Top 5 Halloween Animals

Happy Halloween everyone! Here's a special blog that I hope is a treat for you. Whether or not we actively think about it, animals are a big part of Halloween. From decorations to entertainment, our Top 5 Halloween animals have worked their way into our hearts and homes.

And now, Jeffers presents our Top 5 Halloween Animals!

5. Toads/Frogs

Origin: While an exact time cannot be pinpointed, Frogs and Toads have long been associated with witches.

Famous Frogs and Toads: Trevor, Neville Longbottom's toad in the Harry Potter series, Kermit the Frog

Fun Fact: The "Double, double toil and trouble" spell from Shakespeare's Macbeth includes toad as an ingredient.

4. Werewolves/ Wolves

Origin: Werewolves, or lycanthropes, have always been viewed as supernatural creatures. However, their popularity didn't see a boost until the late 1970s. Thanks largely in part to the entertainment industry, Werewolves have become a staple of films and music videos. Wolves, by association, also became part of Halloween lore.

Famous Examples: Remus Lupin from Harry Potter, Jacob Black from Twilight

Fun Fact: John Landis' An American Werewolf in London was a major source of inspiration for Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video.

3. Owls

Origin: Ancient Rome. While owls' association didn't come until later on, Romans believed that owls were "messengers for sorcerers and witches."

Famous Examples: Hedwig, Owl from Winnie the Pooh, Mr. Owl (from Tootsie Roll commercials)

Fun Fact: Lucille Ball, of I Love Lucy fame, developed a fear of birds (ornithophobia) after a bird flew into her house the day her father passed away.

2. Cats

Origin: Ancient Egypt. A black cat is noted as being the familiar of the Egyptian Goddess, Bastet.

Famous Examples: Salem Saberhagen from Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Binx from Disney's Hocus Pocus

Fun Fact: Many cultures view black cats as good luck.

1. Bats

Origin: While the date is unknown, the legend of vampire bats began in South America. Bram Stoker's Dracula (1897) gave bats their boost to iconic Halloween animal.

Famous Bats: Dracula, Stellaluna, Bartok

Fun Fact: Despite what horror movies will have you believe, only 3% of bats exclusively feed on blood alone. Most bats feed on fruit or insects.

Is there an animal you closely associate with Halloween? Let us know in the comments below! Is your pet all dressed up for Halloween? Share a picture with us on Facebook! Read about the dangers of Halloween for pets on Jeffers Blog.