Interesting Animal Facts for Kids With Pictures

Kids love animals, and there are many fascinating animal facts for kids that can spark interest in science, history, geography, and other subjects. These types of fun facts can be great for teachers, homeschooling, science projects, and more.

For example, there are approximately 10,000 species of birds in the world, but only 10 percent of them can be found in North America. What unique birds can you find in other countries?

Alligators and crocodiles, which evolved during the Cretaceous period, haven't changed much in millions of years. This makes them real, living dinosaurs! What other animals are living dinosaurs? How are animals evolving today?

The cheetah is the fastest land mammal and can reach speeds up to 70 miles per hour in a sprint. Running that fast, the cheetah uses its long tail to help steer. What birds, insects, and fish are also fast?

The green sea turtle does not reach full maturity for 20-25 years, and it can live up to 80 years. How long can your favorite animals live?

The ruby-throated hummingbird migrates up to 2,500 miles one way each spring and fall and can fly 500 miles or more without stopping as it crosses the Gulf of Mexico. What migration path does it take? What other birds migrate?

Dolphins have to stay awake to breathe, so only half of their brain is asleep at one time. What other animal facts for kids can you discover about dolphins? Did you know there are pink dolphins? How intelligent are dolphins?

There are more than 300 types of squirrels in the world, but only 10 squirrel species can be found in North America. What are the biggest and smallest squirrels? Do all squirrels store nuts for the winter?

Experts estimate that nearly one-third of all the animal species in the world are endangered or near extinction. What animals in your state are endangered? What can you do to help?

All modern dogs, from tiny Chihuahuas to huge St. Bernards, are descended from the gray wolf. What do dogs and wolves have in common, and how are they different?

A polar bear's fur can be stained green from algae in the water it swims in. What do polar bears eat, and where do they live?

Kangaroos can only jump forwards, not backwards, and they use their thick, strong tails for balance. How many types of kangaroo species are there? What is the difference between a kangaroo and a wallaby?

The blue whale can be up to 100 feet long and may weigh more than 190 tons, making it the largest mammal on earth. What is the smallest mammal? What do blue whales eat? How big are other whales?

A llama can spit 10 feet or further and uses its spitting ability to warn other llamas to stay away from its territory. How do other animals mark their territories?

With so many amazing animal facts for kids to learn, it can be fun to incorporate these facts into other projects. For great ideas, see:

• Rainforest Facts for Kids
• Easy Science Projects
• Wetlands for Kids