Sun bears are named for the golden patches of fur on their chests, which some people say resemble a rising sun. While their tongues may be extra-big, sun bears are actually the smallest bear species.
Unauthorized use is prohibited. 1 / 4 1 / 4 Sun bears have tongues that are nearly
The kittens are born with their spots but have gray coats and blue eyes that turn
The kittens are born with their spots but have gray coats and blue eyes that turn
, gray wolfs are classified as endangered, but in most places, they are seen to have
, gray wolfs are classified as endangered, but in most places, they are seen to have
Fastest mammal on land, the cheetah can reach speeds of 60 or perhaps even 70 miles (97 or 113 kilometers) an hour over short distances. It usually chases its prey at only about half that speed, however. After a chase, a cheetah needs half an hour to catch its breath before it can eat. The cheetah’s excellent eyesight helps it find prey during the day. The cheetah is hard to see because its spotted coat blends with the tall, dry grass of the plains. Suddenly, the cheetah makes a lightning dash. It knocks its prey to the ground and then bites its throat. Once found throughout Asia and Africa, cheetahs today are racing toward extinction. Loss of habitat and declining numbers of their prey combine to threaten the future of these cats. Cheetahs live and hunt mainly in open grasslands and bushy areas in parts of Africa and the Middle East. Cheetahs eat small- to medium-size animals, such as hares, impalas, wildebeest calves, and gazelles. Because of their size, strength, and predatory skills, cheetahs are considered one of the “big cats.” Tigers, lions, leopards, jaguars, and cougars are also part of this grouping. Take the big cat quiz to see how much you know about these fierce felines. Then, just for fun, see which wild cat you’re most like with our personality quiz.
Unauthorized use is prohibited. 1 / 6 1 / 6 WET AND WILD: Cheetah moms have
Trudi Trueit has written more than a hundred books for young readers, both fiction and nonfiction. Her love of writing began in fourth grade when she wrote, directed, and starred in her first play. She went on to become a TV news reporter and weather forecaster, but she knew her calling was in writing. Trueit is a gifted storyteller for middle-grade audiences, and her fiction novels include The Sister Solution, Stealing Popular, and the Secrets of a Lab Rat series. Her expertise in nonfiction for kids comes through in books on history, weather, wildlife, and Earth science. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Trueit lives in Everett, Washington.
NAT GEO KIDS: Do you have a secret to developing characters?
From extra-fluffy fliers to chatty chirpers, these owls are utterly outstanding.
Scientists think barn owls, which live on all continents except Antarctica, might have
The sun sets over a quiet backyard garden. A red fox sneaks into the yard, its nose in the air, sniffing loudly—it smells something. It pads over to the bushes when a streak of brown flashes in the greenery. An eastern cottontail rabbit darts out of the bushes, zigging and zagging to throw the surprised fox off of its trail. The speedy rabbit zooms into the nearby woods, easily escaping the potential predator.
They have about 100 million scent receptors in their noses, which they twitch to
Caring people pass laws to help these canines expand their territory.
That meant the wolves didn’t have as much natural prey like bison and elk, so they
Young swans have fluffy gray feathers in their first winter.
Comeback critters See how animal species in trouble have come back from the brink
The animals have a set of curved teeth, which they use to eat coral, sponges, and
The animals have a set of curved teeth, which they use to eat coral, sponges, and
