Ranger Rick’s stories and facts about wildlife species and habitats are from all over the world. Enjoy surprising discoveries and weird findings below.

Animal Class
Ranger Rick magazine spread Growing Up Elk with jumping calf and herd by mountain lake

Growing Up Elk

Hello! I’m Elvin Elk—and I’m growing up fast in my beautiful mountain home. Come meet my family and find out about life in an elk herd.

Ranger Rick magazine opening spread for Hooray for Hares with hare photos and facts

Hares

If you think hares are the same as rabbits you’re “jumping” to the wrong conclusion. Hares and rabbits are related, but hares are not rabbits. Hares are hares!

Magazine spread Bluffer about hognose snake showing coiled spotted snake on sandy ground

Hog-Nosed Snakes

A snake is a snake, right? Don’t be so sure. THIS snake often pretends to be something else altogether!

Magazine spread Its a Snake with green pit viper coiled on branch and snake scale texture closeups

It’s a Snake!

It hisses. It slithers. It’s covered in scales. Make no mistake . . .

Magazine spread about jaguars as water cats showing one stalking along a muddy riverbank

Jaguars

Unlike most cats, a jaguar (JAG-whar) is right at home in the water.

Ranger Rick magazine spread Giant about Japanese giant salamander in a mountain stream

Japanese Giant Salamander

The wrinkly, slimy creature is covered with warts and folds of skin. Tiny eyes peer out from its wide, flat head. With massive mouth agape, it shows off small but sharp teeth, all the better to fight and bite!

Jumping Spiders

Whee! What could be more fun than taking a wild leap through the air, with the wind blowing through your hair? For this hairy little spider, it’s a way of life. Want to find out more? Jump right in!

Ranger Rick magazine opening spread Dragon with huge Komodo dragon photo and Indonesia map

Komodo Dragons

Thousands of years ago, some ancient sailors and traders visited faraway islands in the Indian Ocean. Imagine their surprise—and horror—when they saw reptiles like this one, nearly the size of gators.

Magazine spread Leave It to Beavers with beaver carrying branch and urban lodge in parking lot

Leave It to Beavers

Once, many towns tried to keep beavers out of local rivers and streams. But now, some are leaving them alone—or even welcoming them in!

Lion Prides

What’s the secret to a female lion’s success? Working well with others.

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