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In addition to a vast variety of smaller creatures, Oklahoma is home to a variety of large animals. We’ll describe five of the largest species below. The Largest Fish Is the Alligator Gar A 254-pound alligator gar was the largest fish ever caught in the state. Gars are called “primitive fishes” or “living fossils” because they retain physical traits from their ancient progenitors, such as a spiral valve gut and the capacity to breathe air and water....

What is the Deepest Lake in Iowa? The deepest lake in Iowa is West Lake Okoboji. Lake Okoboji is one of the Iowa Great Lakes and is divided into the West Lake and East Lake. Both are natural lakes vs. manmade reservoirs and are some of the clearest lakes in the region. West Lake is a little bigger than East Lake, but all the lakes connect, making lake hopping a fun summer activity....

The Five Most Common Sharks Found In The Chesapeake While there are twelve known species of shark that have been sighted in the Chesapeake Bay, only five are considered a common occurrence. Most of these sharks are considered harmless, but two species are dangerous to humans when encountered. Additionally, two of the shark species in the Chesapeake are vulnerable or near threatened. Therefore, it is important to know how to tell each species apart should you encounter them!...

Louisiana is a southern state that is bordered by Arkansas to the north, Mississippi to the east, the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Texas to the west. It is most well known for its diverse mix of cultures and traditions, ranging from the French and Spanish settlers to the Creoles/Cajuns and the Indians. Louisiana is also famous for the port city of New Orleans, a common shipping destination and the birthplace of jazz music....

What is an Alligator Gar? Alligator gars are one of the largest freshwater fish. They are members of the “gar” family that includes seven different species like the longnose gar and spotted gar. The alligator gars are distinguished by their relatively shorter and rounded snout. They live in the Mississippi River Valley and its tributaries in Louisiana, eastern Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and the panhandle of Florida. They are freshwater fish but can adapt to salt water, so they can be found in the brackish mixes of the Gulf as well as slow moving rivers and tributaries....

Whether you’d like it or not, snakes are pretty common in Florida. So, it’s not a surprise anymore if you find one in a yard, a golf course, a park, a garage, or even in a house if you’re living here or just visiting. Florida serves as home to about 46 species of native snakes, with only six of those being considered venomous. Although they seem to be a lot, most snakes here aren’t a threat to humans and are not venomous....

Why are polar bears so large? Polar bears inhabit the arctic circle including territories of Canada, Greenland, Norway, Russia, and the United States in parts of Alaska. The temperature in the Arctic circle is influenced primarily by the surrounding sea water which is 28.8-degrees Fahrenheit (-2-degrees Celsius) before it freezes. The average atmospheric temperature in the winter is between -22 and -31-degrees Fahrenheit (-30 to -35-degrees Celsius). In the animal kingdom, different evolutionary trends relate body size to ecology....

Beaches to Visit in Washington Visitors to the lowest point in Washington will be delighted to discover some of the most pristine, relaxing beaches and resort destinations. Take a peek at just a few vacation destinations where rest and recreation are a priority. Long Beach Peninsula The southwest corner of the state, where the Columbia River enters the ocean, is where Cape Disappointment State Park is located. The explorers Lewis and Clark completed their journey when they reached this point....

No, the Vancouver coastal sea wolf isn’t sprouting gills and fins. They’re just continuing what they’ve been doing for generations: combing the beach for food. It’s more than that, though. They’re voracious eaters, swimmers, and a sign that the environment really can affect how we evolve. Let dive into these “sea wolves” and find out why wolves from the Pacific Northwest are becoming the ocean’s newest predators! The Background on “Sea Wolves” When we hear of wolves, we think of the grey wolves that inhabit Yellowstone National Park....

Do Chow Chows Shed? Chow chows are notorious shedders, consistently appearing on lists of the top five or 10 heaviest shedders in the dog world. Unfortunately for allergy sufferers, this long-haired breed is not hypoallergenic. Why aren’t chow chows hypoallergenic? The answer has to do with how much fur they lose. Dogs who shed heavily increase the number of allergens in the air like dander (flakes of dead skin). No dog is one hundred percent hypoallergenic, but some trigger allergic reactions more readily than others....

Read on to learn more about the estrous cycle of female guinea pigs and how it differs from those of the 18 mammal species that menstruate. Guinea Pig Reproduction Female guinea pigs can be fertile at 4 weeks old, though they reach sexual maturity at 67 days and males at 56-76 days Sows breed year-round and can give birth to 5 litters in one year, peaking at springtime. Cavy pup newborns are precocial, meaning they are born well-developed, mobile, and able to eat solid food while they are suckling....

What Is a Possum? A possum is a type of mammal called a marsupial. The term “possum” broadly refers to both possums and opossums. However, though they are related, they are also distinct. “Possum” technically refers to the species of marsupials in Australia and the surrounding islands. “Opossum” refers to species of marsupials in the Americas. The most famous of these species is the Virginia opossum, the only marsupial inhabiting North America....

They have what is known as a hydrostatic skeleton which means that this type of skeleton structure allows them to keep their long body parts rigid. While it’s true that this animal does not have any bones, backbone, or vertebral column, they do however, use the incompressible nature of water to transmit force. This action is why they are considered to be an invertebrate. With that said, here are some other interesting facts about octopus:...

You might feel embarrassed or angry initially, but don’t worry—you’re not alone. Dogs pass gas for many reasons and can also have trouble controlling their farts. It’s all part of being a dog owner. We know you’ve probably seen your dog fart before, but maybe you don’t understand why it does it or what to do when it does. Can it be controlled? Today, we answer all your questions about what causes dogs to fart and how you can help manage those farts so that everyone in the house is happy and healthy (and don’t have to worry about embarrassing smells)....

It is estimated there are around 4 to 6 million ducks living in California, living in freshwater habitats like ponds, streams, and lakes. Duck hunting is a rewarding sport that may be challenging, but with hard work, anyone can learn to enjoy it. Duck hunting also helps support the state and federal conservation programs that allow for the preservation of California’s wetland habitats. If you plan on getting out into nature, and going duck hunting it is important to understand the regulations, and the rules of the area you are in, which include things like season dates, and daily limits....

We’re going to break down a fight between the Barbary lion and the Amur tiger, also called the Siberian tiger. We’ll use data from the biggest species ever confirmed or reliably rumored to see which one has the highest chance of winning a battle! Comparing the Largest Lion Ever and the Largest Tiger Ever What Are the Key Differences Between the Largest Lion Ever and the Largest Tiger Ever? The biggest differences between the largest lion ever and the largest tiger ever are found in their size, defenses, and predatory behaviors....

The Meaning of a Flag With a Cross The cross is a common symbol that appears on many national flags worldwide. In many cases, the cross is a religious symbol that represents Christianity, but it can also have other meanings depending on the context in which it is used. One of the most common uses of the cross on national flags is as a representation of Christianity or one of its saints....

Understanding Snowfall in Delaware Winters in Delaware are cold, but they are not as lengthy as those experienced by neighboring northeastern states. Snowfall in Delaware varies according to the region and is influenced by several factors. For instance, wind currents produced by the Jet Stream carry storms that drop precipitation on Delaware and bring temperature changes. Sometimes, the Jet Steam will experience troughs. Troughs are dips in the Jet Steam that help to create storms along the coast....

Here, we’ll discover all there is to know about Gaboon viper fangs. We’ll start by getting to know the Gaboon viper a little better. Then, we’ll learn about their fangs, and just why they get so big. Finally, we’ll take a look at Gaboon viper venom, and what makes it so deadly. Gaboon Viper Profile Gaboon vipers are African snakes, they’re not found anywhere else on Earth. They have some of the most intricate patterns of any snake, which makes them incredibly hard to spot on the forest floor....

Gars are some of the easiest species of fish to identify. They are easily recognized by their long, slender bodies, beak-like jaws, and scales that are shaped like diamonds. Although all gar species have similar-looking jaws, one of the easiest ways to tell the different species apart is the length and shape of their jaws. Have you ever wondered what the insides of a gar’s mouth look like? Keep reading to know more about their dentition and how their teeth work....