cool animal pages

Crabs

Many people believe that the term "crab" refers to any crustacean with a flat shell and pinchers. However, many well-known "crabs" are not actually crabs at all, such as king crabs and hermit crabs, the latter often being kept as pets by small children. True crabs are visually distinguishable from other crustaceans by their number of legs; they have five pairs. Many people also envision crabs as walking sideways. While this is sometimes the case, crabs can in fact walk in any direction. Below are links to some cool crab merchandise:

Cartoon Crab Mug

Crab Mug

Crab-shaped bread from Boudin

Framed Blue Crab Print

Framed Watercolor Crab Print

Vintage Movie Poster

See ya later, Alligator

There are only two living species of alligators: the American Alligator and the Chinese Alligator. The United States and China are the only 2 countries on Earth that have wild alligators. In the U.S., alligators live mainly in Florida and Louisiana. In China, they live along the Yangtze River and are endangered. In sharp contrast to Chinese Alligators, it is estimated that there are over 1 million American Alligators in Florida alone. Alligators are cousins of the crocodile, and the U.S. is the only nation on Earth that has both alligators and crocodiles.

Cheetahs

The most well known fact about Cheetahs is that they are the world’s fastest land animal. They can reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour, enabled by their flexible spine, large heart and liver, wide nostrils, and increased lung capacity. When Cheetahs reach top speeds, only one foot touches the ground at a time. Some Cheetahs have a fur pattern mutation, in which the spots are larger and merged. Once thought to be a separate subspecies, these “King Cheetahs” have only been seen a few times in the wild, but have been bread in captivity. Unlike most big cats that can roar but not purr, Cheetahs can purr but not roar. Also unlike other big cats, Cheetahs hunt by speed rather than strength. They are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). Only about 12,000 Cheetahs remain in the wild today. Visit the Cheetah Conservation Fund to learn about how you can help protect Cheetahs. Then take a peek at these neat Cheetah items:

Eagle

Did you know that there are only two species of Eagles, the Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle, that inhabit North America? Eagles are birds of prey. They are very powerful, possessing both strong beaks and talons, and have very keen eyesight. Eagles are the national symbol of many nations. The Bald Eagle is the emblem of the United States, and the Golden Eagle can been seen on the flag of Mexico.

Golden Eagle Shop

Eagle Painting

Always Faithful Marines

Patriotic America Calling

Wings Over America Air Corps

Brown Bears

Brown bears include the sub-species of Grizzly bears, Kodiak bears, and Mexican Brown bears. These bears can weigh as much as 1500 pounds and have non-retractable claws that can grow to almost 6 inches! Despite being more than outfitted to hunt prey, Brown bears actually obtain about 75% of their food from plant sources. Brown bears, especially Grizzly bears here in the U.S., are often seen as a danger to humans. This is true in certain instances, but in fairness to the bears, it is primarily the loss of habitat that forces these bears to seek out food sources in human-populated areas. Bears are becoming more and more attracted to garbage bins and dumpsters, and when they are spotted frequenting a certain area, they are often captured and relocated to areas such as Yellowstone National Park in California, which houses an enormous reserve for bears. Due to the encroachment of humans into their habitat, Grizzlies are listed as threatened in the United States. The now-extinct California Grizzly can be seen on the state's flag.

Check out this cool Brown Bear shop:

Grizzly Bear Gifts

B is for Bear Mug

To find out more about Grizzlies and how you can help protect them and their habitat, visit the National Wildlife Federation

Turtles and Tortoises

What is the difference between turtles and tortoises? Well, the distinguishing characteristics vary from language to language. In American English, those species living in freshwater are called "turtles," those living in sea water are called "sea turtles," and those living on land are called "tortoises." Turtles are one of the oldest living reptiles, emerging over 200 million years ago. Turtles are most recognizable by their outer protective shell, in which they can "fold" their neck to escape danger. Another well-known characteristic of turtles is their slow pace, which is a cause of both their heavy shell and short, stubby, bent legs. Follow these neat turtle links below: