The Mole

One of the most commonly known characteristics of moles is their digging instinct and creating underground tunnels. The front limbs of the mole are quite powerful for their size which allows them to dig up to 18 feet of earth each hour. In less than a day, the mole can create an underground sanctuary of over 250 feet. Because the mole can lie on either their back or stomach, they are able to move without trouble throughout their chambered tunnel.

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The Mole

Characteristics of Marsupials

Some marsupials live on land, some in trees. There are marsupials that run, some that hop, and others that move in a slow graceful manner. What places these animals into the classification as a marsupial is not their outward features or how they live. Their common characteristic is how their young are born and raised, a unique feature that separates these animals from all other mammals.

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Marsupials

The Llama

History and Characteristics of the Llama

The Incas domesticated and raised llamas for food and for the wool. Llama dung was important for both fertilizer and as a source of fuel. They were later used as pack animals and became an important form of transport through the mountainous regions. Their use as pack animals declined during the early 20th century when roads were created, making travel less difficult.

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The Llama

The Leopard

The Snow leopard is considered an endangered species and the poaching of this magnificent creature still exists in certain regions. The loss of its native habitat has also affected Snow leopards to the point that they have lost most of their natural environment in both Jammu and Kashmir. The Clouded leopard also has been placed on the endangered list with breeding programs for this species being unsuccessful. With an estimated number of approximately 30 left in the wild, the Amur leopard is considered extremely rare. Many groups, agencies, and governments are working diligently to save leopards from extinction.

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Leopard Facts

The Aardwolf

The name aardwolf translates to "earth-wolf" representing this animal's living space. They can be often found living in underground burrows which many times are beneath large termite colonies. Their habitat is the open wilderness lands of Africa or "bush country". In some regions of Africa, native people hunt the aardwolf as a means for food.

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Aardwolf

Hurricane Evacuation Tips for Pets

After Hurricane Katrina, many local governments opened their eyes to the need of a pet sanctuary during these storms. Many individuals would not leave their home because they had nowhere to take their pets. Boarding costs were either unaffordable or the kennels were filled to capacity.

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Hurricane Evacuation Tips for Pets

Endangered Species

In centuries past, species became endangered due to natural occurrences such as earthquakes and the events during the Ice Age. In modern times, the number one affect on wild species is humans. Although natural events take a toll on animal populations, human ignorance and indifference are destroying colonies of animal species that are needed to keep a natural balance in the environment.

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Causes of Endangered Species

Book Review - Cat Breeds of the World by Desmond Morris

Cat Breeds of the World doesn't cover cat ownership, health and care issues, and isn't a manual for purchasing cats but covers exactly as the title describes. This book is a treasure for cat enthusiasts, breeders, and those interested in researching the different breeds and their histories. Desmond Morris was the Curator of Mammals at the London Zoo where he cared for the "largest collection of wild felines in the world" and his love for these animals is evident in his writing of Cat Breeds of the World. The author has written over 30 books which also include Catworld, Catwatching, and Catlore, all of which are a delight to read.

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Cat Breeds of the World by Desmond Morris

Book Review - Horses for Dummies

Horses for Dummies is authored by the former editor of Horse Illustrated magazine, Audrey Pavia, and Equine veterinarian, Janice Posnikoff. This extensive book has over 350 pages of equine information and tips that is designed to help owners with the care of their horses. The book includes 21 chapters that are broken up into 5 separate sections.

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Horses for Dummies Book Review

Writing for Helium

Writing about Pets & Animals on Helium

Writing for the Pets & Animals channel can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. You can pass along helpful information that can teach others on different animal facts, their care, and their history.

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Writing for Helium's Pets & Animals Channels

Ferret Care - Insulinoma

Most cases of insulinoma do lead to the early death of the ferret. The tumors can spread beyond the pancreas and into other organs and complications from the hypoglycemia can be more than the ferret's body can handle. The options may be minimal but the ferret can be given the best quality care for the remainder of their life. Each of these issues should be discussed with your veterinarian and together, you can decide what the best treatment would be for your ferret.

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Insulinoma Symptoms and Treatments

Ferret Care - Stomach Blockages

Stomach Blockages in Ferrets - Symptoms and Treatments

Keeping a watchful eye on your pet when roaming the house can help prevent many of these potentially fatal materials from entering your ferret's system. If you find partially chewed objects in your home, remove them to avoid future problems.

Hairballs can be prevented with regular grooming and administering a one-inch ribbon of hairball remedy two to three times per week. Blockages that are not treated promptly can lead to the death of a ferret, sometimes within 24 to 48 hours. If your ferret appears ill and is experiencing any of these symptoms, seek immediate veterinary care for your pet.

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Ferret Care - Stomach Blockages

Cleaning a Rabbit Cage or Hutch

Like any pet, rabbits require appropriate care. They shouldn't be placed in a cage and left without having a clean environment in which to live. Preventative upkeep on the cage and hutch will keep your rabbit healthy saving you on medical expenses caused by an unclean living situation.

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How to properly clean a rabbit hutch and cage

Care Tips for Rabbits Housed Outdoors

Not all rabbits can be house rabbits especially if multiple rabbits are owned. However, that doesn't mean that outdoor rabbits shouldn't receive the same care and security as an indoor rabbit. Rabbits that are housed outdoors should be provided with protection from the elements, fresh food and water, exercise and regular screening for any health concerns.

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Proper Care for Outdoor Rabbits

Horse Breed - Missouri Fox Trotter

Over 8,000 Missouri Fox Trotters are registered each year. Their popularity has expanded beyond the Ozarks and can be found in every U.S. state, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, and France. What once began as a necessity for travel by settlers to the Ozarks has become one of the most popular riding horses in the United States due to its versatility, beauty, and rhythmic trotting ability.

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The Missouri Fox Trotter

Horse Breed - Morab

The Morab is a combination of two impressive breeds. The Arabian attributes the grace and elegance while the Morgan adds to the passive nature and hardiness of the Morab. This unique breed has classic beauty, astounding agility, and a calm disposition which makes the Morab not only attractive but functional for both sport and pleasure.

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Morab

Natural and Home Remedy Treatments for Hairballs

The cat food isle in most pet stores is inundated with hairball remedies in a bottle. Many of the ingredients are not all natural and most were designed for company profits, not the welfare of your feline companion. If hairballs are inconveniencing you or your pet, seek natural methods to alleviate the problem and start with prevention. By simply adding regular grooming sessions to your cat's routine, troublesome hairballs will become a thing of the past for you and your feline.

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Natural Hairball Treatments

Horse Breed - Barb

The Barb has a long, straight head, rounded quarters, and a low-set tail while the Arabian has a short, fine profile and a high-tail carriage. The legs of the Barb are slender with the hooves being narrow and tough which is common with most desert breeds. The hind legs of some Barbs are "cow-hocked" but this does not take away from the agility and soundness of the horse.

The modern Barb is typically gray due to the strong Arabian influence but the original Barb horses were generally bay or black. The average height of the Barb is 14.2 to 15.2 hands and is known for its speed over short distances.

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Barb Facts and Characteristics

Horse Breed - Gotland Pony

The Gotland pony has a light, slender body structure with slanting quarters and a low-set tail. The hind legs are described to be poorly developed but the hooves are tough and hard. Even with the disapproving hind legs, this pony has shown that it has other positive attributes that make it popular among horse enthusiasts. This breed is seen with a variety of coat colors including brown, dun, black, chestnut, gray, and palomino. The overall body appearance is compact with a deep barrel.

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Gotland Pony Facts and Characteristics

Horse Breed - Falabella

Falabella horses are described to be a docile and calm breed of horse but have the strength that goes beyond their miniature appearance. The breed has been studied by both French and Japanese veterinarians who both agree that the Falabella is missing the typical amount of ribs and lumbar vertebra. The standard height for the breed is 29.25 inches however, many can be found that are only 23 inches.

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Falabella Facts and Characteristics

Horse Breed - Campolina

The Campolina is a sound breed with strong bone structure. The coat of this breed can be found in a variety of colors and the height averages 14 to 15 hands. The temperament is noted as being docile yet "proud". The Professional Consortium of Campolina Horse Breeders was formed in 1938 and breed standards were updated in both 1975 and 1993. The true lineage of the Campolina may never be truly known however, the popularity of this breed has risen throughout Brazil with over 80,000 Campolina horses on the registry books.

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Campolina Facts and Characteristics

Bird Facts - Pyrrhuloxia

In the wild, the pyrrhuloxia is sometimes mistaken for the cardinal. The plumage of the female of both species are so closely identical, it takes a keen eye to search out the curved beak to distinguish these two species. Another similarity between the pyrrhuloxia and cardinal species include their deep loyalty towards their mate. It is not uncommon to gaze the male pyrrhuloxia foraging for berries and delivering some of the fruits of his labor to his female companion. Known as "courtship feeding", both the males of the pyrrhuloxia and cardinal species court their mates in this manner.

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Pyrrhuloxia

Horse Breed - Latvian

The Latvian is described to have a gentle and docile temperament and rather easy to handle. Even with their large size, it is not uncommon to see this breed recommended for children and first-time riders. Like most draft breeds, the Latvian is a powerful animal, showing strong endurance while displaying a passive and obedient nature towards its handler.


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Horse Breed - Latvian

Horse Breed - Lusitano

The Lusitano is primarily a riding and farm horse and was utilized for military purposes but it is most notable in the bullring. Rejoneadores (mounted bullfighters) utilize the Lusitano in the ring for bullfighting. Bullfighting in Portugal is performed differently than in other countries as the bull is not killed during the "fight". As the bull charges the horse and rider, the Lusitano must be quick and agile to escape the raging bull's horns. During the process, the Lusitano is known for its steadiness and calmness. To have a horse injured during the bullfight is considered a disgrace.

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Horse Breed - Lusitano

Horse Breed - Argentine Criollo

The Criollo Breeders Association of Argentina promotes endurance rides known as "raids". Only purebred Criollo horses are permitted to ride in these raids which lead to choosing the best animals for breeding purposes. The ride lasts 465 miles which must be completed within 75 hours over a four day event. Horses are only allowed to eat what they can snare along their ride and are checked at the end of each day by a qualified veterinarian.

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Horse Breed - Argentine Criollo