Altricial: Young that are born naked, blind and unable to care for themselves at birth.
Carnivore: An animal that preys on other animals; especially mammals of the Order Carnivora.
Carrion: Dead flesh.
Diurnal: Active during the daylight hours.
Dorsal: Relating to or situated near or on the back of an animal.
Ecosystem: A community of plants and animals interacting among themselves and with their environment
Endangered: Threatened with extinction.
Environment: the natural world that surrounds us.
Extinction: The process of ceasing to exist.
Flyway: A route used by migratory birds on their annual flights between wintering and breeding ranges.
Gestation Period: The period of carrying young in the uterus; the period of pregnancy.
Granivorous: Subsisting on diet of grains and seeds from cereal grasses.
Habitat: The kind of environment in which an organism is able to find adequate food, water, and shelter and space for survival.
Hibernation: Period of time when an animal becomes inactive or dormant, usually during winter. Allows an animal to survive harsh conditions using less energy than when active.
Insectivore: An animal that eats insects.
Keystone Species: Species that have a key role in the ecosystem.
Migration: The annual or regular movement of certain animals from one habitat to another.
Natural heritage: The natural places in our country that belong to everyone.
Nocturnal: Active at night.
Omnivorous: Feeding on all sorts of plant or animal material.
Pectoral: Of, pertaining to, situated, or occurring in or on the chest.
Pelage: The hair of mammals.
Precocial: Young born with hair, eyes open, and the ability to move about immediately after birth.
Refuge: A place that offers protection or shelter.
Rut: The breeding period, as in deer.
Threatened: In danger or at risk.
Ungulate: A mammal with hooves.
Ventral: Of or relating to the belly of an animal or the lower surface that is opposite the back.
Wetland: A place where the ground is saturated or that is partially or completely covered by water during some or all the year.
