Kellianne Matthews is a writer at A-Z Animals where her primary focus is on anthrozoology, conservation, human-animal relationships, and animal behavior. Kellianne has been writing and researching animals for over ten years and has decades of hands-on experience working with a variety of different animals. She holds a Master’s Degree from Brigham Young University, which she earned in 2017.
A resident of Utah, Kellianne enjoys creating, exploring and learning new things, analyzing movies, caring for animals, and playing with her cats.
The majestic appearance and gentle nature of sea turtles make them a favorite of divers and swimmers worldwide. These impressive animals effortlessly glide through ocean waters. Although they are cold-blooded… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
There’s nothing quite like seeing a the tip of a large shark fin skimming the surface of the water to send shivers down your spine. Great White Sharks in particular… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
Key Points Many of the snakes of Ancient Egypt still slither along the banks of the Nile River today, from the cobras of the pharaohs to small but deadly vipers.Snakes… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
Armadillos are distinctive and unique animals—they are the only mammal on earth with an armored shell! In fact, their name means “little armored one” in Spanish. These cute little creatures… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
When you think of a snake, you probably picture some type of elongated reptile. And, of course, this animal does not have legs, right? Let’s be honest, “no legs” is… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
Seahorses may look like mythological underwater horses, but these unique animals are actually fish! These magical creatures have adorably curly tails and unusual horse-shaped heads, as well as fascinating lives… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
What on earth is a Platypus? Even its name seems strange, though not nearly as strange as the animal it belongs to. When Europeans first heard the startling news of… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
Key Points There are 28 snake species that can be found in Ohio and three of these are venomous: the copperhead snake, eastern Massasauga rattlesnake, and timber rattlesnake. Both types… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
When you bring a dog into your life, one of the most important tasks is giving your new canine companion a name. We often like to choose names with meaning—a… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
Most people would agree that the great white shark belongs at the very top of the oceanic food chain. This is an apex predator that you most definitely do not… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
Many impressive and terrifying horned serpents and snakes slither through the stories and myths in ancient cultures. From the Native American horned serpent to the Celtic ram-horned snake, the Lagarfljót… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
Key Points Crayfish snakes have very glossy bodies, even though their scales are actually keeled or ridged. They are sometimes called “glossy swampsnakes.” While the average crayfish snake measures between… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
Key Points: There are 36 species of snakes in South Carolina - including six that are venomous. Timber rattlesnakes are protected by law in South Carolina. It is illegal to… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
Snakes have many different associations for many different people. The biblical story of a cunning serpent who tricked Eve in the Garden of Eden has inspired centuries of allegories and… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
The natural world is full of fascinating plants and animals covered in dazzling colors and astonishing designs, especially when it comes to snakes. Many desert snakes have neutral, sandy colors,… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
Snakes play a vital role in the ecosystems of Indiana as both predators and prey. They are an important source of food for many predators like weasels, birds of prey,… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
South Dakota is home to an abundance of natural beauty, wildlife, and all kinds of outdoor adventures. However, there are also many natural dangers here as well, like coyotes, bears,… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
Key Points Milk snakes have smooth, shiny scales with various patterns of red, black, and yellow or white. There is a ton of variation when it comes to the appearance… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
There are nearly 50 different species and subspecies of snakes living in Missouri! That many snakes living in one place may sound frightening, but snakes are actually one of the… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
Key Facts Michigan is home to 18 species of snakes. However, only one is venomous. The eastern massasauga rattlesnake in spite of being potentially dangerous is also reclusive. The pit… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
North Dakota is one of the least populous states in the United States, with large regions of natural wildlife areas. There are also many animals in North Dakota, from large… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
Key Points: The African rock python is another species of snake with a large head. It is a non-venomous constrictor that can grow up to 26 feet long and is… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
Montana has many nicknames that describe the state’s natural beauty, like “Big Sky Country”, the “Treasure State”, and the “Land of the Shining Mountains”. Visitors from all over the world… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
There are a lot of snakes in Mississippi—over 50 different species! In the southern regions of the state, you can see snakes all year long. In the northern regions, on… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
The fox snake is a type of rat snake found in North America. This snake’s common name has two possible origins. First, one of its scientific names, vulpinus, means “fox-like”.… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
Key Points The notorious “Sharkcano”, known as the Kavachi Volcano, is in the Solomon Islands. Kavachi's entire marine community appears to be accustomed to its acidic, blistering hot water and… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
The sidewinder rattlesnake is uniquely adapted to live in the hot and dry deserts of the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico. Like all snakes, sidewinders are cold-blooded and use… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
There are over 40 different species of snakes in Kansas, which means there’s a good chance you might encounter one if you like spending time outside. The most common snakes… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
Key Facts: Owing to the scarlet kingsnake’s close resemblance to the venomous coral snake, predators are likely to give it a wide berth. The scarlet kingsnake is smaller than its… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
Key Points: The California kingsnake has a sharp contrast of colored stripes, splotches, or rings. These kingsnakes can be either brown and red or black and white. Long-nosed snakes prefer… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
Typically, we think of water as clear and without any color. However, Mother Nature always has a few tricks up her sleeve. It turns out that water can come in… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
Corn snakes are colorful snakes native to the Southeastern United States. These snakes are a North American species of rat snake. In some areas, people call them “red rat snakes”… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
Key Points: Lemon sharks typically measure between 8-10 feet long, with the longest recorded being a whopping 12 feet long. They can weigh up to 500 lbs.Some lemon sharks play… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
The Eastern diamondback rattlesnake is a formidable predator with a large and powerful body. In fact, it is one of the largest rattlesnake species, and one of the heaviest venomous… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
The mud snake is a boldly colored nonvenomous snake endemic to the southeastern United States. These eye-catching snakes are secretive and rarely seen, digging deep burrows through the mud in… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
The Eastern indigo snake is one of the most incredible and beautiful snakes in the United States, with rows of lustrous black scales that shine iridescent in the sunlight. Not… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
Snakes are not generally the first thing that comes to mind when most people think of New York. Instead, they usually think of “The Big Apple,” skyscrapers, congested traffic, and… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
Key Points: There are five species of flying snakes: the golden tree snake, Moluccan flying snake, paradise tree snake, Sri Lankan flying snake, and banded flying snake. Predominantly found in… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
Yellow is the brightest color in the rainbow, and there are many snakes around the world that sport this beautifully brilliant color. Some snakes are solid yellow, while others have… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
If you struggle with arachnophobia, coming across a cane spider in Hawaii might turn your tropical vacation into a nightmare. However, despite their large size, extraordinary hunting skills, and speed,… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
Key Points: The blue-lipped sea krait is a sea snake with colorful stripes of bright blue and black. Its bite is very toxic, but it's a non-aggressive snake that usually… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
Illinois has a wide range of diverse wildlife, including 38 different species of snakes. Unfortunately, 11 of these snake species are threatened or endangered in Illinois, primarily due to habitat… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
Pablo Escobar, one of the most notorious and wealthiest criminals in history, left behind a very complicated legacy after his death. He was responsible for nearly 4,000 deaths and a… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
The hot and humid climate of Florida, combined with its thick and lush vegetation, make this state a paradise for snakes. Florida is home to 46 different species of snakes,… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
The color red can be both astoundingly beautiful as well as daring and dangerous. An animal with red coloring is often a warning to stay away. While some animals use… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
Key Points For most species of sharks, freshwater environments such as the Mississippi River are uninhabitable. Bull sharks are the only known type of shark to be equally comfortable in… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
As the light fades and dusk approaches outside the Kantemó Cave in Mexico, its inhabitants begin to stir. When darkness finally falls, hundreds of thousands of bats swarm through the… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
The Tyrannosaurus Rex is one of the greatest prehistoric terrors. It is so frightening and violent that it has become a fixed icon in the social imagination. It has even… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
Key Points The swamp territory of Louisiana is the perfect habitat for many snake species. Venomous and nonvenomous snakes live in Louisiana. Rattlesnakes in the state include the timber rattlesnake,… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
Key Points: The Entelodont, the largest prehistoric pig to inhabit North America in the Eocene Period, could grow up to the size of a Clydesdale horse, with a weight up… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 2 years ago
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure.
A-Z-Animals.com is Copyright © 2008 - 2024 A-Z Animals