Hairy animals are fascinating creatures with a unique appearances due to their abundance of hair. From the furry otters to the unique-looking yeti crab, the animal kingdom is full of creatures that boast a variety of hair types and textures. Some animals have hair that serves a functional purpose, such as insulation or waterproofing, while others have purely decorative hair.
Poitou Donkey
The Poitou donkey, also known as the Baudet du Poitou, is a large breed of donkey that is native to the Poitou-Charentes region of France. This breed is known for its unique appearance, with long, shaggy hair covering its entire body, including its legs and face. This hair can grow up to a foot long and is often curly or wavy.
Despite its hairy appearance, the Poitou donkey has a long history of use in agriculture and transportation. For centuries, these donkeys were used for breeding mules, which were highly valued for their strength and endurance. Today, the Poitou donkey is considered a rare breed, with only a few hundred individuals remaining worldwide.
The donkey hooves are specially adapted to help the donkey navigate muddy or marshy terrain, which was common in the Poitou region where the breed originated.
Musk Ox
Musk ox are large, hoofed mammals native to the Arctic regions of North America and Greenland. They are known for their thick, shaggy coats, which help protect them from the harsh winter weather.
Their name comes from the strong musky odour that males emit during the mating season. Musk oxen are herbivores and primarily eat grasses, sedges, and other vegetation. They live in herds, which are led by a dominant male known as a bull. The bull protects the herd from predators, such as wolves and bears.
During the mating season, bulls compete for the right to mate with females. They will charge at each other and clash their horns together to establish dominance. The winner will then mate with several females within the herd.
Spotted Apatelodes Caterpillar
_side_view.jpg){kind=link}
The spotted apatelodes caterpillar is found in North America; they are covered in long, silky white hairs that give it a fuzzy, woolly appearance. As the caterpillar grows, it changes colour from white to bright yellow. It feeds on various trees, including oak, hickory, and maple.
The spotted apatelodes caterpillar eventually transforms into a moth, which has a unique appearance of its own. The moth has taupe wings with a black patch on the abdomen, which can combine with a spot to form a band of inky colour. The lower half of each forewing has faint wavy, or scalloped lines, adding to its distinctive appearance.
Orangutan
Orangutan is a great ape native to Sumatra and Borneo in Southeast Asia. They have distinctive reddish-orange hair that covers their entire body. Orangutans have long arms and short legs, with males being larger than females.
Orangutans are arboreal animals and spend most of their time in trees. They are well adapted to life in the trees with their long arms, stretching up to 2 metres from fingertip to fingertip.
Their arms are much longer than their legs, which helps them to move quickly through the trees. They have opposable thumbs that allow them to grasp objects, and their hands and feet have tough, leathery skin that helps them to grip branches.
Angora Rabbit
Angora rabbits are one of the oldest domestic rabbit breeds in the world. Originating in present-day Turkey, Angoras were first brought to France in 1723. These rabbits are known for their incredibly soft, downy fur called angora wool. The wool is very silky and is known for its similarity to cashmere.
There are several varieties of angora rabbits, including the English, French, Satin, and Giant. Their body is oval-shaped and stands out for having their face and ears surrounded by straight hair strands. Angora wool can be used or sold for various purposes, including knitting, spinning, and felting.
Yeti Crab
The yeti crab, also known as Kiwa hirsuta, was discovered in 2005. It was found living near hydrothermal vents in the Pacific Ocean, near Easter Island. This crab is unique due to its hairy appearance, earning it the nickname “Yeti.”
The yeti crab has a white body and hairy claws, which are used to collect bacteria to feed on. It is a carnivore and primarily feeds on the bacteria that grow on its claws.
The discovery of the yeti crab was significant because it represented a new species and a new genus. The genus was named Kiwa, after the mythological Polynesian goddess of shellfish. The yeti crab is one of four known species of Kiwa.
Sea Otter
The sea otter is a marine mammal found along the coasts of the northern and eastern North Pacific Ocean. They are the smallest marine mammal in North America and are known for their dense, waterproof fur, which helps them stay warm in cold water.
Sea otters are carnivores, and their diet consists mainly of invertebrates such as crabs, clams, urchins, abalone, and mussels. They are known to use rocks to crack open hard-shelled prey, making them one of the few animals that use tools. Sea otters are often seen floating on their backs and using their chest as a table to eat their prey.
Silkie
Unlike most chickens, silkie feathers are hair-like and have a soft, fluffy texture that feels like silk. These feathers serve a practical purpose in keeping the chicken warm in colder temperatures.
Aside from their unusual appearance, Silkie chickens are known for their gentle and friendly personalities. They are docile and enjoy being handled, making them a popular choice as pets. Silkie chickens are also known for being good mothers and are often used to hatch eggs from other breeds.
Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound dog breed is known for its long, silky hair. Originating in Afghanistan, this elegant dog is also known as the “Persian Greyhound.” The hair which can be any colour and is exceptionally soft and fine. The coat may have a black facial mask, and some specimens may have facial hair resembling a moustache.
Despite its regal appearance, the Afghan Hound is known for its profound loyalty, sensitive nature, and love for its family. It is an aloof and dignified aristocrat of sublime beauty. Due to its long hair, the Afghan Hound requires regular grooming to keep its coat healthy and mat-free.
Norwegian Forest Cat
.jpg){kind=link}
The Norwegian forest cat is a big, long-haired breed of domestic cat originating in Norway. They are known for their thick, double-layered coat that helps them survive the harsh Norwegian climate.
These cats are friendly and intelligent and make great pets for families. They are also known for their hunting abilities and were originally used as working cats on Norwegian farms.