But Audubon told his share of whoppers too: in a serious paper he described to rapt British scientists how American rattlesnakes could hop from tree to tree after their prey a claim that was later retracted.
Dr. Glen Newey, a professor of politics at Britain's Keele University, told CNN that politicians telling whoppers often act as barometers of functioning democracy, indicating that a demanding press and public are capable of steering politicians into stormy seas.