Active Wild Animal Of The Week: Learn About A New Species Every Week

Sand Cat Facts, Pictures, Information. Discover A Desert-Living Cat Species

December 2, 2021November 3, 2021

The sand cat, Felis margarita, is the only wild cat that lives primarily in desert habitats. It is found in arid regions with sparse vegetation in North Africa, the Middle East and parts of Central Asia. Slightly smaller than a domestic cat, the sand cat has several adaptations for living in the desert, including furry paws, large ears and a thick, sand-colored coat.

Sand cats are opportunistic feeders and hunt a variety of prey animals, including venomous vipers.

Read on for the complete lowdown on this remarkable felid…

Groundhog Facts, Pictures & Information: Meet The Real-Life Punxsutawney Phil!

March 15, 2021February 24, 2021

The groundhog – also known as a woodchuck – is a burrowing rodent in the squirrel family Sciuridae. It is found in grasslands and forests of the USA and Canada, and is unusual among marmots for living in lowland areas.

A groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil is central to the traditional Groundhog Day celebrations held each year on the 2^nd of February in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

It’s said that if Phil emerges from his burrow and is able to see his shadow, then there will be six more weeks of winter. If Phil cannot see his shadow, then spring will arrive early!

Sadly, this year (2021) Phil did see his shadow!

On this page you’ll find groundhog facts, pictures and in-depth information on the species…

Elk Facts, Pictures & Information: Discover One Of North America’s Iconic Species!

February 3, 2021

The elk is the second-largest species of deer in the world (only the moose is larger). It is found in forest, shrubland and grassland habitats in North America and eastern Asia. Bull elk are characterized by their impressive, branched antlers and loud “bugling” cries, which can be heard during the fall mating season.

Elk are thought to have evolved about 20 million years ago in the steppe regions of Beringia, a mass of land that once stretched between Siberia in northeastern Asia and Alaska in northwestern North America.

Today, the total elk population numbers around two million individuals, and is thought to be increasing. The species’ conservation rating is “Least Concern”.

Read on for more elk facts…

Gray Fox Facts. Discover A Common (But Elusive) Nocturnal American Canid

January 22, 2021

The gray fox is a small, omnivorous, new world fox species belonging to the family Canidae (the dog family). Sometimes known as the “tree fox” or “cat fox”, the gray fox is one of only two canid species that can climb trees.

Although the gray fox is fairly common, it is elusive and can prove difficult to spot in the wild. It is widespread across North and Central America and is found from southern Canada all the way down to Venezuela and Columbia.

American Crocodile Facts, Pictures & In-Depth Information

December 9, 2020December 7, 2020

The American crocodile is a large crocodilian in the family Crocodylidae (the “true crocodile” family). It is found in coastal and aquatic habitats in the warmer waters of North, Central and South America, as well as on Caribbean islands. The species shares part of its range with the similarly-sized American alligator.

Like other crocodilians, the American crocodile is an ambush predator. Rather than actively pursuing its prey, it lurks under the water waiting for unsuspecting animals to come within reach of its powerful jaws.

In many parts of its range the American crocodile was once hunted almost to extinction for both its meat and its hide. The species is now protected under national and international laws. Although no longer endangered, the American crocodile is still rated as “Vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Read on for more American crocodile facts…

North American Porcupine Facts: Discover North America’s Second-Largest Rodent

January 8, 2021December 6, 2020

The North American porcupine is the second-largest rodent found in North America (the largest is the North American beaver). This slow-moving mammal spends much of its life in the trees, and is mainly active at night. Like all porcupines, the North American porcupine has a coat of sharp quills. The quills, which are actually modified hairs, serve as a defense against predators.

Read on for more North American porcupine facts…

Nine-Banded Armadillo Facts, Pictures & In-Depth Information

November 25, 2020November 23, 2020

The nine-banded armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus is a mid-sized burrowing mammal with flexible, bone-plated armor covering its head, back and tail. The species, one of 21 living armadillos, is found in South, Central, and southern North America, and is the only armadillo regularly found in the USA.

Read on for nine-banded armadillo facts, pictures and in-depth information…

Bighorn Sheep Facts: Discover The Largest Sheep Native To North America

November 19, 2020November 17, 2020

The bighorn sheep Ovis canadensis is the largest wild sheep native to North America. The species gets its name from the massive, curled horns of the male, which are used to fight other males in order to establish dominance within a herd. The sound of the crashing horns of battling bighorns can be heard from up to a mile away.

This iconic North American mammal is usually found in rugged, rocky terrain. Its specially-adapted hooves allow it to traverse the steep cliffs and make leaps from ledge to ledge with apparent ease.

The bighorn sheep is the state mammal of both Colorado and Nevada, and the provincial mammal of Alberta.

Continue reading for more bighorn sheep facts, pictures and information…

American Alligator Facts, Pictures & In-Depth Information

December 16, 2020November 11, 2020

The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is large predatory reptile found across the southeastern United States from North Carolina to the Rio Grande. This iconic American species is the state reptile of Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi. It inhabits hot wetlands and is present in the Florida Everglades and the Mississippi Delta regions of the United States.

This page contains facts, pictures and in-depth info on the American alligator. Be sure to watch the video of an adult male bellowing!