Animal fun facts

Many of us may remember Tarzan from the 1999 Disney animated feature, but the origins of the character began some 87 years prior. This was due to the publication of Tarzan of the Apes, a novel written by Edgar Rice Burroughs which provides the first appearance of the character Tarzan. During the years...

Have you ever wondered how a crab sheds its tough outer shell? This fascinating process, called molting, is essential for crustaceans like crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. It's essentially a growth strategy where the animal sheds its old, rigid outer covering to make way for a new, larger one. This AnimalWised...

Eels are fish making up the order Anguilliformes, a type of ray-finned fish that are known for their long bodies. Despite all eel species having certain similarities, they are a very diverse order of fish. While most eels live in marine ecosystems, some species move between marine and freshwater environments....

Mice, those tiny, quick critters, can become unwelcome house guests. While they might seem harmless at first glance, a mouse infestation in your home can quickly turn into a big problem. These furry intruders can cause damage by gnawing on wires and furniture, and worse, they can also pose health risks...

Spain is a country which is known for its sunny beaches, beautiful mountain ranges and Mediterranean climate. However, the climactic diversity of the country is great. With regional climates and seasonal variations, the flora and fauna of this country are equally diverse. While we may not think of Spain...

Honey, a natural sweetener treasured by humans for millennia, is more than just a delicious alternative to refined sugars. This golden liquid boasts a variety of colors and flavors, each reflecting the unique floral sources visited by the bees. But the story of honey goes far deeper than its taste. It's...

Many people give dragonflies a wide berth, fearing their impressive size and those giant, watchful eyes. These ancient insects, dating back millions of years, are renowned for their agility in the air and their important role in controlling insect populations. However, for many, their shimmering wings...

Despite their majestic presence in the ocean depths, whales share a surprising secret, they're warm-blooded mammals, just like us. They breathe air, give birth to live young, and nurture them with milk. This lineage takes an even more fascinating turn when we discover their ancestry. Millions of years ago,...

Grasshoppers are members of the order Orthoptera, the order which also contains crickets. The name of this order translates as ‘straight wings’, referencing the wing anatomy of this insect species. While their taxonomic name references flight, their common name points toward their other defining ability,...

Dragonflies and damselflies are common sights near freshwater, often mistaken for each other. Despite their shared habitat, these insects belong to distinct suborders within the Odonata family. Millions of years of evolution have shaped them into unique creatures with distinct characteristics. This AnimalWised...

Cacomistles (Bassariscus sumichrasti) are animals that belong to the Procyonidae family, a family of animals that also contains kinkajous, coatis and the raccoon. This latter animal is the most widely distributed procyonid in the world, but the cacomistle is much less known. This is partly due to its much...

Cat breeds with big ears can be some of the most expressive felines we can adopt into our family. The ears themselves can stand up on end in alertness, settle down when relaxed and are an important way to communicate with other cats, animals and even humans. Each breed has certain features which distinguish...

Have you ever watched your feline friend meticulously bury their feces in the litter box? This seemingly strange behavior is actually a deeply ingrained instinct with several reasons behind it. Understanding your cat's natural tendencies is key to building a strong bond and creating a harmonious home for...

Beavers have some of the most interesting morphological features of all mammals. There are two beaver species of the genus Castor, the North American beaver (Castor canadensis) and the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber). Although they vary slightly in size and other features, they are very similar. While...

New Zealand and Australia are often confused with each other, with some thinking them as being interchangeable. Despite similarities in location and culture, they have very stark differences in terms of geography and biodiversity. Australia is associated with some very dangerous animals, with many people...

Raccoons are medium-sized mammals native to North and South America, easily recognized by their distinctive black facial mask and bushy, ringed tail. They are known for their intelligence, adaptability, and mischievous reputation. The exact number of raccoon species depends on classification. Some recognize...

Mosquitoes are some of the most common and widespread insects on Earth. We encounter them flitting around gardens and sneaking into our homes, often associating them with sleepless nights due to their nocturnal activity. However, mosquitoes also exhibit periods of rest. Does this downtime translate to...

Skunks are a group of carnivorous animals that belong to the family Mephitidae. They were once considered part of the Mustelidae family, the family that currently contains weasels, martens, badgers and other mammals. Although they share certain characteristics, they have sufficient differences to warrant...

Belonging to the order Diptera, this incredibly diverse group encompasses a vast array of species, from the familiar housefly to the bizarre botfly. But what allows these insects to thrive in such a wide range of environments? The key lies in their fascinating anatomy. Their bodies are segmented into...

Few animals have had as complex a relationship with humans as cats. It is believed the domestication of cats began around 9,000 years ago, but the actual date is difficult to determine due to the limits of historical and archaeological evidence. We do know they were revered in antiquity as incarnations...

If you are thinking of blue animals in nature, certain birds, insects or even reptiles might spring to mind. However, not everything is as it seems. Many blue animals only appear blue to the human eye, but this is due to the dispersion of light. It's a similar trick of the eye which makes the oceans appear...

The cacomistle, also known as the ringtail, is a fascinating mammal native to Central and North America. Its name originates from the Aztec language, where it translates to "half-cat" or "mountain lion," depending on the source. They are easily recognizable by their raccoon-like face and bushy tails...

Otters are mustelid animals that are known for their mischievous behavior and adorable little faces. With their incredibly dexterous paws, they are able to carry out behaviors which show them to be intelligent and well adapted to their semi-aquatic environment. Despite their undoubted cuteness, it is important...

The birth of young animals is an amazing sight, providing insight into the amazing adaptations that each species has to offer. To ensure that their progeny flourish in the wild, they engage in a complicated ballet of behavior and biology during their intriguing reproductive trip. This AnimalWised article...

Have you ever watched your furry friend spin in circles before settling down for a nap? It's a common sight that often brings a smile, but have you ever wondered why they do it? This seemingly simple behavior holds a rich history rooted in instinct and serves several purposes beyond just getting comfortable....

These fascinating mammals have spent millions of years adapting to a life beneath the surface, becoming true champions of the dark, subterranean world. While most are familiar with their burrowing activities, some species even thrive in aquatic environments. Beyond their remarkable digging skills, moles...

Sheep (Ovis aries) have played a significant role in human civilization for millennia, and their importance continues today. They have provided us with food (meat, milk), clothing (wool's natural insulation made it ideal), and even tools (crafted from hides and bones). Through selective breeding, a remarkable...

Ants are a family of insects known as Formicidae, themselves part of the order Hymenoptera. This order also includes bees and wasps, insects which are commonly known for their ability to sting. Ants share many similarities with other hymenopterans, including compound eyes and the presence of an ovipositor...

Stitch from Lilo & Stitch is a mischievous little creature with a serious curiosity streak. It is partly this curiosity which has endeared this animated Disney character to so many fans of any age, although particularly to millennials and gen Zers. While many of Disney's animated features up to this movie...

Have you ever witnessed your cat take a daring leap and land seemingly unscathed? It's no wonder the saying goes that "cats always land on their feet." But is this feline feat truly a magical superpower, or is there more to the story? This AnimalWised article dives deeper than the popular saying to explore...

With their slow movements and protective shells, turtles have captivated humans for centuries. These fascinating reptiles boast a rich history, being some of the oldest living creatures on Earth. While some turtle species call the land home, others have adapted to a life in the water. One of the greatest...

Those who share their lives with a dog understand the endless opportunities they provide for heartwarming photos. Whether armed with a professional DSLR or relying on a trusted smartphone, the temptation to capture their playful antics and tender moments is irresistible. However, unlike human models, dogs don't...

The marten is a type of mustelid within the family Mustelidae, a classification which also includes weasels, minks, ferrets, badgers, and otters, among other animals. Mustelids have a very wide distribution, with populations on almost every continent, with Antarctica being the most notable exception. Different...

The warm embrace of summer nights often brings with it a familiar sound – the chirping of crickets. These nocturnal insects are more than just nighttime serenaders; they're also masters of movement. Their strong hind legs allow them to cover impressive distances in a single leap, a feat that sparks curiosity...

A bird's plumage is one of their defining characteristics and vital to their survival in the wild. Ensuring they take care of their feathers means ensuring their health and well-being. A bird will puff up their feathers for many reasons, all related to maintaining their well-being in some way. This can...

The Chow Chow is an ancient dog breed originating from China. Its most striking features are its thick, double coat, which comes in various colors like red, black, and cream, and its unique blue or black tongue. This breed possesses an independent spirit and exhibits intelligence, though it can also...

Madagascar, a vibrant island bursting with biodiversity, boasts a staggering 90% of its animal and plant species found nowhere else on Earth! This unique ecosystem serves as the backdrop for DreamWorks' beloved film, "Madagascar" (2005). Among the quirky characters stealing the show is the flamboyant...

Insects of the Lampyridae family have various common names. Some know them as lightning bugs, others glowworms, and many as fireflies. These names refer to their ability to glow in the dark, a capability that occurs thanks to their bioluminescence, a phenomenon that has captured the imagination of anyone...

Hippopotamuses (Family Hippopotamidae) are semi-aquatic herbivorous mammals that inhabit the aquatic ecosystems of Africa. Known for their imposing size, robustness and territorial behavior, hippos are one of the largest and most powerful land mammals in the world. This should be of little surprise when we...

There are over 4,800 known frog species found worldwide in a variety of habitats, from rainforests to deserts. They come in a wide range of colors, sizes, and even have unique adaptations depending on their environment. Frogs undergo a remarkable metamorphosis during their life cycle. They start as...

Birds are a class of warm-blooded vertebrates with distinguishing features including feathers, wings, and beaks. They are renowned for their remarkable diversity, encompassing over 10,000 known species. This diversity is evident in their size, shape, coloration, behavior, and preferred habitats. However,...

With its sleek physique, pointed ears, and bushy tail, the cunning fox is a well-known figure in folklore and around the world. These adaptable canines flourish in various environments, ranging from icy tundras to sunny deserts. Nature, in its cleverness, has created a remarkable array of creatures that...

The human nose might not be the most powerful tool in our arsenal, but in the animal kingdom, scent is king. From tracking prey across vast distances to identifying potential mates, some creatures possess an olfactory superpower. The sense of smell in animals, also known as olfaction, is a powerful...

Chickens, despite being one of the common farm animals, have recently become more popular as pets. There are many reasons for this, not least the fact that cruel farming practices mean many chickens will have a better life in a domestic setting. However, since chickens being kept as a pet is a new idea...

Since childhood we have been taught that roosters crow in the morning as the sun rises. However, if you have pet chickens, you must've noticed that your rooster crows might also crow in other times of the day. In this AnimalWised article we will explain why roosters crow in the morning, as well as other...

Ladybugs are beautiful insects we often find flying around the garden. However, many of us don't know much about them. If you've been asking yourself questions such as, what do ladybugs eat or how long do they live for, you've come to the right place. In this AnimalWised article we're going to talk...

Have you ever watched your dog twitching paws or whimpering in their sleep? It's a common sight that leaves many wondering if dogs dream. The answer is yes! Dogs, like humans, experience sleep cycles that include periods of dreaming. Understanding our canine companions' dreams offers a fascinating glimpse...

While houseflies are a constant buzzing annoyance, their presence goes beyond disrupting your breakfast. Left unchecked, these pests can multiply rapidly and pose significant health risks. Houseflies act as carriers for various diseases and pathogens, including bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, as well...

Crickets are a group insects which have an almost global distribution. Exceptions include areas with extreme weather conditions such as the poles. With so many present in our world, it is unsurprising that the habitats of crickets often intersect with human settlements. Living in close proximity means...

Since they have the word ‘fish’ in their name, it is understandable some of us may wonder if a starfish is a vertebrate or invertebrate. Belonging to the phylum Echinodermata, these majestic animals are among the wonders of the ocean. Their distinct star shape and textured limbs make them a fascinating sight,...