Adorable Pictures of Itchy Animals

Having an itch you can’t scratch is always hard—but it’s even harder when you are a four-legged creature without opposable thumbs. Still, most animals have devised clever ways to scratch an itch, like rubbing their backs against trees, like bears, or reaching awkwardly with their feet, like birds.This uncomfortable sensation is a good thing, evolutionarily speaking. Generally, itches are temporary and can alert the animal to the presence of a bloodsucking insect or hanger-on like mosquitos and ticks. Enjoy these editors' picks of National Geographic Your Shot contributions of the itchiest-looking animals from across the globe.

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