These Animals Are the Stuff of Nightmares but They Can Actually Be Found All Around Us

The Tuatara Will Outlive Us All

When we think of lizards, most of us picture gators or chameleons, but the world of reptiles is far more fascinating than we realize. Take the tuatara, for example. This unique reptile from New Zealand can live up to 120 years—how incredible is that? Yet, it rarely gets the spotlight it deserves. Found on 32 islands across the country, tuataras love soaking up the sun, but don’t let their calm demeanor fool you

They’re known to bite, so it’s best to admire them from a distance.

What makes tuataras even more intriguing is their evolutionary history. They’re often called “living fossils” because they’ve remained virtually unchanged for millions of years. Isn’t it amazing how nature preserves such ancient creatures? While they might not be cuddly, they’re a testament to the diversity of cold-blooded life on our planet. Next time you think of reptiles, remember the tuatara—a true marvel hiding in plain sight.