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Mental Floss

ANIMALS

“[They] forced the conqueror of conquerors ... to retreat and leave them in possession of the field.”

The Time Napoleon Was Attacked by Rabbits

History tells us that Napoleon’s most upsetting defeat came at Waterloo. But it may have actually occurred eight years earlier, after the French emperor was attacked by a relentless horde of rabbits.

Lucas Reilly

Your new champ.

The 10 Most (And 10 Least) Popular Dog Breeds in the U.S.

After 31 years, the Labrador retriever is no longer at the top of the American Kennel Club’s annual list.

Ellen Gutoskey

Raccoon dogs are neither raccoons nor dogs, discuss.

12 Surprising Facts About Raccoon Dogs

Get to know the raccoon dog, which is neither a raccoon nor a dog.

Garin Pirnia



If someone were to mention the word 'Fartulum' to you, a snail probably wouldn't be the first thing that came to mind.

11 Naughty-Sounding Scientific Names (and What They Really Mean)

Perfectly innocent Latin or Greekisms that just happen to sound like something else.

Arika Okrent


Ireland: Come for the Guinness, stay for the lack of snakes.

Why Are There No Snakes in Ireland?

Legend tells of St. Patrick using the power of his faith to drive all of Ireland’s snakes into the sea. It’s an impressive image, but there’s no way it could have happened.

Kate Horowitz


Ruddy ducks in the Prairie Pothole Aviary.

Smithsonian National Zoo’s New Bird House Highlights Migratory Birds’ Incredible Journeys

The zoo presents familiar birds in a fresh, unified way—and drives home the message that people can take simple steps to protect birds’ future.

Kat Long


Not every rabbit has enormous ears.

14 Fascinating Facts About Rabbits

Rabbits are much more than the cute, carrot-munching creatures pop culture makes them out to be.

Michele Debczak
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