Key Points: Florida has a diverse ecosystem and many unique species of animals. Out of all the snake species of Florida, only six are venomous. There are many species of… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 15 hours ago
I'm a Wildlife Conservation Author and Journalist, raising awareness about conservation by teaching others about the amazing animals we share the planet with. I graduated from the University of Minnesota-Morris with a degree in Elementary Education and I am a former teacher. When I am not writing I love going to my kids' soccer games, watching movies, taking on DIY projects and running with our giant Labradoodle "Tango".
Key Points: Florida has a diverse ecosystem and many unique species of animals. Out of all the snake species of Florida, only six are venomous. There are many species of… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 15 hours ago
Key Points: 7,000-8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes each year in the United States, but only an average of 5 are fatal. Of the 6 most venomous snakes in… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 1 day ago
There are no snakes in Alaska, but California makes up for it! Of the 46 different kinds of snakes in California, nine of them are dangerously poisonous (venomous). What kind… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 5 days ago
Shepherd dogs are known by several names; sheepdogs, cattle dogs, and herding dogs. The American Kennel Club used to include all herding dogs in the Working Dog group, but in… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 2 weeks ago
Some dogs have a distinct pattern, like the Dalmatian, which has white with black spots. Others are all white, like the Maltese. Some dogs are tri-colored, meaning they have fur… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 4 weeks ago
If you were playing the original Trivial Pursuit game, the answer to “How many types of elephants are there?” would be two. But in 2000, scientists were able to analyze… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 1 month ago
Crocodiles are sometimes called "living fossils," looking much the same as they did millions of years ago. The first crocodiles were from the Triassic period about 240 million years ago.… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 1 month ago
Alligators are common in Florida lakes and on some golf courses. American crocodiles, on the other hand, are quite rare. There is an estimated 1.3-1.5 million alligators in Florida, but… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 1 month ago
An average living room is 16ft x 20ft, so if you were relaxing on your couch and saw a snake sprawled along the length of your wall, it might possibly… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 1 month ago
Quick Answer: No, crocodiles are not dinosaurs. Crocodiles evolved from reptiles that existed before dinosaurs. Both crocodiles and dinosaurs came from the crown group Archosaurs, which were reptiles that included… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 1 month ago
An 11-foot alligator caused a traffic jam just northeast of Orlando on April 27, 2022. Cars backed up as the alligator made its way across State Road 417. The Seminole… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 2 months ago
You’ve probably heard the term “Breeding like rabbits!” Well, that does not apply to elephants, at all. So, how long are elephants pregnant? Elephants have the longest pregnancies of all… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 2 months ago
“Don’t be a big baby!” Sounds like an insult, but in the case of baby elephants, it can actually be a compliment.The average (human) baby boy born in America weighs… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 2 months ago
You’ve probably seen the image of a cute cartoon elephant with his trunk stuck in a popcorn box full of peanuts! But if elephants were allowed at the movies would… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 2 months ago
The Mississippi River starts at the 1.8 square mile lake, Lake Itasca, in Minnesota. Flowing 2,350 miles south, it flows down through Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and empties into the Gulf… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 2 months ago
When we named elephants we gave a big clue as to where they live. The African elephant lives…in Africa. The Asian elephant? Yes, in Asia. But where in Africa and… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 2 months ago
Florida is home to alligators, crocodiles, gigantic invasive pythons, panthers, and some of the most shark-infested waters in the world. So it's no surprise people are curious just what are… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 2 months ago
Imagine stepping off the trail to take a photo of a unique wildflower when you suddenly feel a prick on your ankle. You look down to see the tail end… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 2 months ago
While different stereotypes go along with “cat people” vs. “dog people” (I’m sure a few just popped into your head), there are also stereotypes about cat personalities and dog personalities.… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 2 months ago
I love hugging my friend’s big fluffy Bernese mountain dog, but a snake? I’m not so sure. I know there are a few snakes that I would not want to… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 2 months ago
If you are out on a long hike or camping you're probably hoping you don’t run into any bears. For some hunters, it's the opposite and they purposely go out… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 2 months ago
If you come across a spider in your closet or while weeding your tomatoes you might wonder what kind of spider it is. Black widows are a well-known dangerous spider,… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 2 months ago
Water snakes live in lakes, rivers, and ponds and are non-venomous, but sea snakes are another story. Sea snakes live in the ocean and most are highly venomous! Sea snakes… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 2 months ago
In the past week, there have been more than 20 great white shark sightings off the coast of Cape Cod in Massachusetts. Researchers can track sharks that have been tagged… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 2 months ago
Watch out for Hawaiian rattlesnakes…wait, there are no snakes in Hawaii? Nice! Well, there are no native snakes in Hawaii. And owning snakes is actually illegal in Hawaii with a… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 3 months ago
“We should get a puppy!” is how the conversation often starts, frequently from wide-eyed kids wanting a furry friend. But when choosing a dog, how do you know which breed… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 3 months ago
Rhinos and Hippopotamus (Hippos) are similar-looking creatures, and both can be aggressive. You wouldn’t want to encounter either of them in the wild! But what if they met each other… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 3 months ago
More than 70% of the planet is covered by ocean waters! According to the National Geographic Society, “More than 80 percent of the ocean has never been mapped, explored, or… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 3 months ago
Monkeys are primates, like apes, gorillas, chimpanzees, and humans! Do monkeys live as long as humans? Are monkeys the same as apes and gorillas? Since primates have few predators do… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 4 months ago
Great White sharks are the third largest shark with some getting to be 23 feet long, but are they the fastest? How does a shark that big move so fast?… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 4 months ago
Costa Rica is known for the diversity of its rainforests. While much of the attention goes towards the unique animals that can be found, like Basilisk lizards, red-eyed tree frogs… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 1 year ago
Every spring West Virginia comes to life with sprigs of green buds on the trees, tulips popping up and by late May/early June roses are beginning to bloom. While some… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 1 year ago
Cane Corsos are sturdy muscular dogs that have a no-nonsense look. While they may initially look intimidating, they are affectionate pets that are cooperative and playful. From their early history… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 1 year ago
Even though Washington may have a reputation for being cloudy along the coast and quite frigid in the winter, there are a variety of beautiful roses that can grow (and… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 1 year ago
If you have ever toured the State Capitol in Little Rock you have seen the elaborate rose garden. There are more than 50 different varieties of roses in the State… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 1 year ago
If you want to spruce up your landscaping, expand your backyard garden, or brighten up your patio, try adding some roses. You may think that growing roses is too challenging… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 1 year ago
Missouri is located in the center of the U.S., with the Mighty Mississippi as its eastern border. Temperatures typically range between 26°F and 90°F so there is quite a variation.… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 1 year ago
Nebraska may be known as the “Cornhusker State” with its acres and acres of corn fields, but crops are not the only thing that grows well in the state. Flower… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 1 year ago
According to the American Kennel Club, the Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog in the United States for 31 years straight! Just this past year, 2022, did a… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 1 year ago
The Lasting Love is a hybrid rose that has blooms of a deep red-pink, resembling the rose shown here. Whether you come across wild roses while hiking along the coast… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 1 year ago
Bernese mountain dogs are considered to be "working dogs" by the American Kennel Club. These mighty pups are muscular and full-bodied dogs that have the build to be working dogs.… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 1 year ago
If you visit Hawaii, you are immediately greeted with a lei of gorgeous flowers: striking lavenders, brilliant pinks, or soft yellows. You may actually smell the fragrant flowers before seeing… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 1 year ago
Spring is in bloom, as they say, and with the shifting of the seasons, nature shifts into full gear. Late April into May is when the desert wildflowers start to… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 1 year ago
As the temperatures start to climb into the 50s and 60s, it is time to start uncovering your roses and prepping your garden for the upcoming season. While Wyoming can… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 1 year ago
Key Points If your birthday falls between May 21st and June 21st, you are under the zodiac sign of Gemini. Gemini folks are famous for being smart, outgoing, and charismatic… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 1 year ago
Key Points: Alligator gars are the largest among garfish species, with some individuals reaching lengths of over 8 feet and weighing nearly 300 pounds. Although they can reach a respectable… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 1 year ago
Whales are some of the most fascinating creatures on the planet. If you have ever seen one in person you understand the magnitude of these massive animals. Whale watchers travel… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 2 years ago
Snakehead fish are freshwater fish with elongated bodies and flat, scaly heads, which gives them a snake-like appearance. They have upturned mouths full of tiny teeth. On their back, they… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 2 years ago
If you absolutely love a pop of purple in your home aquarium, there are several amazing purple fish you can add to your setup. In addition to some brightly colored… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 2 years ago
In North America, periodic cicadas emerge from the soil on a 13- or 17-year cycle based on where they live. You may be familiar with the noisy “song” of the… Read More
By Cindy Rasmussen 2 years ago