The Great American Spotted Writer

Which is the animal with the longest gestational period from conception to birth?

The Great American Spotted Writer.

Both male and female of the species can become pregnant with ideas. Shortly after conception, they create a nest at the base of a mailbox where they wait for those first stirrings that signal birth is near. Unfortunately, the gestational period for the Great American (or South African or Australian or Canadian) Spotted Writer is approximately 3.6 days longer than eternity.

If the parents-to-be tire of the wait and leave their nest unguarded, any number of predators will avail themselves of the opportunity to snatch the unborn young. Among them are Horned Fear Vultures and Venomous Rejection Raptors.

One sub-genus of Spotted Writer has a higher than average rate of success for live births. This particular animal hovers over its nest on its knees with front paws clasped and eyes lifted to heaven.

Companions (see footnote on the rare but beautiful ACFW animal) bring fresh water and other sustenance to the waiting Spotted Writer, often linking limbs to form a protective circle around the parent-to-be.

Scientists have sought ways to speed up the gestational process. To no avail. It is what it is.

Special note. Premature births are extremely rare and sometimes cause life-threatening complications.

The Great American (etc.) Spotted Writer is not currently on the Endangered Species list, but always vulnerable to preditors and editors.

And so...we wait.

Cynthia Ruchti