Drew Wood
Author for A-Z Animals

Follow me on:

Drew Wood is a writer at A-Z Animals where his primary focus is on mammals, dinosaurs, and geography. Drew has worked in research and writing for over 20 years and holds a Doctorate in Religion, which he earned in 2009.

A resident of Nebraska, Drew enjoys Brazilian jiu-jitsu, reading, and caring for his four dogs.

7 Diseases Commonly Carried by Opossums

Opossums, or "'possums" as they are casually known, are the only marsupials that live in the United States and Canada, ranging as far south as Costa Rica. Depending on who… Read More

By Drew Wood 1 week ago

The 18 Oldest Colleges in the United States

As of 2023, there are now about 4,360 colleges and universities in the United States. A college is generally smaller and has a more limited curriculum than a university. It… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 weeks ago

What the Bible REALLY Says About Armageddon, and Has It Already Started?

"Armageddon" is the most frightening concept the mind can imagine: a global war so violent that it destroys the planet and brings human history to an end. Though it's a… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 weeks ago

The 27 Most Unique Places in Virginia That Should Be on Your Must-Visit List

"Virginia is for Lovers," according to the tourist advertising and bumper stickers. If you visit, you'll find out for yourself it lives up to its hype! As the first of… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 weeks ago

What Temperature is Too Cold for Hummingbirds?

When glimpsing a hummingbird, it's easy to mistake it for an insect. They're tiny and their wings beat rapidly like a dragonfly. This gives them the remarkable ability to hover… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 weeks ago

Coyotes in Michigan: Common Locations, Hunting Rules, and More

You might think of coyotes as wilderness predators roaming the mountains and forests of the Rocky Mountains. That's only part of the story. Today, these predators roam every state except… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 weeks ago

10 Natural Raccoon Predators: What Eats Raccoons?

Raccoons are one of the most successful species in North America. They range all the way from Canada to Panama and are found in all the lower 48 states. They've… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 weeks ago

The 18 Oldest Universities in the United States

A university is an institution of higher education that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, conducts research, and is usually organized into several colleges. The earliest universities in the country are… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 weeks ago

Aussiedoodle Lifespan: How Long Do These Cute Dogs Live?

What do you get when you mix an Australian shepherd and a poodle? An Aussiedoodle! Both breeds are popular pets. They are both low-maintenance, good with other dogs and children,… Read More

By Drew Wood 3 weeks ago

The Top 19 States that Produce the Most Corn in the U.S.

Corn is an edible grain first domesticated over 10,000 years ago in Mexico. Christopher Columbus introduced it to Europe, and it has gone on to become the most widely grown… Read More

By Drew Wood 3 weeks ago

Populations in These 6 Nebraska Counties Are Plummeting

Nebraska is a large state in land area: the 16th largest, in fact. But in population, it ranks way down at number 38. As many as half of Nebraskans live… Read More

By Drew Wood 3 weeks ago

Discover the 10 International Treasures That Are Denver’s Sister Cities

Many major U.S. cities have "sister city" arrangements with cities in other parts of the world. Denver, Colorado is no exception. It hosts consulates from 35 nations and has sister… Read More

By Drew Wood 4 weeks ago

5 Amazing Places to Raise a Family in Ohio

The Midwest has a family-friendly reputation, and that's especially true of Ohio. The state is a nice mix of urban, suburban, and rural. Even if you live in the most… Read More

By Drew Wood 4 weeks ago

8 Reasons Americans Should Think Twice Before Retiring in Portugal

These days more and more Americans are thinking about living, working, or retiring abroad. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, work-from-home career opportunities have expanded, setting workers free to live where they… Read More

By Drew Wood 4 weeks ago

25 Interesting and Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Nebraska

Millions of people have flown over Nebraska on cross-country flights or driven through the state at high speed on the interstate. But if that's all you know of this Great… Read More

By Drew Wood 4 weeks ago

Scottish Terrier Colors: Rarest to Most Common

Few dog breeds have as distinctive an appearance as the Scottish terrier. Short, solid dogs, they are usually groomed to have boxy mustached faces, perky trimmed ears and tails, and… Read More

By Drew Wood 1 month ago

Discover the 10 International Treasures That Are Indianapolis’ Sister Cities

Many cities around the world are involved in "sister city" agreements, which promote tourism, business, and neighborly international relations. In addition to making connections with well-known urban areas, sister-city agreements… Read More

By Drew Wood 1 month ago

How Wide Is Vermont? Total Distance from East to West

Vermont conjures up images of pristine traditional American villages with white-steepled churches, maple syrup, and covered bridges. It's a retreat where busy people in busy places might go for a… Read More

By Drew Wood 1 month ago

Discover the 7 Biggest Downsides of Spider Plants

Spider plants are some of the easiest and most forgiving houseplants for beginners. They will tolerate an insane level of neglect and bounce back quickly when you finally remember to… Read More

By Drew Wood 1 month ago

Coyotes in Massachusetts: Population, Common Locations, Hunting Rules, and More

Where would you expect to encounter a coyote? In the mountains of Idaho? In the deserts of New Mexico? Yes, but don't be surprised if you also spot one on… Read More

By Drew Wood 1 month ago

Discover the Biggest Diplodocus Ever Found

Every dinosaur started out small: 33 pounds or less, fresh out of the egg. At their adult size, hundreds of species were no bigger than a house pet or barnyard… Read More

By Drew Wood 1 month ago

The Top 7 Tallest Buildings in London

London, England is one of the legendary capital cities of the world. Rich in history, the city is a global center of finance and high technology. Its skyline includes some… Read More

By Drew Wood 1 month ago

8 of the Most Expensive Mountain Towns in Virginia to Buy a Second Home

Virginia is divided into three main geographic regions: the Appalachian Mountains in the West, the rolling foothills of the Piedmont in the center of the state, and the Tidewater, a… Read More

By Drew Wood 1 month ago

Simethicone Dosage Chart for Dogs: Uses, Risks, Side Effects, and More

Simethicone is an over-the-counter medication used to treat bloating, burping, flatulence, and pain caused by intestinal gas in dogs or cats. It can be a safe and effective treatment for… Read More

By Drew Wood 1 month ago

Discover the 68 Countries That End In A

How many countries can you name that end in the letter "A"? No unorganized or disputed territories like Antarctica or Western Sahara. And you can't name areas that are part… Read More

By Drew Wood 1 month ago

11 Reasons to Skip Buying a GPS Tracker for Your Dog

Have you ever struggled to get bags of groceries through the front door, only to have your little canine friend rocket out of the door between your legs? What if… Read More

By Drew Wood 1 month ago

Utah’s Population Has Grown Over 200% in 50 Years… 3 Reasons People Are Flocking There

Utah is a happening place! The state's population is growing like crazy. In 1970, only 1.06 million people lived there, but by 2020, that number had increased to 3.3 million… Read More

By Drew Wood 1 month ago

How Deep Is Virginia’s James River?

If you're not local to Virginia, you may not have heard of the James River, but if you are local, you can't avoid hearing about it! The entire 348-mile length… Read More

By Drew Wood 1 month ago

Discover the Largest Cities in Nebraska (By Population, Total Area, and Wealth)

Nebraska is one of the more sparsely populated states, but it has made outsized contributions to the national economy and culture. It's the third largest corn-producing state in the country… Read More

By Drew Wood 1 month ago

Coyotes in Georgia: Population, Common Locations, Hunting Rules, and More

If you think the coyote only lives in the depths of the wilderness, think again. In the past century, they have spread from their western range across the eastern and… Read More

By Drew Wood 1 month ago

How Tall Is Kentucky? Total Distance North to South

Kentucky is an intriguing state that bridges gaps between north and south, east and west. It has large cities, mountains, rivers, rolling farmland, and forests. Famous for its bourbon, horse… Read More

By Drew Wood 1 month ago

Alpaca Meat: Why Alpaca Meat is a Nutritious and Sustainable Protein Option

Alpacas are animals similar to llamas that are native to South America. For centuries they have been important to indigenous people as pack animals and a source of wool and… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

Discover the Biggest Dilophosaurus Ever Found

Movie buffs may remember the Dilophosaurus as the scary neck-frilled, poison-spitting dinosaur of the original Jurassic Park movie. The one you don't want to get locked in a jeep with… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

7 Sounds Raccoons Make and How to Interpret Each One

If you live in North America, you've likely encountered a raccoon. They range from Canada through Central America in the millions. What's more, they've now become an invasive species in… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

Discover the Poorest Town in Virginia

Virginia's economic development is a mixed bag. Its economy is the 13th largest of the states, and in population, it will surpass New Jersey and Michigan by 2040. However, the… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

Male vs. Female Airedale Terrier: 3 Key Differences

Airedale terriers have been called the "king of terriers," and it's easy to see why. They are certainly one of the most distinctive, regal-looking of all terriers. Originating in the… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

Discover 5 of the Countries and Regions Where Most Penguins Live

As a kid, you might remember seeing cartoons of Santa's house at the North Pole, maybe with a couple of polar bears lounging in the background and a few penguins… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

Discover the 4 Countries Where the Most Rhinos Live

What animal is easily sunburned and has nose hair worth half a million dollars? That would be the rhinoceros. Even though their 2-inch-thick skin can stop low-caliber bullets, it burns… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

Rhino Lifespan: How Long Do These Huge Creatures Live?

They've been playfully called "unicorns in battle armor," but rhinoceroses are no joke! They have the mass and speed of a small car: weighing a ton and running at over… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

Easter Egger Chicken Lifespan: How Long Do Easter Egger Chickens Live?

If you've never heard of an Easter egger chicken, you're in for a treat. These remarkable birds lay gorgeous bluish-green eggs, just as if they've been pre-dyed for an Easter… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

Male vs. Female Chimpanzees: 15 Key Differences

Of all the great apes, the closest evolutionary relatives of human beings are the chimpanzees. Believe it or not, they share an astounding 98.8 percent of their DNA with humans!… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

How Deep Is Delaware Bay?

Delaware Bay is one of the largest ocean inlets on the East Coast of the United States. Lying between Delaware and New Jersey, it is an estuary of the Delaware… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

Discover the Poorest Town in Illinois

Illinois is a state of wide income disparity. You can see this not only by comparing the gleaming towers of Chicago's "Gold Coast" with its urban ghettos but also in… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

5 Safety Tips to Clean Your Gutters and Avoid Disaster

Gutters are a humble but essential part of your home's defense against the elements. They prevent damage to your exterior walls, foundation, and landscaping. To keep them functioning, though, they… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

How to Grow a Rainbow Eucalyptus – Your Very Own “Graffiti Tree”

Your first reaction to seeing a rainbow eucalyptus tree might be outrage: "How could some kids paint all over the trunk of that beautiful tree!" But look a little closer… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

6 Reasons, Plus One, to Avoid Planting a Pine Tree

Pine trees are one of the most commercially important species of tree in the world. They are milled for lumber and paper products, turpentine, various resins, and wood oils. Some… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

Residents Are Fleeing These 8 Fastest-Shrinking Counties in Virginia

Virginia was the site of the first permanent English settlement in the New World, at Jamestown in 1607. In the 416 years since then, it has experienced colonization, revolution, statehood,… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

What Is the Purpose of Bull Nose Rings?

In recent years, nose rings have grown in popularity as an edgy fashion statement. But piercing the nose to insert a ring is a practice that has been used in… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

Discover 8 Smells Iguanas Absolutely Hate and Keep Them Out of Your Yard

Key Points Iguanas are indigenous to South and Central America but are popular as pets and are an invasive species in Florida and Hawaii. They damage landscaping and valuable infrastructure… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

15 Glacier National Park Facts That Will Blow Your Mind

Montana is one of the few states where you can see glaciers up close, but unfortunately, not for long. Due to above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation over the past century,… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago