Wet, Fuzzy, and Weird

Wet, Fuzzy, and Weird:
Taxidermy and Teratology

I've always had a weird obsession with dead animals and yet a huge fear of death.

Through my morbid curiosity (and the internet) I discovered the culture of taxidermy and oddities. This blog won't just be about the classic mounting of trophy game animals that collect dust in your redneck uncle's living room. I will take you stranger than that. I myself collect wet specimens in jars, skulls, classic taxidermy, pelts, and I love the history, science, and pure weirdness behind it all. Weird taxidermy dates back such a long time and has such a huge and curious history that continues to grow and develop. In this blog, I will document my own experiences and list the stories behind my own taxidermy pieces, share information of the sciences of taxidermy and teratology, share others’ creative taxidermy pieces and discoveries, and so on. I welcome you all to Wet, Fuzzy, and Weird: Taxidermy and Teratology, where I, Lee Dunmire, will lead you through my mind palace of wet, fuzzy, and weird things I come across.

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The Stoned Fox

Wet, Fuzzy, and Weird: The Stoned Fox Don't Do Drugs, Kids. Do Taxidermy Instead! The Stoned Fox started as merely a taxidermy piece to try and save a mangled fox pelt, but quickly rose to fame. In 2012, artists and taxidermist Adele Morse found a package on her front porch containing a deceased fox. The fox has been caught in a bear trap and died due to it, left to be chewed on by the local wildlife until it was found. The skin arrived to Morse a bit tattered, difficult to work with, but it worked in the end. After hours of work, The Stoned Fox was reborn into this world anew and auctioned off on eBay, where it first rose to fame. This internet legend will forever live on in our reaction images, lock screens, profile pictures, memes, and hearts. Read and watch more here on how this silly little terrifying fox taxidermy caused it's creator to be a Russian Fugitive for a while!

Dyed Death

Wet, Fuzzy, and Weird: Dead and Dyed When the dead died did they die to be dyed? Many of us wanted a pink pony growing up, only to be told that pink ponies do not exist and forcing one to exist would be cruel. (Some people do still inhumanely dye live animals with non-pet safe dyes. Don't do that. Here's a link to a page that recommends pet-safe dyes for your use! ) not a pink pony, but a pink two-headed rat by Sarina Brewer Dying taxidermy has always been something controversial between the different subcultures of taxidermy. Traditional taxidermists claim it is treachery that is just out to shame the animal and show it no respect. Others look at it and go "woah, that's pretty neat, colorful animals look awesome!" I can see both sides of the argument, but I think dying taxidermy can be awesome! Some people dye animals to give them a more "alive" look. They will just rejuvenate the already present colors using airbrushing for details. Museums use

Engaged to Death

Wet, Fuzzy, and Weird: Down on One Knee Taxidermy You've waited years for this, they reach into their pocket and pull out a... Rabbit Head? How thrilled would you be if the box your proposal ring was stored in was an actual animal head? Personally, I would be more excited about the box than the ring. These unique engagement ring boxes are a stunner for any taxidermy or oddity fans. Instagram user @kady_rose is an animal scientist, artist, taxidermist, and vegetarian who creates such amazing boxes (and more!) I do not know the exact method Kady uses to make these pieces, but if I were to guess it could be as follows. She purchases (or makes her own) foam mold of the desired animal, along with acquiring the correct eyed for the taxidermy. She splits the mould along the mouth, carving out what space is needed to place the ring. Its probably at this stage she adds a hinge to the foam mount and also cuts the mouth of the pelt to be larger. Kady then mounts the prepared skin on t

Wet, Fuzzy, and Weird: Taxidermy and Teratology

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