Drew Wood
Author for A-Z Animals

Follow me on:

Drew Wood is a writer at A-Z Animals focusing on mammals, geography, and world cultures. Drew has worked in research and writing for over 20 years and holds a Masters in Foreign Affairs (1992) and a Doctorate in Religion (2009). A resident of Nebraska, Drew enjoys Brazilian jiu-jitsu, movies, and being an emotional support human to four dogs.

The Most Popular Dogs Around the World

Dogs are more popular in some parts of the world than others, and the preferred breeds differ by country as well. In some countries, dogs are more valued as pets,… Read More

By Drew Wood 30 mins ago

15 Countries With Active Separatist Movements

On average, since 1960, the world has gotten 2 new countries every year. Some of these have been through a peaceful process of decolonization, while others are the result of… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 days ago

41 Countries That Used to Be Communist (and 5 That Still Are)

At one time, it looked like communism might have a shot at taking over the world. Today—not so much. Of the nearly 50 countries that were once ruled by the… Read More

By Drew Wood 4 days ago

Check Out These 9 Islands That Have No Snakes

If you have ophidiophobia (a severe fear of snakes) even a harmless snake may send your heart racing. Yes, you know they keep down the population of disease-bearing vermin. But… Read More

By Drew Wood 7 days ago

32 Countries Where Hamsters Live in the Wild . . . Yes, Hamsters!

When you think of wild animals, hamsters are probably far from your mind. But, like all pets, they started out wild, and most still live in the wilderness. There are… Read More

By Drew Wood 4 weeks ago

Is It Illegal to Kill a Bald Eagle? Discover the Steep Price You’ll Pay

Bald eagles hold a special place in American culture as the national symbol. They are also a success story in wild animal conservation. Near the brink of extinction in the… Read More

By Drew Wood 1 month ago

Will The Earth’s Magnetic Poles Flip? What Will Happen When They Do?

You probably haven't thought much about the Earth's magnetic field. A lot of people aren't even aware we have one. But without it, the planet would be awash in radiation… Read More

By Drew Wood 1 month ago

What Are Mango Worms? Can You or Your Dog Get These Nightmarish Parasites?

Few creatures are as horror-inducing as flesh-eating maggots. Mango worms are particularly disturbing, as they burrow under the skin and grow, then burst out as large larvae. Any bird or… Read More

By Drew Wood 1 month ago

These Countries Were Once French Colonies . . . And Some Still Are

France was one of the most successful colonial powers in history. French cultural influence is profound in today's world, with 29 countries speaking French as their primary language and some… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

10 of the Best Animal Mothers in the World

The mothering instinct comes more naturally to some species than others. But the 10 animal mothers we're honoring today go well above and beyond to care for their babies. Which… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

The 10 Countries That Dislike the United States the Most

Does the rest of the world dislike the United States? Some do and some don't. And of course, the positions of foreign governments do not always match the sentiments of… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

13 Human Foods That Are Good for Your Dog

We've heard it all our lives: don't feed your dog human food. Instead, get a good veterinarian-recommended dog food with all the vitamins and nutrients your buddy needs. But if… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

Do Cats and Dogs Get Acne? How Do You Treat It?

Though most people find acne disgusting, it holds a strange fascination for a segment of the population. Dermatologists like Dr. Pimple Popper have become celebrities by posting acne removal videos… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

12 Animal Superpowers People Wish They Had

Who wouldn't want to have superpowers? The ability to fly, disappear, breathe underwater, or give a satisfying electric zap to our archenemy would be amazing! These powers and more are… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

66 Countries That Were Once British Colonies

English colonialists liked to say "The sun never sets on the British Empire." This was literally true by the early 20th century when British colonies spanned the globe. After World… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

8 of the Holiest Animals of the World’s Religions

Many cultures of the world have attached spiritual significance to certain animals. Some have even worshipped them or made sacrifices in their honor. Here are some of the holiest animals… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

Neptune is Not the Color You Think: Astronomers Reveal Photographic Error

What color are the planets of our solar system? Most images you've seen of them are color-enhanced to bring out specific details. But what would they look like to the… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

War Dogs! How Have Dogs Served in the Military, Past and Present?

Wars affect both human beings and animals, disrupting natural habitats. And throughout history, animals have actually fought in wars. Horses, camels, elephants, pigeons, and dolphins are just a few species… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

The 13 Ugliest Skyscrapers in the World

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" is an accurate statement for these feats of architecture. Like other types of art, architecture has subtleties that experts appreciate more than… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

Space Elevators and Skyscrapers Dangling from Orbit: Will These Megastructures Ever Be Built?

Today, science fiction is rapidly becoming science fact. Artificial Intelligence, self-driving cars, and billionaires shuttling tourists to space in private rockets are already part of our world. However, two of… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

The 10 Countries That Dump the Most Plastic in the Ocean

Plastic waste in the oceans is an issue that has risen to the forefront of public attention in recent years. Media images of marine animals trapped in plastic and pieces… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

Battle Elephants! What Happened When Ancient Empires Released These Animal Tanks?

In the ancient world, perhaps no animal was as intimidating on the battlefield as a fully armored battle elephant. These massive beasts were used by the empires of the Mediterranean… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

21 Countries with No Army (How Do They Defend Themselves?)

If you live in most places in the world, you likely take for granted that your country has an army. And some of those armies are truly humongous. The three… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

9 States That May Have Big Flooding Problems by 2050

If current trends continue, by 2100 the average global temperature will be about 6.5 °F (3.6 °C) higher than it was in pre-industrial times. As global ice cover melts, some… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

13 Countries That May Be Too Hot for People by 2050

Depending on where you live, frigid winters might lead you to wonder why global warming is so bad! But in the following countries, a combination of high heat and humidity… Read More

By Drew Wood 2 months ago

Can Your Cat Catch Your Flu? Sicknesses That Pass Between Cats and People

When you're feeling under the weather, it's important to take care of yourself, as well as the people around you. You might wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, or… Read More

By Drew Wood 3 months ago

Can Your Dog Catch Your Cold? Sicknesses That Pass Between Dogs and People

When you catch a cold, you likely keep your distance from family and friends to avoid passing it on to them. Should you also socially distance from your dog? In… Read More

By Drew Wood 3 months ago

American Empire: What Colonies Did, and Does, the United States Have?

Key PointsThe United States built its own colonial empire and still has several colonies today.American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Philippines, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands are current or… Read More

By Drew Wood 3 months ago

Discover 175 Cities That Start With F

Maybe you're looking for clues to a crossword puzzle, putting together a project for school, or studying up for your guest spot on a television game show. No matter what… Read More

By Drew Wood 3 months ago

Can You Guess All the Countries That Were Spanish Colonies?

Spain established one of the earliest and largest European colonial empires. With Portugal dominating its newly discovered route around Africa to Asia, Spain sent Christopher Columbus to discover a shorter… Read More

By Drew Wood 3 months ago

This Is How the United Arab Emirates Is Preparing for the End of Oil

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates on the Persian Gulf. Though small in land area, it controls the 7th-largest oil reserves in the world. The… Read More

By Drew Wood 3 months ago

15 Countries That Love Americans (Is the Feeling Mutual?)

What do people around the world think about the United States? A majority of Americans assume foreigners don't like the U.S. And truthfully, it's not hard to find that opinion… Read More

By Drew Wood 3 months ago

9 States That May Have Big Flooding Problems by 2050

If current trends continue, by the year 2100 the average global temperature will be about 6.5 °F (3.6 °C) higher than it was in pre-industrial times. As global ice cover… Read More

By Drew Wood 3 months ago

Would You Live in Saudi Arabia’s New City – All in a 106-Mile-Long Building?

The world's population of 7.9 billion people is expected to grow to 10 billion by the end of the century. Most demographers predict it will level off at that point.… Read More

By Drew Wood 3 months ago

Do Crows Mate for Life? 7 Amazing Facts About These Loyal Birds

There aren't too many people who say crows are their favorite bird. These big, noisy birds raid crops, steal other species' eggs and chicks, and even swipe shiny objects like… Read More

By Drew Wood 3 months ago

Shih Tzu Grooming Guide: 9 Tips for a Healthy and Beautiful Coat

Shih tzus are one of the most popular small-breed pet dogs and it's not hard to see why. These little gremlins are nutty fuzzballs with attitude and the most adorable… Read More

By Drew Wood 3 months ago

Are the Pinkest Places on Earth Too ‘Extra’ Even for Barbie?

Where would Barbie vacation? There's a good chance she would pick some of the places we're about to show you. But is there such a thing as too much pink?… Read More

By Drew Wood 3 months ago

Arab Countries vs. Islamic Countries: What’s the Difference?

Islam, along with Judaism and Christianity, is one of the three major monotheistic faiths of the world. With 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide, there's a good chance you will interact with… Read More

By Drew Wood 3 months ago

These Plants and Animals Might Be the First to Colonize Mars

Colonizing Mars has been a science fiction dream for over a century. Over time, though, science fiction sometimes becomes science fact. NASA is already making plans for a permanent base… Read More

By Drew Wood 3 months ago

These Countries Attract the Most Medical Tourists

Do you travel abroad for business, pleasure, or surgery? Surprised by that last option? Don't be. Every year, up to 26 million people cross borders for medical treatment. That includes… Read More

By Drew Wood 3 months ago

These 11 Foreign Countries Use the U.S. Dollar as Their Currency

The United States dollar is one of the strongest currencies in the world. International banks and governments around the world hold dollars as a reserve currency for transactions and to… Read More

By Drew Wood 3 months ago

What Animals Can Go the Longest Without Drinking Water? (Up to 20 years!)

According to the "rule of three," people can go three minutes without oxygen, three days without water, and three weeks without food. But in the animal kingdom, some creatures have… Read More

By Drew Wood 4 months ago

Are There Any Countries That May Want to Become U.S. States?

Schoolchildren in the United States learn about the historical expansion of the country, often with an emphasis on its heroic process of building a great nation. A lot of young… Read More

By Drew Wood 4 months ago

How Fast Can Nature Bounce Back After Getting Nuked?

Nuclear weapons are the most destructive devices ever created by human beings. They are very much like a temporary blazing star on the surface of the Earth. The combined effects… Read More

By Drew Wood 4 months ago

Sequoia vs. Douglas Fir Tree: 5 Differences Between These Towering Giants

Imagine trees so tall that the biggest dinosaurs could only reach a third of their height. Such staggeringly tall trees are still alive today. Sequoias and Douglas firs are the… Read More

By Drew Wood 4 months ago

Can You Build Things With a Nuclear Bomb? How Russia Tried . . . and Succeeded

We're accustomed to thinking of nuclear bombs as doomsday devices that could end life on the planet. That's true when they are used in considerable numbers. Individual explosions, though, can… Read More

By Drew Wood 4 months ago

These Countries Have the Most English Speakers in the World

If you speak English, count yourself fortunate. It is currently the most widely spoken language in the world. It functions as the international language of business, technology, and tourism. There… Read More

By Drew Wood 4 months ago

How Did Russia Become the Biggest Country in the World?

Russia is the biggest country by land area, despite losing substantial territories a few decades ago. This massive country spans 6.6 million square miles of territory across 11 time zones… Read More

By Drew Wood 4 months ago

What Would Happen if We Flooded the Sahara?

The Sahara is the largest "hot" desert in the world, not counting the "cold" deserts of the Arctic and Antarctic. It covers all or part of 11 North African countries,… Read More

By Drew Wood 4 months ago

Bobcat Population by State: How Many Live in Yours?

Bobcats aren't just wilderness animals in the Far West. Bobcats also range through Canada, Mexico, and all but three U.S. states. As the human population encroaches on their habitat, they… Read More

By Drew Wood 4 months ago

Drew Wood Author for A-Z Animals

The Most Popular Dogs Around the World

15 Countries With Active Separatist Movements

41 Countries That Used to Be Communist (and 5 That Still Are)

Check Out These 9 Islands That Have No Snakes

32 Countries Where Hamsters Live in the Wild . . . Yes, Hamsters!

Is It Illegal to Kill a Bald Eagle? Discover the Steep Price You’ll Pay

Will The Earth’s Magnetic Poles Flip? What Will Happen When They Do?

What Are Mango Worms? Can You or Your Dog Get These Nightmarish Parasites?

These Countries Were Once French Colonies . . . And Some Still Are

10 of the Best Animal Mothers in the World

The 10 Countries That Dislike the United States the Most

13 Human Foods That Are Good for Your Dog

Do Cats and Dogs Get Acne? How Do You Treat It?

12 Animal Superpowers People Wish They Had

66 Countries That Were Once British Colonies

8 of the Holiest Animals of the World’s Religions

Neptune is Not the Color You Think: Astronomers Reveal Photographic Error

War Dogs! How Have Dogs Served in the Military, Past and Present?

The 13 Ugliest Skyscrapers in the World

Space Elevators and Skyscrapers Dangling from Orbit: Will These Megastructures Ever Be Built?

The 10 Countries That Dump the Most Plastic in the Ocean

Battle Elephants! What Happened When Ancient Empires Released These Animal Tanks?

21 Countries with No Army (How Do They Defend Themselves?)

9 States That May Have Big Flooding Problems by 2050

13 Countries That May Be Too Hot for People by 2050

Can Your Cat Catch Your Flu? Sicknesses That Pass Between Cats and People

Can Your Dog Catch Your Cold? Sicknesses That Pass Between Dogs and People

American Empire: What Colonies Did, and Does, the United States Have?

Discover 175 Cities That Start With F

Can You Guess All the Countries That Were Spanish Colonies?

This Is How the United Arab Emirates Is Preparing for the End of Oil

15 Countries That Love Americans (Is the Feeling Mutual?)

9 States That May Have Big Flooding Problems by 2050

Would You Live in Saudi Arabia’s New City – All in a 106-Mile-Long Building?

Do Crows Mate for Life? 7 Amazing Facts About These Loyal Birds

Shih Tzu Grooming Guide: 9 Tips for a Healthy and Beautiful Coat

Are the Pinkest Places on Earth Too ‘Extra’ Even for Barbie?

Arab Countries vs. Islamic Countries: What’s the Difference?

These Plants and Animals Might Be the First to Colonize Mars

These Countries Attract the Most Medical Tourists

These 11 Foreign Countries Use the U.S. Dollar as Their Currency

What Animals Can Go the Longest Without Drinking Water? (Up to 20 years!)

Are There Any Countries That May Want to Become U.S. States?

How Fast Can Nature Bounce Back After Getting Nuked?

Sequoia vs. Douglas Fir Tree: 5 Differences Between These Towering Giants

Can You Build Things With a Nuclear Bomb? How Russia Tried . . . and Succeeded

These Countries Have the Most English Speakers in the World

How Did Russia Become the Biggest Country in the World?

What Would Happen if We Flooded the Sahara?

Bobcat Population by State: How Many Live in Yours?

Drew Wood
Author for A-Z Animals