Coyotes (Canis latrans) are found throughout North America and are often regarded as dangerous pests due to their tendency to kill livestock and other domestic animals. They are territorial and can have complex family dynamics, with older siblings occasionally staying with their parents to help raise younger offspring. Art and fact by Isabel Kier, Instagram…
Sunday Sketch: The Delightfully Voracious Dragonfly
In their larval stage, dragonflies are voracious carnivores, consuming anything in their aquatic environment, including their siblings, fish, other insect larvae, and tadpoles. Adult dragonflies have wings and are capable of flying up and down, as well as hovering. They need to fly to catch prey, as they cannot eat if they remain stationary. Additionally,…
Field Frame Friday: A (rock) boring life
The purple sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) is a conspicuous native of rocky intertidal habitats along the western coast of North America. These spiky animals live in rock pits, which are safe havens from the pounding surf and scorching sun. Unlike their hermit crab neighbors, purple sea urchins build their homes themselves by boring holes into…
Throwback Creature Feature: Hawk moth
This costumed creature is ready for Halloween.
Sunday Sketch: Mean Girls Flamingos Edition
Like humans, flamingos are social, and their social behavior can contribute to a longer lifespan. They choose their friends, and gain support from their friend group to handle conflicts with rivals. Art & reference by Karli Chudeau & fact written by Nicole Rodrigues [Edited by Nicole Rodrigues] Reference: Schalit, N. (2023, March 8). How we…
Field Frame Friday: Great Horned Owl
Great Horned Owls (Bubo virginianus) are large, widespread raptors which largely hunt at night. They can begin nesting as early as the winter season, and they often make use of old nests made by other large birds when they do. Photo and caption by Cassidy Cooper Edited by Jessica Schaefer
Arts & Crafts: Swimming with Sea Otters!
Come celebrate Sea Otter Awareness Week with The Ethogram!
Creature Feature: Flapjack Octopus
Check out this week’s 8-armed featured creature, and settle an age-old debate!
Sunday Sketch: Mouse
Mice prefer to live in enclosed spaces and favor vertical cover to avoid being seen, as protection from predation. They are less active in areas with little cover. Art and fact by Kristina Leslie, Instagram @tinaleslie_ & fact by Nicole Rodrigues, Twitter @n3rodrigues [Edited by Nicole Rodrigues] Reference: Jensen, S. P., Gray, S. J.,& Hurst,…
Sunday Sketch: Grizzly Bear
Grizzly bears have a large shoulder hump. This hump is where a mass of muscle is attached to their backbone, giving them the strength to dig into the ground to create their dens or search for food. They are omnivores and can eat a variety of foods, including plant roots, berries, grass, fish, squirrels, and…
