My family and I went to Florida a few days ago, and we saw some amazing animals. We went to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and saw alligators, turtles, snakes, and lots of birds. I decided to look up a few animals and post fun facts about them. I hope you enjoy!

-Anna

Nine-Banded Armadillo:

• There are over 20 different kinds of armadillos, and the Nine – Banded Armadillo is the only kind found in the United States.
• “Armadillo” means “Little Armored One”
• Nine – Banded Armadillos can have between 7 and 11 bands, even though they’re called Nine-Banded Armadillos.
• Their sense of smell can track down almost 500 different foods, most are insects.
• Nine-Banded Armadillos jump straight up when they’re startled.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Alligator:

• When an alligator’s teeth get worn down, they get replaced. An alligator can go through 3,000 teeth in their life.
• Alligators have four short legs; the front legs have five toes, and the back legs only have four toes.
• Large males can weigh 1,000 pounds.
• They can live up to 50 years old.
• Alligators dig themselves into hollows in the mud, then it fills with water. The tunnels can be 65 feet long.

 

 

 

 

 

Anhinga:

• Sometimes, the Anhinga spears a fish too hard with its bill, it has to come to shore and get the fish off with a rock.
• Unlike other birds, the Anhinga feathers aren’t as waterproof.
• It will perch on a tree with its wings open to dry its feathers and warm its body.
• The Anhinga is also called “the snakebird”. When an Anhinga swims, its head and neck stretch out and it looks like a snake.
• The female lays 3-5 light blue eggs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flannel Moth Caterpillar:

• The Flannel Moth Caterpillar is one of the most toxic caterpillars
• It has been called “the Puss Caterpillar”
• The Flannel Moth Caterpillar will sting you if you touch it. There is really nothing you can do to stop the pain.
• People say the Flannel Moth’s sting can be like a bee sting but, 100 times worst.

 

 

 

 

 

 

White Ibis:

• The oldest recorded White Ibis was about 16 years old.
• The White Ibis has webbed feet almost like a duck.
• It doesn’t look like it but the White Ibis has black tips on their wings.