“How did I not know this creature lived on Earth with me?”—that’s the top comment on a viral video from Jessie Jordan showing a lowland streaked tenrec (Hemicentetes semispinosus) as it aggressively hops and squeaks. The bizarre animal looks like a spiky rat with a yellow headdress. Lowland streaked tenrecs are native to Madagascar—a place where Jordan spends a good deal of time.
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“Lowland streaked tenrecs are one of the many unique creatures we see around camp regularly,” wrote Jordan in her Instagram post sharing the footage. “They’re bizarre and fascinating animals—but also pretty blind and easily startled on the trail. That’s why this one is stomping his feet and rubbing his quills together as an intimidation display. Then it’s back to business hunting for grubs in the leaf litter.”
Many people in the comments section note they’ve never heard of these animals before.
“What Dr Seuss book are we living in?!” joked one person.
See the weirdly adorable creature here:
Header stock image bydennisvdw/Getty Images
