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TIL the alpaca was selectively bred from the vicuna to accentuate its naturally finer wool. Alpacas were a central part of Incan culture but were almost exterminated to make room for European domestic animals. The highland inhabitants saved the species by moving their herds to higher elevation.

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95nr TIL The Smithsonian reports that more than likely “Tisquantum” (meaning divine rage) was not the famous Native American’s birth name, but identifying himself as so was like sticking his hand out to the Pilgrims and saying “Hello, I’m the Wrath of God.”
ADP5a TIL To punish and deter illegal tree-cutting around Christmas time, some cities and universities spray trees with fox urine. It freezes on the trees and is odorless outside, but the smell becomes "eye-watering" and irremovable once brought inside.
9wrpr TIL that infamous Manson Family murderer Leslie Van Houten was paroled in July 2023 after 53 years in prison. Patricia Krenwinkle and Tex Watson are still trying to get parole.
4kp4X TIL in September 2011, Steve "Stare Master" Stagg lost to Fergal "Eyesore" Fleming in a staring contest after 40 minutes and 59 seconds, shattering the Guiness World Record of 17 minuets.
Ke1w TIL A cat named Cleo tracked down and found her owner who had been moved into a nursing home. Nancy Cowen forced to say goodbye to her loveable cat whom she had adopted as a stray eight years earlier but weeks later Cleo, to the amazement of everyone, managed to find her.