Exploration is one of man’s biggest feats. The ability to journey across known and unknown geographical locations, documenting wildlife and the terrain as a whole is something most people find thrilling. Nature has some of the most breathtaking views. Exploring nature is something that brings about serenity and tranquility. The southern USA is home to a variety of unique wildlife. From wild plants to animals, the South is home to various types of wildlife. Here is a cross-section of the fascinating wildlife that you might come across while exploring the South.
Armadillo
Armadillos are little armored mammals with a leathery armored shell covering their bodies. They have long claws that they use when digging for food. They feed mainly on grubs, small vertebrates, and insects, while some species consume only ants and termites.
Raccoon
Raccoons are the largest member of the procyonidae family. Raccoons have grey fur that is dense enough to protect them from the cold. Three other distinct features make them easily recognizable. They have a black facial mask, dexterous front paws, and a cute lemur-like ringed tail. Raccoons happen to be among the most intelligent critters on the planet. Raccoons are omnivores and one of the common nocturnal creatures in the South.
Opossum
These small-size marsupials come from South America. Opossums are omnivores and will eat anything they can digest. When threatened, they mimic the appearance and smell of a sick or dead animal, making their predators lose interest in them. It is worth mentioning that this action is completely involuntary, like fainting, and it can take between a few minutes to over four hours for them to regain consciousness.
Beaver
Beavers are nocturnal, semi-aquatic rodents and medium-sized herbivores. They consume plants, shoots, and tree barks with their large front teeth. Beavers, like platypuses, have a paddle-like tail that they use to swim. They are busy animals, burrowing in river banks and building dams over water bodies. Beavers also build dome-like lodges in the middle of water bodies, which are only accessible through underwater entrances. These lodges provide shelter for their relatives. This engineering masterpiece is something you need to look out for when journeying through the South.
White-tailed Deer
These deer species are extremely beautiful. Their name originates from the distinct white tail. They raise their tail when they perceive danger, signaling to other deer. Scientists define this as flagging. Male white-tailed deer compete with other males for mating rights. The stronger the male, the more dominant they become. Females can give birth to 3 fawns as they reach sexual maturity at 18 months old.
Coyote
These mammals are close cousins to wolves. Although wolves are larger, coyotes have a larger skull, and their ears are slightly longer. Coyotes and golden jackals are similar, making it difficult to differentiate them. The observable difference between them is the coyote’s aggression. They are carnivorous mammals, feeding on rodents, amphibians, fish, birds, smaller mammals, and even invertebrates. They are indeed one of the South’s most efficient hunters. Can you spot a coyote if you see one? Journey to the southern United States to find out!
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