The Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus is a purported cephalopod said to inhabit the dense forests of North America. Its unusual habitat, far from the ocean, has sparked curiosity and raised questions about unique adaptations and undiscovered species. This article explores the lore surrounding this peculiar animal.
Unique Traits and “Native Range”
The Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus, purportedly known as Octopus paxarbolis, is described as an arboreal cephalopod, meaning it lives in trees. This solitary creature is said to reside in the temperate rainforests of Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula, preferring evergreen trees. Its imagined range stretches across the Olympic mountain range, adjacent to the Hood Canal.
Unlike most octopuses, this species is thought to be amphibious, spending only its early life and mating season in water. It supposedly uses its eight arms, equipped with sensitive suckers, to swing and pull itself through branches, a unique mode of locomotion called “tentaculation.” These octopuses are said to reach an average size of 30-33 cm from arm-tip to mantle-tip and are believed to prey on insects, small vertebrates, and even bird eggs found within their arboreal habitat.
The Reality of the Tree Octopus
Despite the detailed descriptions, the Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus is not a real animal. It is a well-known internet hoax and a satirical creation. This fictional endangered species of cephalopod has never been observed in the wild.
The concept of an octopus living in trees is biologically implausible, as octopuses are aquatic mollusks that require water to survive. While some cephalopods can briefly survive out of water, the idea of one thriving in a terrestrial, arboreal environment goes against known biological principles. The story of the Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus serves as a clear example of fabricated information circulating online, highlighting the importance of verifying sources and critically evaluating internet content.
A Lesson in Digital Literacy
The Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus was created in 1998 by humor writer Lyle Zapato. This internet hoax was designed as an educational tool to teach digital literacy and critical thinking. The original website mimicked real conservation campaigns, including calls to action and ecological statistics, to appear credible.
Educators have used this hoax to demonstrate how easily misinformation spreads online and the necessity of scrutinizing information. In one notable test, a majority of seventh-grade students believed the website’s content was credible, even after being challenged. This persistent belief, despite evidence, underscores the lesson: always question and verify information encountered online.