Next time you're at the zoo and you're inside the big cat habitat, take note of the many distinct types of big cats. Like your pet cats, big cats come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. And except for lions and tigers, many of us often confuse the types (like jaguars, pumas, and cheetahs). Think of this as a brief crash course on how to differentiate wild felines.
Adult male lions are easiest to recognize, as they are one of the biggest cats out there (only second to tigers). Male lions also grow a lot bigger than the female lion.
Archives for Mammals
Facts About Zebras
by Anna P. May 5th, 2009 | Mammals
Zebras are exotic animals that are related to both horses and donkeys. Unlike horses and donkeys, zebras have never been successfully domesticated. All three sub-species of zebras (plains zebra, mountain zebra, and Grevy’s zebra) are native to Africa, and the last two are considered endangered. The plains zebra are the most commonly found and also are the most sociable type of the zebra species. Here are some interesting facts about zebras.
- They can thrive in a variety of habitats including savannas, grasslands, mountains, and coastal hills.
- Groups or families of zebras are called harems.
- Zebras are herbivores who usually graze on grass and
Merritt Island: Earth and Space
by Jane Wangersky April 28th, 2009 | Birds, Mammals, Reptiles
Many people don't realize, until they've actually been there, that the space shuttle takes off from the middle of a wildlife preserve. The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is officially an “overlay” of the Kennedy Space Center, and has been since 1963. At the Space Center, you see vultures landing outside the exhibit halls and alligators swimming in the pond in front of an office building. One of the tour bus drivers calls the 5000 gators an “unpaid security system” and says they're doing a good job. (They're also the only part of the security system you're
Coyotes — Can’t Live with ‘em, But They Can Live with Us
by Jane Wangersky March 3rd, 2009 | Mammals
I used to think it would be handy to keep some chickens in the backyard – just for the eggs – but two things held me back: the local laws and the coyotes. Well, now the laws have been changed, but the coyotes aren’t going away.
In fact, it looks as if coyotes will never go away. They’re more widespread on this continent now than they were in the 19th century. Once mainly a western animal, they now live from coast to coast, down into Mexico and Guatemala, and up almost – not quite – to the Arctic. Coyotes have expanded
In fact, it looks as if coyotes will never go away. They’re more widespread on this continent now than they were in the 19th century. Once mainly a western animal, they now live from coast to coast, down into Mexico and Guatemala, and up almost – not quite – to the Arctic. Coyotes have expanded
Squam Lake
by Sam P. November 13th, 2008 | Birds, Mammals, Reptiles, Zoos
I, being in middle school, recently went on a field trip to Squam Lake. It is an amazing place!
We went inside, and the host brought out three animals. The first one was a barred owl. It was gorgeous! Its face was snowy white, and its body was brownish.
The second animal was a mink. Its coat was glossy and a deep shade of brown. It was hilarious! The mink was very riled up. It kept jumping up and down the sides of the walls. Back and forth. Back and forth. Once it even got on the wire mesh roof! Everybody
We went inside, and the host brought out three animals. The first one was a barred owl. It was gorgeous! Its face was snowy white, and its body was brownish.
The second animal was a mink. Its coat was glossy and a deep shade of brown. It was hilarious! The mink was very riled up. It kept jumping up and down the sides of the walls. Back and forth. Back and forth. Once it even got on the wire mesh roof! Everybody
