Animal Facts

American bison are a large mammal that is native to the plains of North America. Their native range is very patchy due to habitat fragmentation, and the most well known population is in Yellowstone National Park. They live around 15-20 years in nature, but they can live 25-30 years in human care. This species almost went extinct in the 1800s due to overhunting. Both males and females have horns. Due to human conservation efforts the bison came back from near extinction, and they did that by having a small population in human care. The current size of the bison population in human care is the same size it was when the bison were taken out of the wild to help conserve the species.

African lions are a very well known big cat. They have a form of sexual dimorphism, which is an obvious difference between males and females. The males have a large mane of fur, but the females do not have that. The males live to around 8-10 years in the wild, but the females will often live into their teens. The females also do majority of the hunting in a pride. The lion is also the only species of big cat that is social. The females will sleep around 16 hrs a day, but the males sleep around 20 hrs. Both males and females of the species can roar, and the roar is one of the many forms of communication.

Siamese crocodiles are the smallest species of crocodiles in the world. They can get up to 9ft long. They are also the most endangered species of crocodiles in the world due to poaching for their skin. They live in rivers, marshes, and swamps in Southeast Asia. There has been a nearly 99% decrease in their population, and there is an estimated 250-1000 individuals left in the wild. There are many conservation efforts, but since they are so rare, not much is known abt them in the wild.

Asian small-clawed otters are the smallest species of otter in the world. They are also river otters, so they appear to be less fluffy than other species. Otters also have very dense fur, and it is a double coat. The coat of fur closest to the skin traps air bubbles to keep them dry and warm. It also helps them float in the water. They are social animals, and their groups often consist of a mother, father, and multiple litters of pups.

Asiatic black bear, also called moon bears, are larger than American black bears. They are called moon bears due to a white spot that resembles a crescent moon. They can smell up to 3 ft underground and are omnivores. The Siberian tiger is a natural predator of this species. This bear species is also known to swim, and they can cover large distances while swimming.

Eastern rat snakes are native to the east coast of North America. They are nonvenomous, and they are very helpful to the environment. The snakes also used to be known as black rat snakes due to their color. They will eat pests like mice and rats. A fun fact abt them is that when they feel threatened they will mimic a rattlesnake by shaking the end of its tail.

Peacock’s long tail feathers will molt after mating season into shorter more manageable lengths. The term peacock refers to the males while peahen refers to the females. If talking abt the species as a whole, peafowl is what is commonly used.