Tricky and Dangerous Creatures Poison and Befuddle Their Prey
by Yesenia Martinez, age 12
Some animals have evolved defenses that are
scary and dangerous. Here’s a few you might want to avoid
Arrow poison frogs, from South America, have
bright skins that are very poisonous. The native people extract their
venom so they can use on their arrow tips. That is how they got their
name. Salamanders are also known for their bright skin. If you touch
them, expect irritation or rashes on your skin. They also can taste
foul to other animals.
Some snakes are more poisonous than others. The
poisonous snakes inject their venom in their prey before they eat it.
They do this through long, sharp, hollow teeth called fangs.
Constricting snakes are not poisonous, but they are known to wrap
themselves around their prey and squeeze them to death. Then they eat
it.
Alligator snapping turtles are also very
dangerous; they live in deep rivers and lakes. To catch their prey
they open their mouth and what may look like a worm is actually a
tongue. So when fish come to take a peek, the turtle snaps them shut.
There are still many more animals that are
dangerous, but now you have an idea what animals you should stay away
from.
[Source:
100 Things You Should Know About Reptiles and Amphibians
]
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