St. Matthew Island is an uninhabited, remote area in Alaska, where very few mammals can survive. The island features freezing-cold conditions and is hundreds of miles away from the nearest… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 month ago
Erica is a writer at A-Z Animals where her primary focus is on history, food, and travel. Erica has over 3 years of experience as a content writer and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, which she earned in 2018.
A resident of Kansas City, Erica enjoys exploring her home town and traveling around the world to learn about different cultures and try new food.
St. Matthew Island is an uninhabited, remote area in Alaska, where very few mammals can survive. The island features freezing-cold conditions and is hundreds of miles away from the nearest… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 month ago
The cane corso is a breed of mastiff that originated in Italy. These large, muscular dogs have short, stiff coats and come in a variety of colors such as black,… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 4 months ago
Quick Answers: Hummingbird breeding season depends on the area they live in. It may begin as early as March in warmer climates or as late as July in colder climates.… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 6 months ago
Caucasian shepherds are a unique breed first used to guard livestock in the countries of the Caucasus region. Today they make wonderful companions. If you're looking to adopt a Caucasian shepherd,… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 11 months ago
Those living in the United States probably know that many large cities such as New York and L.A. struggle with rat infestation problems. However, rats aren't the only rodents in… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 11 months ago
Most vertebrae, including humans, have red blood thanks to the hemoglobin they use to transport oxygen throughout their system. However, not all animals use hemoglobin and some have blood that… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 11 months ago
Border collies are smart, affectionate animals that were originally bred as herding dogs along the Anglo-Scottish border. Today this breed retains its high energy, requiring a purpose and lots of… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 12 months ago
Budweiser's Clydesdale horses have been representing the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company for almost a century. These majestic horses have appeared in Super Bowl commercials and even toured across the country, making appearances… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 12 months ago
If you've seen adorable ducklings following around their mother, you're witnessing imprinting at work. Filial imprinting refers to a phenomenon in which a young animal prefers one object (typically a… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 12 months ago
Enoki and shiitake mushrooms are popular in many culinary dishes. Though fungi may be lumped into one group, these two mushrooms could not be more different. While enokis' long, delicate… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
Coca-Cola is perhaps the most popular soft drink in the world. The brand sells its products in more than 200 countries and territories and has appeared in movies and pop… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
As its name suggests, the Catahoula leopard dog is known for its distinctive coat patterns. These beautiful dogs have short fur and are well-muscled and agile. They were originally bred… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
Shar-pei are unique-looking dogs originally bred in southern China and used to guard property. These medium-sized dogs have deep wrinkles, broad muzzles, blue-ish tongues, and small eyes and ears. Shar-pei… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
Ireland is a beautiful country known for its history, natural beauty, and iconic landmarks. Many tourists travel far and wide to enjoy Ireland's breathtaking scenery and natural landscapes. So are… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
Snakes come in a variety of colors. Some are brown or tan to help them blend into their environment and move about undetected. Others are brightly colored to warn potential… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
German shorthaired pointers are medium-sized high-energy dogs with short dense coats. These pointer dogs were originally bred as hunting dogs. Today, they still make great hunting companions. GSPs have a… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
The United States gained independence on July 4, 1776. Since then, many enormous and sprawling cemeteries have popped up throughout the country. Some of these burial grounds are reserved for… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
Parasites may be small, but these little creatures tend to strike fear and disgust in the hearts of humans. Luckily for us, many parasites prefer to prey on cold-blooded animals.… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
Snow leopards are beautiful creatures perfectly adapted for cold climates and high altitudes. Their powerful bodies give them an advantage when hunting ibex, deer, and other mammals. Snow leopards' muscles… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
Brown trout are a prize game fish that make their home in fresh bodies of water. Though these fish are native to Eurasia, they are an invasive species that have… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
The state of Missouri is home to 49 species and subspecies of snakes. Most of Missouri's snakes are harmless. They even help out humans by eating pests such as insects… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
Missouri is the 21st largest state in terms of total land area. Its beautiful state parks, expansive lakes, and rolling hills make Missouri a prize spot for many landowners. Perhaps… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
Mice are some of the smallest mammals around, making them easy prey for a number of predators. Many animals love hunting and eating mice, and these little creatures make up… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
Tigers are at the top of the food chain thanks to their size, strength, and speed. These regal apex predators are quick on their feet despite their hefty size. Tigers… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
The immune system is an important part of the survival of any animal, including humans. Our immune systems help defend our bodies against infection and fight off harmful substances when… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
Millions of years ago enormous dinosaurs roamed the earth. The Brachiosaurus was a gentle giant that fed on plant matter. It stretched its long neck to reach leaves many feet… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
Hummingbirds are incredible little creatures that are more hardy than you might think. Like many species of bird, hummingbirds migrate to find better locations for building their nests and searching… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
Over the years many people throughout the world have grown accustomed to the time changes that occur each fall and spring. The practice of daylight saving time in the United… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
One of the first things visitors might wonder about Buzzards Bay is whether it is safe to swim in. This body of water is an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
Cows are one of the most useful farm animals around. These domestic creatures are valued for their meat and milk. They are grazers that are typically seen moving slowly across… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
Coyotes are known for their wily personality and resilient nature. These canines make their home throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada. They can survive extreme cold thanks to their… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
Back in the day when food was scarce, no part of an animal could go to waste. The best parts of an animal were reserved for wealthy and higher-class people,… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
Mushrooms come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Several species of mushroom are a bright, eye-catching orange, and a few of these varieties grow on trees. Many of… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
San Antonio, Texas is a wonderful place to live for a number of reasons. Its affordability, stable job market, and incredible food scene attract many people to San Antonio. Unfortunately,… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
If you live near an even somewhat forested area, odds are you've had a run-in with deer. If you like to keep a lovely garden, these deer may have even… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
Despite the sound of its name, the Giganotosaurus (Giganotosaurus carolinii) is not the biggest dinosaur that ever lived. This pre-historic creature has captured the attention of dinosaur enthusiasts, although it was… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
Wisconsin is one of the best states in the country for whitetail deer hunting. With millions of acres of forested land, there's no shortage of places for deer to roam,… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
Blue Cypress Lake is a freshwater lake in Indian River County, Florida. This scenic body of water gets its name from the bluish glow created on the surrounding cypress trees… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
Despite their prevalence in pop culture, the Stegosaurus was not a well-known or understood creature for quite some time. At first, scientists had to work with tiny bone fragments to… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
Lake Istokpoga is a freshwater lake located in Highlands County, Florida. Though this body of water is the fifth-largest lake in the state, it is quite shallow and only reaches… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
Triceratops (Triceratops horridus) are fascinating creatures that lived during the late Cretaceous Period. Their name literally translates to "three-horned face." These horns, along with their frill and parrot-like beak give triceratops their… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
Hibernation is probably the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about survival techniques to help animals get through the winter. In reality, fewer animals than you might think… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
A surprising new guest just made its way to the Chesapeake Bay area. The Potomac Riverkeeper Network recently confirmed that a manatee has been sited in the St. Mary’s River near… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
Ladybugs are small beetles that belong to the Coccinellidae family. They live almost everywhere in the world and go by other names, such as ladybirds. You've probably seen the classic… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
Lovebirds, a species of the genus Agapornis, get their name from their tendency to mate for life. These beautiful creatures are also known for their multi-colored feathers, but this wasn't… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
For quite some time the modern blue whale has been considered Earth's heaviest animal. Blue whales beat out even prehistoric creatures such as dinosaurs and woolly mammoths in their massive… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
You've probably been at a picnic or laying by the pool when a pesky wasp appeared. These creatures are known for their painful sting and tendency to become a nuisance… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
Skunks have the ability to spray a uniquely foul odor. While other mammals may release an unpleasant smell when threatened, none are as targeted or powerful as the skunk. It's… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
While shopping at the grocery store you've probably made several observations as you browse for chicken eggs. The colors consumers frequently see in the store are white or brown. Typically… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago
The highest point in North Dakota, known as White Butte, is home to a variety of fascinating animals. This location is a whopping 3,506 feet above sea level and is… Read More
By Erica Scassellati 1 year ago