West vs. East: Northern Flicker subspecies
Did you know that there are 2 subspecies of Northern flickers in Canada. Here, in the west the common one is the Red-shafted variation and more eastern Canada will have the Yellow-shafted subspecies. Here are some clear distinctions between them that can help you tell them apart. First, male flickers will have a "mustache" on their cheeks that is not found on the females. The Red-shafted flicker will have a red mustache while the Yellow-shafted flicker will have a black must
Happy Squirrel Appreciation Day!
Squirrels may not seem very exciting because how common they are but did you know that there is special squirrel that is not so common. Northern Flying squirrels are a rare sight, especially compared to their more well known cousins, like the Red and Grey squirrels. But the rarity is not because they are in trouble, but because they are nocturnal. So unless you are in the forest at night, it is unlikely for you too see these gliding mammals. One unique characteristic is that
Live birth vs. Eggs: A look at Northern Alligator Lizards
Did you know that Northern Alligator lizards are viviparous and will give live birth? This is quite rare for reptiles, and more so for lizards. There are a few snakes and lizards species that give live birth, but it is more common for reptiles to lay eggs. Viviparous is when the embryo is developed in the female and there is live birth. Also nutrients are given directly to the embryo from the mother. Oviparous is when the organism lays eggs, and the embryo develops outside th
Denning up with Skunks
Did you know that up to 20 skunks can share the same den in the winter! That's a lot of skunk. Skunks are usually more solitary creatures unless the female is taking care of her young or they are trying to keep warm in the winter. Skunks don't go into a full hibernation, but they will hide away in their dens if temperatures drop too low. On warmer days they will come out again to look for food. Skunks will typically use dens from other burrowing species, like ground squirrels
New year, new you: Molting in different groups of animals
Happy New Year! New year, new skin! Molting is when an animal will shed their outer layer for a new one. This happens for different reasons for different species, but mainly it's for growth, or general wear and tear that needs replacing. Here are some different types of molting: Ecdysis: This is a common practice in invertebrates who have a hard exoskeleton. Because the exoskeleton does not grow with the organism, they have to remove the previous one and grow a new one. The o
