Mistaking saliva for cave slime and teeth for stalagmites, explorer Richard Winston was in for a big surprise Saturday as he entered a creature’s mouth thinking it was a big cave. “There sure is a warm, wet draft in this big cavern,” Winston said, struggling to keep his footing on the creature’s wiggling tongue and grasping for a handhold on the creature’s slippery cheeks. “I’ve been in lots of caves before, but this is definitely the softest and wettest. Normally, I like caves because they’re quiet and cool, but this one is really hot and there’s a loud rumbling that sounds exactly how my stomach sounds, but much louder and scarier.” At press time, Winston was shining his flashlight on the creature’s uvula in order to get a better look before silently muttering “oh no” to himself.

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