park and stop because you come across the cutest puppy.

02:45:38While admiring it, you notice a red collar, and remember, red is the universal sign for

02:45:43stop.

02:45:44All over the world, you see it on stop signs and stoplights.

02:45:49This cute pup is one you shouldn't get too close to.

02:45:53A red collar on a dog signals that the animal is aggressive and should be given space by

02:45:57humans and other animals.

02:45:59These dogs may be more likely to snap, bite, or lunge at any passersby.

02:46:05You may find this hard to believe, given how happy the dog might look when you see

02:46:08it with its handler.

02:46:09You're right, it probably is delighted because it loves its owner, and may also be super

02:46:14protective of them.

02:46:16It's also possible that the dog may be an assistance dog.

02:46:19However, these dogs should wear a vest with emotional support or assistance dog written

02:46:24on them.

02:46:25Oh, and please remember three important words, do not pet.

02:46:31Not all dog owners opt to use color-coded language with their pets.

02:46:35It's often used more in professional environments.

02:46:38For example, if a dog and their sniffer are required for scent work, they probably have

02:46:42better things to do than getting belly rubs from strangers.

02:46:46The red collar might now serve as your fair warning.

02:46:50It's a fact that dogs have up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses.

02:46:56Humans have roughly 6 million.

02:46:58That means that their sense of smell is about 50 times better than ours.

02:47:02The part of a dog's brain devoted to analyzing smells is about 40 times greater than ours.

02:47:08Dogs are attracted to new odors.

02:47:09There's a good chance they'd prefer a sniffing session to your offer of a belly rub.

02:47:14It could just annoy them.

02:47:16Why don't we take a look at some other things that can irritate your dog?

02:47:20This first one might hurt your feelings and be hard to accept.

02:47:24Have you ever noticed your dog freezing in terror when you go to hug it?

02:47:27Have you ever wondered why?

02:47:29Dogs just don't like it when you hug them.

02:47:32Research has shown you should never constrain your dog, which is exactly what happens when

02:47:35you hug them.

02:47:36If your dog comes looking for it, then okay.

02:47:39But otherwise, a pat on the head will be enough.

02:47:43None of us like returning home to find our beautiful furniture chewed to pieces, or discovering

02:47:47that our brand new shoes are ruined.

02:47:50But one thing you shouldn't do is yell at your dog, even if they chewed your favorite

02:47:54and most expensive shoes.

02:47:56Yelling just confuses the dog.

02:47:59Dogs may simply think you're barking at them and start wondering what's happened to its

02:48:02human.

02:48:03I know those puppy eyes are beautiful and hard to look away from, but try not to stare

02:48:07at them for too long.

02:48:08Prolonged eye contact can be another form of aggression to our loyal companions.

02:48:13This even applies to your own dog, who may get spooked by your serious demeanor.

02:48:19This is especially true with strange dogs who may be anxious or uneasy with your presence.

02:48:24Try to distract yourself from looking at them by simply focusing on stroking that warm,

02:48:28cuddly fur.

02:48:29What else annoys your dog?

02:48:31Whilst your furry friend may be perfectly okay with having extremely oversized nails,

02:48:35one thing they're often not okay with is their owners trying to clip them.

02:48:39Research suggests that dogs hate getting their nails clipped, ears checked, and mouth examined.

02:48:44However, these things have to happen, as overgrown nails could hurt your dog, and checking their

02:48:50ears could prevent nasty ear infections.

02:48:54It's good to get your dog comfortable with you touching their feet and ears before taking

02:48:58them to your local groomer or trying to cut nails yourself.

02:49:02Being a responsible dog owner is by making sure that they get enough exercise.

02:49:07And dogs always love a walk, right?

02:49:09Well, not always.

02:49:10Let's be practical about this.

02:49:13You're at the beach on a sunny day.

02:49:15You walk on the sand barefoot, and suddenly, you feel your feet burning.

02:49:20You quickly struggle back to your towel.

02:49:22See where I'm going with this?

02:49:24If it's too hot for your feet, it's probably too hot for your dog's paws.

02:49:28And it's not just burning feet you need to be worried about.

02:49:30The heat itself can harm your dog.

02:49:33Dogs can cool themselves by panting.

02:49:35However, this method is not too effective in hot weather.

02:49:39By moving your dog walking sessions to early mornings or late afternoons, you could be

02:49:43doing that puppy of yours a big favor.

02:49:48Variety is the spice of life, and don't think this doesn't apply to dogs.

02:49:53Especially when it comes to the games you play with them.

02:49:55When we think of games to play with our dogs, the best most of us can come up with is fetch.

02:50:01We're not the ones that have to desperately chase after the ball, so this is quite convenient.

02:50:06Be more creative.

02:50:08Try some other games.

02:50:09One of which is tug-of-war, which involves equal effort from both dog and human.

02:50:14Dogs love this game, and contrary to popular belief, it has no connection to aggression.

02:50:20Especially if you alternate between who wins each round.

02:50:23This game will also teach your dog a vital skill in impulse control.

02:50:28Games that end early will teach your dog the difference between what's acceptable and what

02:50:32isn't.

02:50:33You can also play training games with your dog.

02:50:35Giving your dog a treat when they look at you without being asked to will enable you

02:50:39to have more control over them.

02:50:41Although they're animals, dogs do have some traits in common with humans.

02:50:45Example, they won't get along with everybody, so don't try to force a dog into a friendship

02:50:50with another dog.

02:50:52Some dogs are shy, whilst others are social butterflies.

02:50:56Our job as responsible pet owners is to find out how we can make our dogs comfortable.

02:51:01Dogs have different levels of confidence.

02:51:04One dog may be fine with another dog, but become uncomfortable in a group bigger than

02:51:09two.

02:51:10It's sometimes best to create a small group of dog friends for your dog to play with,

02:51:13or just introduce them to new dogs one at a time.

02:51:17But forcing them into uncomfortable situations is a no-go.

02:51:22One thing we're all at sometimes reluctant towards is change.

02:51:26One thing that a dog loves to do is to make their owner happy.

02:51:29So if your dog's not listening to you, there's a good chance it's because your rules aren't

02:51:33consistent enough.

02:51:35Consistency is something that dogs love.

02:51:37It allows them to know how to behave in different situations.

02:51:41Telling them to lay down after previously using the word sit can cause major confusion.

02:51:46As a matter of fact, you should probably make a daily schedule for your dog.

02:51:50This will prevent your dog expecting a game of tug-of-war when you're trying to get ready

02:51:54for work.

02:51:57And one thing you need to put into the schedule is some time outside of the house.

02:52:01This will teach your dog how to behave in new environments.

02:52:04You can't just expect your dog to enter one of the many dog-friendly cafes that now exist

02:52:09and know how to be a good girl or boy.

02:52:13Take baby steps.

02:52:14If your dog becomes excited, you're moving too fast.

02:52:16Oh, and don't forget those yummy treats to reward your pooch for good behavior.

02:52:21With all of the attention our dogs pay to ourselves, it's only fair that we should try

02:52:25to do the very same with them.

02:52:27Not paying attention to your dog's body language isn't good.

02:52:30Just because they don't speak a language doesn't mean you can't tell what's going on inside

02:52:34their head.

02:52:35Research shows that dogs speak with their bodies.

02:52:38Although some behavior like leaning in for more attention are pretty universal, dogs

02:52:43have very different ways of showing their anxiety, from freezing in place to an odd

02:52:47tail wag.

02:52:49A dog's eyes, tail, and ears and posture are key to understanding how your pet is feeling.

02:52:57Paying close attention to how your dog responds to different social settings will also allow

02:53:00you to prevent any uncomfortable situations moving forward.

02:53:04The most obvious thing your dog doesn't like?

02:53:07Being ignored.

02:53:09Neither dogs nor humans have the energy to play all day, but time does need to be carved

02:53:13out of your schedule for some one-on-one bonding.

02:53:16Food and shelter isn't the only thing these creatures need.

02:53:20This is especially true when adding a new dog to your home.

02:53:24Dogs may also feel left out.

02:53:27Please make sure the older dog doesn't feel unloved.

02:53:35You're taking a stroll on a warm summer afternoon.

02:53:38The grass is green, the sun is in the sky, and suddenly, you feel yourself sinking.

02:53:44You begin to panic, but then immediately you bounce back up.

02:53:47You test your footing and jump slightly.

02:53:49The grass bounces with you, like a trampoline.

02:53:53This phenomenon is caused by soil liquefaction.

02:53:56Excess water from heavy rain or floods becomes trapped in the soil, causing it to be waterlogged.

02:54:02This makes the ground temporarily act like a giant water bed.

02:54:06While it may be tempting to run and bounce on the springy grass, it's best to tread carefully.

02:54:11The grass could potentially break open, and if someone fell through, it would be incredibly

02:54:16tricky for them to get back out again.

02:54:19An erupting volcano is already a pretty terrifying sight, with clouds of dark smoke and flowing

02:54:24molten hot lava.

02:54:26What's even more terrifying is that they can produce lightning.

02:54:30Volcanic lightning is pretty hard to study, so scientists don't know exactly what causes

02:54:34it.

02:54:35A common theory is that during an eruption, the ash picks up so much friction that it

02:54:39creates a buildup of static electricity.

02:54:41This static electricity then triggers the volcanic lightning.

02:54:45A fire whirl, or fire tornado, is exactly what it sounds like.

02:54:49They occur when ground winds pick up flames and escalate the embers into a whirling force.

02:54:54These spinning columns of fire can reach up to 1,000 feet tall, but luckily, they only

02:54:59last for a couple of minutes.

02:55:01Fire tornadoes are pretty rare, but they can be extremely dangerous.

02:55:05In Tokyo in 1923, a large city-wide fire produced a gigantic fire tornado.

02:55:11The tornado lasted 15 minutes and devastated the city, causing significant damage and leaving

02:55:1638,000 people injured.

02:55:20On a cold and cloudless winter night, you might have been lucky enough to witness colorful

02:55:24beams of blue and orange light reaching up towards the sky.

02:55:28These are called light pillars.

02:55:30They occur when light is reflected from tiny ice crystals that float about in the atmosphere.

02:55:35These pillars are more common in cold, northern countries like Canada or Russia.

02:55:41We've all seen the colorful rainbow arches that the sun produces.

02:55:44It's much rarer to see a rainbow light up in the sky, produced by the moon.

02:55:48This is called a moonbow.

02:55:50It's bright and colorful like a rainbow, and occurs when moonlight reflects off water droplets

02:55:55in the sky.

02:55:56Rainbows are incredibly rare and can only occur in specific conditions.

02:56:00The moon must be very low, the sky has to be dark, and rain must fall directly opposite

02:56:05from the moon to create this lunar rainbow.

02:56:09If you're taking a moonlit stroll along the beach at night, you might come across the

02:56:13strange phenomena of a bioluminescent beach.

02:56:16This occurs when a microorganism in the water called plankton are agitated by the movement

02:56:21of the waves and give off a bright blue color.

02:56:24These microorganisms tend to live in warmer waters, so you can find these luminescent

02:56:28beaches in places like the Maldives, Puerto Rico, and even Florida.

02:56:34In Antarctica, you'll find the famous Blood Falls.

02:56:37Blood-red colored water pours out of the Taylor Glacier from an underground lake.

02:56:42Scientists originally believed that the striking color was caused by a microorganism, similar

02:56:46to the luminescent beach's glowing plankton.

02:56:49But after further studies, it was discovered that the water has abnormally high levels

02:56:53of iron that oxidize and turn to rust the second they hit fresh air.

02:56:59In colder climates where lakes are frozen all year round, if you look pretty closely

02:57:03beneath the icy waters, you'll notice frozen bubbles trapped in the ice.

02:57:08These are small pockets of methane gas.

02:57:10Bacteria in the water feast on other organisms and digest them to produce methane.

02:57:15The methane turns into floating bubbles in the frozen water, trapped beneath layers of

02:57:19ice.

02:57:20Asperatus clouds are one of the rarest events in nature.

02:57:24This cloud formation consists of incredibly dark and storm-like waves of clouds.

02:57:28Although these clouds appear ominous and look like they carry a heavy storm, they usually

02:57:33dissipate without ever affecting the weather.

02:57:36These clouds most commonly appear in the Great Plains of the United States, but they haven't

02:57:40been observed since 2009.

02:57:43Despite being a famously harsh climate, the desert can produce some beautiful things,

02:57:48like desert roses.

02:57:50These are intricate rose-like formations of crystal clusters.

02:57:53The intense switch between dry and wet conditions forms the crystals and traps grains of sand

02:57:59within them to give them their signature color.

02:58:03From afar, you could easily mistake a water spout as a large tornado traveling over a

02:58:08body of water.

02:58:09In reality, water spouts are a type of funnel-shaped cloud.

02:58:13They are rotating columns of cloud-filled wind which often take on a darker color.

02:58:18Water spouts are much weaker and smaller than tornadoes, and they aren't strong enough

02:58:21to suck anything into them.

02:58:23This phenomenon typically occurs in tropical climates, and they usually dissipate before

02:58:27reaching land.

02:58:31Lenticular clouds are flat clouds that lay on top of the other, looking like stacks of

02:58:35pancakes in the sky.

02:58:36They typically form in high altitudes where geographic features like mountains or tall

02:58:40buildings interrupt the airflow.

02:58:42Because of their unique shape, lenticular clouds have been suggested as an explanation

02:58:47for some UFO sightings.

02:58:50As our climate changes, new natural phenomena develop.

02:58:54One of these is exploding permafrost.

02:58:56The increasing temperature in arctic zones is causing the permafrost to melt.

02:59:00Just like in frozen lakes, bubbles of methane gas are trapped in the permafrost.

02:59:05As the permafrost begins to melt, the gas is released.

02:59:08This results in large explosions in the ground, which leave behind massive holes.

02:59:13The first case of this was reported in 2013, and several more have been reported since.

02:59:20When you think of icebergs, you usually think of a large chunk of pristine white ice.

02:59:25But in Antarctica, you find icebergs striped with colors of green, blue, yellow, and more.

02:59:30The different colors are caused due to the ice forming in special conditions.

02:59:34Green typically appears when water that is rich in algae freezes.

02:59:37Blue stripes are more often freshly frozen water.

02:59:40Other colors are typically caused by sediments of debris picked up by the water as it freezes.

02:59:47Nacreous clouds are some of the rarest clouds on the planet.

02:59:50They typically occur at high altitudes and are only visible within two hours after sunset.

02:59:55The clouds appear beautiful as they display light waves of various colors.

02:59:59But don't be fooled.

03:00:00These clouds are actually a pretty dangerous sight.

03:00:04Nacreous clouds are incredibly destructive to our atmosphere.

03:00:07Their presence encourages the chemical reaction that breaks down our ozone layer.

03:00:11The ozone layer is an essential shield protecting us from the sun's harmful rays.

03:00:16The more depleted it is, the more at risk we are of global warming.

03:00:21The last place you might expect to find a natural fire is in the middle of a waterfall.

03:00:26But it's more common than you think.

03:00:28In upstate New York, in the middle of a small running waterfall is an eternal flame around

03:00:328 inches tall.

03:00:34Beneath the waterfall is a natural gas seep, a low pressure of gas that escapes from underground

03:00:39into the Earth's atmosphere.

03:00:41The small fire is sheltered enough by rocks from the waterfall's spray to stay lit permanently.

03:00:47Typically, green sand isn't what you'd imagine when you think of tropical beaches.

03:00:52But in Hawaii and other volcanic islands around the globe, you'll find beaches covered with

03:00:56dark green sand.

03:00:58This remarkable color is due to the erosion of olivine, a type of rock formed by nearby

03:01:03volcanic eruptions.

03:01:04Over the years, the rock slowly withers into sand and washes onto the shore, resulting

03:01:09in these strange colored beaches.

03:01:12Penitentes are fields of ice spikes, formed in high altitudes.

03:01:17These occur when sunlight beams directly onto ice, turning it into water vapor rather than

03:01:22melting them.

03:01:23The sun beams vaporize small dimples in the snow's surface, resulting in sharp crystal-like

03:01:28formations.

03:01:29The spike can grow as tall as 15 feet.

03:01:33Mammatus clouds are some of the most unusual and distinctive formations of clouds.

03:01:38The clouds can extend over hundreds of miles and appear like the sky has been blanketed

03:01:42with cotton balls.

03:01:43The clouds themselves are harmless, but they often signify that a dangerous storm is nearby.

03:01:48So if you see them, head inside.

03:01:52A green flash sunset is a rare phenomenon that occurs briefly at sunset or sunrise,

03:01:57when the sun is almost entirely out of the sky.

03:02:00In the right conditions, onlookers can witness a distinct green flash, making the sun appear

03:02:05bright green.

03:02:06This is caused by sunlight reflecting off the Earth's atmosphere, causing the light

03:02:10to refract into different colors.

03:02:13The sun appears green, but really, it's just an optical illusion.

03:02:17That's it for today!

03:02:20So hey, if you pacified your curiosity, then give the video a like and share it with your

03:02:24friends.

03:02:25And if you want more, just click on these videos and stay on the Bright Side!

Category

Transcript

Recommended