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While we as humans continue to try (and fail) to live in peace and harmony, it is worth remembering that the world around us is a brutal, unforgiving place.

We have tamed our lives to such an extent that it is easy to turn a blind eye to the horrors of nature, sure, we as a species are far more damaging to our planet than all others put together, but let's not pretend that it's all sweetness and light out there!

This list, compiled by Bored Panda, is a reminder that we live in a scary world. Some of these things are simply wonders of nature that we may not like the look of, like spiders and centipedes. Some show the raw power of the elements, while others illustrate the horrific things that other creatures to do each other in order to survive. All of these things are awe-inspiring examples of nature, something not to be feared, but to be respected. Scroll down below to check them out for yourself, and let us know what you think in the comments!

#1

Wrap Around Spider, Named For Its Ability To Flatten And Wrap Its Body Around Tree Limbs

Wrap Around Spider, Named For Its Ability To Flatten And Wrap Its Body Around Tree Limbs

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Gaby Redin
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow I've never in my life seen that!! How creepy. What if your climbing a tree and hands come upon one of those...aaaayyyyyy

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TropicalPanda
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

finally someone who isn't s**t scared of spiders.. irrespective of what spider it is !!! hello friend !!

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Parmeisan
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Had to google where this thing is located. Of course, should have known: Australia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolophones_conifera

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brown_panda
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

spiders are the coolest! damn, wouldn't be surprised if they live through the apocalypse and humans don't.

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Nope
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a cool adaptation! Haven't seen one of these before (which I guess is kinda the point, huh?)

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glowworm2
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I practically see a smile on this one's body--almost like the Cheshire Cat which seems perfect!

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layne
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

@ glowworm immediately saw the same & thought it looked so charmingly amicable. such a comically cute, cartoonish character face that i'm sure i'd grow immediately fond of! certainly made me smile too!

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Lisa DeJarnette
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Spiders are not my thing. But even i have to admit that this is awesome! Wouldn't you just love to have that ability?? So much cooler then " being the fly on the wall." It is just so cool and perfect looking while blending into an imperfect tree.

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Lola
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’ll just hold on to this limb right here and take a break. Hmmm hairy limb...

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Wina Alkerchief
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I never have problem with spiders whatsoever. I even love them and their cuteness. But this one give me goosebumps.. 😂

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Wyndmere
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ugh!! Where does this abominable creature live? I may never go back into the woods again.

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Efia
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

nope nope nope. I could not even touch it on the screen to scroll down.

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Landon Ream
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This spider and the trapdoor spider would freak me out because I climb trees and if I stand on the trapdoor the trapdoor spider is gonna jump out at me

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K.N. Alexander
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

After I learned about this guy, I WILL NEVER PICK UP A STICK ANYWHERE before kicking it first!

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MrTir
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So.. casually flatten its body? Common that's a super power

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AnnieLaurie Burke
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow! That's cool! It would be funny to see peoples' reactions when it started to move!

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AINSLEY RADFORD
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

imagine you go in the woods and put your hand on a branch and feel this

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Ivana
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So cool. I want him to wrap around my wrist and I could wear him all day long.

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Carol Stapleton
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This may catch a lot of people out, the article doesn’t say it’s country of origin. I don’t think I’d find it in UK tho’, thank heavens.

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Linda Christian
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great camouflage,love to see what it looks like when not flattened out

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Monika Soffronow
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

THIS is it: https://www.technobyte.org/interesting-facts/wrap-around-spider-dolophones/ . Let me just add a little language lesson. 'Dolophones' is a Greek word. It means 'murderer'.

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Jody Brown
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where am I never going to visit as long as I live? It would be helpful to know.

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Paul K. Johnson
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes... just (in a voice high enough to shatter crystal) yes! Wait.... I meant no.

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Kelly Horrigan
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

WRONG WRONG WRONG! On every level - This is an unfair advantage. And now I am going to cry

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Christina Sersif
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was just talking about how I basically compromised with spider's existence and then I see this.

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Rebekah
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Excuse my language, but... HOLY F-ING S**T! What the hell??? Where do these exist??? FUCKKKKKKKKK..... Thank you.

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Raluca Andreea
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would not see it and I would put my hand on the branch..then I'd die.

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Magdalina777
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Woah! What kind of sorcery is that? Seriously, I need to know more now.

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Monika Rhodes
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I came across this photo few weeks ago and took me some time to even spot it.

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moli.2
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was just sitting on such piece of wood this morning, hope they are not in our country

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Annabell
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I even found it to disgusting to touch the photo for scrolling down. I'll regret it so much to look further here!

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Thinairgal
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wearing gloves outside from now on. Always. Everywhere.

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Louiiiise
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And I says YES YES YES! This the most amazing thing I've ever seen!

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diane a
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

never seen that before - love spiders had pet tarantula and have handled an african bird eating spider bigger than my hand - it's the sneaky hiding little ones I dont really like - I prefer them to be visible

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#2

Spiderbro Guarding Me From Malaria Outside My Window

Spiderbro Guarding Me From Malaria Outside My Window

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Zori the degu
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love "pet" spiders, as I call them. They live in one corner of your apartment, feed on insects and sometimes climb down to investigate your belongings. If I happen to become roommates with one, I always make a point to leave some water for it to drink, if it needs it. My favourite spider of this kind used to live in my mom's bedroom. It only had 5 legs and we named it Oggie. The tiny spider loved to crawl on my mom's sketches(she's an engineer) and kept her company. I was 5 at the time and it was one of the first examples of invertebrates' personalities I was to see.

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#4

Xylaria Polymorpha, Commonly Known As Dead Man's Fingers, Is A Saprobic Fungus

Xylaria Polymorpha, Commonly Known As Dead Man's Fingers, Is A Saprobic Fungus

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Hans
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can almost feel them reaching for your feet...first gently stroking, then all of a sudden gripping fast...

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#5

A Firefly Kept Right On Flashing After Being Eaten By A Frog

A Firefly Kept Right On Flashing After Being Eaten By A Frog

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#6

This Frog Was Found All Dried Up And Withered Outside The Store In The Morning... The Store Manager Said, "Let's Try Splashing Some Water On It," And Holy Sh*t It Came Back To Life

This Frog Was Found All Dried Up And Withered Outside The Store In The Morning... The Store Manager Said, "Let's Try Splashing Some Water On It," And Holy Sh*t It Came Back To Life

9999monkeys Report

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Zori the degu
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Something similar happened to me once, but well, the other way round. I was on a sea holiday and came upon a large blue dragonfly, drowned in the sea. Now, I was saddened for the poor thing, but also ecstatic, for I have a collection of pinned insects, all of which were found dead, for I just can't bring myself to kill alive ones for the purpose. I carried it around in my palm, wondering where exactly was I to put it, for I didn't have any other dragonflies and the thing was huge. Suddenly, it moved! A second later, again! It became progressively more active, until it could stand on its legs and turn his head around in curiosity! I separated its wings carefully(they stuck to each other from the salty water) and it shook itself a little. I left it cleaning itself on an oak on a quiet path and I do hope it recovered completely. :)

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#8

Damn Nature, You Scary...

Damn Nature, You Scary...

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Luna rivers
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A planting enthusiast wasn’t scared of anything, but when they found a skull of a 50 year old oojomaku breed, their life changed.

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#10

My Mum's Toilet After A Recent Flood

My Mum's Toilet After A Recent Flood

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Nadja Lambacher
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually think those frogs are cute. Not the best place to find them, but not terrifying.

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#11

Snapdragon Seed Pods Look Like Skulls

Snapdragon Seed Pods Look Like Skulls

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#12

Those Fishes Are Literally Lit

Those Fishes Are Literally Lit

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#14

This Is A Hammerhead Bat And Is By Far The Creepiest Animal I've Seen

This Is A Hammerhead Bat And Is By Far The Creepiest Animal I've Seen

AestheticPurrfection Report

#16

This Is Why You Always Have To Check The Toilet In Australia

This Is Why You Always Have To Check The Toilet In Australia

Meanwhile in Australia Report

#18

The Clathrus Archeri Fungus Resembles Some Pretty Metal Tentacles Sprouting From An Alien Egg When It Blooms

The Clathrus Archeri Fungus Resembles Some Pretty Metal Tentacles Sprouting From An Alien Egg When It Blooms

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Ladies and Gentlemen
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have watched too many alien movies which have gutted my mind to point that I refuse to believe its a plant! Fck me, I am running from here and calling ARMY, NAVY or fckng SWAT team.

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#19

Currently Renovating Our Floors. Seems Everyone Has Come Out Of Hiding

Currently Renovating Our Floors. Seems Everyone Has Come Out Of Hiding

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MeggersTheFox
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That was in your house and you just chilled and took a picture of it. Your bravery has no end

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#20

All I Know Is That It Needs To Burn

All I Know Is That It Needs To Burn

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#21

Deer Skull After Sitting In Water For Over A Year

Deer Skull After Sitting In Water For Over A Year

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#22

The Frog That Caught A Spider

The Frog That Caught A Spider

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Braineating Spleen
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...that wriggled and wriggled and jiggled inside her. She swallowed the spider to catch the fly. I don't know why she swallowed the fly, perhaps she'll die.

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#23

A Leopard Seal Peering Through A Veil Of Plankton

A Leopard Seal Peering Through A Veil Of Plankton

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#24

Acid Spitting Ants

Acid Spitting Ants

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Ellis
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What the f***!?! Do these exist? What part of evolution came up with that?

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#25

Articulated Cobra Skeleton

Articulated Cobra Skeleton

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#26

Black Swallower Died Trying To Eat A Fish 4 Times Its Size

Black Swallower Died Trying To Eat A Fish 4 Times Its Size

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#27

The Statue Being Swallowed By A Tree

The Statue Being Swallowed By A Tree

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A random Goat
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Once upon a time there was a man who did very bad things. The emperor turned him into a statue and trapped him in a tree. If he's freed the whole world is doomed. I made up this story

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#28

A Lizard Eating A Cockroach Alive At My House Porch

A Lizard Eating A Cockroach Alive At My House Porch

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#29

My Dad Sent Me This Photo. Water Mocassin? Tennessee

My Dad Sent Me This Photo. Water Mocassin? Tennessee

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Sally Appleton
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Give a snake a fish an he'll eat it. Teach a snake to fish and he'll become the fishing rod.

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#30

Attack Of Legionary Ants (Also Known As Army Ants Or Marabunta) To A Wasp Honeycomb

Attack Of Legionary Ants (Also Known As Army Ants Or Marabunta) To A Wasp Honeycomb

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#31

Chameleon Mummified Alive By The Tropical Sun

Chameleon Mummified Alive By The Tropical Sun

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#32

The Inside Of A Gooses Mouth

The Inside Of A Gooses Mouth

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Zori the degu
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, I knew they have teeth, but I didn't know they have some on the tongue as well!

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#33

This Snake Covered In Ticks

This Snake Covered In Ticks

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Ellis
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Didn’t think I could ever feel sorry for a snake, until I saw this post...

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#34

These New Fish Species Can Survive In Volcanoes And They’re The Stuff Of Nightmares

These New Fish Species Can Survive In Volcanoes And They’re The Stuff Of Nightmares

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#35

After A Weekend Storm In New England, A Puffer Fish Was Found In A Tree

After A Weekend Storm In New England, A Puffer Fish Was Found In A Tree

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#37

A Mother Whip Spider Carrying Her Babies On Her Back

A Mother Whip Spider Carrying Her Babies On Her Back

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#38

5-Legged Frog That Lives In The Marsh Behind Our Neighborhood

5-Legged Frog That Lives In The Marsh Behind Our Neighborhood

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#39

This Hornets Nest Looks Kind Of Like A Hornet’s Head

This Hornets Nest Looks Kind Of Like A Hornet’s Head

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#40

Dolphin Caught A Squid, Trailing The Ink Behind It

Dolphin Caught A Squid, Trailing The Ink Behind It

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#43

This Spider Web That Looks Like A Spider-Man Mask

This Spider Web That Looks Like A Spider-Man Mask

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#44

The Giant Isopod, Found In The Deep Seas And Is An Example Of Deep-Sea Gigantism

The Giant Isopod, Found In The Deep Seas And Is An Example Of Deep-Sea Gigantism

TCIGOD Report

#45

One Big Spider

One Big Spider

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#47

Goliath Tiger Fish, Congo River

Goliath Tiger Fish, Congo River

PrestonGarvey1 Report

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Ladies and Gentlemen
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When you boss tells you a joke which isn't funny at all, but you gotta pretend its funny as heck!

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#48

Sweet Potato Creepily Resembles Human Heart

Sweet Potato Creepily Resembles Human Heart

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#49

The Largest Scar You'll Ever See

The Largest Scar You'll Ever See

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#50

Close Up Of Moth Outside My Window

Close Up Of Moth Outside My Window

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Note: this post originally had 73 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.

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