On global safari to find the perfect shot

By ROBERT DEX

Scary: Scots wildlife photographer David Yarrow even escaped an up close and personal meeting with a lioness on the prairie during his global travels He has travelled to some of the world’s remotest destinations and come face to face with deadly animals to capture these stunning images. And Scots wildlife photographer David Yarrow even escaped an up close and personal meeting with a lioness on the prairie during his global travels. Mr Yarrow, from Glasgow, has produced almost 90 black and white pictures of wildlife in some of the harshest landscapes on Earth.

Impressive: Mr Yarrow, from Glasgow, has produced almost 90 black and white pictures of wildlife in some of the harshest landscapes on Earth

Beautiful moment: Among the images are two baby penguins helping each other climb an icy slope in Snow Hill, Antarctica

Covering its mouth: Encounter by David Yarrow is published by Clearview, in affiliation with the conservation charity Tusk, on November 12

Looking at you: This is the moment Scots wildlife photographer Mr Yarrow came face to face with an adult brown bear in the wilds of Alaska

Black and white: Self-taught wildlife photographer Mr Yarrow, who has produced the collection for a new book, took this stunning image of a zebra

Fighting talk: Among the images in the set by Mr Yarrow are a pair of polar bears confronting each other in Manitoba, Canada

Locked together: Mr Yarrow has travelled to some of the world's remotest destinations and come face to face with deadly animals

Staring: This stunning portrait of a razorback gorilla was taken by the self-taught wildlife photographer who is promoting his new book, Encounter source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2486855/Photographer-comes-face-face-deadly-animals-capture-stunning-images.html My Facebook My Google+ Contact me

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The incredible images : A mother feeding her young

By HAYLEY O'KEEFFE

Giovanni Frescura's stunning shot of a hoopoe feeding its chick came second in a photography competition. The hoopoe is also known for sunbathing and taking dust and sand baths Hundreds of photographers took a walk on the wild side, to capture these stunning images of animals in their natural environment. From a waxwing playing with its food, to a jackdaw picking parasites off a deer in Bushy Park, birds featured heavily in the amazing entries In The Wild Photo Competition, run by The Society of Nature and Wildlife Photographers. Snappers were asked to submit images that captured animals living in the wild to endangered species surviving from around the globe. And these results just go to prove the wide range of beautiful creatures living around the world. The winner was the leopard picture taken by Bridgena Barnard, 47, from Cape Town.

The winning image, captured by Bridgena Barnard from Cape Town shows a leopard attacking wildebeest. The 47-year-old photographer captured the leopard in action during a stay at the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in South Africa in December All creatures great and small are depicted in these wonderful natural images.

Anne Algar took this picture of a pair of Red Kites in Oxfordshire - it came third in the competition She said: 'The picture was taken in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa. We were in the Park for about 3 weeks in December. That time of the year it's quite hot with temperatures of 40 degrees. I took this picture on Boxing Day. 'We saw the leopard stalking the herd of Blue Wildebeest. She made the kill and we were just in time to get a few pictures before she disappeared into the Camelthorn tree.'

Arun Kumar's picture of a red bull feeding its young on a twig also received a highly commended accolade

Edmund Telford, proved his skills with this highly commended image of a Tawny Owl. The 69-year-old from Ayreshire is the vice president of the Ayr Photographic Society source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2441317/Birds-natural-habitat-feature-heavily-series-incredible-pictures-submitted-national-competition.html My Facebook My Google+ Contact me

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TWO Bigfoot 'moving beast' in Pennsylvania...

By DANIEL MILLER

Bigfeet? This image, taken just two weeks ago near Bradford, Pennsylvania, is believed to show two of the mysterious creatures known as Bigfoot wandering through the woods You wait years for a decent sighting of the legendary ape-like creature known as Bigfoot, and then two come along at once. The fascinating photographs, taken just two weeks ago near Bradford, Pennsylvania, appear to show a pair of Bigfoots, or perhaps that should be Bigfeet, wandering through the trees. Keen hiker John Stoneman claims he spotted the seven-foot-tall beasts just yards from a main road through trees in Kinzua State Park.

Apeman: A close up shows one of the 'beasts' spotted just yards from a main road through trees in Kinzua State Park Mr Stoneman, 57, had been returning from the Kinzua Bridge Fall Festival with his girlfriend when the pair saw the mysterious shape moving in the forest. He quickly grabbed his camera and fired off these shots as they slowed the car down and edged along the road.

Lurking: The fascinating photographs were taken by keen hiker John Stoneman who was on his way home with his girlfriend from a festival with his girlfriend when the pair spotted the mysterious shape moving in the forest

Evidence? The new photographs will fuel the debate on whether the legendary creature actually exists source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2441532/Does-image-TWO-Bigfoot-creatures-Woodsman-photographed-moving-beast-Pennsylvania-sign-now.html My Facebook My Google+ Contact me

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Mouse for dinner again? Amazing pictures capture a barn owl enjoying a spot of dinner

By HELEN COLLIS

Successful hunt: A beautiful barn owl lands on its perch having successfully caught a fat mouse for dinner There's nothing more satisfying than enjoying a favourite meal when hungry. And for this lucky photographer, they captured a barn owl eating a fat mouse then apparently showing its satisfaction by 'smiling' into the camera. It only takes a few gulps to consume the big mouse, before only the tail is left poking out of the satisfied bird's mouth.

Mouthful: It was an eye-watering mouthful to get down in one go, but the hungry owl didn't seem to mind These fabulous pictures were taken in Bamburgh, Northumberland, as the bird had a spot of dinner. Photographer Chris Hadfield, 58, from Durham, took up photography three and a half years ago. She said: 'I am just glad I managed to capture the shot.

Gobbling: For such a big meal, the owl made light work of getting it down 'I love the smile on the owl's face as he gets to eat his mouse. 'I love the last mouthful, or mouseful, with just the tail sticking out.' She added: 'I have only been doing photography for three and a half years as a hobby but I do take it seriously. 'I am just pleased if people like what I capture, and these shots have had a good reaction.

Content: With just the tail left to swallow, the owl gave the photographer a rare smile, looking content with its full belly source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2430378/Barn-owl-enjoys-spot-dinner--right-mouses-TAIL.html My Facebook My Google+ Contact me

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Have you met my pet cat?

By MATT BLAKE

Close bond: Timba, who is a year and six months old, can often be found playing with Annel Snyman in the garden and helping himself to food in her kitchen Playing around in the garden and snuggling up for a quick stroke, this is Timba – the pet cat. Except that Timba, weighing in at a whopping 120kg, is not your average tabby. Now a year and six months old, the white lion was adopted by owner Annel Snyman when he was just a tiny cub.

Best fiends: As these remarkable pictures show, Annel has now formed an incredible bond with the 120kg lion, after adopting him as a cub in March last year The 31-year-old, from the Waterberg region of South Africa, welcomed him into her home last year in the spring, and now shares nearly everything with her unconventional pet. Annel, who also runs a guest house, has hand reared dozens of animals including six several kittens, a cheetah cub, five lions, a white lion and a leopard in her spare time.

Lion love: The 31-year-old, who lives in the Waterberg region of South Africa, just outside Bela-Bela, said she loved her unconventional pet The animal-lover admitted some people struggled to adjust to her startling choice of pet. ‘The neighbours are amazed by him and I often see them driving past and slowing down to catch a glimpse,’ she said.

Couldn't let go: Big softie Timba (pictured here as a cub) also enjoys going for walks with Annel's six-year-old dog, Diesel and 'helping out' with everyday chores around the house

Paw-some buddies: As a cub Timba could often be found snoozing in Annel's bed ‘And relationships used to be a challenge as there was often some jealousy issues about who was going to snuggle up with who on the couch.’ She added: ‘There are times when it is difficult to do day-to-day things but I do manage to live a normal life – well normal for me anyway.’

Lion's lair: Annel's love for animals started six years ago when, with help from her mother and father, she opened a guest house - called Loebies Guestfarm - on the land where she lives 'They've also gotten used to having him investigating their coffee or any other sweet items they happen to have. 'He has a fantastic appetite and eats lots of meat - around 4kg every day.' As a cub Timba could often be found snoozing in Annel's bed but having outgrown the bedroom the friendly feline still trys to cuddle up with Annel on the sofa.

Meaty treat: Naturally, Timba developed a taste for raw meat from a very early age

Training: But Timba also likes nothing more than to relax with Annel - and can be very attentive source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2429982/Annel-Snymans-pet-LION-Timba-eats-9lbs-food-day-cuddles-sofa.html My Facebook My Google+ Contact me

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My mane ambition is to be a big cat! Moggy looks like a lion after owners shave her fur

By SARA MALM

Queen of the jungle: Daily the Persian has been turned into a little lion - and it has even affected her personality Little Daisy the cat is proof that it is not about size but about the attitude as she prowls the kitchen floor thinking she is the king of the jungle. The 18-month-old mini lion has taken on the personality of the much larger predator after her owners were forced to shave her. The long-tail Persian has ended up with an impressive as a result of a grooming problem and the vet’s scissors. According to her owners, since being shaved by the vet to rid her of her tangled hair, Daisy has even started to take on the personality of a young lion - by pouncing on human visitors as well as fellow cats. Australian owner, Ben Torode, 36, lives in Tokyo, Japan with his wife Miki, 32.

On the prowl: After a trip to the vet, Daisy came home with a mane, a pom-pom tail and fluffy feet Ben, who works as a translator, explained the story behind Daisy's transformation from a typical Persian cat to one that is more on the wild side. ‘Daisy really embraced her look after a few days,’ said Ben. ‘The lion cut has rekindled the popularity of her kitten days.'

Persian predator: Daisy ponders her next attack on her owner's feet

Lioness: Displaying fierce attitude, Daisy pounces on a piece of string

Personality change: Since her shave, Daisy has gone from timid house cat to feral beast - at least when it comes to toys and feet Her favourite attack is to get low down and pounce at toys - and feet - from cover, after a wiggle of her tail to mentally prepare. ‘We think she's picked up a little lion DNA somewhere along the way.’ ‘It's been a couple of months now and her hair is growing back steadily. Another few months and she'll be back to normal and ready for winter.’

Back in the day: In her kitten months, Daisy became an online celebrity thanks to her owner's videos

Walk on the wild side: Do not let Daisy's big eyes fool you - she really is a right little lion

Vet victim: Daisy's style change came after she tangled her fur to the point where her owner's had to shave it off source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2398729/Daisy-Persian-cat-looks-like-lion-owners-shave-fur.html My Facebook My Google+ Contact me

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Adorable panda cub Yuan Zai melts hearts at Taiwan zoo as she gets licked clean by her mother

Little Yuan Zai was the first Giant Panda to be born in Taiwan Staff at Taipei Zoo are caring for her around the clock By HELEN COLLIS

Heart-melting: Little girl Yuan Zai is being cared for around the clock by staff at Taipei City Zoo, Taiwan

Adorable Yuan Zai - the first panda to be born in Taiwan - is starting to show her little personality as she grows stronger. New pictures of the heart-melting Giant Panda cub, who was born last month, show the cute creature rolling around and showing an interest in others. Little girl Yuan Zai was born at Taipei City Zoo, Taiwan, to Giant Pandas Yuan Yuan and Tuan Tuan.

Spreadeagled: Her little arms and legs outstretched, tiny Yuan Zai is growing stronger after being born to captive parents last month A team of keepers have been working around the clock to take care of the cub, who was initially kept in an incubator. But the public will have to wait three months to catch a glimpse of Taiwan's first newborn panda, officials said in July. The little girl in the meantime is starting to gain some strength and show some interest in things around her.

The public will have to wait three months to catch a glimpse of Yuan Zai, the first panda born in Taiwan, officials said in July When held up to her mother's cage, the cute cub reached out her tiny paws. The mother, transfixed by the tiny bear cub, licked her through the cage. Staff at Taipei City Zoo have been caring for the miniature panda around the clock. Their daily routine includes feeding the cub, taking her temperature after each meal, changing her bedding and keeping track of her weight, zoo official Chang Chi-hua said. Yuan Yuan and her mate, Tuan Tuan, were gifted to Taiwan by China in late 2008 as a cross-Taiwan Strait gesture of goodwill and Yuan Zai is their first cub. In the wild, female Giant Pandas usually give birth to a cub every two years, for about 15 years.

Bonding: When held up to her mother's cage, the cute cub reached out her tiny paws

The mother then licked the nose of her adorable little cub through the cage During the mating season several male pandas usually compete for a female and the dominant male will go on to mate with the female several times. However, breeding in captivity has proven to be difficult. It appears that male pandas show little interest in females and seem not to know how to mate. Many zoos pair one female panda with one male panda, and often the pair have struggled to produce offspring.

Transfixed: The mother of the newborn panda cub stays close be the little girl's side, watching her constantly through the cage It has been suggested that without other male pandas, males do not compete for females. Also, female pandas only have a small window each year in which to fall pregnant. Every spring, they are in heat for 12 to 25 days, but they are only fertile for 24 to 36 hours of this time. In order to produce panda cubs, some zoos have used artificial insemination techniques. source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2389790/Adorable-tiny-panda-cub-melts-hearts-Taiwan-zoo-rolls-gets-lick-mother.html My Facebook My Google+ Contact me

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Twiggy the water-skiing squirrel sends crowd nuts

Talented rodent is towed around by a remote-controlled toy powerboat By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Making a splash: Twiggy the squirrel shows off her skills at the Family Fun Zone in St. Joseph, Michigan

You might not be able to teach an old dog new tricks, but you can certainly teach a squirrel how to water-ski, as these remarkable pictures show. Twiggy the squirrel sent the crowd nuts at the Family Fun Zone in St. Joseph, Michigan yesterday az she displayed her amazing aquatic skills. The talented rodent stands on a specially made skis holding a miniature cable as her owner tows her around the pool with a remote-controlled toy powerboat.

Off you go: Twiggy's owner Lou Ann Best, places the talented rodent on her specially made skis before towing her behind a remote controlled boat Keen to promote a message of safety to the youngsters in the audience, Twiggy never ventures into the water without her custom-made miniature life vest. There have in fact been four Twiggys over the years. The original was rescued as a baby by Chuck and Lou Best of Florida in 1978 after it was blown from its nest during a hurricane. The idea to teach her to water ski began as a joke after Mr Best bought his daughter, Lalainia, a remote-control boat.

Keen to promote a message of safety Twiggy never ventures into the water without her custom-made miniature life vest When his friends accused him of having bought it for himself he replied: 'I have to learn to drive the boat so I can teach my squirrel to water-ski.' Twiggy has now achieved celebrity status and currently tours the U.S, drawing large crowds wherever she goes. She has appeared in two films, 'Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story' and 'Anchorman: the Legend of Ron Burgundy.' source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2384261/Waterskiing-squirrel.html My Facebook My Google+ Contact me

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Dwarf rabbit has to be covered with suncream to protect his skin after all his hair fell out because of condition that was thought to exist only in dogs

Delta-Mouse has pituitary dwarfism which vet had only seen before in dogs Owner thought he'd die, but he's pulled through and is quite a character By HELEN COLLIS

Miniature: Owners feared their tiny, bald and funny looking rabbit might not survive

A rabbit born with a normal amount of hair has confused doctors after it appeared to show signs of a condition that only exists in dogs. Delta-Mouse appeared just to be the runt of the litter when he was born six weeks ago, but when his fur started falling out owner Debbie Ikin from Horwich, Greater Manchester, realised something was amiss. When she took the pet to the vet, she discovered that he had pituitary dwarfism.

Rare condition: The poor bunny began shedding his fur after he was born six weeks ago His condition, which caused his fur to fall out all over except from his head and feet, had only been seen before in German Shepherd dogs, the vet said.

Rabbit's foot: But luck was on Delta-Mouse's side and the little creature has surprised everyone by getting stronger by the day Ms Ikin, 40, said: 'I thought he was the runt of the litter with a skin condition. I have grown up around rabbits and we have had several litters but I've never seen anything like Delta-Mouse. 'I worried he wasn't eating properly, but he was living and just looked a bit different, especially compared to the other rabbits.' After being checked by the vet, he was declared perfectly healthy. Ms Ikin said the vet decided not to take a blood sample from the tiny creature as it might make him anaemic, so she has been keeping a close eye on him instead.

While he remains far smaller than his siblings, the rabbit's fur has now regrown

Debbie Ikin, who bred the unusual looking rabbit, said he has become part of the family and will not be for sale The rabbit's eyes need bathing every morning to help him open them because they get stuck together over night. And when out in the sunshine, Delta-Mouse must be lathered in factor 50 suncream to protect his sensitive skin. The rabbit has astounded both his owners and vets by becoming stronger by the day. His hair has regrown on his body, but he still has bald patches on his the back of his head and the top of his feet. Ms Ikin's son Jacob, 10, loves his new pet and after naming him Delta when he was born, added 'mouse' to the end due to his small stature.

Best friends: Ten-year-old Jacob was so afraid to hold the tiny baby bunny when he lost his fur because he seemed so fragile

Now that Delta-Mouse is on the road to recovery, he likes no where better than sitting on Jacob's head The ten-year-old has been scared to hold him at times because he is so precious. Ms Ikin said: 'He's thriving and very spritely. He's super friendly and loves to sit on your shoulder. 'He's become quite a little celebrity, everyone wants to come round and see him and have their picture taken with him.' Ms Ikin's breeding pair Junior and Stitch have produced a number of litters as well as being parents to Delta-Mouse.

A good clean: Now that his fur has grown back, Delta-Mouse has to keep it all in order

The miniature bunny has settled into the family, who have become completely taken with him While she is hoping to sell the other members of the litter, it's sure that Delta-Mouse won't be going anywhere. Ms Ikin, a catering assistant, said: 'Delta-Mouse has become a member of the family, we're completely taken with him. 'I think after all we have been through with him, we couldn't see him go off to another home.' source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2381275/Bald-dwarf-rabbit-born-fur-body-covered-suncream-protect-skin.html My Facebook My Google+ Contact me

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