Tree octopus species, including the endangered Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus, are some of the most elusive creatures known to Man. Not many researchers have managed to photograph them in the wild and those few in captivity tend to hide in inaccessable corners of their cages, as if purposefully avoiding the prying of humans.
Any Tree Octopus sighting should be sent to [email protected]. If it adds significantly to Tree Octopus research it may end up on this page.
2011-01-06: A rare sighting of tree octopus predation by hawk:
Click to enlarge. Photos by Galen Leeds. Found at
Pharyngula.
John digs deep to help the cause:
Hello!
A few days ago I stumbled across some information about the
Pacific
Northwest Tree Octopus on the web, so I decided to look for
a specimen
in my area. I was happy to discover a tree octopus living
comfortably
in a tree near my house. I excitedly took out a dollar bill
for its
nest, and left it at the base of the tree trunk. I dashed
inside to
get my camera, and took this picture just before the
magnificent
little creature crawled into its nest. I've seen this tree
octopus
and maybe a couple others a few times since. I really hope
this photo
adds to your research.
Sincerely,
John C. Lawson
A report of tragedy among the already endangered tree octopus population:
While enjoying a break from shooting one of my films, I was vacationing on the west coast, visiting a friend. Inbetween our extensive debates on international politics and the environment, we happen to stroll the grounds of his estate. His home is set adjacent to the beautifully scenic Olympic National Park. The air was tinged with smoke from the nearby Constantine fire, which was happening at the time. It wasn't long before I noticed something strange at my feet, an entire pod of 30 to 40 Pacific Northwest tree octopi were littering his lawn. The poor creatures had obviously been driven from the moisture of their forest homes and were desperately migrating toward the safety of the nearby Hood Canal. Tearfully, we collected several of the dehydrated animals and tried to nurture them back to health, but to no avail. I have attached [photos] of one of the Octopi for you to use to raise awareness to the continued plight of the species.
With love & support to the Pacific Northwest tree
octopus
Babette Bombshell
With their numbers still dwindling, this is the sort of setback that the Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus can ill afford.