Critter Science
The Science of Animals
Few critters have tugged the heart strings quite like the sea otter. They float on the surface of the cold ocean water, feet pointing towards the sky, holding hands and juggling rocks. These cute creatures are the smallest sea mammal but the biggest member of the weasel family and
When you think about a pig, the thought generally brings to mind mud, fat pot bellies, grunts, squeals, and piglets. But pigs are so much more than that. These incredibly intelligent, caring, and loyal animals have much more to offer than just a
The Pacific tree frog is a survivor. They can be found in ponds, meadows, wetlands, woodlands, and pastures. Pretty much anywhere they can find a steady supply of water is where you can find them. I even used to find them in ditches back home. These little critters are
This cute little mustelid that looks kind of like a stretched out kitten is actually a voracious and relentless predator known as the long-tailed weasel, aka nature’s psychopath. These little scrappers have no problems taking on foes much larger than themselves, making them a “super predator”
Found in towns, cities, suburbs, and farms (especially with livestock) it’s the house sparrow. You’ve seen them a million times, but probably never gave them a second thought, other than to just chase them away, or throw them a french fry while dining at your favorite
In the deep Arctic oceans lives a peculiar shark called the Greenland shark, aka grey shark, sleeper shark, gurry shark, or Eqalussuaq (Inuit name). These gentle giants are found in the north Atlantic Ocean near Norway, Iceland, Canada, and of course Greenland. They prefer
The crow is typically looked down upon by most people around the world. They have been linked to disease, death, bad omens, known as crop-stealers, and labelled a nuisance by many. However, these birds are very intelligent and social to boot. Don’t underestimate their abilities
In honor of Samhain (Halloween), I give you the cryptozoological creature of this year – The Thunderbird. Native American legends talk of this mystical creature being a protector but also that it could punish those who displayed little or no morals. It could be
The gopher snake, aka bull snake (named for it’s attitude), is a hefty, non-venomous, colubrid snake that makes its home from Canada all the way down to Mexico. Gopher snakes live on prairies, in marshes, agricultural lands, deserts, conifer forests, and
The alligator snapping turtle is the largest of all the freshwater turtles. It’s also the meanest. They can be found in canals, rivers, lakes, and swamps throughout the southeastern parts of North America. Laying motionless, they sit and wait for passing
The goblin shark, aka elfin shark, vampire shark, or tengu-zame (named after the red-faced, long-nosed Japanese demon known as the tengu – zame meaning shark) is as creepy looking as it is cool. While common off the coast of Japan, in the Pacific Ocean, it can also be found in
One of the slimiest and possibly the most repulsive creature in the waters has to be the hagfish. These creatures are arguably the most disgusting critter in the world, sans maybe a botfly. From a super slimy and choking defense mechanism
They are the largest living lizard species on earth, they rob human graves, and can kill with a single agonizing bite. Enter the Komodo dragon. These giants are very clever, strong swimmers, and can even give birth via a method called parthenogenesis. Komodos live on 4 islands in Indonesia: Komodo,
The moray eel is the largest of all the eel species. They are aggressive, dangerous, and even have xenomorph jaws to boot. These eels are found in warmer salt and brackish water environments. There are 200 known species of moray ranging from 6 inches to 15 feet long! Divers will
The gharial, aka gavial makes its home in the fast-flowing rivers in the northern parts of the Indian subcontinent. Once widespread, these crocodilians now dwell in a mere 2% of their original habitat. This is due to dams, artificial embankments, hunting, over-fishing, egg