We spy a smol spotted thing paddling desperately.
Lake Tahoe is the largest apline lake in North America & is famous for its clarity. Although recently, thanks to pollution, etc. whatever, clarity has been declining, we can still see 90 feet down into its blue depths. #2019MMMpic.twitter.com/13IuEpsYgS
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Because we can see so deep, we can quite clearly see...something large & thicc...swimming in the same direction as the quoll, perhaps 30 feet behind it.
#2019MMM2 replies 3 retweets 27 likesShow this thread -
The tiger quoll is too busy trying to swim to shore to notice that he's being tailed. He's an animal that was made for rocky ledges, open forests & woodlands https://ro.uow.edu.au/theses/686/ but he can swim when he needs to, like his cuz the Tazzie Devil https://www.parks.tas.gov.au/file.aspx?id=48221 ….
#2019MMM1 reply 5 retweets 27 likesShow this thread -
Sea lion status: chillin. He's used to the Pacific, where temps don't go higher than 65. The lake is around 20 degrees cooler, but he's got a nice layer of blubber to keep him warm. Right now, he's more concerned with this weird thing paddling ahead of him.
#2019MMM3 replies 3 retweets 28 likesShow this thread -
He increases his speed to match the quoll. He can easily swim laps around the quoll thanks to his streamlined body, & he does so. He's feeling kinda playful. https://wamu.org/story/18/09/28/why-did-an-octopus-wielding-sea-lion-slap-a-kayaker-in-the-face/ …
#2019MMM2 replies 5 retweets 25 likesShow this thread -
The quoll isn't feeling anything close to playful & attempts to bare his teeth as a warning. He swallows a mouthful of the cold water.
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The sea lion darts below & grabs the quoll's left hind leg in his mouth, diving down with his new toy.
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DRAMATIC REENACTMENT OF SEA LION PLAYING WITH QUOLL https://youtu.be/yrEvK-tv5OI?t=95 …
#2019MMM3 replies 5 retweets 25 likesShow this thread -
But soon, his toy stops being interesting. The sea lion lets go of the quoll's body & wonders which tributary he can swim down to get back to the Pacific https://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/publications/protected_species/marine_mammals/pinnipeds/sea_lion_removals/seal_and_sea_lion_facts_of_the_columbia_river_adjacent_nearshore_marine_areas.pdf ….
#2019MMM1 reply 3 retweets 19 likesShow this thread -
SEA LION DROWNS TIGER QUOLL!
#2019MMM12 replies 16 retweets 55 likesShow this thread
I only barely know what this bracket thing is, but your enthusiasm here is a great part of twitter.
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