The Sierra Nevada red fox has been listed as endangered since 2021, and as of 2023, it may disappear from the Yosemite area without conservation efforts. These foxes are well-adapted to cold, high-elevation environments thanks to their thick coats. Like other red foxes, they have a white-tipped tail. For red foxes, mating occurs in winter,…

Mexican free-tailed bats are impressive aerial hunters—capable of flying up to 60 miles per hour on average! They feed on moths and other flying insects, playing a key role in natural pest control. Art by Allen Butler-Struben, Instagram & Twitter @BLIRTT. Fact by Nicole Rodrigues, Twitter @n3rodrigues [Edited by Nicole Rodrigues] Reference: Bat Conservation International….

Domestic cats and bears both belong to the order Carnivora. Bears have an incredible sense of smell — for instance, black bears may be able to detect scents from 1 to 2 miles away. This powerful ability helps them locate food across great distances. Cats, can rotate their ears 180 degrees to better detect prey….

Hummingbirds (family Trochilidae) are well known for their rapid flight and unique beaks that allow them to drink nectar from deep inside of flowers. A recent study showed that they will forage for nectar in the sun, even when temperatures are high and shade is available. Art by @misterkawaii_art [Edited by Isabelle McDonald] Reference: Lawrence,…

The heron is a large coastal bird, with 75 species distributed across the globe. Often remembered for their fondness for fishing, herons partake in “stand and wait” feeding, which is where they stand motionless in water, waiting for their prey to approach. Sometimes they will put their bill into the water and create a rapid…

The healthiest Blue-Footed Booby chicks are typically sired by fathers with brighter blue feet. Female bird’s are more attracted to male birds with bluer feet, and male birds seek out partners with similar traits. During the breeding season, both sexes display their feet to each other as part of courtship. The nest is usually built…

They are recognized as the smallest diving ducks in North America. Their diet includes aquatic invertebrates, crustaceans, and mollusks, which they capture and consume underwater. During the breeding season, these birds vigorously defend their territories by attacking intruders—either in flight or by swimming underwater—and striking at them with their wings. Art and fact by Cloude…

Market squid lay their eggs before the end of their lifespan, attaching them to the ocean floor. This anchoring exposes the eggs to ocean currents, facilitating gas exchange for the developing embryos. The embryos can tolerate stress caused by changes in oxygen concentration and pH. Art and fact by @Squidtoons [Edited by Nicole Rodrigues] Reference:…

Peregrine falcons are incredibly fast fliers, capable of reaching speeds of up to 112 km/h or 69 mph when chasing prey. Art and fact by Cloude Shao, Instagram @cloude_paint [Edited by Nicole Rodrigues] Reference: Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (n.d.). Peregrine Falcon. All About Birds. Retrieved January 3, 2025, from https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Peregrine_Falcon

Young male snowy owls have dark brown barring, which fades as they grow older, making them whiter over time. They live in the tundra, so their coloring helps them blend in while stalking prey. Art and fact by Cloude Shao, Instagram @cloude_paint [Edited by Nicole Rodrigues] Reference: Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (n.d.). Snowy owl. All…

Penguins exhibit what is called “bi-parental care,” which is where both parents cooperate to care for their babies. They will take turns watching over their nest, and one parent will leave to retrieve food or other resources. Once the chicks are a few weeks old, they will gather in groups called crèches. Art by @tsoooki…