America 250: Our nation’s nature

To rejoice America’s 250th birthday, we on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are highlighting the unimaginable wildlife that calls this lovely nation house. From American icons to delicate specialists, be part of us as we spotlight seven species every week: one species for every of the 250 days main as much as America’s 250th birthday. 

Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

The channel catfish is among the most widespread freshwater fish within the U.S., identified for its whisker-like barbels and glorious sense of scent. Found in rivers, lakes and reservoirs, these bottom-dwellers turn out to be much less lively within the winter.

Raccoon (Procyon lotor)

Raccoons spend chilly days and nights holed up in dens – usually in hole bushes, burrows or different heat spots. While they do not actually hibernate, they might spend lengthy durations of time sleeping to preserve power, rising on hotter days to forage.

California newt (Taricha torosa)

As its identify suggests, the California newt is just present in California. Between December and early May, grownup newts are out and about in search of a mate within the pool the place they hatched. Adults measure 5 to eight inches with warty, slate-gray backs and brilliant orange-yellow sides.

Pine siskin (Spinus pinus)

Just like individuals, birds shiver to remain heat. Pine siskins weigh lower than half an oz. and may keep a physique temperature of 93 levels Fahrenheit for prolonged durations – even when the air is much beneath zero!

American paddlefish (Polyodon spathula)

The American paddlefish is understood for its clean pores and skin, lengthy, paddle-shaped snout and skeleton made largely of cartilage. Native to the Mississippi River Basin, this filter-feeding big makes use of its snout to detect plankton in murky waters. In the winter, they turn out to be much less lively, increase reserves for spring spawning migrations.

Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus)

The walrus is a large marine mammal discovered within the icy waters of the Arctic Ocean. Known for its lengthy tusks and bristly whiskers, walruses can measure almost 12 toes lengthy and weigh greater than 4,000 kilos.

Eastern spadefoot (Scaphiopus holbrookii)

The jap spadefoot toad is a secretive amphibian present in sandy soils all through the southeast. They’re named after the spade-like projection on their hind toes – good for burrowing underground the place they spend many of the yr hidden.