Compared to other bears around the world, black bears face the least overall pressure from humans and are at the least risk of ecological displacement and extinction. Compared to brown bears and polar bears, black bears are found in many more places throughout North America, and commonly come into close proximity with people. Black bears …
Snakes are among the most common reptiles that you will encounter during your travels in nature or even on your very own property. There are many dozens of species found in every state, but only a tiny fraction of them are poisonous. Despite this, poisonous snakes are extremely dangerous and should be avoided, and learning …
Beavers are among the most famous of all animals worldwide, with their very name being synonymous with industriousness and work ethic. They also happen to be critical species across much of their range and are responsible for reshaping and maintaining the environment to such a degree that entire other species depend on their activity. These …
Hedgehogs have achieved international fame, and sometimes infamy, as adorable, unique mammals with bumbling, almost playful mannerisms. Unfortunately, they are also immensely destructive pests in some places and are invasive ecological marauders in others. Public outcry against harming the little things, no matter how much damage they do, makes dealing with them difficult for authorities. …
One of the smaller wild rodents in North America, and a seriously cute one to boot, chipmunks are known for their distinctive contrasting striped and also for carrying large quantities of food to their burrows held within their comically oversized cheeks. Tiny, inoffensive, and adorable, chipmunks are among the most endearing wild animals on the …
There are few animals on earth more iconic than the koala. This cuddly marsupial is found in Australia and is easily recognizable by its furry body, big ears, spoon-shaped nose, and overall adorable face. Though they may look harmless munching on eucalyptus leaves up in trees, some legends portray the koala not as a unique …
The ringneck snake is a vividly colored, secretive, and widely distributed snake found all across North America. Rarely seen during the daytime except perhaps when they are stunning, this is one snake with a contentious reputation. Sometimes you’ll see them listed as venomous snakes, but other authorities have declared them entirely harmless. What’s the deal, …
Of all the snakes that you might encounter in the wild, some of the most troubling are those with spectacular and scary threat displays, or else ones that look very much like deadly poisonous species. Sadly, these snakes are usually killed out of hand, or worse, the more dangerous variety is mistaken for a harmless …
One of the most commonly encountered snakes in the southeastern United States is the corn snake. Commonly encountered creeping around buildings and investigating grain storage sites, these colorful snakes are major predators of mice and rats. They are also commonly confused with copperheads, and some folks warn that corn snakes are in fact about as …
If you inhabit the Gulf Coast area of the American South, chances are you will have reason to worry about a run-in with an alligator if you kick around any body of water long enough. These primordial serpents can grow quite large, and represent a lethal threat when on the attack. Accordingly, a weapon to …
