Small but mighty: Cute Critters
Small but mighty: Cute Critters
Text and photos by Heather Cline
While the large animals get a lot of attention, it's worth taking a look at the small critters that pack a lot of cuteness and amazing attributes. This post is dedicated to some of those I have photographed over the years and some fun facts.
Antelope Ground Squirrel
It is not unusual to see these squirrels in a cactus, such as this Saguaro, eating the fruit. They also climb these cacti to survey the surroundings from a higher vantage point. It is unknown how they avoid the sharp spines.
 
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Desert Cottontail
Desert cottontails have multiple litters throughout the year with each litter ranging from 2-6. The young are known as kittens. They grow fast and are weaned at 2 weeks of age and become independent by 3 weeks old!
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Douglas Squirrel
Besides being just plain adorable, the Douglas squirrel uses its tail for communication, balance, umbrellas, and blankets. Now that's being innovative with your body parts!
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Hummingbird
The smallest bird in the world is a hummingbird. These are the only birds that can fly forwards and backwards. They can also hover, fly sideways and upside down.
Green-crowned hummingbird |
Hyrax
The Hyrax lives in Africa. They are considered a close relative of the elephant due to multiple physical similarities including tusks developed from incisors, which if threatened, can inflict fatal wounds.
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Long-tailed Weasel
This small mammal has a very fast metabolism and can eat up to 40% of its body weight each day. They are not picky eaters, but they only eat meat.
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Marmot
The name "marmot" comes from the Latin mus montanus, which means "mountain mouse". Alaska celebrates Marmot Day every year on February 2nd.
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Meerkat
The Meerkat is highly intelligent, and studies have found they use complex coordinated behavior that rival chimps, baboon, dolphins and humans.
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Mink
Minks are skilled predators that can take down prey larger than themselves, including fish, birds, small rodents, and snakes.
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Pika
Pikas favor cooler climates, living high in the mountains in several western states as well as western Canada. They are rarely seen below 8,200 feet. Climate change has put this species in danger, similar to the polar bear, because they already live in the alpine so there are no alternatives as the earth continues a warming trend.
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Glass Frog
I believe this is a glass frog (they are difficult to identify)! Glass frogs are named for their translucent skin, but only from underneath. There are 150 species of glass frogs worldwide and this one was about the size of a pencil eraser!
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Vervet Monkey (Juvenile)
Vervet monkeys are highly social and live in large groups called troops, which can consist of up to 50 animals. Juvenile vervets sometimes make false alarm calls to see how the adults respond. Females in the group will discipline them for this behavior.
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Juvenile Western Fence Lizard
This juvenile fence lizard is only 2 inches long! Western Fence Lizards have a protein in their blood that kills the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. When ticks feed on Western Fence Lizards, the Lyme infection is cleared from the tick and can't be passed on to humans.
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Kit Fox
The Kit Fox is the smallest species of fox in Northa America, weighing in at an average of 5 1/2 pounds. Their large ears aid in hearing (imagine that!) and to help dissipate heat.
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I hope you enjoyed these fun facts and have a deeper appreciation for the smaller critters that make our world a better place!
