Forest Creatures

Many people dislike skunks, but this is primarily due to misconceptions about them. For instance, they are not normally smelly creatures, and they do not pose a threat to humans. In fact, they are beneficial, as they eat creatures that tend to ruin gardens. They also scavenge animal carcasses, which removes carrion from the environment. Through full-color photographs, informative fact boxes, and a detailed graphic organizer, readers learn all about the vital role skunks play in a forest ecosystem. A list of books and websites provides a jumping-off point for further research.

Bobcats may look more like housecats than a tiger or lion does, but they are much fiercer than an ordinary pet. Their shy nature means they are rarely a threat to humans. In fact, they generally avoid humans so completely that it is rare to see one at all. This lack of firsthand observation means people tend to know very little about these beautiful and independent animals. Through engaging main text, augmented with informative fact boxes and full-color photographs, readers learn about the bobcat's behavioral patterns, diet, habitat, and more.

When opossums' habitats are threatened and they move into urban areas, they pose a high risk of disease transmission to humans. This has given them a bad reputation. However, left alone in the forest, opossums make up a vital part of the ecosystem. One way they help humans is by eating large amounts of ticks, which limits the spread of Lyme disease and other sicknesses. Full-color photographs and a detailed graphic organizer give readers more information about the role of opossums in nature. A glossary of new terms is included to foster a deeper understanding of the material.

In the last few decades, foxes have become incredibly popular, especially as a fashion motif. Unfortunately, this interest in foxes has led to many misconceptions. While they may seem cute and cuddly, especially the ones that have been domesticated, the fact remains that most foxes are wild animals and are not suitable as pets. However, they are fascinating creatures. Full-color photographs and in-depth fact boxes enhance the informative main text to teach readers about foxes' behavior, domestication efforts, and their meteoric rise in the pop culture world.

Despite the fearsome appearance their many quills give them, porcupines tend to be gentle animals that are only aggressive when cornered. In captivity, they often show affection toward humans and want to be petted. In their natural habitat, they are an important part of the forest ecosystem. This volume addresses misconceptions about porcupines, giving only the facts about these surprisingly sweet creatures. Full-color photographs and engaging fact boxes give readers a closer look at porcupines, and a list of books and websites gives a jumping-off point for further independent research.

In wild boars' native habitats of Eurasia and North Africa, they play important ecological roles. Their activity in the forest creates habitats for other creatures and spreads seeds to other locations, promoting biodiversity. Sadly, as an invasive species in the Americas, they often do more harm than good. This volume examines the ways wild boars affect the environment around them. Through the engaging main text, enhanced with full-color photographs and a detailed graphic organizer, readers learn about these intelligent animals' behavior, habitat, diet, and more.