GRIZZLY BEAR

The grizzly bear is the bear everyone knows. Grizzly bears are found in many different habitats, from dense forest, subalpine meadows, open plains, to even arctic tundra. In North America, grizzly bears are found in western Canada, Alaska, Wyoming, Montana, and potentially a small population in Washington. Grizzly bears are omnivores, which means these bears eat both animals and vegetation. They may eat berries, grass, roots, along with elk, deer, fish.

Grizzly bears need to eat a lot in the summer and fall so that they can build up fat reserves to survive while hibernating. This is true in pregnant female bears who must have enough fat reserves to give birth and care for their young. Grizzly bears mating season starts in early May through mid July, and can have a litter of 1-4 cubs, but average is 2-4 cubs. 

Physically, grizzly bears are the real deal. With a height of 3-3 1/2 ft at the shoulders, a length of 6-7ft, and adult males weighing 300-850 lbs; females 200-450 lbs this bear is packing. Don't try and outrun this bear because with a top speed of 35mph grizzly bears are faster than one would think from its size. A grizzly's lifespan is anywhere from 20-25 years, not the longest of lifespans for an animal.

Overall, a grizzly bear is an iconic animal, and a force not to be reckoned with. 

REFERENCES: http://www.defenders.org/grizzly-bear/basic-facts

JAGUAR

Being the largest cat in the Americas, the jaguar is top-level carnivore. Distinguishable by the yellowish tan coat, along with black patterned spots, jaguars are able to remain unseen by other animals. With a diet consisting of deer, monkeys, snakes, turtles, and even crocodiles, the jaguar has a diverse meal choice. Jaguars do most of its hunting on the ground, but sometimes a jaguar will climb a tree then pounce on to prey from above. The jaguar makes it home in various habitats including rain forests, pampas grasslands, swamps, and mountain scrub areas.

The jaguar is a solitary animal, living and hunting alone expect during mating season. A jaguar can have between 1-4 kittens in a litter, and the kittens stay with their mother for 1-1.5 years of age. The lifespan of a jaguar hovers around 12 years, and fully grown, can weight as much as 210 pounds, reach a height of 20-30 inches at the shoulders, and get as long as 75 inches. This is certainly a big cat.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBNYwxDZ_pA

REFERENCES: http://www.defenders.org/jaguar/basic-facts

SNOW LEOPARD

One of the most elusive animals on the planet, the snow leopard, is rarely seen by humans. Recognized by it's thick grey yellowish coat, with black and brown ringed spots, the snow leopard is a graceful beauty among other animals. Being an endangered specie, there are only an estimated 3,500 to 7,000 in the wild. Snow leopards live in extremely high altitudes, ranging from 9,800 to 17,000 feet in the high, rugged mountains of Central Asia, where they hunt and raise their young. Their range spans from Afghanistan to Kazakstan and Russia in the north to India and China in the east. China contains the highest percentage of snow leopard habitat.

Living high up in the mountains, snow leopards diet consists of wild sheep, goats, and have even been known to feed on small rodents and birds. Killing prey to feed themselves, as well as their young female snow leopards prefer rocky dens to live and raise their cubs; having 2-3 cubs in a litter. Snow leopards are solitary animals and only pair during mating season. 

Getting into the physical features of the snow leopard extra large paws that are covered in fur help the leopard from sinking into the snow, and to help maintain balance this big cat has a long, large thick furred tail. Having short front limbs and long hind limbs this big cat can jump 30ft in a single leap making it a real force when hunting prey. One interesting fact is snow leopards have light green or grey eyes, which is unusual for big cats who usually have yellow, or gold eyes.

Overall this big cat is quite the specimen. If you ever get the chance to see a snow leopard either at a zoo, or in its natural habitat remember what you read.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tD5lujhZPjk

REFERENCES: http://www.defenders.org/snow-leopard/basic-facts 

Welcome!

My name is James, I am fascinated with animals so I created this blog to share images and information about all sorts of animals. For many years now I have been learning about all types of animals and each week will be posting a different animal. Please enjoy!