Mammals

Mammals are the animals most of us feel closest to — probably because we’re mammals too. From wild deer grazing at the edge of a backyard to the dogs and cats curled up on our couch, mammals are everywhere in our daily lives. They all share some neat traits: they breathe air, they’re warm-blooded, and the mothers nurse their young with milk.

This group is full of variety. Think about an armadillo with its tough little armor compared to a flying bat swooping around at dusk — both are mammals, but couldn’t look more different. Squirrels, raccoons, rabbits, and skunks are the kinds of critters you might spot right in your neighborhood, while beavers and otters keep busy near rivers and ponds.

Mammals tend to be some of the most misunderstood critters too. Opossums, for example, get a bad rap but actually help clean up pests. Learning about mammals helps us see just how amazing, helpful, and surprising the animal kingdom really is.