Some animals have more iconic appearances than others — like poison dart frogs, zebras, and cheetahs. Another member of this infamous family: a raccoon. With a bandit-like black mask around… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 4 months ago
Katarina Betterton
Katarina is a writer at A-Z Animals where her primary focus is on dogs, travel, and unique aspects about towns, cities, and countries in the world. Katarina has been writing professionally for eight years. She secured two Bachelors degrees — in PR and Advertising — in 2017 from Rowan University and is currently working toward a Master's degree in creative writing. Katarina also volunteers for her local animal shelter and plans vacations across the globe for her friend group.
A resident of Ohio, Katarina enjoys writing fiction novels, gardening, and working to train her three dogs to speak using "talk" buttons.
Oh, Canada! The land of maple syrup, moose, and hockey. Did you know it’s also home to a litany of dangerous insects and spiders? While adventuring in Alberta or camping… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 4 months ago
The striking parakeet bird actually describes several different species of small parrots distinguished by their long tail feathers. In the United States, the word "parakeet" refers to Melopsittacus undulatus, or… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 4 months ago
The very mention of bed bugs can cause an itchy sensation to crawl over your skin and scalp. Bed bugs, also known by their scientific name Cimex lectularius, have a… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 4 months ago
Throughout the year, the International Union for Conservation of Nature curates a Red List of endangered animals for government, non-profits, and individuals to access. This evolving list updates several times… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 4 months ago
According to research from the Animals Journal, 41% of cat owners keep their pets solely indoors. Of those 41% of owners, the vast majority (85%) choose to keep their cats… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 5 months ago
The small but mighty French bulldog, or “Frenchie,” has become a favorite of many — so much so that it usurped the Labrador Retriever’s #1 spot since 1991 on the… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 6 months ago
The American pit bull terriers have long had a bad rap as aggressive, bad dogs when the truth is, they’re brimming with enthusiasm and zest for life. Thankfully, these dogs… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 6 months ago
Have you ever seen those pastel-colored, smiling amphibians and thought — “I need that as a pet?” You wouldn’t be alone! Over one million people in the world own axolotls.… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 6 months ago
Norse history, mythology, and culture are an exciting source of motivation for people today. The power, courage, and ruggedness of Vikings support the lifestyle of adventurous pet owners who are… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 6 months ago
Pet owners have an age-old rivalry: Dogs, or cats? Many owners have a strong opinion one way or the other, some have both animals, and still more have adopted one,… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 7 months ago
Corgis remain an incredibly popular dog breed across the world and in America. In fact, according to the American Kennel Club’s popular dog breeds of 2022 list, the Pembroke Welsh… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 7 months ago
Kentucky boasts an array of picturesque lakes that hold both aesthetic charm and ecological significance. These water bodies play a pivotal role in sustaining the delicate balance of the local… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 7 months ago
Did you know that even National Geographic has called the migration of sandhill cranes one of “North America’s greatest wildlife phenomena?” Sandhill cranes remain gorgeous, gentle creatures who carve out… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 12 months ago
If you live in America, you don’t need to travel abroad for stunning summit hiking. Instead, head over to the Empire State for an incredible view, a massive mountain, and… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 12 months ago
In the central part of the United States, the Mississippi River runs deep through the country. To support such a massive river and life source, the Mississippi River needs hardy… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 12 months ago
When it comes to adopting a dog with a calm attitude and a protective nature who loves to sit on the couch, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better breed… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 12 months ago
When it comes to mythology, ancient scholars, writers, and believers created dazzling creatures to include in their stories. Some of these creatures helped to describe parts of the world the… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 12 months ago
Greyhounds are beautiful, docile creatures with bushels of love to give and an incredible work ethic. When it comes to training a greyhound, owners should know several tips, tricks, and… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 12 months ago
Dogs are a man’s best friend — at least, that’s how the age-old saying goes. If you’ve owned a dog (or a pet in general), you know just how deep… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 12 months ago
Mythologies and literature across cultures and time periods recount the beautiful and terrifying power of half-human, half-animal women. Two of these beings — the harpy and the siren — often… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 1 year ago
Irish setters make wonderful companion dogs. As a member of the sporting group, these good-natured dogs are active and outgoing — the perfect combination for an adventure buddy, farm hand,… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 1 year ago
Cryptids are an interesting group of creatures: they’re studied by cryptozoologists and considered to be animals that exist somewhere on Earth despite little to no scientific evidence for their existence.… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 1 year ago
Of all the video games in the world, those with anthropomorphic main characters and sidekicks add an extra dose of fun and whimsy. Consider the Mario media franchise — most… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 1 year ago
When naming your dog — especially if it's a Korean Jindo — you want to choose a title that’s fitting for their personality, meaningful in some way to you, or… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 1 year ago
Adopting a new dog is an exciting time. Whether you’re set on adopting a basenji, already have one, or are conducting research on which dog is the best fit for… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 1 year ago
Did you know that humans have the biggest butt in the animal kingdom, according to our butt-to-body ratio? That’s right, a study several years ago conducted by the Institute of… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 1 year ago
Every dog owner knows the action — the itching, scratching, head shaking of their pup means that something is in their ear. Whether it’s an ear infection or just some… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 1 year ago
For the “muggle who lived” just dying to give their cat a cool, clever Harry Potter name, you have a lot of great choices. From Hermoine’s cat’s own name —… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 1 year ago
Long regarded as one of America’s most popular dog breeds, the Labrador retriever or “lab” has a sweet and gentle disposition when grown and a rambunctious, side-splitting personality as a… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 1 year ago
In the Guinness Book of World Records, only one mode of transportation can rank as the Fastest Boat in the World. What is that boat, though, and how fast can… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 1 year ago
The fluffy white or cream coat of a Samoyed with a curly, spitz-like tail enchants many potential dog owners — but the dog breed’s striking appearance isn’t the only consideration… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 1 year ago
Of the 100 or so species of crickets that live in the United States, some will make it into homes or apartments over others. Southern states especially tend to see… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 1 year ago
Giving birth is a natural step in the circle of life. Some mothers have it worse than others, though, with some massive babies. In the animal kingdom, six mammals produce… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 1 year ago
When it comes to insect fecundity, or the ability to produce offspring, a few insect species exist that can lay the absolute most number of offspring at a time. While… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 1 year ago
Praying mantises are an interesting insect often associated with stillness or luck in some cultures. While you may see a full-grown green praying mantis now and again in the fall,… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 1 year ago
When deciding on the best dog to adopt, owners should consider different factors like health, exercise needs, nutrition, affection level, protective nature, and more. Both golden retrievers and border collies… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 1 year ago
When traveling to a different country, it’s smart to know the flora and fauna you’ll encounter there. While the first thing many think of when they think of Jamaica is… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 1 year ago
Every dog in the world has its unique intricacies that make owning, training, and rearing it special. A whippet’s progression from puppy to adult, much like any other dog’s, is… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 1 year ago
Ants in your home are a nuisance no matter what species they are. Carpenter ants, however, bring both an annoying problem and potential structural damage to the inside of your… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 1 year ago
The borzoi breed has a long-standing regal reputation dotted with tragedy. The breed finds its origins in Russia — its name means fast in Russian. Beginning in the fifteenth century,… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 1 year ago
When it comes to parasites, some beneficial relationships seem unbalanced at first, but several of the most famous in nature are symbiotic in some way. Parasites aren’t always taking without… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 1 year ago
Religious texts stem from the natural world — no matter the theology, these religions remain rooted in Earth’s various lands, seas, and skies. When it comes to the most commonly… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 1 year ago
Christmas traditions and legends around the world vary from country to country. Some include stories of an evil accomplice looking for bad children, getting Kentucky Fried Chicken on Christmas Eve,… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 1 year ago
Pit bulls are solidly built, loving, and loyal dog breeds that will go to great lengths to protect their families. These breeds have the muscle to stand their ground and… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 1 year ago
Shiba Inus remain a generally healthy breed. They remain independent, happy-go-lucky pups with fox-like faces and a unique personality. At both birth and senior age, however, Shiba Inu dogs may… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 1 year ago
It’s one of every dog parent’s worst nightmares: your brand-new puppy wakes you up at 3:00 a.m. because they have to use the bathroom. You take them outside and instead… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 1 year ago
Many pet stores in America have betta fish in tanks; they’re one of the most popular pet fish genera. Did you know that over 70 species of betta fish exist?… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 1 year ago
If you’re looking to adopt an ancient dog breed with a sweet face and loyalty to spare, you may be looking for a Chinese shar-pei. The Chinese shar-pei (also referred… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 1 year ago
Scorpions — native creatures to deserts, rainforests, and grasslands across the world — have an interesting relationship with water. This arachnid, not unlike its spider and mite cousins, doesn’t use its… Read More
By Katarina Betterton 1 year ago
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