Friday, September 09, 2011

Top Ten Real Life Monsters

1. Lolong the Killer Crocodile - Caught in a marsh in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur in the Philippines, this giant Philippine crocodile is believed to be the largest croc ever to be taken alive. It measures 21 feet and weighs 2,370 pounds. The Bunawan residents further think that Lolong is the culprit behind the death of a child and a missing fisherman.

2. The Giant Squid - Giant squids have eight thick arms and a couple of long tentacles. They have eyes that can be as much as 10 inches in diameter. Scientists estimate that giant squids can grow as long as 45 weight. In 2004, Japanese scientists were able to photograph a live giant squid 3,000 feet underwater off the coast of Ogasawara Islands.

3. The Goliath Birdeater Tarantula - The world's largest spider, the Goliath Birdeater Tarantula can grow up to a foot across and it has fangs that are over an inch long. These giant spiders can be found in the remote rain forests in South America.

4. The Portuguese Man-of-War - This creature has tentacles that can grow as long as 150 feet in length. And just so you know, the Portuguese Man-of-War isn't a jellyfish although it looks like one.

5. The Emperor Scorpion - This species of scorpion can grow up to 8 inches long. They can be found throughout West Africa.

6. The Vampire Bat - These bats can be found throughout South America. Contrary to what most people people, vampire bats are not blood suckers. They simply cut open a patch of skin on their victims then lap up the plasma that leaks out. They can however spread nasty infectious diseases during the process.

7. Big Fishes - The oarfish, the Brazilian arapaima, and the giant snakehead. The oarfish can grow as long as 56 feet. The Brazilian arapaima can grow up to 14 feet. The giant snakehead can walk on land.

8. The Box Jellyfish - Also known as the sea wasp, the box jellyfish can be found in the tropical Indo-Pacific. They have tentacles, each of which can contain 5,000 stinging cells. The poison in these cells are among the most toxic in the world.

9. The Burmese Python - These beasts can grow up to 50 feet long and weigh as much as 1,000 pounds.

10. The Loch Ness Monster - I don't know why TIME included this on the list because it was never proven if "Nessie" does exist. It's not real if it's never been proven.