The  woolly terrestrial octopus (Octopus hirtus ) is a land-dwelling carnivore that can grow up to four feet in length and weigh as much as seventy-five pounds. It is warm-blooded and lives in northern temperate forests, using its sharp beak to hunt for birds, squirrels, and other small rodents. It is a solitary creature that is most active at night. 

The terrestrial octopus has a thick coat of fur and is able to climb trees and rocky outcrops using its strong arms, which are lined with mucus-secreting suction cups. Unlike its invertebrate marine counterpart, the terrestrial octopus has a skeleton, including a skull, rib cage, and vertebra-like columns of bones within each arm. 

During mating season, the terrestrial octo-pus builds, in thickets of tall vegetation, distinc-tive conical grass-nests in which to lay its large, speckled eggs. It will lay three to five eggs, and the incubation period lasts for thirty-five to forty days.

Archival print of a the woolly terrestrial octopus, in ink and watercolor.
8.5 x 11", printed on premium Legion Somerset paper.