Although Humboldt Squid aren't native to the area, they have in recent decades been making appearances in BC waters. A few years ago hordes of the beasts washed up on beaches on the west coast of the island. They're born in warmer tropical waters but occasionally they get a bit confused and swim north as far as Alaska so I figure they deserve the Creature Feature spotlight today. 

Their mantles alone can grow to be over 6 ft long, if you include their tentacles (lined with toothy suckers) they amount to about the size of 'nope.' In my highschool marine biology class we were lucky enough to disect one, it was as long as the classroom was wide. 

I think most people are somewhat familiar with these giant cephalopods because of their reputation for being aggressive towards human peoples, but they are a rare species to encounter while diving in the emerald sea. I'm not too worried about them attacking me while exploring the deep dark waters of our coastline, but I can't say I've never had a nightmare about it. However, squid attacks seem to happen while the animals are feeding so I'm not convinced they're acting violent on purpose. I've been known to hurt people who stand between me and my meal from time to time as well.