2. Name: Raccoon Habitat: The raccoon, native to southern BC, can live in a wide range of habitats, such as forests, farmland, and cities. They often live in hollow trees or empty buildings. They only need food, water, and a protected den to survive. Adaptations: Their hand-like paws make it easy to search through human garbage for food. They put on extra weight and develop a thicker fur coat in the fall to help them survive the winter, when food can be scarce. Facts: A raccoon lives for approximately 5 years. Its name means “he who scratches with his hand.” They are most active at night (nocturnal).

3. Name: Salmon Habitat: They are born in fresh water rivers and streams. Then they migrate to the salty Pacific Ocean. When it is time to lay eggs, they return to their fresh water birthplace to spawn. Adaptations: Females lay up to 8,000 eggs in fresh water gravel beds to protect them from predators. An alevin (newly hatched salmon) has a yolk sac that provides food until the young salmon can find food on its own. Facts: There are 5 types of wild BC salmon: chinook, coho, sockeye, pink, and chum. Pacific salmon die shortly after spawning.

4. Name: Polar Bear Habitat: This bear lives in the Arctic Circle. It is born on land but spends most of its time on or near the edge of the frozen Arctic Ocean. Adaptations: God gave them a thick layer of blubber for warmth. They have large feet that act like paddles when swimming. Big feet also distribute their weight when walking on snow or thin ice. They can smell seals 1.6 km away. Facts: Polar bears weigh 350 to 700 kg. “Nanook” is the Inuit name for polar bear. They can swim about 100 km without resting. They are the largest land carnivore and the largest type of bear.

5. Name: Goliath Bird Eating Spider Habitat: This large member of the tarantula family lives in South American rain forests. It uses a burrow for shelter. Adaptations: To protect itself, it can shoot hairs at threats. These hairs are very irritating to the skin. They use strength and stealth to sneak up and pounce on unsuspecting victims. Instead of chewing with teeth, they inject digestive juices into their victims so they can slurp up their meal. Facts: Some people in South America eat roasted tarantulas! Despite its name, these tarantulas rarely eat birds. They can have a leg span of up to 30 cm!

6. Name: Giant Saguaro Cactus Habitat: This is a North American tree-sized cactus native to deserts in Arizona, California and Mexico. Adaptations: Whenever it rains, this giant plant soaks up and stores rainwater. The 5cm spines protect it from being eaten by animals. It has a smooth, waxy surface that helps keep moisture in. Facts: Some live for more than 150 years. The largest saguaro is 13.8 meters tall in Mexico.

7. Name: Great White Shark Habitat: This shark lives in temperate ocean waters around the world. It stays near the shore. Adaptations: The great white’s top surface is camouflaged blue-gray to blend in with the dark water, enabling it to approach prey unobserved. Its nostrils can smell one drop of blood in 100 liters of water. They are propelled by powerful tails. They have fins for balance. Facts: The biggest great white was 7 meters long and weighed almost 3200 kg. A big meal can satisfy this shark for up to 2 months! It has up to 3,000 triangular, saw- edged teeth that are 7.5 cm long.

8. Name: Kangaroo Habitat: Kangaroos are native to Australia. Most kangaroos like a grassland habitat. They graze on grasses and short plants. Adaptations: They live together in mobs (10 or more kangaroos), which provides protection for the weaker members. They have powerful hind legs and large feet for leaping. Their long muscular tail is for balance. A mother’s pouch protects the baby (joey) until it is fully developed. Facts: They live an average of 6 years in the wild. A comfortable hopping speed is 25 km/h, but they can do bursts at 70 km/h.

9. Name: Bottlenose Dolphin Habitat: Bottlenose dolphins live in temperate and tropical ocean waters around the world. They are found in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans as well as the Mediterranean and Black Seas. Adaptations: They usually hunt in groups. Some herd fish into smaller and smaller circles while others take turns eating the fish. The dorsal fin is for steering. They uses echolocation (sound) to “see” in dark, murky ocean waters. Facts: Dolphins are closely related to whales and porpoises. They are mammals. They breathe through blowholes. Males can be 4 meters long and weigh about 450 kg.

10. Name: Octopus Habitat: The octopus can survive in a variety of ocean habitats, such as coral reefs and the ocean floor. Adaptations: The octopus has two ways to protect itself—hide or escape. It has no skeleton, so it can squeeze through tight places. It uses camouflage to hide from predators. The octopus has skin cells that can change colour to match its surroundings. This ocean creature also releases ink into the water to mask its escape from danger. Facts: An octopus has 8 arms with suction cups. It has blue blood and three hearts. This invertebrate releases nerve poison to stun prey.