Castration is a common feature in the world of domesticated animals. Most people are familiar with the process of castrating a family pet; however, it is also useful when raising… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
Kathryn Dueck is a writer at A-Z Animals where her primary focus is on wildlife, dogs, and geography. Kathryn holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical and Theological Studies, which she earned in 2023. In addition to volunteering at an animal shelter, Kathryn has worked for several months as a trainee dog groomer.
A resident of Manitoba, Canada, Kathryn loves playing with her dog, writing fiction, and hiking.
Castration is a common feature in the world of domesticated animals. Most people are familiar with the process of castrating a family pet; however, it is also useful when raising… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
The world is full of amazing birds from the flamboyant to the massive to the mind-blowingly fast. Though they differ in many ways, a number of these birds have one… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
Wild roses in Mississippi form an essential part of the state's rich flora. They also occasionally appear in cultivated gardens and arboretums. With its humid subtropical climate, Mississippi is well-suited… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
With its numerous lakes and rivers, Washington State is a great place to do some summer fishing. While casting their lines, keen-eyed fishermen might have the good fortune to spot… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
Ants make a nuisance of themselves all across Texas. Summer in Texas is a time for swimming, hiking, barbequing…and battling invasive ants. These six-legged insects from the family Formicidae make… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
Although there are 68 species of eagles worldwide, each one of them is remarkable in its own right. From the tiny to the bold to the iconic, these incredible birds… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
Pyrosome Summary Pyrosomes are colonial tunicates comprising hundreds or thousands of zooids. Being pelagic, they float freely with the currents in the open ocean, occasionally influencing their movement via their… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
Damselfish Summary Damselfish are any of approximately 420 species within the family Pomacentridae. They mainly inhabit the tropical and temperate waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. Despite being… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
Coconut Crab Summary The coconut crab is a species of hermit crab belonging to the genus Birgus. It occurs on islands throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans, making its home… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
A tree cricket is any one of over 300 species within the subfamily Oecanthinae. These insects occur on every continent except Antarctica and live on trees, shrubs, and herbs. Although… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
The rainbow grasshopper is currently the only species within the genus Dactylotum. It is endemic to North America, ranging from southern Canada to northern Mexico. Its arresting coloration consists of… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
The term "morpho butterfly" applies to any of 29 species and numerous subspecies within the genus Morpho. They inhabit the Neotropical regions of Mexico, Central America, and South America. These… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
Grunions are one of two species of edible marine fish within the genus Leuresthes. These species include the famous California grunion and the lesser-known Gulf grunion. They occur in Pacific… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
Chromodoris willani is a sea slug commonly known as Willan’s chromodoris. This marine gastropod inhabits the Indo-Pacific region along the coasts of several countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
The blue dragon sea slug is a shell-less marine gastropod mollusk remarkable for its vibrant blue coloration. It ranges throughout temperate and tropical areas of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
Bagworm Moth Caterpillar Summary Bagworm moth caterpillars are the larvae of bagworm moths, which belong to the family Psychidae. They weave silk cocoons for themselves after hatching, typically fortifying these… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
Beewolf wasps are insects belonging to the genus Philanthus. These efficient predators hunt and paralyze various species of bees to feed their newly-hatched larvae. However, as adults, they feed on… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
Jack Crevalle Summary The jack crevalle is a highly predatory species of marine fish belonging to the genus Caranx. It roams freely throughout the Atlantic Ocean, appearing along the coasts… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
Admiral Butterfly Summary Admiral butterflies are any of several species within the genera Limenitis and Vanessa. These insects are known for their flashy colors and patterns, some of which resemble… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
The blue tang is a species of surgeonfish mainly inhabiting the western Atlantic Ocean. This reef-associated fish tends to be elusive, keeping itself hidden from predators whenever possible. When necessary,… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
Summary The ocean perch (Sebastes alutus) is a commercially important fish in the North Pacific. It ranges along the Pacific coasts of the United States, Canada, Japan, and Russia. Distinguishing… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
Pompano Fish Summary Pompano fish are any 21 species of ray-finned fish within the genus Trachinotus. These fish inhabit warm coastal waters around the world with both commercial fisheries and… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
The quahog clam is an edible marine saltwater invertebrate found primarily along the Atlantic coast of North America. They prefer the shallow inland waters of bays and estuaries. A strong… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
Box Jellyfish Summary Box jellyfish are venomous invertebrates inhabiting the world’s warm coastal waters. The more venomous species tend to live in the Indo-Pacific region and northern Australia, though certain… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
The Atlantic cod is a historically important fish species that has sustained human populations near the North Atlantic for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Its flesh is mild and… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
The Republic of Senegal is a West African country abutting the Atlantic Ocean. Its rich cultural landscape is augmented by its breathtaking range of wildlife. In particular, the country boasts… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
New Jersey is a Mid-Atlantic state with a relatively small but thriving population of black bears. In recent decades, this population has expanded into every county. The state is also… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
Sweden may be famous for its cold weather and gorgeous scenery, but it's also home to several fascinating fish species. These species are notable for their brilliant colors, odd shapes,… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
Panama is a Central American country located between Costa Rica and Columbia. Perhaps its most famous feature, the Panama Canal, is a manmade waterway that links the Atlantic and Pacific… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
Vietnam is a region of rich biodiversity, ranking as the world’s 16th most biologically diverse country. It has over 50,000 species, many of them aquatic. A significant number of these… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
Located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea, Puerto Rico (and its associated islands) make up a small but biologically diverse area. Its northern coastline abuts the Atlantic Ocean, giving it access… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
The Philippines is an archipelago with over 7,000 islands showcasing an astounding array of wildlife. This includes thousands of species of marine and freshwater fish. The country’s natural wonders are… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
The swordfish is a highly migratory fish that occasionally appears along the coasts of Russia. Russia’s enormous landmass touches the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic oceans and numerous seas. It also… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
New Mexico is a southwestern state in the southern Rocky Mountains of the United States. Its mountainous and forested landscapes provide the ideal habitat for bears. As a result of… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
Situated on South America’s Pacific coast, Peru is rich in wildlife. Its privileged geographical position allows it to share in the vast diversity of the Amazon River and Amazon Rainforest.… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
Although Norway’s waters are teeming with cod, salmon, trout, and haddock, they also boast a few more exotic species. From sharks to lampreys to swordfish, these cold Atlantic waters hold… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
The waters near Turkey are home to a vast array of wildlife, including several exotic or commercially important fish species. These fascinating fish range from the seahorse to the swordfish,… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
Black bears have made a significant comeback in Tennessee after spending the better part of the twentieth century in decline. Due to dedicated conservation efforts, bear hunting has also returned… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
Until settlers arrived in the state, North Carolina teemed with black bears. Though their numbers decreased rapidly during the first half of the 20th century, their populations are currently enjoying… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
At one time, black bears may well have been common in the state of Texas. Unfortunately, overhunting and habitat loss during the 20th century drove the species to the point… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
Colorado is home to stunning natural wonders, not least of which is its healthy bear population. Over the years, hunters and wildlife officers have caught several impressive specimens. Read on… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
The Louisiana black bear gained nationwide recognition when President Teddy Roosevelt famously refused to shoot one tied to a tree during his 1902 hunt. The incident gave rise to the… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
It wasn’t so long ago that bear sightings in Connecticut were an incredibly rare occurrence. Today, the state has a healthy, thriving black bear population, which often comes into contact… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
Black bears are the most common bear species in North America, where they currently thrive despite historical setbacks. In Georgia, the practice of hunting these bulky mammals is alive and… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
Idaho is home to many miles of protected wilderness and breathtaking mountains, making it the perfect place to find an array of wildlife. Among its many species are grizzly bears,… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
Florida was once home to a flourishing population of bears that ranged throughout the state’s mainland and included coastal islands and large keys. After a period of setbacks following the… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
Utah is a gorgeous state known for its five national parks, the Mighty Five. These parks boast a vast array of wildlife, including a healthy number of bears. The state’s… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
The state of New York is perhaps most famous for its iconic, identically-named capital city. However, it also contains areas rich in natural beauty. Some of these areas have thriving… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
Kentucky is home to thriving populations of black bears, which form an essential part of its ecosystem. With ample opportunities to view and hunt these bulky omnivores, researchers and hunters… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago
Clearnose Skate Summary The clearnose skate (Raja eglanteria) is a small, flat-bodied fish inhabiting the western Atlantic Ocean. Alternate names for this species include brier skate and summer skate. Though… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 years ago