Cats and bears are (arguably) Russia's two favorite national animals. What would happen if the two animals were to come head to head? Apparently, not much. 

Trash-panda no more, this raccoon has developed a hankering for fine wine. 

In this week's Odder News: raccoon rescue, low light, and cats, both homeless and elite.

Did you know that wild lotus flowers are native to Russia? Well, here's an interactive map of where to find them in the Astrakhan region.  

In this week's Odder News, Russian highway drivers stop for a duckling crossing, a woman fakes her own kidnapping and pays for it, and what does it signify if two black sphynx cats cross your path?

News of Britney Spears’s recent appearance in court has crossed the globe, and a well-meaning group of supporters in Russia have taken offense at her plight.

More than 40% of Russians say they're addicted to the internet, meaning that as many as 60% of Russians are probably liars.

“Everything in the world displeases me, but, above all, my displeasure in everything displeases me.”

– “Darth Putin” on Twitter parodies Russian President Vladimir Putin’s comments after his meeting with Joe Biden on Wednesday, June 16

Honk honk! There's a swan in the middle of the road. 

Get ready for workout videos, dance clips, and photos of avocado toast: Russia's Ministry of Education is considering adding blogging to some curricula.

Don your fingerless gloves, put on your dark sunglasses, and grab your trusty black Anonymous hoodie: a new study reveals Russians are just as sloppy with their internet security as the rest of us.

It might come as no surprise that a king of YouTube is not immune to a video scandal or two – but when journalists, government officials and members of parliament are involved…?