Animal fun facts

When we talk about "legendary creatures" we refer to the fantastic animals and hybrids that play a leading role as villains, heroes or helpers in the myths and legends that form part of our culture's folklore, and therefore of our history. Since these creatures never really existed - or, at least, their...

Wild horses, majestic and fiery, evoke a feeling of freedom and pride and bring images of wild herds galloping across infinite landscapes with their manes billowing in the wind to mind. However, nowadays wild horses are becoming rarer. Humans have forced them to arid areas where the lack of food and water...

Lemurs are very friendly and curious mammals that hang from branches and jump with great agility. There are almost a hundred different species of lemurs, which can be distinguished by their size, habits and fur color. They all live or lived on the island of Madagascar. In this AnimalWised article we will...

Have you ever wondered what are the 10 most popular German dog breeds? In this AnimalWised article we will go over a list of the most beloved breeds from that country, as well as their main physical and behavioral traits. From Boxers and Pomeranians, to German Shepherds and Rottweilers, without forgetting...

Ungulate animals, such as deer and elks, shed their antlers on an annual basis. Then, they grow a new set. This shedding process usually takes from two to three weeks in the winter or spring, depending on the species; the regeneration takes a complete summer before the cycle commences again. The specifics...

In general, animals are safe: however, under rare circumstances, facing a threat, hunger or extreme provocation, or if their young are in danger of being harmed, all animals can turn dangerous. Taking precautions and relying on common sense ensures that intrusions are avoided and animals remain safe in their...

Are there venomous spiders in the UK? Yes, but don't this doesn't mean you need to worry too much. None of the British spiders are considered lethal. Not only is their venom relatively mild, but they are generally very timid and do not tend to interact with humans very often. Poisonous British spiders...

White-tailed deer, known scientifically as Odocoileus virginianus, are an American type of deer that inhabits all sorts of different environments, from shrublands to forests, grasslands, wooded plains and even desert areas. These deer can adapt to different diets, as they can browse and forage on many kinds...

Snakes are rare in the United Kingdom: while you can find other reptiles relatively easy, such as sand lizards or turtles, there are only three species native to the British Isles - more specifically to Great Britain, as Ireland - including Northern Ireland - is famously snake-free. Are there venomous...

We tend to assume that it's always the mother who takes care of her offspring, but in fact there are many species in which the father does everything within his reach to help his young survive, nurtures them, and ensures they stay healthy and happy. In this AnimalWised article we'll list the 10 best animal dads:...

All animals have evolved skills that help them survive in their environment. However, some animals have an extraordinary physical power that makes them true athletes. Some animals, for instance, can jump very high or for a very long distance. Of course, we are discussing animals without wings to fly. How...

Have you ever seen an Ukrainian Levkoy cat? With their hairless coat and slender silhouette, you might have confused them for a Sphynx cat; however, their strange folded ears are an easy way to tell them apart. This Eastern European breed is very new: so much so, that the Ukrainian Levkoy hasn't yet...

According to Hindu tales, the Rainbow Fish was as large as a whale. This sea creature ate Lord Buddha, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, but since Vishnu was a god, the mythical giant fish did not survive the experience! When the Rainbow Fish was caught and killed by fishermen, Lord Buddha - Vishnu - was freed...

Have you been reading about Hindu mythology? Or perhaps you've noticed certain cobra sculptures in Hindu temples? Whatever the reason may be, you've come across the mythological creature “Naga” and want to learn more. In this AnimalWised article, we're going to talk about what Naga is in Hinduism. We'll...

Mattu Pongal is a lively festival that takes place in India where people offer prayers to cows, bulls and other farm animals. The intention is similar to that of the American thanksgiving, where people give thanks for their blessings. In this AnimalWised article we're going to talk about Mattu Pongal,...

The spiritual son of Lord Vayu, the God of Air, Pawan Putra Hanuman is venerated by Hindus worldwide. Born to the couple Kesari and Anjana, he is one of the Vanaras, an ancient forest-dwelling community identified with monkeys and represented as such. The Vanaras helped Lord Rams fight the evil Ravana...

Monkeys are common primates in India with the western hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock) being the only known ape. The most common Indian monkey is the rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta), but there are many other monkey species which can be found in this vast Asian country. These monkeys can be found in many...

Across the vast Asian continent, stretching from the Middle Eastern deserts to the jungles of Southeast Asia, some of the most lethal and dangerous animals can be found. From the deadly Komodo dragon to the deadliest of them all, the King Cobra, Asia is home to some of the most dangerous animals in the world. Big...

Each country has their own national animal. In the United States there is also a corresponding state animal, including a mammal, fish, dog or even reptile. In this AnimalWised article, we're going to give you a complete list of all the state animals and national animals of the United States. Continue...

The Sierra Nevada region is a mountain range in California which is teeming with wildlife. Sierra Nevada National Park covers over 86,208 ha and it is one of the biggest national parks in the United States. The highest peak in the range is Mount Whitney at 14,505 ft (4,421 m), but there are 14 peaks...

Who doesn't love the cheerful and adorable Golden Retriever? If, like us, you are a big fan of this breed, or if you're considering adopting one, it is essential that you read this list of 10 things you should know about Golden Retrievers. As you know, Golden Retrievers are tremendously popular because...

While imported dog breeds such as the Alaskan Husky, the Chihuahua or the Afghan Hound grow in popularity in the UK, some native breeds are at risk of disappearing. Although the pet industry also has fashions and fads, this is not the only reason these native UK breeds are endangered. Many British breeds...

Many animal lovers have heard about the liger, but what about the tigon? Now that we're thinking about it, have you ever heard of other big cat hybrids? There are many possible combinations, but they share some common characteristics. Ligers, tigons and other crossbred animals are possible because...

The hippopotamus is an even-toed ungulate mammal. There are only two species of hippos in existence, the common and the pygmy hippopotamus. The name "hippopotamus" comes from the Greek word hippopotamos, meaning horse of the river. Out of all the names that can be given to a hippopotamus, however,...

Tigers are the largest members of the Felidae family, that is, of all cats. These predators, scientifically known as Panthera tigris, are one of the most charismatic and well-known mammal species on the planet. However, tigers are also endangered animals. Over the past century, tiger numbers have decreased...

The Thar Desert, the pride of Rajasthan, is also called an ocean of sand. The Thar or Great Indian Desert has an unmatched variety of fauna; while its climatic and geographical conditions are harsh, various desert animals and plants have adapted to live in them with ease. There are currently 11 national...

India is home to many wild species of birds and animals. Its diversity also means that many endangered species can be found in India. While some are critically endangered, others are on the verge of extinction or near threatened. India has a wide range of natural habitats which are home to endangered...

Dolphins are among the most popular, charismatic and intelligent creatures of the animal kingdom. With their expression that makes them look like they are always smiling, dolphins are a symbol of joy and freedom. Dolphins inspire pure and positive things - who doesn't remember Flipper? Dolphins are...

Giraffes reside in savannas, open woodlands or grasslands. This is because those areas are rich in acacia growth. Acacia is a genus of shrubs and trees which giraffes feed on, forming the largest part of their staple diet. Giraffes are mostly found in East Africa and Southwestern Africa, especially Angola...

Animals that are solitary are those which have minimal interaction with other members of their species. This is in comparison to gregarious animals which live in social groups, although the size of these groups can vary greatly. Living in groups allows animals to pool resources to find food and provide...

Albino dogs are not the same as white dogs; albinism is the result of genetics, as it is manifested when particular recessive alleles are passed down and the individual does not have the right amount of the enzyme tyrosinase, which is involved in the production of melanin. Consequently, albinism is a congenital...

The pet population in India is somewhere over 15 million in 2016. On an average, estimates hold that 600,000 pets are adopted each year; according to Euromonitor International, India has the fastest growing pet market in the world. Rising pet ownership rates have created massive demand for pet food and health...

Fish can be divided into two categories: Freshwater fish and saltwater fish. Freshwater fish live in habitats where water salinity is low, as is the case in rivers and lakes, while saltwater fish enjoy life in the ocean, lagoons and coral reefs, where the salinity is higher than 0.05%. No matter their...

The wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee) is considered an endangered animal. The current estimates of the remaining world population of this bovine species is under 4,000 with less than 2,500 mature specimens; there has been a population reduction of at least 50 percent over the past three generations. Each...

Animals are great as pets... Only some species, though. Wild animals live by their own rules, and some of them have evolved particular characteristics that make them extremely dangerous. India is known for its rich wildlife diversity and animal-friendly culture. However, from the deadly king cobra to the lethal...

Although it doesn't always seem like it, animals change their habits to adapt to new temperatures. We've all heard of animals who hibernate, but you may also notice domestic pets being less active when it's cold. This leads to questions like: Why does my cat sleep so much? Do cats sleep more in the winter?...

If you have a Pit Bull of any type, you will undoubtedly have heard that they are dangerous dogs that may attack anyone at any moment. In fact, it is very likely that your friends and family have been the first people to tell you such things; we at AnimalWised have encountered the same problems. If your...

Baja California is a state at the northwestern corner of Mexico. It's located in the peninsula of the same name, and it borders with the United States, more specifically with the states of Arizona and California. This Mexican state stands out thanks to its huge variety of marine wildlife at both sides of...

Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are not just one of the most beautiful animals in the world. They are also extremely interesting from a scientific perspective, as these bears live in the Arctic Circle and thus are adapted to survive in one of the most extreme climates in the world. Have you ever wondered...

Kamadhenu ( कामधेनु, Kāmadhenu in Sanskrit), also referred to as Surabhi (सुरभि, Surabhī in Sanskrit) is the mother of all cows, according to ancient Hindu scriptures. She is the cow of plenty who provides the owner whatever he seeks. Stories of ancient Indian mythology depict Kamadhenu as the mother...

No matter whether we are animal experts or not, just being in the presence of an animal makes us feel better and happier. This is because animals have a very special energy and - in most cases - they are tender and easy-going. Animals always make us laugh and smile, but many of us ask ourselves if it is...

If you thought buffalo and bison were the same animal, don't be too hard on yourself. Early American settlers called bison ‘bufello’ which in part led to misnomer to be perpetuated. In fact, many dictionaries still accept ‘buffalo’ in reference to American bison. However, true buffaloes are only found...

The Great Barrier Reef, located in the North-East of Australia, is home to one third of the World's Coral population, which means it has the largest coral reef system too. Due to the action of humans, many of the species that live in this natural wonder of the world are endangered, may it be due to hunting,...

Utah is a big but not very populated state in the western United States. Most of its 3 million inhabitants live near the capital, Salt Lake City, but its variety in landscapes and fauna are stunning. The geography of Utah is known for its diversity, as it is shaped by the Rocky Mountains, the arid...

Many people prefer not to adopt Pit Bull, Doberman or Rottweiler dogs, among other breeds, because of their inclusion in many "dangerous dogs" lists; in fact, countries like Spain have specific laws regarding these dogs, which are considered potentially dangerous. History brands these dog breeds severely....

Cats are cute animals, and if you're really fond of cats like us, you will know that despite their bad reputation, having one of these little beasts in our life, always provides us with happiness and countless moments of laughter and fun. With this said, cats are still independent and sometimes elusive...

Many Game of Thrones fans have enjoyed seeing the direwolves, a fictional species of giant wolves inspired by a real-life prehistoric species, the dire wolf or Canis dirus. If they are extinct, how do they appear on screen? If you are wondering whether the wolves from Game of Thrones are real or special...

Some religions worship particular animals; in some cases, these sacred animals become symbols of a particular quality or tradition valued by the religion in question. In many mythologies, gods have associated animals that act as their companions or messengers, or even take the form of animals themselves. Hinduism,...

When walking along any beach in your country, you can find countless sea shells and conches, each more beautiful than the last. Here we'll give you some very common examples, and then begin discussing more exotic specimens. You'll learn about the different types and see photos to help differentiate them. Keep...

Cats are interesting animals that sometimes do things we, as humans, don’t quite understand. Did you know that it’s a proven fact that cats like to sleep next to their carers? In fact, if a cat has a choice, they will choose to sleep on the feet of their companion. There are many reasons that may explain...