I really don't understand why they took the bear out of the produce section. Isn't an added bit of adorableness for your customers worth some loss of product? I don't understand you, Alaskans, and I never will.

[The Awl]

Things have been a little tense in the comment section of The Range lately, so I offer this peace offering. Who doesn't love baby elephants? I imagine someone will end up finding a way to compare the elephant's inability to walk to Obama's failed economic policies, but for now, I'm just going to enjoy the cuteness while it lasts.

You should probably head to the Humane Society right now to adopt this dog. He's far too adorable to be available for long.

Little Winston is such a sweetheart! One look in his eyes and your heart will melt for this charming little 4-year-old poodle mix. Since he hitched a ride with a good Samaritan from the Laos Transit Center over to the HSSA, this little guy’s been bathed, groomed, had his teeth and ears cleaned, and now he’s just as handsome as can be, waiting for you to come and adopt him! Winston would rather be the center of your universe than share your affection with other pets, especially cats, with whom he just doesn’t get along. It’s Dogtober, and ALL our precious pooches are available at special low adoption rates, including Winston. So come on in and make him your new best friend today!

Come meet Winston! He's currently living at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd. The Humane Society is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The phone number is 327-6088.

Chili Dog is the best boy in the whole world. Perfectly house trained, great with kids and super playful with plush toys, Chili Dog is loads of fun for the entire family. As a special needs pet, 8-year-old Chili Dog will require a little extra care to help manage his Valley Fever. Just some daily medicine to keep him healthy and happy. Surrendered with a very heavy heart by a kind family who saved him from the streets but already had a full house, Chili Dog said a painful goodbye to his favorite kid, who left poems and drawings of Chili Dog in hopes that it would help him find a home. This terrific companion loves going for car rides, accompanying you on walks and just relaxing with those he loves. Please consider opening your heart and home to this unbelievably sweet senior dog. Visit Chili Dog today at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona.

[I already used the one song I know about bears, so this will have to do. Sorry.]

Listen, bears (the animal kingdom sort, not the human kind). We need to come to an understanding. You're adorable when you're playing, driving cars, or stuck with a bucket on your head. You cannot eat our pizzas. We need them.

Andrea Lawrance is used to customers having growling tummies.

But this unexpected visitor had a bear-size case of the munchies.

Lawrance was washing dishes at Fat Tony's Pizza in Whistler, B.C. Monday night when a furry four-legged customer with a big appetite arrived about 7:30 p.m. for some grub.

"I was working with my friend Jorja and there was a bear outside on our garbage can," Lawrance.

She and co-worker Jorja Threlsall tried to close the door but decided to seek refuge behind the pizza racks as the black bear ripped apart the garbage can in front of them.

While they wondered whether the curious critter was going to cross their threshold, suddenly it wandered into the store to another garbage can inside.

But it turned out, it wasn't the garbage can it wanted after all.

This bear had its eye on the pie.

"It decided to climb on the counter and put its arms up and steal the pizza and started to eat it," Lawrance said, adding it could only get its front of its body up because it couldn't quite get a grip on the stainless steel.

The question remains: did the husky end up taking a bath? Is this supposed to be a cliffhanger, because I can't stand the suspense.

[Reddit]

Now that the animals no longer fear us, I now believe our certain doom is near. Plan accordingly. Either that or the makers of Piranha 3DD have paid off someone at Google News.

Authorities in a state in Brazil's northeast are scrambling to take the fright and the bite off the beach after piranhas sunk their teeth into about 100 beachgoers, UOL Noticias reported.

The problem — rather fearsome given piranhas' horror-movie teeth and ability to sink them into human flesh — has been the biggest at the main beach area in Piaui state; authorities said they need to act fast to reduce a piranha overpopulation situation.

Last weekend, at least 100 bathers were treated at the hospital in Jose de Freitas not far from Terezina, Piaui's capital, after being bitten on the heels or toes at the local beach.

Chico has been in our rescue since June. He is 5 years old and is believed to be a pom/chihuahua mix. He weighs in around10 pounds, loves kids, other dogs and just wants to be held. Will walk on a leash, uses a doggy door, and is also crate trained. Chico is neutered, up to date on vaccines, and has a microchip. Adoption fee is $140.00. Please contact Jennifer at 400-6276 for a list of adoption events that you can meet Chico at or visit our website at www.azchihuahuarescue.org

Tough as nails, sweet as sugar and cute as can be! An incredible survivor, Ice was rescued from a busy Broadway intersection one harrowing July night after being hit by a car. Scooped up by a Good Samaritan, Ice was discovered to have a severely dislocated hip, some minor scratches and bruises, but nothing life-threatening. After arriving at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona and spending a month wearing a sling to correct his impaired leg, Ice healed beautifully and now looks forward to living a happy, healthy, normal life as a cherished pet. As the perfect companion, Ice has just the right amount of enthusiasm. Although he loves accompanying you on walks, Ice is perfectly happy to spend the afternoon napping. Ice is also great with other respectful dogs, very well-mannered when left alone in staff offices and excellent about telling you when he needs to go outside. Once you’ve gently introduce yourself to Ice as a friend, he will be your faithful sidekick forever. If you could grant Ice’s wish for a comfortable forever home, please ask to meet this wonderful Hidden Gem soon at the main shelter of the HSSA. Ice can’t wait to finally have a family to love!

Ice - #703253 — 2 Years Old — Queensland Heeler Mix — Male

Ice is currently living at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd. The Humane Society is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Their phone number is 327-6088.

Goldie is still available, too!

I've never really been an animal person, you won't find me posting cutesy photos of puppies or cats that do funny tricks... but this is just impressive.

A rabbit saved it's owners from a fire. Yes, really, a rabbit.

A southeastern Alaskan woman claims that the rabbit woke her up by scratching her chest. Once she realized the house was full of smoke she and her daughter fled the building. Unfortunately, the bunny-hero was not as lucky.

She rushed to get her daughter out of the home, but the rabbit was left behind in the confusion.

Ketchikan Fire Capt. Tracy Mettler tells the Ketchikan Daily News [that] pets often find their own way out of a burning building but not this time.

But like I said... I'm not much of an animal person anyway. I'm glad the humans are safe.