“The Wild Animal Sanctuary is a U.S. organization that specializes in rescuing and caring for large predators which are being ill-treated, for which their owners can no longer care, or which might otherwise be euthanized. Created in 1980, The Wild Animal Sanctuary is situated on 720 acres (291 ha) of grassland near Keenesburg, Colorado North of Denver, and has helped over 1,000 animals since it first opened. As of 2010, it was home to over 290 animals”. – Wikipedia

Photo: Rescued brown and black bears feed at The Wild Animal Sanctuary on October 20, 2011 in Keenesburg, Colorado. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

The arctic hare, or polar rabbit, is a species of hare which is adapted largely to polar and mountainous habitats. The arctic hare survives with a thick coat of fur and usually digs holes in the ground or under snow to keep warm and sleep. Arctic hares look like rabbits but have shorter ears, are taller when standing, and, unlike rabbits, can thrive in cold climates. They can travel together with many other hares, sometimes huddling with dozens or more, but are usually found alone, taking, in some cases, more than one partner. The arctic hare can run up to 60 kilometres per hour (40 mph). Its predators include the arctic wolf, arctic fox, and ermine.

“They're some of the most intriguing and complex creatures on the planet but they really do have nothing to hide – because theyre totally see-through. Transparent animals – creatures with clear glass-like skin – can be found all over the world but their very existence is still shrouded in mystery. The fascinating organisms verge on the invisible and their translucent skin often helps them elude predators”. – Caters News. Photo: Thornback Skate. (Photo by Ken Lucas/Caters News)

With its huge eyes, comical name and diminutive size, Mark R. Smith’s image of a baby Hawaiian bobtail squid can’t help but raise a smile. A curiously endearing creature, the cephalopod is just 1.5cm across, its mantle cavity bearing more than a passing resemblance to a rather natty shower cap. But it is also a beautiful example of symbiosis – nature’s version of “I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine” – for on the underside of the squid is a light organ which houses bioluminescent bacteria. The squid offers the bacteria protection and food, while the bacteria emit a glow – a handy trait that the squid uses to offset its silhouette, helping it to evade predators in the depths below. Mark R. Smith’s entry combines several images of a Hawaiian bobtail squid with different focus lengths to create a final picture with greater depth of field than normal. (Photo by Mark R. Smith/Wellcome Images/Macroscopic Solutions)

A boy sits on the back of a crocodile on May 19, 2018 at a pond in Bazoule in Burkina Faso, a village which happily shares its local pond with “sacred” crocodiles. Crocodiles may be one of the deadliest hunters in the animal kingdom, but in a small village in Burkina Faso it is not unusual to see someone sitting atop one of the fearsome reptiles. According to local legend, the startling relationship with the predators dates back to at least the 15 th century. The village was in the grip of an agonising drought until the crocodiles led women to a hidden pond where the population could slake their thirst. (Photo by Olympia de Maismont/AFP Photo)

The oldest car to wear the Porsche badge goes on view at Sotheby's on May 21, 2019 in London, England. The only surviving 1939 Porsche Type 64 Berlin-Rome, No. 3, this rare piece of motoring history was the personal car of Ferdinand and Ferry Porsche, predating the first production Porsche, the 356. The car is on view at Sotheby's in London from 21st -24th May prior to being offered for sale by RM Sotheby's in Monterey, California, 15-17th August 2019, with an estimate in excess of $20 million. (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Sotheby's)

A model poses with a crocodile at Chinchorro Banks, Mexico on June 21, 2018. These crocs had a lot to smile about – sporting huge toothy grins as they posed with stunning models in incredible underwater snaps. The brave models held their breath as they came face to face with the magnificent predators during the daring shoot. Photographer Ken Kiefer took a two hour boat ride to reach the carnivorous crocs at Chinchorro Banks, Mexico, along with his wife and model, Kimber and model, Melodie Trevino. (Photo by Ken Kiefer/Caters News Agency)

A fisherman caught a record-breaking 805lb Mako shark – and then barbecued and ate it with his friends. Joey Polk, 29, and his two cousins Earnie Polk, 43, and Kenny Peterson, 21, battled the 11ft predator for more than an hour before finally hauling it onto the beach. They normally tag and release their catches for conservation but were unable to resuscitate this one and instead made it the main course at a jumbo-sized family barbecue. (Photo by Joey Polk/Barcroft Media)