Recognizing an elk might not be easy, as they can oftentimes be confused with other wildlife like deer, caribou, and moose. This confusion is understandable, as elk, being a member of the deer family, share a lot of physical characteristics with other animals of the same species. But fret not, because Floofmania will make it …
Pocket gophers are burrowing rodents that play an important role in our ecosystem. By burrowing through the ground, they help aerate the soil and increase soil fertility. However, some people may think gophers are pests because they mess up their gardens and farms. Gophers are not truly pests because they are beneficial to the soil. …
Opossums may not be the cutest animals you’ll encounter. Many people actually regard them as ugly and dirty. However, contrary to how people perceive them, opossums are clean animals that are extremely beneficial to have in the backyard. If you’re interested in further understanding this cute creature and reaping the benefits of having one live …
The two hares that are best known for coping with cold winters, the arctic hare and snowshoe hare are both cute and resilient creatures. However, these two hares often get mistaken for each other. Snowshoe hares and arctic hares are both hares that live in the northern parts of the US and Canada. However, the …
Having a pet around the house can be an amazing experience. For many people, pets are a source of companionship and affection they might not get anywhere else. While cats and dogs are popular, some pet owners might opt for more exotic options. Badgers are one choice for exotic pets for people in the US. …
Boasting around 23 million acres of forest (roughly 69% of the state), Alabama has become a long-time home to many beloved animal residents. Currently, there are around 4,500 documented animal species in Alabama, but have you ever wondered which ones are the most common? Alabama is best known for its forest wildlife, and there are …
Mountain lions (Puma concolor) are known for their numerous names, stealthy skills, and ferocious nature. These proficient hunters dominate as apex predators whatever terrain they live in. Mountain lions are highly adaptable and can be found in steep rocky mountains, open deserts, and coastal forests. Their prey surely has nowhere to hide from these big …
Like many people, you have likely admired the beauty and serenity of elk in nature. If you want to see this animal up close, you may be hoping to lure one into your property to be closer to elk. Elk are easy to attract to your property if your property feels safe and has lots …
Coyotes need every bit of cunning they have to survive in the wild. Aside from dealing with the forces of nature, several large predators consider the species their primary food source. What are some of the dangers coyotes face regularly, and how do they defend themselves? Is the species on the verge of extinction? Floofmania …
Although not as famous as their honey badger cousins, American badgers deserve their fair share of attention. Not only do they serve an essential role in the ecosystem, but they also face many struggles for survival. Like every animal, badgers experience threats to their survival, from large predators to habitat loss. If we want to …
Colorado is well noted for its variety of landscapes, which include desert lands, rivers, plateaus, canyons, mesas, high plains, forests, and mountains! As such, you can expect each of these places to be full of animals. Colorado is home to a variety of animals like bison, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, foxes, golden eagles, and much …
Look at this picture. Imagine you’re in the woods and you come upon this animal in a clearing. What’s the first thing you think about? Probably, a deer. Less likely an elk. You’re not far off. Elk are members of the deer family and share many physical characteristics with animals of the same species whose …
Few animals in North America can match the weight and size of the bison, making these mighty beasts among the continent’s largest animals. When they reach full size, a bison can tower over almost all other American wildlife, but something like this doesn’t happen overnight. Getting so big requires many factors working in their favor. …
Opossums are furry little marsupials found throughout the United States, but they may not be found in every state! Opossums can be found in many states in the United States, especially in the eastern areas of the country. However, opossums have also made their way to other states, such as California. As for countries, opossums …
By the featured picture alone, can you identify which wild cat owns these piercing green eyes? You’d be pretty equipped in the wilderness if you answered mountain lion, cougar, puma, catamount, or deer tiger. There are a lot of possible answers, really. And they’re all correct because they’re all just pertaining to the same animal! …
Everyone loves having a pet. A little companion that will keep you company at home can do wonders for you. But while most people are happy with cats and dogs, some are looking for something more exotic, and badgers are one alternative people turn to for a unique pet. Our striped friends are a sight …
The cute, cuddly sea otter (Enhydra lutris) is known for its stuffed toy looks but also infamous for its smell. There are a lot of stories that depict the sea otter as having a disgusting smell. On the other hand, there are people who also say that their odor is similar to fresh flowers. Which …
Alaska is known for having wide-open spaces, snow, and ice, but the state is also home to a vast amount of wildlife! As many of us know, Alaska has some impressive marine life thanks to its amazing coastlines, glaciers, etc., where animals like polar bears and seals live. However, there is more to this state …
Floofmania is happy to tell you that the North American porcupine population overall is healthy and fairly stable. In spite of the changes in their habitats, conflict with human populations, and their low reproductive rate, this quilled rodent proves itself to be a surprisingly hardy creature. Did you know that the earliest fossils of the …
Bison are famous for migrating across the plains in search of food, but walking these vast distances requires them to pass through many obstacles, including water. Crossing water like rivers and lakes is a challenge for many animals, but bison are some of the continent’s strongest animals, and they find a way to get across. …
Fighting between members of the same species is almost universal among animals. No matter what kind of animal, from vertebrates to non-vertebrates, almost everyone fights for their survival. The same is true for elk, who engage in fights mainly to show dominance, find mates, and continue their bloodlines. Of course, it has nuances, and we, …
Sea otters are adorable marine animals that enjoy rolling around in the water, sliding down embankments, covering their eyes, and making cute noises. But what time of the day are these sea creatures most active, and what time do they sleep? What’s the best time or season to go out trying to spot them in …
From mountain lions to bears, elks are part of the menu for countless forest predators. In these conditions, elks have developed many strategies to help them even with the odds of survival. One of the elks’ oldest and most reliable strategies is safety in numbers. By sticking together in large numbers, predators are less willing …
Mountain lions (puma concolor) are known for their great hunting skills. They can catch their prey using stealthy tactics. But another skill they are quite good at is running, which is one of the most important traits they would need for a successful ambush. In this article, we will talk about their ability to run. …
Sea otters (Enhydra lutris) are a little bit of the oddballs among the otter species and even more among the Mustelidae family. These cuddly little guys are the largest of the entire weasel family and are the only fully aquatic otters, having no obligatory ties to any terrestrial habitats like most of their relatives. Its …
Mountain lions (Puma concolor), cougars, panthers, pumas, or whatever you call them, are naturally found in North and South America. They are very secretive animals, but we know that a good home is very important to them. However, compared to other large felines living in other parts of the world, mountain lions do things uniquely. …
Are you seeing some strange tracks in the soil or snow around your property, where one out of five toe prints looks like a human thumb? Or have you noticed your garbage untidily scattered on the ground when you wake up the next morning? If yes, then there’s probably an opossum lurking in the area …
Red wolves are some of North America’s fiercest predators. While smaller than bears and other wolves, these canines know how to fight. They are incredibly fierce and defend themselves against anyone they consider a threat. Red wolves use different strategies to take down animals larger than themselves. But the question is how and why they …
Elk, also called wapiti, are one of the larger species of deer and the biggest terrestrial mammals in North America. When we think of elks, we often picture them in green pastures, so you may wonder how elk fare in the winter. Elks do well in the winter thanks to their thick insulated coats that …
The American badger (Taxidea taxus) is known for its grit and ferociousness. It never backs away from a fight—no matter the size of its opponent. It is so stubborn when chasing its prey as it never stops until they get the food they want. That’s the badger. Despite its shy and elusive nature toward humans, …
Normally, the North American porcupine is spotted throughout various states and countries as a wild animal. While they are not related to hedgehogs, porcupines look like bigger hedgehogs that could be household pets! The North American Porcupine is legal to own in most states in the USA, except a few like California or Georgia. If …
When you look at a sea otter’s large, black-colored nose, don’t you just want to boop it with your finger? I, for one, absolutely want to, but I know that sea otters are wild animals that need their space at all times. Still, their adorable noses that complete their charming look probably have more function …
Elks, also called wapiti, are one of the largest land-dwelling animals native to North America. These members of the Cervidae family are now primarily found in the western parts of North America despite being widely distributed in the past. Do you want to learn more? Join us in this Floofmania article where we will discover …
The American badger (Taxidea taxus) is somewhat different from its relatives when it comes to building relationships with its family and peers. This badger from North America has a very distinct social behavior. Rumor has it that the badger doesn’t like hanging around with others. Is there truth to this statement? Is the American badger …
When it comes to sleeping in the forest, it can be quite a hazard for many animals. With larger animals prowling the woods with them, they can end up being a meal to some predators. Even animals that can defend themselves like porcupines need to be careful. Like all animals, porcupines need to sleep and …
A keystone species is an organism that other organisms depend on to such a high degree that its local environment would significantly change if the keystone species were to disappear. While all organisms are important and have important roles in their local environment, in most cases, the environment would remain relatively unchanged. However, if a …
The red wolf (Canis rufus) is the rarest canid in North America. There are less than 300 individuals living in the world today, both in the wild and in captivity. There’s a fair chance you haven’t seen one in your life, so how do you recognize a red wolf? What are its distinguishing characteristics? And …
When you look at the picture above, can you easily spot the red-furred bobcat staring back at you? Now imagine the same setting, but this time you’re in the actual moment when the photographer took the photo. Would you still be able to identify a camouflaged bobcat from miles away in a thick forest? A …
American badgers are challenging to spot because they are nocturnal animals that spend their days sleeping. They are also tricky to find because they build their homes underground! How can you identify a badger den, and how much time do badgers spend underground? Floofmania inspects the homes and home life of these floofy mustelids. Do …
Opossums, as highly adaptive marsupials, have grown quite fond of living close to residential areas. Because of this, it might be that you have already encountered them at least once in your life. Could it be that, when you saw them, one thing that caught your attention was their tail? If that’s the case, or …
While Georgia has a lot of city and suburban areas for its citizens, the state is also known for being teeming with a vast amount of wildlife! Georgia is home to two national forests that take up over 800,000 acres of space, making it the perfect place for animals to thrive. However, you may be wondering …
Elks, Cervus elaphus canadensis, or Wapiti, are the largest species within the deer family or Cervidae. They are usually present in Central and East Asia and North America. Like all living beings, elk tend to get dirty from laying down in the mud, running around in the forest, and just from doing their everyday activities, …
The red wolf (Canis rufus) is the most endangered canid on the planet today. Their numbers are still dwindling despite all efforts and conservation programs to protect the species and increase its population. The red wolf’s chance of survival in the wild doesn’t look good. Can this be changed? Can the red wolf still be …
There are as few animals as fascinating and culturally significant to North America as the mighty bison. For hundreds of years, these great beasts have roamed the continent’s plains and overcome countless hardships, even coming back from near extinction. Today the bison population has bounced back in a big way and is currently stable. For …
When the weather gets cold and dreary, a lot of us in Floofmania wish that we could just pack our bags and spend the rest of the winter on a tropical island. Birds are amazing in a way that they know what to do when the weather starts getting chilly and the food sources begin …
From Alaska to Minnesota, as long as it is cold and there are woods to frolic in, you can be sure that a snowshoe hare will be there. Snowshoe hares have long been a part of the ecosystem up north for so long that they are now integral to the local environment. Our long-eared friends …
Opossums originated from Central and South America and made their way to the United States some 800,000 years ago. With their thin coats and hairless ears, tails, and feet, the little marsupials are much more suited to their original hotter environments, not snowy winters! Despite that, the species has been found more and more frequently …
So you have fallen in love with the cuddly but spiky North American porcupine, and you are wondering how to “get your hands on” one. Well.. We hope you have done at least some basic research about this exotic animal so you know what you are getting into. After all, getting a pet, whether your …
Although small, bobcats are one of America’s most successful predators. They have spread across nearly the entire continent and are able to survive in most environments, from arid deserts to dense forests. Their success is thanks in large part to their excellent hunting abilities. Bobcats have evolved into efficient predators that consistently are able to …
Sea otters are famous for being gregarious, delightful fluffs of fur. Seeing them lined up like a pod and bouncing along the ocean waves might make your heart flutter. Or they might completely enamor you when they hold each other’s paws while they take a quick snooze together. With all these overwhelmingly adorable scenarios, is …