Posted on 01/09/2009 9:18:47 AM PST by Ernest_at_the_Beach
By Rebecca Morelle
Science reporter, BBC News
See the footage of the rare, venomous mammal
Rare footage of one of the world's most strange and elusive mammals has been captured by scientists.
Large, and with a long, thin snout, the Hispaniolan solenodon resembles an overgrown shrew; it can inject passing prey with a venom-loaded bite.
Little is known about the creature, which is found in the Caribbean, but it is under threat from deforestation, hunting and introduced species.
Researchers say conservation efforts are now needed.
The mammal was filmed in the summer of 2008 during a month-long expedition to the Dominican Republic - one of only two countries where this nocturnal, insect-eating animal (Solenodon paradoxus) can be found (the other is Haiti).
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 It is an amazing creature - it is one of the most evolutionary distinct mammals in the world 
Dr Sam Turvey, ZSL
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The researchers from the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and the Ornithological Society of Hispaniola were able to take measurements and DNA from the creature before it was released.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.bbc.co.uk ...
I forgot where I found that picture - but I need eye bleach every time I see it ... but it went well with the article don’t you think?
OR 
Looks like a long nosed opossum to me........
ROFL!
Yes.
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