Tiny baby octopus found, saved by scientists

The octopus is well known as one of Earth's most clever creatures. All kinds of studies exist that demonstrate its strong problem-solving and memory skills. And then there are those legendary escape skills that come with having a body without bones and the ability to breathe in both air and water.

But even with all of these natural gifts, octopuses need a helping hand when artificial threats invade their habitat. And by "artificial threats", we mean trash.

Ocean garbage is a major issue, and recently the scientists at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park in Hawaii were doing their part to make things a little cleaner for marine life. It was during a routine inspection of the local coral reef that they picked up some floating garbage, looked closely, and found this...

(Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park Hawaii/Facebook)

A baby octopus!

Armed and adorable

It's pretty hard not to fall in love with this little fella. Despite being the size of a fingernail, this baby octopus is already remarkably similar to adult versions. According to an Associated Press article, the scientists at the park aren't sure if this is a baby day octopus or night octopus.

(We think it's funny that these are the two names of the possible species. You can't tell the difference between day and night? We thought you were scientists! Just kidding...)

But regardless of what species it is, you can rest assured that this little fellow has been given every chance to survive. In a post on the park's Facebook page, they explained that the baby was "released safe and sound in a small protected space."

Phew! Heaven forbid that anything happens to the baby...

(Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park Hawaii/Facebook)

...crab? Yes, apparently the scientists also found a second baby octopus in some trash ... and it was eating a crab.

Well, at the very least, we can say this: that's just nature doing its thing. If we have more of that and less of this...

Embed from Getty Images

(Getty Embed)

...we'll be doing just fine.