Skip to Content

Animals

Fox vs. Raccoon

A raccoon hugging the tree.

Both foxes and raccoons can be found in the wild and urban environments all over North America and other countries worldwide. I have often wondered what some of their similarities might be and how they might differ. It turns out there is lots of information on the topic, so what differences and similarities are there between foxes and raccoons?

Foxes are nocturnal, social creatures; fur color ranges from white, red, orange, and black to silver, with bushy tails. Raccoons are nocturnal, antisocial creatures with a mixture of brown, grey, and black fur, striped tail with mask-like markings around their eyes. Both animals are omnivorous.

Foxes and raccoons share some fundamental differences and some interesting similarities. There are many other aspects of these animals’ lives that might be just as interesting, so let’s take a closer look at foxes vs. raccoons.

Table of Contents

Fox vs. Raccoon: What are the Physical Differences?

A red fox looking at a distant.

Foxes have triangular snouts, flattened skulls, and fluffy tails. Their fur comes in many colors; for example, the Arctic fox is either white or blue morph, changing color with the seasons. The white morph is gray or brown in the summer months, turning white to match the snow in winter.

The blue morph is brown or dark grey all year long.

Red foxes are considered the most common fox, coming in many colors, including black, silver, and orange or a mixture of all three. Humans have also bred foxes to get the color variations they want in their fur, including white with black or grey streaks, red and black patches, and pink noses with peachy-white fur.

The raccoon’s most characteristic feature is their face mask, black fur covering their eyes. These markings have been hypothesized to help them see in … Read the rest of the story.

Read More about Fox vs. Raccoon
This is a close look at a kingsnake on a tree branch.

4 Different Types of Kingsnakes

This is a close look at a kingsnake on a tree branch.

Kingsnakes are some of the most gentle-natured and calm snakes in the world. They’re all non-venomous and subdue their prey via constriction. This is why they have been encouraged as one of the nicest pet snakes to own, even for newer snake owners. But exactly how many types of kingsnakes are there? And which ones make for the best pets?

Whether you’re looking to own one of these docile creatures or simply want to know more about them, this article is for you. Let’s dive right in and have a look at some of the different types of kingsnakes.

Table of Contents

1. Milk Snake

This is a small milk snake coiled on the ground.

Milk snakes are brightly colored and beautifully patterned nonvenomous New World snakes. Milk snakes are classified into 24 subspecies.

Milk snakes got their name from a folktale about a snake slithering into a barn and drinking the milk from nursing cows; however, this story has no basis in truth and is completely impossible because snakes do not possess lips and cannot absorb that much milk.

Appearance

Milk snakes vary in appearance and colors among the 24 subspecies, but they all have banded coloration. These bands might be white, red, or black in hue, and alternating bands of different colors are prevalent.

They might use white, yellow, or orange to separate the colored bands. The darker stripes have a black outline. The necks of many milk snakes have a light-colored Y or V form.

Milk snakes range in length from 14 to 69 inches. Central and South America are home to the world’s longest snakes. Milk snakes do not exceed 51 inches in length in the United States and Canada.

Milk snakes have smooth scales that are arranged in 19 to 23 rows. There is only one anal plate on these snakes. Males and females of milk snakes are sexually alike, meaning they reach the same length and … Read the rest of the story.

Read More about 4 Different Types of Kingsnakes

2 Types of Sunbeam Snakes

This is a close look at a sunbeam snake coiled up.

Sunbeam snakes are beautiful, but what makes them so intriguing?  Let’s find out why they are so sought after by reptile enthusiasts.

The Common Sunbeam snake and the Hainan Sunbeam snake are the two types of Sunbeam snakes. When Sunbeam snakes slither into the sun, their bodies shine iridescent, like a sunbeam; that’s why they are also called Iridescent Earth snakes.

Sunbeam snakes are fascinating pets; before you go out and get one, it is essential to do a little research about them.  In this article, we discuss everything you need to know about these snakes.

Table of Contents

Common Sunbeam Snakes – Xenopeltis unicolor

This is a Xenopeltis unicolor snake resting on the ground that has pebbles.

The common Sunbeam snake is not native to the United States.  It is found in Southeast Asia in countries like China, Laos, Singapore, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and some parts of Indonesia.

They belong to the more primitive group of snakes that include pythons and boas.  Sunbeam snakes have two lungs instead of one lung found in more modern species and do not have the pelvic girdle.

Their scales overlap with tiny ridges that run along the snake’s body length, reducing the friction that helps when they burrow under the ground.

Common Sunbeam snakes are slender and measure 3 feet long when fully grown that can weigh 2.2 lb.  It has a wedge-shaped head, robust body, rounded snout, and small eyes with a short tail.  Some records show Sunbeam snakes that grew four feet long. 

The wedge-shaped head of the Sunbeam snake helps them dig into the ground when making a burrow and is slightly thinner than their body.    

Their brown bodies glow iridescent rainbow colors when in sunlight.  When in the shade, the colors on the Sunbeam snake’s back appear black to dark purple.  Their scales have a blue, green, yellow, and red sheen when … Read the rest of the story.

Read More about 2 Types of Sunbeam Snakes

Fox vs. Eagle

Close-up of a fox wandering in the middle of the field.

I read somewhere that eagles are admired worldwide for their symbol of freedom and power and that the fox is just a timid animal! But how would we compare fox vs. eagle?

Foxes are mammals and nurture their young in dens. They are omnivores feeding off vegetation and meat and are nocturnal animals who hunt at night. Eagles are birds of prey and raise their chicks in nests. They are carnivores living off fish and meat and are diurnal who hunt in the day.

The fox and the eagle are two very different species but do we know more interesting facts about how they raise their young, where they live, how they hunt, and their physical features!

Table of Contents

What are the Physical Difference Between the Fox and the Eagle?

An eagle spreading its wings.

The Fox

Foxes are mammals that are small to medium in stature.  The ears are upright and triangular, and the snout is slightly upturned. 

Foxes have bushy tails, and their pelts are denser in winter, thinning out once a year when they molt.  The colors are red, brown, or black.  They walk on their toes and have partially retractable claws.

The Eagle

Eagles are powerful birds of prey with strong muscular legs, powerful talons, and large hooked beaks. The body of an eagle is light in weight, allowing easy takeoff action, and is strong enough to swoop down to grab its prey and, still in flight, carry it to its feeding ground.

Eagles are excellent fliers, and their wings are remarkable; made from keratin, they are wide and reach a wingspan of over 8 feet long.

The … Read the rest of the story.

Read More about Fox vs. Eagle
A coyote on a hunt for prey.

Coyotes: How Fast? How High Do They Jump?

A coyote wandering in the forest.

Ever wondered if you could outrun a coyote or if your fence is high enough that one couldn’t jump over it? These are questions I’ve often wondered about myself, so I decided to research the matter and found some interesting information! So, how fast can coyotes run, and how high can they jump?

A coyote can reach a maximum speed of 43mph; studies on injured or crippled coyotes recorded maximum speeds of 32mph. They have been recorded to jump distances of 14 feet and over obstacles 8 feet high. They are also known to be able to climb 14-foot fences using their back legs.

Coyotes are found in most states in Northern America, from Canada down to Central America, and have spread into urban areas. Due to this, humans come into contact with them more often as they go about their daily lives. Now that we know that coyotes can run pretty fast and get over high obstacles, it’s a good idea to take a more informative look at coyotes’ speed and jumping abilities.

Table of Contents

How Fast Can Coyotes Run and How High Can They Jump?

A coyote jumping in the field.

How fast a coyote can run will depend on the age, health, and physique of the animal in question, it will also depend on the situation at hand. Is the coyote being chased, or is it hunting?

Studies conducted in 1976 by BC Thompson showed that crippled coyotes could reach speeds of just under 32 mph.

The test subjects were three injured coyotes caught in steel traps and, as a result, could not use one of their feet. The studies included releasing the injured coyotes, singularly, into a fenced-off area and then chasing them on foot. They might have reached higher speeds if they were chased by a car.

Uninjured coyotes … Read the rest of the story.

Read More about Coyotes: How Fast? How High Do They Jump?

Coyote Packs: How Big? How Do They Function Together?

A pack of coyote sitting on rocks.

Coyotes live all across Northern America, up into Canada and down into Central America.

They are often seen wandering around singularly and in pairs. Hearing stories about coyotes and seeing them on TV has made me wonder about their pack-life. How big are coyote packs, and how do they function together?

Coyote packs are made up of an alpha male and female mated pair. The rest of the pack comprises close relatives, the alpha pair’s latest liter, numbering between 4 – 7 pups, and depending on the location, 3 – 4 other adults often encompassing individuals from previous litters. 

Knowing that coyote packs are made up of family members is just the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more information on how these pack members function together as a unit. Let’s delve deeper into the ins and outs of coyote packs.

Table of Contents

How are Coyote Packs Formed?

A couple of coyote in the middle of the forest.

Male and female coyote mated pairs are often monogamous, remaining together for many years. Once mated, the couple forms the basis of their pack, from where they produce their offspring, who in essence become the newest members of their pack. Mating season for coyotes is between January and March, and gestation lasts between 58 – 65 days, after which a female will bear between 4 -7 pups per litter.

During this time, the female coyote will make use of a den or underground burrow. In case of a flood, these dens are often found on a hillside with good drainage and a good vantage point to see any approaching danger. Females will dig a new burrow, use a previously dug burrow or take over other animals’ burrows, such as a badger hole.

The newest pack members are born blind and therefore stay in the den for up to 2 – 3 weeks before they venture outside to play and begin their life lessons. By weeks … Read the rest of the story.

Read More about Coyote Packs: How Big? How Do They Function Together?
This is a boa constrictor coiled at a corner of its habitat.

10 Different Types of Boa Constrictors

This is a boa constrictor coiled at a corner of its habitat.

In the world of snakes, Boas stand out from the crowd with their size and bulk, but the terminology used for these slithering giants can be somewhat confusing. While Boa is the scientific classification for several different families of snakes that kill by constricting their prey, Boa constrictors are their own specific species of Boa with various subspecies. In other words, a Boa constrictor is a type of Boa snake.

Boas are also not to be confused with Pythons. The main difference between these closely related snakes is reproduction, where Boas give birth to live young while Pythons lay eggs. Pythons are also referred to as old-world snakes being found across Asia, Africa, and Australia.

Boas can be found worldwide but are primarily concentrated in the Americas and therefore seen as new-world snakes.

There are currently ten types of Boa constrictors recognized in taxonomy; Amarai’s, Red-tailed, Northern, Tumbes Peru, Mexican, Dominican Clouded, Argentine, St Lucia, Orton’s, and the Pearl Island boa constrictor. Although similar, there are differences in appearance and adaptations across regions.

The differences and variations in these Boa constrictor subspecies are sometimes very subtle, but looking at their localities and unique physical markers will help you identify all the different Boa constrictors in your life.

Table of Contents

What is a Boa Constrictor?

This is a boa constrictor's head on a branch.

A boa constrictor is a large snake found from Central to South America and even on the Caribbean islands.

They are non-venomous snakes that kill by constricting their prey. For many years it was believed that the constriction was killed by suffocation, but new research has brought to light that the mechanism of death is … Read the rest of the story.

Read More about 10 Different Types of Boa Constrictors
These are a couple of foxes on a grass field.

12 Different Types of Foxes

These are a couple of foxes on a grass field.

Did you know how many types of foxes live all over the world?  If you want to know more about this diverse species, look no further here; we discuss everything about foxes.

Twelve fox species are called true foxes. They are Red fox, Fennec fox, Cape fox, Ruppel’s fox, Pale fox, Arctic fox, Tibetan sand fox, Blanford’s fox, Bengal fox, Corsac fox, Kitfox, and Swift fox. The most common fox species is the Red fox, with about forty-five subspecies recognized today.

Foxes are fascinating, intelligent, and playful animals.  Let’s find out more about the twelve true types of foxes and their different characteristics.

Table of Contents

The 12 True Types of Foxes

These are the twelve types of foxes considered true type species of foxes classified under the Vulpes genus.  They live worldwide and come in many different sizes, shapes, and coat colors and are all related.  About 45 subspecies of foxes have branched off from the Vulpes genus, but here we only discuss the twelve true fox species.

Vulpes Species:

  • Red fox – Vulpes vulpes  
  • Fennec fox – Vulpes zerda
  • Arctic fox – Vulpes lagopus 
  • Bengal fox – Vulpes bengalensis
  • Blandford’s fox – Vulpes cana  
  • Corsac fox – Vulpes corsac
  • Cape fox – Vulpes chama  
  • Tibetan fox – Vulpes ferrilata
  • Kit fox – Vulpes macrotis
  • Pale fox – Vulpes pallida
  • Rüppel’s fox – Vulpes rueppellii
  • Swift fox – Vulpes velox 

Red Fox

This is a red fox on a rocky terrain.

Red foxes are found worldwide in many different habitats, from grasslands, … Read the rest of the story.

Read More about 12 Different Types of Foxes

Squirrel vs Fox

Close-up of a squirrel eating nut.

Where there is a tree, there is a squirrel. Everybody adores these cute little creatures hopping around, hiding, and cracking nuts. What if a squirrel encounters a fox? Both are wild and furry. I bet it will be a worth-watching scene.

Squirrel is a small-sized rodent belonging to the Sciuridae family of animals. They have slender bodies with long bushy tails and large eyes. In contrast, foxes are members of the Canidae family. Their skulls are flat, and snouts are upturned. Bushy tails are a key feature of all foxes.

Squirrels and foxes belong to two distinct groups. However, it is quite interesting that they bear some very striking similarities and dissimilarities. Let us dig deep into the squirrel vs. fox debate.

Table of Contents

Squirrel vs. Fox: Similarities

Red fox showing its bushy tail.

1. Both have Long Bushy Tail

Squirrels and foxes both have very similar bushy tails, which serve various functions:

  • Balancing is the main purpose of a bushy tail. The long bushy tail helps balance squirrels and foxes when they jump from tree to tree.
  • It serves as a blanket in winter. Squirrels and foxes tend to curl their fluffy tails around their bodies to get some warmth in the cold weather.
  • They use their tails as protection from the enemies. When looked at from behind, a squirrel or a fox is completely hidden by the uprighted tail.

2. Both Are Omnivores

Squirrel with nut on its mouth.

Most of us already know that foxes are omnivores and assume squirrels to be nut-crackers only. In actuality, squirrels are omnivores, meaning they can feed on both plants and meat.

3. Both Are Wild Animals

We can neither domesticate a squirrel nor a fox. … Read the rest of the story.

Read More about Squirrel vs Fox

Squirrel vs. Chipmunk

A chipmunk holding a nut over a branch of tree surrounded with flowers.

Chipmunks and squirrels both belong to the Sciuridae family. Although these rodents are similar in appearance, there are several significant differences between them. They behave in similar ways to each other yet exhibit distinct traits and characteristics.

When comparing squirrels versus chipmunks, the one is often mistaken for the other; however, they are entirely different. Chipmunks have the same shape as squirrels, yet they are smaller with distinctive stripes down their backs and faces. Chipmunks don’t have a reputation for being a pest.

Although squirrels are considered a nuisance, they and chipmunks are fascinating creatures. Squirrels are intelligent and outmaneuver predators by running in zigzags. Chipmunks, although the smaller cousin, is equally intelligent.

Table of Contents

Squirrels vs Chipmunks

A chipmunk on a branch of tree eating a nut.

Although their body shape is essentially alike, squirrels are larger, longer, and heftier than chipmunks. Their coloring, patterns, and fur possess noteworthy differences. The primary features that identify a chipmunk are its diminutive form and its back and face stripes.

At an average weight of 1 – 5 ounces, chipmunks are the smallest member of the Sciuridae family. Squirrels and chipmunks are diurnal; they are mainly active at sunrise and before dusk, except flying squirrels that are nocturnal.

Chipmunks have pouches inside their cheeks that serve to store food while foraging. The big, swollen appearance of the full cheeks is not a reliable identifying feature, as some ground squirrels also have this trait. The size of a full pouch can expand to the size of the chipmunk.  

Chipmunks create tunnels that form a series of underground tunnels. The underground burrows are well concealed, with camouflaged entrances. The tunnels can extend 10 – 30 feet long. The nesting area is well maintained, lined with leaves, clean, and hoards food.   

Squirrels are especially bothersome to humans. They tend to dig up gardens for bulbs, shoots, and bite through wires. Chipmunks don’t have … Read the rest of the story.

Read More about Squirrel vs. Chipmunk
Bears in forest

9 Different Types of Bears

Bears in forest

Bears are unique animals that are often spotted in urban areas. They can range in size from four feet long and sixty pounds to eight feet long and over 1000 pounds. They can be found throughout North and South America, Asia, and Europe.

Except for mothers with cubs, bears are normally alone. They have short tails, non-retractable claws, and a keen sense of smell. There are many subspecies of bears, even though there are only eight main species.

Bears can live a maximum of 25 years in the wild and 50 years in captivity on average. The IUCN Red List lists six species as threatened or vulnerable, including the polar bear and the giant panda. Here are a few different types of bears.

1. Polar Bear

Polar bears spend a lot of their time on the sea ice of the Arctic Ocean, so much so that they are frequently regarded as marine mammals. However, if you consider them terrestrial animals, they would be the world’s largest land predators.

Polar bears have black skin beneath their clear guard hairs (which appears cream-colored or white to the naked eye), which can only be seen by gazing at their snout.

They are around eight feet long from nose to tail. Males are nearly twice as big as females. Male polar bears normally average over 1,700 pounds, while females weigh around 1,000 pounds.

Polar bears are protected from the cold by a water-repellent coat and a layer of fat. They hunt for ringed and bearded seals by diving and standing on ice floats. Their keen sense of smell helps them hunt more effectively. From a mile away, they can smell a seal coated in three feet of snow.

Brown bears gave way to polar bears millions of years ago. Polar bears, on the other hand, are now designated a threatened species. This is owing to the ongoing habitat loss brought on by climate change.

2. Grizzly Bear

Grizzly Bear

The grizzly bear is a brown bear subspecies found in North America. Grizzlies are brown in color, but their fur can appear … Read the rest of the story.

Read More about 9 Different Types of Bears

Fox vs Dog

A red fox standing on a snow covered stump.

Many of us are lucky to have one or more dogs as pets in our homes. We love them because they are all so cute, loyal, and loving. But we never heard of a fox being domesticated. Simply because it can not be.

Dogs have always been friendly with humans, just like a family member. In contrast, foxes are wild and tend to keep a distance from humans. Despite their physical resemblance, foxes and dogs have several other differences that mark their identity.

Foxes and Dogs belong to two different classes of the same family, Canidae of the Animal kingdom. These biological look-alike cousins have various distinct features. Foxes are naturally wild and shy. In comparison, dogs are tamed as pets and are known for their affectionate human companionship.

Imagine you bring a cute little puppy home as a pet, hoping it to become your most loyal future friend. But as he grows up, you come up with a whole new species, A FOX! Baby foxes and pups are generally very similar. Do not worry. Here is the finest debate on fox vs. dogs for all cool pet lovers out there.

Table of Contents

Physical Dissimilarities between Fox and Dog

A red fox cub walking on a grassy field.

The following points will help you figure out what it is, in fact, a fox or a dog.

Foxes Are Smaller than Dogs

Foxes and dogs may vary in size, but generally speaking, dogs have a higher height than foxes.

Difference In Snout

A dog’s snout is not that long as that of a fox. A fox’s snout is also much more pointed.

Bushy Tail

Foxes have a very bushy tail. Usually, … Read the rest of the story.

Read More about Fox vs Dog

4 Different Types of Mambas

This is an adult green mamba on the tree branch.

The Green and Black Mamba snakes are widely known and feared in Africa. Known for their toxic venom and ferocity, they are responsible for numerous human deaths.

Mambas are fast-moving venomous snakes of the genus Dendroaspis in the family Elapidae. Four main species are recognized; three are arboreal and green in color, whereas the black mamba, Dendroaspis polylepis, is largely terrestrial and brown or grey.

The four different types of mambas: the eastern green mamba, the western green mamba, Jameson’s mamba, and the black mamba, are all native to various regions in sub-Saharan Africa.

Table of Contents

1. The Eastern Green Mamba

This is a close look at an Eastern Green Mamba.

Classification

The eastern green mamba (genus Dendroaspis angusticeps), also known as the common green mamba, white-mouthed mamba, or East African mamba, is a moderate to highly venomous tree-dwelling snake. It was first discovered and observed by Scottish zoologist Andrew Smith in 1849, who first named it “Naja angusticeps.”

Physical Characteristics

The eastern green mamba is large, with a compressed slender body and a tapering tail with a long coffin-shaped head. In mature adults, the upper parts are a bright green (with occasional interspersed yellow scales), with the underbelly usually light yellowish green.

Juveniles are green-blue, becoming bright green when they reach around 75 cm (2ft 6 in) in length. They have medium-sized eyes with round pupils. The inside of the mouth is bluish-white or white, which gives it the “white-mouthed” nomenclature.

Adult males grow to a length of approximately 5.9 ft and females to 6.6 ft.

Range and habitat

The eastern green mamba is distributed across the coastlines of eastern … Read the rest of the story.

Read More about 4 Different Types of Mambas

38 Different Types of Coyotes

A solitary coyote howling on a large rock.

Coyotes are a tenacious animal found in every U.S. State aside from Hawaii. Adapted to urban living, coyotes have spread throughout Central America. The only thing holding them back from South America is the Darién Gap. So what types of coyotes are there?

Coyotes have 19 subspecies, with twelve in North America and seven in Central America. The largest coyotes live in the Southeastern part of the United States. There does appear to be a difference between urban and country coyotes too. Coydogs are rare; part coyote and part domesticated dog.

Coyotes appear to be here to stay. They are omnivores and not picky about their food. They also don’t fall prey to a lot of diseases.

So while 400,000 coyotes are killed every year, it’s counterproductive, as coyotes react by maturing faster and producing larger litters. Which type of coyote you are likely to encounter depends on where you live.

Table of Contents

What Are The 19 Subspecies Of Coyotes?

The Integrated Taxonomic Information System lists the 19 subspecies of coyotes as:

  • Canis latrans cagottis (Mexican)
  • Canis latrans clepticus (San Pedro Martir)            
  • Canis latrans dickeyi (Salvador)
  • Canis latrans frustror (Southeastern)
  • Canis latrans goldmani (Belize)
  • Canis latrans hondurensis (Honduras)
  • Canis latrans impavidus (Durango)
  • Canis latrans incolatus (Northern)                                           
  • Canis latrans jamesi (Tiburón Island)                                             
  • Canis latrans latrans (Plains )                                             
  • Canis latrans lestes (Mountain)
  • Canis latrans mearnsi (Mearns’)                                            
  • Canis
… Read the rest of the story.
Read More about 38 Different Types of Coyotes

Which Animals Eat Rabbits?

This is a bald eagle carrying a dead rabbit.

Wild and domesticated rabbits are found globally. These cute and cuddly lagomorphs have become entrenched in peoples’ minds as pets; however, their ecology goes much further than that. Rabbits often find themselves on the menu for many different species, but which animals, specifically, eat rabbits?

Rabbits are a common prey item for many bird, reptile, and mammal species. These include eagles and hawks, snakes and larger-sized lizards, large cat species, most dogs and their relatives, bears, and humans. The pet trade and zoos also use rabbits of various sizes to feed captive animals.

Rabbits have commonly eaten meat for many species, but how widespread are they as a food source? Are there any surprising species out there that eat rabbits? And why specifically are rabbits so popular as a menu item?

Table of Contents

… Read the rest of the story.
Read More about Which Animals Eat Rabbits?

Coyote vs. German Shepherd

This is a close look at a couple of German Shepherds at a winter landscape.

Coyotes are being spotted in many urban areas in North America and look very similar to German Shepherds.  So how do we know whether the animal walking down the street or into our backyard is a Coyote or a German Shepherd?  And do we need to be concerned if it is a Coyote? 

Despite their close resemblance, there are differences distinguishing German Shepherds from Coyotes.  Coyotes are smaller and sleeker, with longer, narrower snouts, wide-set pointed ears, and bushier tails carried low to the ground. German Shepherds are usually black and tan, colors that do not appear in Coyotes.

Both these animals belong in the same dog lineage or Canidae family, and both bear a resemblance to wolves.  The German Shepherd is considered the closest dog breed to the Coyote in appearance. It’s fascinating to explore how the domesticated German Shepherd differs from his wild cousin despite the similarities.

Table of Contents

Physical differences between Coyotes and German Shepherds

Appearance

This is a close look at a German Shepherd standing in a spring forest.

German Shepherds are large, strong dogs. Their bodies are long (between 22 and 26 inches) in proportion to their height, emphasizing their muscular build.   Their ears are erect and set high on their heads. The Coyote has a long, tapered snout, wide-set pointed ears, and yellow eyes. It has slender legs and small feet.

Size

This is a look at a brown coyote running on a dirt gravel road.

German Shepherds are larger than Coyotes. The average weight of a fully grown German Shepherd ranges from 50 to 90 pounds. By comparison, Coyotes have sleeker, leaner bodies. The Coyotes’ average weight is 15 to 50 pounds. Some people say they look like thin, hungry dogs.

Color

German Shepherds are usually black and tan. Other less common colorings are all-white, all-black, black and red, black and silver, gray, blue, and liver. Coyotes are usually silver, grayish-brown with reddish tinges behind the ears and around the face.  The Coyote’s belly is usually covered … Read the rest of the story.

Read More about Coyote vs. German Shepherd

Coyote vs. Wolf

This is a look at a lone coyote hunting on the snowy landscape.

Coyotes and wolves are close relatives (in the dog family), and there are many similarities between the two animals. It is hard to decide which animal it is that you see or hear; or, which animal’s tracks you are seeing. But they are very different. So how are they different?

Wolves and coyotes are different in size, in the sounds they make, their habits, their habitats, their diets, and even their attitude towards the human being! Wolves have only half the life expectancy of coyotes and a mortality rate of 60% among pups.

To be honest, I knew nothing of either of these two animals when I became interested in knowing more about them. And I was surprised to discover how truly fascinating – and very different – coyotes and wolves are!

Table of Contents

1. Coyote vs. Wolf: Physical Appearance

This is a close look at a gray and brown coyote.

The most obvious differences between coyotes and wolves are in their physical appearance.

To start with, coyotes are about half the size of wolves. They weigh about 25 to 45 pounds, while grey wolves typically weigh between 50 and 100 pounds. In addition to this, coyotes appear to be more nimble and streamlined.

Another way to tell the difference is to compare the muzzles, legs, feet, and ears. Coyotes have pointed muzzles, long and pointed ears, while their legs and feet are normal sizes – or a size that you would expect if you looked at the overall appearance.

This is a lone gray wolf standing.

Wolves, on the other hand, have squared muzzles, rounded and short ears, very long legs, and oversized feet.

Because of the difference in the size of their feet, the paw prints of coyotes are smaller than that of wolves. If the size of prints approaches the size of a human hand, wolves in all probability made it.

As for their fur, coyotes tend to be brown and pale yellow, while wolves fall … Read the rest of the story.

Read More about Coyote vs. Wolf

Which Animals Eat Their Young?

This is an adult and young prairie dog sharing their food with each other.

To humans, no act could be as horrific and unnatural as that of filial cannibalism. But what if the consumption of offspring was not born of malicious intent but rather a desperate act of survival, of ruthless pragmatism, and perhaps even an odd form of love?

Many species of animals exhibit filial cannibalism with or without infanticide. Inexperienced, stressed mothers are more likely to exhibit pathological cannibalism. Non-pathological filial cannibalism has been noted in many species, including rattlesnakes, wolf snails, seahorses, and squirrels.

The act of consuming one’s own young may seem counterintuitive to the survival of a species, but researchers have found that non-pathological filial cannibalism serves multiple evolutionary purposes.

Table of Contents

Sloth Bears

This is a mother sloth bear with her offspring riding on her back.

Where do wild sloth bears live: India

Sloth bears are gorgeous shaggy-coated bears, listed as being a vulnerable species. Typically, these bears dine on a diet of termites, ants and during the monsoon season, a variety of fruits and flowers are added to the bears’ diet.

The innocuous sloth bear is hardly the stuff of nightmares; however, cubs need to keep a wary eye on their moms!

Filial infanticide is relatively common amongst the sloth bear populations. First-time moms are particularly notorious for endangering their cubs, especially if the cubs are weak.

The most well-publicized account of infant cannibalism in sloth bears occurred in 2013 at the Smithsonian Washington Zoo. Khali, named after the Hindu Goddess of Destruction, gave birth to three cubs on 29 December 2013.

The first cub was sadly stillborn and immediately consumed by Khali. A week later, she killed her second cub and began neglecting her remaining baby. Zookeepers performed an autopsy on the second cub and found she had an intestinal parasite, which may have caused Khali to view the cub as weak and sickly.

The last little cub began to weaken, and fearing for her safety zookeepers, removed the cub for her safety. Eight zookeepers stepped in as foster moms for baby Remi. However, … Read the rest of the story.

Read More about Which Animals Eat Their Young?