Claire Wilson
Author for A-Z Animals

Though they may look like simple creatures, earthworms are anything but. In fact, Charles Darwin spent 40 years observing worms and conducting experiments with them. Worms are crucial for breaking… Read More

By Claire Wilson 2 months ago

Because of their large size, mastiffs have historically been kept as guard dogs, war dogs, or hunting dogs. And, while the origin of the name "mastiff" is unclear, some historians… Read More

By Claire Wilson 2 months ago

Wisconsin offers a fantastic quality of life and ranks as one of the top 10 best states to live in. Scoring sixth for education and twelfth for healthcare, the state… Read More

By Claire Wilson 2 months ago

Resting at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this man-made reservoir in South Carolina encompasses 18,500 acres of water. Initially created by Duke Energy to provide for the area's… Read More

By Claire Wilson 2 months ago

The iconic long, silky coat of a Maltese gives these dogs an aristocratic look. Ivory in color, their coats drape over their bodies without curls and are free from an… Read More

By Claire Wilson 3 months ago

Brought to the U.S. from China in the nineteenth century, the American Pekin is one of the most popular breeds of domestic duck. Although many people raise them for egg… Read More

By Claire Wilson 3 months ago

Found throughout the United States, silverfish are wingless insects that inhabit high-moisture areas such as gardens, leaf piles, or caves. When outdoors, silverfish help decompose plant matter and are essential… Read More

By Claire Wilson 3 months ago

The Guinness Book of World Records proclaimed this park the smallest in the world in 1971. Today, it still holds that title. Located in Oregon, this park is so tiny… Read More

By Claire Wilson 3 months ago

British Columbia has low crime rates, quality healthcare, and a high standard of living. And, if you can survive the winters, it is a fantastic place to live. Snowfall in… Read More

By Claire Wilson 3 months ago

Carpet beetles can be terrible pests in your home. Causing damage to carpets and other fabrics, they incite more destruction than clothes moths. Carpet beetles are attracted to cloths such… Read More

By Claire Wilson 3 months ago

Discover the Town Proudly Known as the 'Catfish Capital of the World` While a couple of towns claim the title of “Catfish Capital of the World,” this town in Louisiana… Read More

By Claire Wilson 3 months ago

Halibut is known for its gentle, slightly sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with various spices. The fillets are firm and meaty. Halibut steaks are thicker than cod but white and… Read More

By Claire Wilson 3 months ago

There are many benefits to keeping backyard chickens. First, happy and vibrant chickens provide fresh eggs that are healthier to consume than commercial ones. Also, you'll save money on food… Read More

By Claire Wilson 4 months ago

Yes, dogs do have belly buttons! However, a dog's belly button looks a little different from a human's. The best time to spot a dog's belly button is during puppyhood.… Read More

By Claire Wilson 4 months ago

The Ganges River runs from India, beginning in the Himalayan Mountains, and flows through Bangladesh, eventually emptying into the Bay of Bengal. It is a sacred body of water to… Read More

By Claire Wilson 4 months ago

Unfortunately, there is no “season” for termites. They can infest your home any time of year, so termites are a particularly insidious threat to your home. Even compared to carpenter… Read More

By Claire Wilson 4 months ago

Home to the Oregon Trail, Crater Lake National Park, and Cannon Beach, Oregon has a gorgeous, diverse landscape. That’s part of why Oregon was the second most popular state to… Read More

By Claire Wilson 4 months ago

New Hampshire is the 5th smallest state in the United States. At only 9,304 square miles in size, New Hampshire’s population density is 147 persons per square mile. However, the… Read More

By Claire Wilson 4 months ago

As the 29th largest state in the United States, Arkansas comprises 53,179 square miles of mountains, bayous, and forests. With the state’s low population density, about 29 people per square… Read More

By Claire Wilson 4 months ago

Key Points: The oldest man-made lake in Virginia was originally an area of streams and wetlands known as Archer's Hope Swamp. Then, the main creek was dammed to create Ludwell’s… Read More

By Claire Wilson 4 months ago

Originally bred as working dogs, huskies are known for their incredible sled-pulling skills. Loyal, friendly, and a tad mischievous, huskies make fantastic family dogs. However, there are subtle differences between… Read More

By Claire Wilson 4 months ago

Known as “The Land of Enchantment,” New Mexico has stunning desert landscapes, gorgeous mountain ranges, and unique natural caves and caverns to explore. While the exceptional terrain draws many new… Read More

By Claire Wilson 4 months ago

In 1806, a Spanish explorer, Gabriel Moraga, and his group of colonists arrived on the south bank of the Merced River low on supplies and extremely thirsty. Stumbling upon the… Read More

By Claire Wilson 5 months ago

Found in tropical regions, goatfish thrive in shallow ocean waters with coral reefs. As they spend their time nosing around the sand or reefs for invertebrates to eat, their unique… Read More

By Claire Wilson 5 months ago

Oregon is part of the Pacific Northwest region of the U.S. Known for its gorgeous national state parks, rocky coastlines, and historic trails, Oregon is the ninth largest state in… Read More

By Claire Wilson 5 months ago

Maryland is famous for its seafood, especially crabs. The popular Chesapeake blue crabs in the area are known for their iconic bright blue claws. And once the blue crabs are… Read More

By Claire Wilson 5 months ago

Even though Delaware is the second smallest state in the United States, it is one of the top seven fastest-growing states between 2022 and 2023. There are several possible reasons… Read More

By Claire Wilson 5 months ago

While there are over 45 species of termites in the United States, they fall into three main categories: subterranean, drywood, and dampwood. Most of these termites plague the South and… Read More

By Claire Wilson 5 months ago

With 52,000 farms and 7.3 million acres of farmland, agriculture is huge in Pennsylvania. The state sees $83.8 billion in direct economic output and $10.9 billion in earnings. Not to… Read More

By Claire Wilson 5 months ago

As one of the top ten longest steel arch bridges in the world, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is an iconic landmark of Sydney, New South Wales. Affectionately nicknamed the “Coathanger”… Read More

By Claire Wilson 5 months ago

As the 7th smallest state in the United States, Massachusetts comprises about 10,555 square miles of mountains, lakes, and coastline. While this is a historic state in which to own… Read More

By Claire Wilson 5 months ago

Nicknamed “white ants,” termites look similar to ants save for their pale coloring. However, unlike ants, termites pose a massive threat to your home. Compared to carpenter ants, termites produce… Read More

By Claire Wilson 5 months ago

As the 10th largest state in the United States, Wyoming comprises 97,093.14 square miles of sprawling landscape from the desert shrublands to the prairie grasslands. And even though it has… Read More

By Claire Wilson 5 months ago

Maine is ranked as one of the top five safest states. Per capita, Maine has the lowest number of assaults and violent crimes of any state in the United States.… Read More

By Claire Wilson 6 months ago

As the most common vector-borne disease in the United States, about 476,000 people are infected by Lyme disease annually. Typically caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and, on occasion, Borrelia… Read More

By Claire Wilson 6 months ago

American ginseng, or Panax quinquefolius, is an herb that is endemic to North America. A popular natural remedy, it's believed to boost the immune system, relieve stress, and soothe upper… Read More

By Claire Wilson 6 months ago

Australian shepherds are very amiable and intelligent dogs. Bred initially as medium-sized working dogs, Aussies have a strong drive to complete tasks. They thrive on praise and affection for a… Read More

By Claire Wilson 6 months ago

Discover the California Town Known as the 'Vampire Capital of the World' The concept of vampires originated among the Slavic people in Bulgaria nearly one thousand years ago. However, their… Read More

By Claire Wilson 6 months ago

Mudslides can be quite devastating, especially when they occur around populated cities. Places with steep terrain that experience extreme rainfall are prone to mudslides as excessive water puts pressure on… Read More

By Claire Wilson 6 months ago

In simple terms, a plantation is an agricultural estate often specializing in cash crops such as tobacco, sugarcane, or cotton. However, the history of American plantations, like the largest plantation… Read More

By Claire Wilson 6 months ago

Controlled deer hunting can be beneficial to the regional deer population as well as native vegetation. Preventing the deer population from growing too large ensures enough food for the deer.… Read More

By Claire Wilson 6 months ago

Although Louisiana is the 31st largest state by total area (including water), it only ranks as the 33rd largest by land area. Louisiana comprises 52,378.13 square miles of lowlands, hills,… Read More

By Claire Wilson 6 months ago

Although Washington is the 18th largest state by total area (including water), it only ranks as the 20th largest by land area. Washington is made up of 66,455.52 square miles… Read More

By Claire Wilson 6 months ago

Iowa is one of the 12 states that comprise the Midwest. Known for its “black gold” fertile topsoil, about 85 percent of the land in Iowa is used for agriculture.… Read More

By Claire Wilson 6 months ago

Giant trees like redwoods and manna gum trees are crucial to our forest ecosystems. These huge trees store large amounts of carbon, reduce air pollution, and prevent water runoff. Vital… Read More

By Claire Wilson 6 months ago