Mammals

Pairie Dog

Black-Tailed Prairie Dog

They may live on the prairie, but they aren’t dogs. These tunnel-digging rodents are closely related to squirrels but got their name from their bark-like calls during territorial disputes.

California Sea Lion

California Sea Lion

The loudest voices in the ocean may be the gregarious sea lion. Though clumsy on land, this marine mammal is a strong swimmer and diver, aided by its oar-like flippers and torpedo-shaped body. Sea lions are considered “pinnipeds,” which means “fin-footed” and refers to their long, flat hands and feet.

Baboon

Hamadryas Baboon

Hamadryas baboons hang out in harems of one male with several females and their young. You can tell the males apart by their bigger size and the heavy mane around their neck and shoulders. These social animals spend hours grooming each other and communicate through calls, scents, and gestures.

Otter

North American River Otter

River otters are a member of the weasel family, equally at home in water and on land. These playful, boisterous creatures are known for their swimming, diving, and even tobogganing skills! The North American river otter is one of 13 otter species that live around the globe.

12