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Armadillos
The armadillos' most notable feature is their "armor"the bony plates covering their body. In fact, the name armadillo is Spanish for "little armored one." more |
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Bats
Once dreaded as a deadly threat, the bat has earned a well-deserved reversal in public opinon. Bats rarely transmit rabies to humans and play a valuable role in controlling insects. more |
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Beavers: Nature's Engineers
With their population rebounding, beavers are not only more common in urban and suburban wetlands, but they're also receiving long-overdue credit as a "keystone" species. more |
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Black Bears
Despite their size and alleged ferocity, black bears tend to be nonviolent. In fact, they have more to fear from humans then we do from them. more |
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Black-Tailed Prairie Dog
The black-tailed prairie dog, a species that has lost over 99% of its historical range, is essential to the short grass prairie ecosystem. Learn more about this keystone species. more |
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Bobcats
Sometimes confused for a cougar or a housecat, the bobcat is a versatile animal that inhabits many different types of habitats in the U.S. and Canada. more |
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Canada Geese
The Canada goose's status as one of the most recognizable of wild neighbors is all the more impressive given this bird's brush with extinction in the 20th century. more |
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Chimney Swifts
Usually most visible at dusk, chimney swifts are voracious insect eaters whose populations have declined as chimneys are increasingly capped or replaced with metal flues. more |
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Chipmunks
A common denizen of forest edges and suburban yards, the sprightly chipmunk is an attractive animal and a pleasure to watch. more |
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Coyote
Once restricted to the open prairies of North America, coyotes now thrive in urban areas. Despite a long history of persecution by humans, these canines are remarkably resilient. more |
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Crows
A common sight in urban and suburban areas, crows are thought to be among the most intelligent and social of American birds. more |
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Deer
Deer are among the most easily recognized of all wildlife. Their ability to thrive in many habitats and survive on a variety of plants has kept deer populations hardy. more |
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Elephants
The largest living land mammals, African and Asian elephants are family-oriented animals who live in herds, care for one another's calves, and travel miles together looking for food and water. more |
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Foxes: The Red and the Gray
Many people are surprised to see red or gray foxes in their neighborhoods, but these adaptable species are actually well-suited for urban living. more |
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Gray Wolf
The largest and most social of all wild canids, the gray wolf has been preyed upon by humans, almost to extinction. Some are even trying to deprive the species of protections under the Endangered Species Act. more |
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Grizzly Bears
The highly adaptable grizzly bear (misleadingly dubbed Ursus arctos horribilis) has all but disappeared from its historic range. But if you see a shaggy form with massive paws and light-tipped fur on his head, you may have spotted one. more |
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Mice
Commonly found around human residences, these small mammals are widespread in North America. more |
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Mink
Wild mink face the threat of vastly diminished habitats and trapping for their fur. In captivity, they suffer from the brutal fur trade. more |
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Mountain Lions
Mountain lions (also known as cougars and pumas) used to roam most of the lower 48 states, but persecution and suburban sprawl have pushed them almost entirely into remote areas of the West. more |
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Ode to a Toad (and Frogs, Too)
With their insect-eating habits, unmistakable voices, and charming personalities, frogs and toads make wonderful wild neighbors. more |
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Opossums
The only marsupial found in the United States, opossums are more likely to play dead than fight. more |
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Parrots
Parrots are the stuff of dreams, with their exotic coloring and calls, complex social lives, and nimble beaks and feet. Popular in the pet trade, they are disappearing from the wild. more |
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Pigeons
Imported from Europe by early settlers, pigeons have flourished in North America and have become our quintessential urban bird. more |
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Porcupines
Despite being well-equipped with natural weaponry, porcupines are slow-moving, benign creatures who'd rather be left alone than stay and fight. more |
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Rabbits
There are 14 species of rabbits throughout the United States, with eastern cottontails being the most familiar visitors in backyards and gardens. more |
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Raccoons
As one of North America's most charismatic and recognizable species, raccoons are one of the few wild species that appears to have actually benefited from contact with humans. more |
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Sharks
Though considered the great predators of the sea, the hundreds of species of sharks have more to fear from mankind than vice versa. more |
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Skunks
One of the most misunderstood animals in North America, skunks are actually docile, benign animals that are quite beneficial to humans. more |
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Snakes
Snakes stir deep-rooted fear and anxiety in many people, but the vast majority of these misunderstood creatures are harmless to humans. more |
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Tree Squirrels
Tree squirrels have many fascinating behavioral traits that endear them to us and make squirrel watching an enriching experience. more |
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Turtles and Tortoises
There are about 250 species of turtles and tortoises in the world. Many of these species are at risk because of the pet trade and habitat loss. more |
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Wild Ducks of North America
Of the seven subfamilies of true ducks, four can be found in North America: dabbling or puddle ducks, diving or bay ducks, sea ducks and mergansers, and stiff-tails. Learn more. more |
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Woodchucks
Woodchucks, also called groundhogs or whistle-pigs, flourish in the woodland edges that have become prevalent in developed areas. more |
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Woodpeckers
From bill to tail, woodpeckers exhibit unique adaptations to their remarkable lifestyle. more |
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