1

Chuckwalla

Image: Matthew Mentley

The chuckwalla can grow up to 16 inches long, making it one of the largest desert lizards. However, its size isn't the most impressive thing about it. What sets it apart from the rest is its ability to inflate like a balloon to twice its size! That's right; chuckwallas inflate their bodies to fit perfectly into holes and crevices in rocks, making it nearly impossible for predators to pull them out.

As if that weren't enough, these lizards live in desert environments with virtually no water. Although they do take in some liquid, most of their hydration comes from the plants they eat.

2

Kangaroo rat

Image: Michael Jerrard

The incredible kangaroo rat is a specialist in surviving the harshest environments. One of its talents is construction; this rodent knows how to build elaborate burrows in sandy soils for shelter and protection. In addition, kangaroo rats have fur-lined cheek pouches that allow them to carry food from where they find it back to their burrows.

But what makes them unique is their jumping ability. As small rodents (just 3.5 to 5.5 inches), their leap is surprising: they can reach up to 9 feet in a single bound! Plus, like the chuckwalla, the kangaroo rat also survives in the desert on minimal water intake.

3

Gila monster

Image: David Clode

The Gila monster is as famous as it is amazing. This reptile, native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, stands out for its unique appearance: a dark, scaly skin with pink or orange spots. In addition, the Gila monster has something that makes it special: it's one of only two venomous lizards in North America. Its potent venom is full of neurotoxins that affect the nervous system of its prey, causing intense pain, swelling, bruising, and even paralysis.

4

Mojave green rattlesnake

Image: Joshua J. Cotten

While any snake can be terrifying to most of us, the Mojave Green Rattlesnake stands out for several reasons.

The crotalus scutulatus —according to its scientific name— is distinguished by its greenish hue, which not only gives it its characteristic nickname but also helps it camouflage in the desert sand. This snake is not only venomous but is considered one of the most dangerous rattlesnakes! Its potent venom contains neurotoxins that, if left untreated with antivenom, can be lethal to various species, including humans.

5

Cactus wren

Image: Carol Lee

You've probably tried transplanting a cactus or got close to one, only to end up with tiny thorns that pricked you for days. But this doesn't happen to the cactus wren, an amazing bird known for its exceptional adaptation to the desert.

As its name implies, one of the most impressive features of the cactus wren is its ability to build large and sturdy nests on cacti without getting hurt. As if that weren't impressive enough, the bird's cleverness leads it to cover its nest with snakeskin to discourage potential predators. Incredible, right?

6

Green tarantula

Image: Thomas Oldenburger

Spiders are among the most feared creatures by humans. But if there's one spider that could scare even the bravest, it's the Mojave green tarantula, which can grow up to 4 inches long and has legs that span up to 6 inches!

Its venom delivers intense pain to its prey while simultaneously paralyzing them. In addition, these tarantulas have urticating hairs that irritate predators' skin, eyes, and respiratory systems. On the other hand, one of their great traits is their lifespan: This species can live up to 25 years in the wild!

7

Sidewinder rattlesnake

Image: Michael Jerrard

The sidewinder rattlesnake is definitely one of the desert bosses. You can tell it’s dangerous just by seeing it: Its typical triangular, flat head is topped with two horns that don't look friendly at all.

But what makes it a unique species is its movement pattern. This snake doesn't move in a straight line but in a sidewinding motion, lifting its body off the ground in a zigzag pattern. That allows it to confuse its prey while moving quickly without getting burned by the hot sand.

8

Pinyon jay

Image: frank mckenna

The cactus wren is not the only bird on this list; the pinyon jay also has its place. Nicknamed "forest farmers," pinyon jays bury the seeds of pinyon pines to eat later. The seeds they leave uneaten sprout into new pines, creating a symbiotic relationship between tree and bird. Even more impressive is their incredible memory: pinyon jays can remember thousands of seed burial locations, even months after hiding them!

9

Desert tortoise

Image: Abraham Weiss

Unlike bears and other animals that hibernate during the winter, desert tortoises enter a form of hibernation known as brumation. This occurs when it's very hot to save energy and they need to protect themselves from the heat. To do so, desert tortoises create deep burrows using their strong, shovel-like front legs. In addition, they can live up to 50 years in the wild, making them one of the longest-living reptiles.

10

Bark Scorpion

Image: Andrey Tikhonovskiy

When it comes to danger, the Bark Scorpion of the Mojave Desert is also one of the stars on this list. Considered one of the most dangerous scorpions in all of North America, this arachnid has a light yellowish body with darker spots. It tends to hide under rocks or trees, so you know where to be most careful. While it's not famous for attacking humans, it may sting if it feels threatened.

1

Shaquille O'Neal

Image: Kylie Osullivan

Shaquille O'Neal is definitely one of the biggest stars in sports, nationally and globally recognized. But his talent seems to go beyond the courts!

Shaq is also very good at school: In the 2000s, he graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in General Studies (Minor in Political Science). A few years later, he earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. And if that wasn't enough, he completed a Doctorate of Education from Barry University in 2012.

2

Jodie Foster

Image: Antonio Scalogna

Among other unforgettable roles, Jodie Foster is the actress who brought to life the character of Clarice Starling, who interviewed the fearsome Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs (1991). Do you remember her?

Like her character in that iconic film, Jodie Foster is also very smart. In fact, she graduated with the highest honor from Yale University in 1985 with a Bachelor's degree in Literature.

3

Conan O'Brien

Image: Ioann-Mark Kuznietsov

Conan O'Brien, the famous host of Late Night with Conan O'Brien, is widely recognized for his long career as a comedian, screenwriter, TV host, and producer.

But while his witty humor always gets a laugh, that doesn't mean Conan can't take some things seriously. And he did so with his college career: In 1985, he graduated with high honors from Harvard University with a Bachelor's degree in History and Literature.

4

David Duchovny

Image: Brice Cooper

We would all immediately recognize the face of the actor who played the unforgettable Fox Mulder in The X-Files . Of course, we're talking about David Duchovny, who, in addition to playing Mulder, also gave life to other great characters in different series and shows.

Just like his most famous character, David Duchovny also has a brilliant mind that led him to get a Bachelor's degree in English Literature from Princeton University and a Master's degree in English Literature from Yale. He was also on his way to earning a Ph.D. when acting entered his life.

5

Lionel Richie

Image: Clo Art

Lionel Richie is the artist we have to thank for unforgettable 80s hits like "Endless Love," "All Night Long (All Night)," and "Hello." But his beginnings were far removed from music and much closer to the world of numbers.

In 1974, he graduated from Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and a Minor in Accounting.

6

Dwayne Johnson

Image: Victor Freitas

Dwayne Johnson, known to all as "The Rock," isn't just one of Hollywood's highest-paid actors; he's also a former professional wrestling superstar. However, his achievements don't end there!

The Rock isn't just known for his powerful body; he also has a sharp mind, which led him to graduate from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of General Studies and a Dual Major in Criminology and Physiology.

7

Lisa Kudrow

Image: Ilse Orsel

We all fondly remember the endearing Phoebe Buffay, one of the funniest characters on Friends, brought to life by Lisa Kudrow. But before discovering her passion and succeeding in acting, Kudrow had considered pursuing a completely different path.

From a young age, Lisa Kudrow had a strong interest in science, which led her to graduate from Vassar College with a degree in Biology!

8

Natalie Portman

Image: Leon Wu

Natalie Portman is a recognized name for her roles in major films such as V for Vendetta , Black Swan , and also Star Wars. But Portman is not only talented and beautiful; she is also very smart! As her fame grew, she successfully balanced her acting career with her studies. In 2003, she graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Psychology!

9

Mayim Bialik

Image: Ben Griffiths

Mayim Bialik won our hearts playing Amy Farrah-Fowler, the quirky girlfriend of the also quirky Sheldon Cooper on The Big Bang Theory .

Her character on the show has a sky-high IQ, and so does she in real life! Mayim Bialik graduated with the highest honors from the University of California, Los Angeles, with a Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience. But that wasn't enough for her: A few years later, she also earned a Ph.D. in the same field.

10

Cole Sprouse

Image: Trnava University

One of the youngest on this list, Cole Sprouse is an actor who, along with his twin brother Dylan, started his career as a child on Disney Channel's The Suite Life of Zack & Cody.

But acting wasn't Cole's only interest. In addition to demonstrating great skills as a photographer, Cole Sprouse graduated from New York University (NYU) in 2015 with a degree in nothing less than Archaeology!

1

Captain Tony's Saloon

Image: Nicolas Hoizey

Key West, Florida, is home to one of America's best-known bars: Captain Tony's Saloon. This mythical bar is not only famous for its drinks; it has a quirk that sets it apart from others. It's said to be haunted.

The building housing the bar today was built in the 19th century as a morgue. In 1865, a hurricane hit the area, taking everything in its path, including what was inside the morgue, if you know what we mean. Legend has it that the spirits, fueled by anger, remained to haunt the place for eternity. Decades later, a chilling discovery was made. During renovations, workers unearthed something macabre beneath the structure: bones.

For centuries and continuing to this day, different types of paranormal activity have been reported on the site, including cold spots, whispers, and even sightings of apparitions.

2

The Mothman

Image: David Clode

No one can deny that the 1960s was a tumultuous decade. But, in addition to the social and political issues that dominated the country and the world, West Virginia also witnessed a paranormal story.

In the mid-60s, a group of people claimed to have spotted a humanoid creature with large wings and red eyes silently watching them from a distance in remote areas of Point Pleasant. This story gave rise to the Mothman myth.

After the initial reports, more sightings followed, each more disturbing than the last. But what really makes your skin crawl is the detail most of these accounts share: the Mothman's creepy stare.

3

The Bell Witch

Image: Freestocks

If we discuss celebrity ghosts, we can't forget the Bell Witch, one of America's most famous specters.

The myth, which dates back to the early 19th century, tells the story of the Bell family, who lived on a farm in Tennessee. Legend has it that they began hearing strange noises in their home, and the spooky phenomena quickly increased. Objects moved on their own, and voices seemed to speak directly to the family. The spirit, later known as the Bell Witch, is said to have haunted the Bells for years, and even after the family members' passing, similar episodes continued to be reported at the site.

4

Dudleytown

Image: Adisa F

There is a valley in northwestern Connecticut that hides several spooky stories. Known as the Dark Entrance Forest, this area of "The Constitution State" is much more than just a scary name.

Located there lies an abandoned settlement: the mythical Dudleytown. The area was already inhabited by some people back in the early 1700s. Sadly, as the land wasn't fertile, the population declined. But it seems that was not the only reason.

It's said that the settlement was cursed: crop failures, diseases, and different types of paranormal events took place here. According to legend, the first inhabitants were descendants of an English nobleman accused of treason who fled to America and brought the curse with them.

5

Huggin' Molly

Image: Steinar Engeland

According to the people of Abbeville, Alabama, a famous specter haunts the streets, terrifying both children and adults —though she seems to have a particular preference.

We're talking about Huggin' Molly, a ghostly figure of a woman around 7 feet tall, dressed in a long black gown. She is known for letting out bloodcurdling screams in the night while she haunts children. The myth goes that if the ghost catches a child, she hugs them so tightly that it feels like suffocation.

The legend has persisted for centuries, and many claim to have seen or heard the figure of Huggin' Molly up close.

6

The Headless Horseman

Image: Dawid Tkocz

Washington Irving's 1820 short story, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," gave popularity to this ghostly figure. The Headless Horseman is depicted as a specter who rides through the night in search of his lost head. According to Irving's story, he was a soldier who died tragically, and his spirit wanders at night unable to find peace.

Over the years, many people have claimed to have seen the Headless Horseman or heard the sound of his horse's hooves in the Sleepy Hollow area.

7

Qalupalik

Image: Nsey Benajah

Huggin' Molly is not the only scary figure that terrifies children. In Arctic shorelines, more precisely off the coasts of Alaska and northern Canada, a creature that doesn't seem to be from this world is said to be roaming shallow waters.

We're talking about the Qalupalik, marine cryptids that resemble mermaids, those half-fish, half-human creatures from ancient mythologies.

According to lore, Qalupalik have long hair, fishtails, fins on their head, back, and arms, and webbed hands and feet. Legend has it that they emit a humming sound to warn those who stray too close to the water, as they search for human prey with a favorite target: children.

8

Sasquatch

Image: Francois Brill

The Pacific Northwest is the main stage for the legendary Sasquatch, also known as Bigfoot. This iconic ape-like figure, said to inhabit forests and mountainous areas, is characterized by its enormous size, giving rise to its name.

The myth has its roots in Native American folklore. Different native cultures tell similar stories about a large, monstrous, hairy, big-footed creature that appears in the wild at night and emits terrifying sounds. As if all this weren't enough, a detail makes it even scarier: it stands and walks on two legs.

In the 20th century, the myth gained strength after reports of huge, unexplained footprints in the Pacific Northwest.

9

The Jersey Devil

Image: Igam Ogam

If you've been to New Jersey (and even if you haven't), you've probably heard of the creepy Jersey Devil.

This infamous tale originated during the 18th century in the mysterious Pine Barrens. According to myth, a woman cursed her 13th child, who then transformed into a devilish creature with bat wings, hooves, and a goat's head.

Over the centuries, there have been multiple reports of strange winged creatures and chilling shrieks through the Pine Barrens. But it all escalated dramatically in the early 20th century when a wave of consecutive sightings triggered what was dubbed "The Jersey Devil Panic."

10

The Flatwoods Monster

Image: James Kovin

According to the story, in the 1950s, a strange rumbling sound was followed by a bright light in the sky, which reportedly came from an object that eventually landed near Flatwoods, West Virginia. When a group of people approached the scene, they were shocked by what they found. It was a tall, monstrous figure with an elongated head, glowing eyes, and a body that seemed to be encased in metal.

Investigators suggest that the light in the sky could have been a meteor, and the glowing eyes described by witnesses were likely those of a common owl. However, many people claimed to have seen this strange creature of totally unknown origin.