Animal Facts

In-depth information about individual animals. Pictures, videos and amazing facts about your favorite species. Learn about the life, conservation status, habitat, diet and behavior of animals from all around the world.

Dog Facts For Kids (And Adults). Facts, Pictures & Information About Domestic Dogs

Dog Facts For Kids

For many people, a dog is part of the family – a companion and protector, always ready to play a game, or to keep its owners safe at night.

Dogs play an important role in the lives of many humans, not only as pets, but also as working dogs, helping to solve crimes, acting as our eyes if we can’t see, or rounding up sheep on a farm.

Dogs are known as “man’s best friend” and there’s a good reason for this; dogs improve our lives in many different ways!

On this page we’ll discover some amazing facts about dogs for kids (and adults!)

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

Elk Facts

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…

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Are Whales Mammals? And If So, Why? Amazing Whale Facts

Are whales mammals

Are Whales Mammals?

Yes, whales are mammals whose bodies have evolved for an aquatic existence. Despite having flippers and a tail rather than arms and legs, whales possess all of the characteristics of mammals, and are related to land mammals such as hippos.

In order to prove this, we need to take a deeper dive into what makes a mammal a mammal, and how the land-living ancestors of whales eventually evolved into fully-aquatic animals…

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Raccoon Facts, Pictures & Information: Discover An Adaptable, Nocturnal North American Mammal

Raccoon Facts

The raccoon is a mid-sized mammal that is widespread throughout much of North America. It is a member of the carnivoran family Procyonidae, which also includes animals such as coatis and ringtails. The raccoon originally lived in forests, but this adaptable animal is today found in a wide variety of additional habitats, including urban environments.

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

Gray Fox Facts

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.

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American Crocodile Facts, Pictures & In-Depth Information

American Crocodile Facts

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…

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

north american porcupine facts

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…

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

nine banded armadillo facts

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…

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

Bighorn Sheep Facts

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…

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