A big cat makes a big scat. Mountain lions weigh up to 220 pounds, and their poop or scat can be 15 inches in length. Mountain lion scat is a communication tool, and scientists study it to learn about the health and behavior of Arizona’s big cats.
Recently my family visited the Plum Creek Alpaca Farm in Prescott Valley. When we entered the farm, the farm dogs walked along with us as we visited the different pens. They housed a variety of groups of alpacas. Some areas were for the females or males and there was even an area for the nursery.
I love lizards and other reptiles! In October my family and I attended the Tucson Reptile & Amphibian Show at the Tucson Expo Center. Going to the reptile show is a family tradition. We have been going every year since I was 2 years old, and now I am 9.
Koalas are marsupials that live in Australia’s forests. Koalas also stay up in trees to keep cool in hot weather. Read on for more about their appearance, habitat, diet and other interesting facts.
Most people think koalas are bears, but they are actually marsupials! Koalas have silvery gray fur and sharp claws. They also have a thin body, small eyes, and a cushioned bottom to sit on rough branches.
Have you ever had or wanted a pet chicken? During this crazy year my family and I were building a chicken coop and on Easter morning we became the owners of ten chicks. Since Easter, we have learned a great deal about raising chickens, like the fact that they try to peck at things on you when you sit with them, including your clothes, watch and face. We have also learned that each chick has a unique personality just like people, some of our chicks are shy, some are curious, and some are born leaders. Our chicks are getting bigger every day and as they get bigger, they get more active.
On May 15 and 16, my sister and I volunteered with SAAFB giving out free dog and cat food. We worked with the director and co-founder, Donna DeConcini. We had a busy two days, but it was worth it!
I had a dino-mite experience at Jurassic Quest! It contains one of the largest collections of animatronic dinosaurs in North America. Due to COVID-19, Jurassic Quest offered a drive-thru experience at the Pima County Fairgrounds, which included an incredible audio tour, from the comfort of your own vehicle. Guests could enjoy over 70 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs placed in real-life scenes, with movement and sound. Each dinosaur was identified by name, region where they lived, identifying characteristics and eating habits. There were rows and rows of life-like dinosaurs.
Have you ever seen a Western Screech Owl? We sure have. Our class had a wild St. Patrick’s Day when Liberty Wildlife, whose mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and release, came to visit Prenda Microschool, located at the Compass Church in Chandler. Liberty Wildlife’s volunteers, Doris and Leslie, came with several birds of prey.
We all know about the happiness a furry friend can bring. Either a cat or dog, these animals make great companions. The steps to adopting are simple and almost anyone can adopt.
Tucson’s Reid Park Zoo is one of the 12 zoos we have in Arizona. It started in 1965 as a very small zoo. Every year Reid Park Zoo puts up their lights during the holiday season to bring joy and fun during Christmas time. This year the ZooLights will be going from Dec. 4–23, with a break for Christmas Eve and Christmas, and then from Dec. 26– 30. Tickets are available for 5:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. at entry points. This year, numbers of people attending are going to be reduced per day due to social distancing, but now you can socially distance meeting Santa in the new North Pole Village!
