Maybe it’s the heat, but there’s been a spate of animal stories lately. And some aren’t pretty.

Like those pesky squid who could soon put a dent in your enjoyment of California rolls…

And the invasion of Humboldt squid seems to be making a noticeable dent in the local population of hake, experts note in a new study.

Hake, also known as Pacific whiting, is used to make imitation crab, fish sticks, and other minced-fish products. Full story here

So maybe you don’t care about fish sticks, but this next one is sure to make you sit up. How about those Lion Eating Chimps….

Deep in the Congolese jungle is a band of apes that, according to local legend, kill lions, catch fish and even howl at the moon. Local hunters speak of massive creatures that seem to be some sort of hybrid between a chimp and a gorilla. Full story here

Even though EB’s aunt lives there, this picture pretty much ensures I won’t be visiting Florida any time soon…

The South Asian snakes, which can top 300 pounds and 20 feet, are presumed to have entered the park as discards or escapees from the bustling international trade in exotic pets. Year-old, footlong pythons are a popular $70 item at reptile fairs and on the Web but in a few years can reach room-spanning, cat-munching size, prompting some owners to abandon them by the roadside. Full story here

Meanwhile, in the Mad Dogs and Englishwomen Department, even our furry friends aren’t immune to the evils of the internet…

A dog breeder says her prize-winning standard poodle has had his identity “stolen” over the internet. Full story here

And finally – you might want to think again the next time the cat curls up with you…

Oscar the cat seems to have an uncanny knack for predicting when nursing home patients are going to die, by curling up next to them during their final hours. His accuracy, observed in 25 cases, has led the staff to call family members once he has chosen someone. It usually means they have less than four hours to live. Full story here