Cypress Tunnel at Point Reyes National Seashore. Photo by Nick Steinberg. Tweeted by the US Department of the Interior, 4/23/17.
Highly intelligent and resourceful, raccoons are one of the most widespread mammals in North America. They have adapted to live in forests, mountain areas, coastal marshes and even urban centers. In Native American legends, they are known as tricksters and mischief-makers. Their characteristic masks and dexterous paws make them seem cute and approachable, but never forget that they are wild animals. Photo by Gary Miller, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Posted on Tumblr by the US Fish & Wildlife Service, 3/15/17.
Green Tree Frog at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Craig McIntyre. Tweeted by the US Department of the Interior, 5/4/17.
When temperatures warm up and food is available, brown bears slowly begin to leave their dens. After 4-5 months of sleep and limited activity, male bears emerge first, usually from early to mid-March, followed by solitary females and females with yearlings or two year olds. The last to leave their dens are females with newborn cubs. Spring greens and winter carrion are first on the menu for these hungry bears. Photo of brown bears from Alaska’s Katmai National Park & Preserve by Gavin Danapong. Posted on Tumblr by the US Department of the Interior, 4/21/17.