Brought to you by Little Leopard (age 9)
Misunderstood Animals
Here you will find lots of animals that are misunderstood and some of this will probably change your mind about these animals.
Sharks
Sharks are misunderstood because we think they are scary but if you jumped into the water with a shark they would ignore you unless they think you are a threat.
People are scared of sharks but we actually are the danger because we actually go into the ocean and we hunt them.
Hyenas
Hyenas are misunderstood because people think that Hyenas take other predators' prey but actually they make kills themselves, probably most of the time.
Also, people hate Hyenas because in the Lion King the Hyenas are really wicked and are thought to be really unintelligent animals. But, really they are just like any other animal.
Snakes
Snakes are misunderstood because we think that all snakes are dangerous but lots of them aren't, and will only attack you if they think you are a threat.
The only snakes you really need to look out for in Europe are vipers, and adders because they are venemous.
Taratula
Tarantulas are venomous but if you were in the right country you would probably step over a tarantulas den but wouldn't even know it.
You would probably get bit by a tarantula if you somehow managed to get it out of its den, and then started picking it up and acting un-calm.
Pigeon
Pigeons are misunderstood because people think they carry diseases around but the risk of us getting poorly from it is very low.
This might change your mind about pigeons. Did you know pigeons carried letters around in World Wars 1 and 2 to allies. So, without pigeons we might have lost the war.
Try a Nature Adventure
If the weather is being kind (or if you're feeling particularly hardy) then why not try one of these Oxfordshire Nature Adventures. Or head here for more inspiration
May 2026 · Nature Adventures · Parks and Gardens
Stonor Park
A fun-filled day spent exploring the adventure playground, spotting deer, getting up close with birds of prey and strolling round the gardens and arboretum.
April 2026 · Nature Adventures · Nature Reserves
Cothill Fen
A long walk with a distinctly Jurasic vibe through the most diverse area in Oxfordshire, taking in FIVE nature reserves. We saw solitary bees, fossils, woodpeckers and some impressive geology.
April 2026 · Nature Adventures · Nature Reserves
Thrupp Lake
A gorgeous walk from Radley Station to Abingdon under the sounding bridge, around the lake and through Barton Fields, hearing an astonishing number of birds.