Drew Wood
Author for A-Z Animals

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Drew Wood is a writer at A-Z Animals focusing on mammals, geography, and world cultures. Drew has worked in research and writing for over 20 years and holds a Masters in Foreign Affairs (1992) and a Doctorate in Religion (2009). A resident of Nebraska, Drew enjoys Brazilian jiu-jitsu, movies, and being an emotional support human to four dogs.

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 7 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 7 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 7 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 7 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 7 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 7 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 7 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 7 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 7 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 7 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 7 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 7 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 7 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 7 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 7 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 7 months ago

What Is More Likely to Kill You: A Shark or Bees?

Of all the dangerous animals in the world, sharks are the only ones with their own theme music! Ever since the 1975 release of Jaws, we all fear that ominous… Read More

By Drew Wood 7 months ago

34 Sharks Found in the Red Sea – Is It Safe to Swim?

The Red Sea is popular with divers all over the world. Its warm waters make it a uniquely diverse marine ecosystem, with thousands of species of coral, fish, and yes,… Read More

By Drew Wood 7 months ago

The 210 Best Dachshund Names for Your Loveable Wiener Dog

Dachshunds are consistently one of the top 10 most popular dog breeds in the United States. It's easy to see why, with their long bodies, stubby little legs, and perky… Read More

By Drew Wood 7 months ago

10 Early Signs of a Termite Infestation in Your Ceiling

Nothing quite scares a homeowner as much as the word "termite." And for good reason: they cost American homeowners an estimated $5 billion every year. These little relatives of cockroaches… Read More

By Drew Wood 7 months ago

Discover Why Cheetahs Have Spots All Over Their Fur

Ask anyone to picture a cheetah and they likely describe a large, slim, super-fast cat covered in spots. Most people assume they are much like other big cats, such as… Read More

By Drew Wood 7 months ago

Cutest Dogs in the World: Boston Terrier vs. Dachshund

We're here today to answer one of the most important questions facing humanity: which species is cuter, the Boston terrier or the dachshund? Thousands of dog owners of both breeds… Read More

By Drew Wood 8 months ago

Discover 5 of the Oldest Cities in North Carolina

As one of the initial 13 British colonies in the New World, North Carolina has a history that predates the United States itself. Its oldest cities started when much of… Read More

By Drew Wood 8 months ago

Discover 5 of the Oldest Cities in New Jersey

One of New Jersey's nicknames is "the Garden State." This name made sense in the 18th and 19th centuries when the state was mainly rural. But if all you've ever… Read More

By Drew Wood 8 months ago

Discover 5 of the Oldest Cities in South Dakota

If you've ever driven I-90 across the southern part of South Dakota, you might be forgiven for thinking that no one at all lives in the state. You'll see mile… Read More

By Drew Wood 8 months ago

Discover the Top 10 Largest Wind Farms in Canada: Are Any Near You?

In many countries, developing wind power is an important part of an energy strategy intent on moving away from fossil fuels. In Canada, there's no lack of petroleum. It has… Read More

By Drew Wood 8 months ago

Cutest Dogs in the World: Chihuahua Vs. Pug

How can we possibly choose which dogs are the cutest, especially with adorable contenders like the Chihuahua and the pug? Maybe you think a quality like "cuteness" is purely subjective.… Read More

By Drew Wood 8 months ago

Discover 5 of the Oldest Cities in Wyoming

Wyoming is one of the last true frontiers in the United States. Rolling plains, soaring mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and iconic western wildlife draw hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.… Read More

By Drew Wood 8 months ago

Meet The Gigantic Beast That Weighed as Much as a House!

The largest land animal that ever lived was dreadnoughtus, a sauropod that weighed an astounding 54 tons. That's as much as a house! It's named for a type of early… Read More

By Drew Wood 8 months ago

Discover the Significance and Symbolism of Doves in the Bible

In today's world, the dove is a well-known symbol of peace, especially when it is depicted carrying an olive branch. Many cultures see this bird as a symbol of peace… Read More

By Drew Wood 8 months ago

How Exactly Did North Carolina Get Its Unique Shape?

Some North Carolinians like to say that their state is "a valley of humility between two mountains of conceit." This barbed anecdote refers to the distinct cultural differences between North… Read More

By Drew Wood 8 months ago

Discover the Significance and Symbolism of Locusts in the Bible

Locusts are large, easily caught insects that are a staple food source for many different species of fish, birds, animals, and even people. While locusts in small numbers are harmless,… Read More

By Drew Wood 8 months ago

Discover the Significance and Symbolism of Lions in the Bible

Usually, when we think of lions, Africa comes to mind. Considering that the range of lions is limited to Sub-Saharan Africa, that makes sense. But in ancient times, they covered… Read More

By Drew Wood 8 months ago

10 Beautiful Mountains in Tennessee

Tennessee is a beautiful state with diverse rural landscapes. The Mississippi River lowlands in the west transform into the Great Smoky Mountains in the east - the most-visited National Park… Read More

By Drew Wood 8 months ago

All About Intrusive Igneous Rocks (With Pictures)

Rocks are classified into three types: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. We briefly summarize the differences, then focus on intrusive igneous rocks. We cover the commercial uses of each type of… Read More

By Drew Wood 8 months ago

30 Types of Rock: How to Identify Each

There are over 5,000 known types of minerals. Just a few minerals make up most of the rocks we see, though: feldspars, amphiboles, quartz, olivine, garnet, micas, calcite, and pyroxenes.… Read More

By Drew Wood 8 months ago

Discover the Significance and Symbolism of Ants in the Bible

Aints in the Bible are often associated with poverty, wisdom, and a reminder to prepare for the future. Humans and ants have always had a bit of a love-hate relationship.… Read More

By Drew Wood 8 months ago

All About Extrusive Igneous Rocks (With Pictures)

If you've been collecting rocks for a while, you probably know they come in three categories: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Igneous rocks are the result of cooling molten magma (inside… Read More

By Drew Wood 8 months ago

10 of the Most Popular Short-Haired Dog Breeds

Short-haired dog breeds are popular with many owners because they are often low-maintenance and easier on allergies. However, this isn't always the case. Some short-haired breeds shed all over your… Read More

By Drew Wood 9 months ago

How Long is the Jordan River?

The Jordan River is not very large or deep, but it has great religious and historical significance. It was the historic eastern border of Israel/Palestine and forms the current border… Read More

By Drew Wood 9 months ago

Discover the 40 Snake Species in Illinois (4 are Venomous!)

If you like snakes, Illinois is a good place to go. With the notable exception of Chicago, much of the state is rural or forested and well-watered with streams and… Read More

By Drew Wood 9 months ago

Discover 4 Oceans and Seas Mentioned in the Bible

Most Bible stories take place in the Middle East, a region surrounded by oceans and seas. The central storyline concerns Israel, located on the Mediterranean seacoast. In ancient times, Israelites… Read More

By Drew Wood 9 months ago

Discover What the Bible Says About Dogs

People in the modern Western world deeply love their dogs. These animals bring tons of happiness. Pup owners treat their dogs like people, talking to them, sharing food with them,… Read More

By Drew Wood 9 months ago

Alaska’s 10 Best Birdwatching Spots This Summer

Birdwatching is a hobby that anyone with access to a park can enjoy. To see rare and larger species, though, you'll do well to visit some of the country's wilderness… Read More

By Drew Wood 9 months ago

Tree of Life: Meaning, Symbolism, and Significance

The Tree of Life is an iconic symbol found in religious folklore around the world. Typically, it has connections to ideas of fertility and eternal life. In mythology, it is… Read More

By Drew Wood 9 months ago

Colors in the Bible: Meaning, Symbolism, and Significance

Stories and images in the Bible have a rich scope of meaning below the surface that might not be evident to the casual reader. Colors in the Bible often point… Read More

By Drew Wood 9 months ago

Dreaming of Snow: Discover the Spiritual Meaning and Interpretation

Dreaming of snow often indicates that all is well, or something could be off. You may need to heal so you don't feel such emotional restrictions. All of us have… Read More

By Drew Wood 9 months ago

43 Countries That Still Have a Monarchy in 2024

If you think monarchies are obsolete, you may be surprised to learn otherwise. Of the 195 independent countries in the world, 43 still have monarchies today. In some cases, like… Read More

By Drew Wood 9 months ago

Discover What the Bible Says About the Euphrates River

Quick Answers The Euphrates River is the site of some of the greatest civilizations of the ancient world. This river is still vitally important to people in the region for… Read More

By Drew Wood 9 months ago

How Exactly Did Montana Get Its Unique Shape?

If you want to see what the United States looked like before it was thoroughly settled, farmed, and urbanized, Montana is a good place to go. Its name is Spanish… Read More

By Drew Wood 9 months ago

Drew Wood Author for A-Z Animals

Discover the Poorest Town in Virginia

Male vs. Female Airedale Terrier: 3 Key Differences

Discover 5 of the Countries and Regions Where Most Penguins Live

Discover the 4 Countries Where the Most Rhinos Live

Rhino Lifespan: How Long Do These Huge Creatures Live?

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

Male vs. Female Chimpanzees: 15 Key Differences

How Deep Is Delaware Bay?

Discover the Poorest Town in Illinois

5 Safety Tips to Clean Your Gutters and Avoid Disaster

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

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

Residents Are Fleeing These 8 Fastest-Shrinking Counties in Virginia

What Is the Purpose of Bull Nose Rings?

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

15 Glacier National Park Facts That Will Blow Your Mind

What Is More Likely to Kill You: A Shark or Bees?

34 Sharks Found in the Red Sea – Is It Safe to Swim?

The 210 Best Dachshund Names for Your Loveable Wiener Dog

10 Early Signs of a Termite Infestation in Your Ceiling

Discover Why Cheetahs Have Spots All Over Their Fur

Cutest Dogs in the World: Boston Terrier vs. Dachshund

Discover 5 of the Oldest Cities in North Carolina

Discover 5 of the Oldest Cities in New Jersey

Discover 5 of the Oldest Cities in South Dakota

Discover the Top 10 Largest Wind Farms in Canada: Are Any Near You?

Cutest Dogs in the World: Chihuahua Vs. Pug

Discover 5 of the Oldest Cities in Wyoming

Meet The Gigantic Beast That Weighed as Much as a House!

Discover the Significance and Symbolism of Doves in the Bible

How Exactly Did North Carolina Get Its Unique Shape?

Discover the Significance and Symbolism of Locusts in the Bible

Discover the Significance and Symbolism of Lions in the Bible

10 Beautiful Mountains in Tennessee

All About Intrusive Igneous Rocks (With Pictures)

30 Types of Rock: How to Identify Each

Discover the Significance and Symbolism of Ants in the Bible

All About Extrusive Igneous Rocks (With Pictures)

10 of the Most Popular Short-Haired Dog Breeds

How Long is the Jordan River?

Discover the 40 Snake Species in Illinois (4 are Venomous!)

Discover 4 Oceans and Seas Mentioned in the Bible

Discover What the Bible Says About Dogs

Alaska’s 10 Best Birdwatching Spots This Summer

Tree of Life: Meaning, Symbolism, and Significance

Colors in the Bible: Meaning, Symbolism, and Significance

Dreaming of Snow: Discover the Spiritual Meaning and Interpretation

43 Countries That Still Have a Monarchy in 2024

Discover What the Bible Says About the Euphrates River

How Exactly Did Montana Get Its Unique Shape?

Drew Wood
Author for A-Z Animals