carnivorous nights

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The First-annual Carnivorous Nights Taxidermy Contest!!!

There's a lot of taxidermy and plenty of specimens in our book Carnivorous Nights, so our crow (Poe) suggested we hold a taxidermy contest in the summer of 2005.

All sorts of science geeks, nature freaks, and rogue geniuses converged in Brooklyn to do battle with their beasts ... and we've since turned the contest into an annual event, now hosted by our pals at Union Hall and the Secret Science Club. Here are a few photos from the original contest:

From outer space (via Andy Templar of Floyd's bar and Union Hall), the "Rump Ape" suggests the future evolution of our own species---and takes top honors.

Straight from Karachi! It's Rikki-Tikki-Tavi. This little mongoose [above] is entwined with a small species of cobra (fauxbra).

Get that snake! Wait ... it's already dead ...

Fashionista Bronwyn Carlton (author of The Big Book of Death) shows off a swanky retro handbag. Formerly a living armadillo, this roly-poly little number is now doing double-duty as a purse.

Brian Wiprud, author of the novel Stuffed (featuring a taxidermy-collecting detective) shows off his prize-winning "clam rat."

[Above] A closeup of what might pop out of your next bowl of chowder.

WFMU DJ Dorian Devins prepares to judge some red-hot taxidermy. Meanwhile Skippy the Squirrel (spokesmodel for the book Go Wild in New York City,) looks on hopefully.

Tell it to the hand! Daisy from Maxilla & Mandible sets the party abuzz with a mummified mano.

Ellen Reilly, star of TONYLUST! and The Gay Naked Play, demonstrates that her entry, a blue booby, is fully articulated. Extra points!

Taxidermy and specimen owners vociferously defend their entries. This furry fish---an entirely new species of gaff---goes on to win the grand prize.

Ricardo Hinkle of the New York City Parks Department inspects Poe, the crow.

Artist Laura Nash displays her photographic entry. These wolf paws dunked in spirit [above left] are the first "wet" specimens in history, ushering in a whole new era of scientific inquiry.

Skippy invites you all to return for ... The Carnivorous Nights Taxidermy Contest 2007! Join us at Union Hall at 8 pm on November 2---the Day of the Dead! For rules and details, visit Union Hall's Secret Science Club.