Eastland, Texas: Old Rip, Miracle Horned Toad

Is it possible to cheat death, at least for a little while? Scientists say "No!" but an embalmed lizard in Texas, visible through a window, croaks "Yes!"

Old Rip, named for Rip Van Winkle, is the most famous Horned Toad in history. He was sealed inside the Eastland, Texas, courthouse cornerstone on July 31, 1897, and when the cornerstone was opened 30 years later, Old Rip was found -- still alive! The toad became an instant celebrity, traveled to Washington to meet the President in the White House, and later inspired the Looney Tunes cartoon character Michigan J. Frog. Fame proved too much for Old Rip, who died less than a year after his revival. His body was embalmed, placed in a tiny open casket, and is still displayed in the Eastland courthouse, proof that death can be cheated if you stay very still in the dark, and you're a horned toad.