Animals of North America

Due to zonal features, the plant and animal life of North America is notable for its wealth. On the continent, there are about 30,000 species of plants, the size of which often infects the imagination of tourists. The most amazing representatives of the flora include hicory, thuja, magnolia, tulip tree, tsuga, yucca, sequoia, agave and prickly pear. As for the animal world, some species of animals in North America are similar to European animals, but there are also some that differ significantly from their counterparts from Eurasia.

Flora and fauna

Due to a wide range of climatic conditions, the continent is distinguished by a very diverse world of flora and fauna. Only in the Far North is the climate too cold for most species of plants and animals, but on lands covered with a dense layer of snow, there are Arctic wolves, polar bears, various rodents. In the tundra zone, you can meet caribou (reindeer), lemmings, muskox, fox. The north of the United States, as well as the territory of Canada, is occupied by dense forests where animals such as raccoons and skunks are found. The pride of California are sequenced forests. These trees are the tallest in the world. Their height can reach 110 meters. In addition, one of the longest-living tree species grow here - a pine-tree. This representative of the flora can live about 4,600 years! In the very center of the continent on grass-covered plains, which are called prairies, there are North American animals such as coyotes, prairie dogs, badgers, ground squirrels, and horned antelopes. In the deserts that stretch in the northwest of the United States, grow yucca, cacti, jujube and many other plants that do not require much moisture. Of the fauna in the deserts, you can find lizards, hares, small rodents, rattlesnakes.

The most dangerous animals in North America

First of all, I would like to note the grizzly bear , whose halo is Canada, as well as North America. Animals reach a weight of approximately 500 kg and a height of 220-280 centimeters. The speed of moving the grizzly bear is up to 50 km / h. They feed on deer, elk, rams, sometimes people. On average, 10 people per year die from grizzly paws. Most importantly, this predator is not afraid of people and can attack even an armed man without fear. Often the victims of grizzlies are tourists. In order not to become a dinner for a bear, you should keep the parking places clean, hang food high on trees. Do not try to scare a grizzly or attract his attention. It is better to stand still, do not talk and slowly retreat. Do not try to escape from the predator, otherwise it will easily catch up with you and straighten you. The sensitive point of the bear is the nose, so if the predator still attacks, then it is worth to hit it in the nose or pretend to be dead, covering your head and neck with your hands.

Another terrible American predator is the western rattlesnake . These animals of North America do not attack people themselves. For them, the main source of nutrition are rats, dogs, gophers, squirrels, mice, birds, rabbits, lizards and so on. When walking, you should be especially careful, because the bite will not save you either shoes or clothes. A year from the bite of a rattlesnake die to 15 people, but bites are fixed to 8 thousand.

Pumas are animals of North America, reaching a length of 100-180 centimeters and weighing up to 105 kilograms. Speed pum can exceed 90 km / h. Therefore, running away from them is useless. Pumas rarely attack a person. If you met her in the wild, you should stand up and shout loudly, throwing stones at her whenever possible. In a year there are about three assaults with a lethal fatal outcome.

American alligators live in the southeast of the USA. Their size reaches 450 cm in length, and they weigh 1,200 kg. The speed of the alligator on land is 25 km / h, and in water they are much faster. The source of nutrition for them are turtles, fish, snakes, raccoons, deer, sheep, frogs, other amphibians. As a rule, alligators do not consider people as prey, but if they feel threatened or take your foot for a fish, then you should be extremely careful. It is best to keep away from alligators at a great distance. A year from the teeth of this predator dies up to 5 people.