Today's Spirit guide is Tapir! There is a decision to be made in how to continue forth. Take the time to think over the situation you are in. While fighting back may be a possibility, Tapir reminds us to think carefully before reacting. Only react in violence if it is the last option. Keep peace foremost in your mind in the coming time. Tapir reminds us that it is ok to be comfortable in doing the same routine each day and to look for the most peaceful options to resolving issues. The Tapir spirit guide is known for it's connection to peace, toughness, longevity, wandering, and understanding shyness. Tapir comes to us when we need to remember that shyness is not a weakness. Tapir teaches us how to have empathy for those around us and an ability to understand our own strengths and weaknesses. Through kindness, a calm mind, and understanding, we can help others and ourselves through life. Tapir reminds us we don't need to change to make others happy. It is ok to take your time through life. It is healthy to need introverted time alone to remain balanced. In Chinese and Japanese folklore, Tapirs were thought to eat nightmares. These spirits were called Baku and thought to be created by spare pieces left over when the Gods finished bringing all other animals into creation. People who connect with Tapir are oft shy or introverted types who enjoy occasional interactions with others, but will resent being forced into social reactions. These individuals are often playful and intelligent. As children, they thrived on developing alone rather than engaging in socializing.

Tapir, Tapirus, are herbivorous mammals that can live up to 25 years in the wild. The name Tapir originates from a Brazilian word that means 'thick'. This comes from the thickness of a Tapir's hide. However, in Thailand, the Tapir is called 'P-som-sett' which means 'Mixture is unfinished" and called by 'Badak' in Indonesia which is the same name for Rhino. These large, pig-like creatures are often thought to be related to pigs, however, they are actually relatives to horses and rhinos. Tapirs are one of the most primitive mammals in the world with very little changing over 20 million years. They are also the largest land mammal in Central and South America. There are 5 species of Tapir: the Malayan Tapir, also known as the Asian Tapir; the Mountain Tapir, also known as the Woolly Tapir; the Brazilian Tapir, also known as the South American Tapir; the Kabomani Tapir; and the Baird's Tapir. However, it is debated whether the Kabomani Tapir is a new species or a misidentification of a young Brazilian Tapir. The Baird's Tapir is the largest of the species with a distinctive white band across it's body and a size of over 6 ft in length, 4 ft in height, and over 880 lbs. The smallest of the species is the Mountain Tapir. The Brazilian Tapir is most likely to be found close to water and known as an excellent swimmer. Tapirs can be found primarily in wet, temperate regions of the Southern Hemisphere throughout Mexico to Brazil and Paraguay. Only the Malayan Tapir lives elsewhere, being found in Asia. Tapirs prefer habitats with large amounts of water, but otherwise can live in grasslands, mountains, woods, and rain forests. Possessing a unique appearance, Tapirs are short legged, plump mammals with a unique, trunk-like snout that is actually their upper lip and nose. The diet of a Tapir consists of plant materials such as leaves, roots, twigs, berries, and fruit. Their snouts are able to pluck vegetation to bring to their mouths and aid in sniffing out food. Tapirs will often follow trails marked out by other Tapirs in order to find regular sources of food and water. They are known to dive underwater to eat vegetation from the bottom of water sources, as well. When threatened, they are known to dive underwater and use their elongated snouts as snorkels to hide. While not the type to form complex bonds with others, they are known to gather in small social groups called a candle. Reproduction occurs throughout April and May. A female will have a gestation period of over a year before giving birth to generally only one baby called a calf. These young can stand within hours of birth and already weigh up to 22 lbs. At birth, Tapir offspring are striped in beige and brown to aid in camouflage, but is lost as they grow older. Unlike other animals, weaning occurs whenever the mother feels like stopping. Usually between 10 or 12 months or or when the mother is ready to have another calf. Full maturity comes to the calf at around 2 years of age.