Animals

A spider’s silk is liquid inside its body. When it hits air, it solidifies into elastic strands that spiders use to build webs, trap prey, bungee from great heights, and more. This… More →

The male peacock’s brilliance lies in his train of feathers. When he finds a potential mate, he fans out his train to impress her with his bright and shiny plumage. As far as females are… More →

Orangutans spend much of their time in quiet solitude. That is, unless they’ve just given birth. Babies spend several years with their mother, clinging to her back as she swings from branch… More →

Mongooses are nothing if not tenacious. These creative hunters whack bird eggs against hard surfaces to get at the meal within. They’ll even grapple with venomous snakes, waiting patiently… More →

Even scavengers can build a model family. Jackals mate for life, and their offspring often stick around to help raise and protect the next litter. Such unity and support is beneficial in the… More →

At a glance, sea otters seem to have a laid-back approach to life. Look closer and you’ll find that they tackle all kinds of tasks on their backs, like nursing their young or cracking… More →

Though most members of the feline family are known to be leery of water, this big cat seeks it out! Jaguars know that rivers are stocked with fish, turtles, and other tasty prey. This… More →

Snails move pretty slowly. Maybe it’s because they carry their homes on their backs, or because they have only one “foot” to work with. One thing is for sure: snails would have trouble moving More →

How do you measure the success of a wombat? Count how many warrens it has! This busy burrower digs several underground homes, or warrens, complete with tunnels, sleeping chambers, and… More →

Animals with an appetite for hedgehogs must work hard for their dinner! They need a pain tolerance for sharp spines and the strength to pry tightly curled bodies. Get a feel for why hedgehogs More →

When kangaroos gather in large groups, they get loud and physical. Males duke it out in boxing matches, jumping and jabbing with feisty determination to earn the “dominant male” title. Be… More →

Poison dart frogs kill with powerful venom. Great white sharks tear flesh with razor-sharp teeth. African elephants can trample animals and people. In this series, eager readers will come… More →