Long feared and almost universally reviled, rats have been linked with a multitude of awe-inspiring feats, including wiping out millions of humans through three global pandemics. (Although a recent study exonerated rats for spreading the bubonic plague that devastated Europe in the 14th century. Gerbils are now taking the fall for that one.)

Now there is video footage demonstrating how rats swim up sewer pipes and into toilets.

See The Sydney Morning Herald and National Geographic

Denise Diering didn’t expect to see a big black bear standing at the edge of her swimming pool when she looked out the back door of her North Vancouver home late on Monday afternoon.

She told CBC News she shouted to her husband, Tony Diering, who was nearby, to “Close the door!”

When she looked back, the bear slid into the pool, then climbed into the adjoining hot tub for a quick soak.

See CBC and CTV