8 strange animal stories of 2013

Bats, cats andbaby squirrels figured in some of CBC's most popular stories over the past year.

Join us as we revisit eightof Saskatchewan's most notable yarns from the animal kingdom.

1. Driven Batty

Having just one bat in the house would send some people screaming into the night. Pity this Saskatoon woman, then, who had multiple bats throughout her apartment, including several in her bathtub.

• Bats take over Saskatoon apartment

2. Cows killed by lightning

It was a bizarre and sadincident that happened July in cattle country. A herd huddled under a tree as a storm approached, lighting struck and in an instant, 18 cattle were dead.

• Lightning strike kills 18 cattle in Saskatchewan

3. Snakes in the hospital

Snakes on the Plains were definitely not what the doctor ordered in Herbert,Sask. In February, more than 100 of the slithery creatures were found at the local hospital, with a few even seen winding their way down a hallway.

• Snakes causing hissy fits at Saskatchewan hospital

4. Thousands of bedbugs

Turns out if you're trying to rid your home ofa massive infestation of bedbugs, a can of Raid isn't going to do it.

• 1,000s of bedbugs found in apartment, Regina couple evicted

5. Baby squirrels with knotty problem

You think you're having a bad hair day? How about if you're one of six young squirrels whose tails have become knotted. (See audio link at upper left:Knotty squirrels in Saskatchewan)

6. White wolf in the water

It was a majestic sight witnessed by a couple of men fishing on Shadd Lake a rare white wolf swimming alongside their boat.

• Rare white wolf recorded swimming across northern lake

7. Ugliest dog?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but those who call this canine the world's ugliest dog may have a point. See for yourself.

• World's Ugliest dog visits Prince Albert

8. Fattest cat no more

Moose Jaw's chubbiest kitty, Fat Boy, once tipped the scales at 24 pounds. He was put on a diet, emerging from the experience a relatively svelte 17-pounder.

• Moose Jaws fat cat slims down