Animals with the word rat in them

Rabbits have been domesticated since Roman times, and possibly even from before that. Rabbits really do breed like rabbits. The female is ready to breed almost any time, and she’ll have a litter of babies about 30 days after breeding. These bipedal herbivores eat a diet of mostly green foods, but they are also opportunistic […] Read More

Sporting a black mask and ringed tail, the raccoon is among the most common mammals in North America. Both vilified as a nuisance and loved for their fascinating behavior, the raccoon is an intelligent, clever animal that gets up to trouble with surprising enthusiasm and alacrity. A true survivor of the animal kingdom, it has […] Read More

Raccoon dogs can climb trees, swim, and dive underwater Raccoon dogs live in Europe and Asia. Although they look similar to raccoons, they are not related to them. These animals are omnivores and are active at night and part of the day. They have a lifespan of 6 to 11 years. They are social animals […] Read More

“These great tree climbers are named ‘racers’ because of their ability to dart away from danger at up to 3.5 miles per hour!” The racer snake, also called the Eastern racer snake, is a non-venomous species of 11 subspecies found in North America and Central America, from southern Canada to Guatemala. Their scientific name is […] Read More

Radiated Tortoise Classification and Evolution The Radiated Tortoise is a relatively large species of Tortoise, natively found on the island of Madagascar. Although having evolved in similar environments to other star-patterned Tortoises from around the tropics, the Radiated Tortoise has more striking and complex markings than those of the Indian Star Tortoise, for example. The […] Read More

Ragamuffin cats have a fairly brief history, only having been recognized as a separate species from the ragdoll in the last three decades. Taking care of this type of cat requires regular grooming, a good diet, and a willingness to be followed around constantly for the sake of their loving personality. Though they are often […] Read More

Meet the Ragdoll, the cat that will go floppy when you cuddle with it. Breed History The Ragdoll cat breed came about from humble beginnings in 1963 courtesy of Ann Baker, a breeder from Riverside California. This woman owned a white long-haired female named Josephine who she had taken in from the neighborhood she lived […] Read More

Raggles are alert to everything in their environment making them excellent watchdogs. Breed a Rat Terrier with a Beagle and you get a Raggle. A Raggle is one of many so-called designer dogs. Two popular dogs are bred to get a puppy that possesses the best qualities of each breed. Raggles are energetic, alert, and […] Read More

The rainbow boa is a brown-patterned reptile that primarily seeks out rodents and small birds in its diet. A rainbow boa prefers warm temperatures with high humidity for the most part, and it is endemic to Central and South America. Instead of determining sexual maturity by age, the males must be at least four feet […] Read More

The rainbow grasshopper is currently the only species within the genus Dactylotum. It is endemic to North America, ranging from southern Canada to northern Mexico. Its arresting coloration consists of reddish-orange, yellow, white, and black markings. This herbivore is typically solitary except when mating and is not generally considered a pest. It is also nonpoisonous […] Read More

These magnificent fish are often referred to as Krib, but they go by many names, including cichlid or kribensis. The West African cichlid’s present scientific name is Pelvicachromis pulcher, meaning beautiful bellied fish. Cichlids are surprisingly resilient against disease; if owners care for them properly, they can live up to 5 years old! In addition, […] Read More

The rainbow shark comes in many interesting or lustrous skin colors (including albino and bright blue) that make them popular among aquarium enthusiasts. The rainbow shark is not really a shark at all, but rather a small bony fish. They go by many different names, including the red-fin shark and the rainbow shark minnow. While […] Read More

“A rat’s teeth never stop growing” Rats live in places all over the world. They are nocturnal and live in packs. These medium-sized rodents are omnivores eating insects, seeds, fruits, eggs, and small animals. A female can have a litter of 8 to 12 babies. The lifespan of a rat is 2 to 3 years. […] Read More

Rat snakes live in a wide range of environments. There are roughly 50 rat snake species spread across 15 genera; they’re non-venomous and helpful garden allies. You can find them in most parts of the Northern Hemisphere, and they come in a variety of colors and patterns. They’re all oviparous and lay eggs in hollow […] Read More

At least seven breeds were used to create the rat terrier, including beagles, smooth fox terriers, old English white terriers, Manchester terriers, bull terriers, whippets, and Italian greyhounds. Rat terriers are brilliant dogs, but they can be very stubborn. This breed was first developed by early American farmers who wanted a dog that could kill […] Read More

Rattlesnakes are easily recognized venomous snakes with a rattle at the end of their tails. As members of the pit viper group, rattlesnakes use their powerful venom to subdue their victims. This venom stops blood clotting and destroys internal tissues, quickly disabling animals they bite. Humans can also die when antivenom is not available. The […] Read More

The red ackie prefers burrowing to climbing. Red Ackie Monitor Facts Master of disguise: The color and pattern of the red ackie’s spots correlate with their natural habitat to help them camouflage to prevent easy detection by predators.Defense mode: Red ackie monitors in the wild mostly use their spiny tails as a means of self-defense […] Read More

“Aphids are called ant cows because ants herd and ‘milk’ them to secrete a substance called honeydew!” Summary Aphids are parasitic insects that target plants. They suck the sap out, draining the plant and making it less resistant to other pests and diseases. Aphids come in many colors, such as green, black, yellow, red, white, […] Read More

“Red deer are depicted in 40,000-year-old cave art!” Red Deer Summary The red deer is one of the largest species of deer in the world, thriving across Europe and Western Asia and in multiple other areas of the world where they have been introduced. They are distinguished by their reddish-brown fur and the impressive antlers […] Read More

The sound of a red diamondback rattlesnake’s tail may be disturbing, but they want you to go away! Hikers often hear the disturbing sound of a rattlesnake in the brush near their path. However, this is the sound of a snake trying to warn you away! Red diamondback rattlesnakes are large-bodied venomous snakes; they live […] Read More

The red drum goes by many names, including channel bass, spottail bass, redfish, puppy drum, and just red. They are game fish primarily found in certain parts of the Gulf of Mexico, from Florida to northern Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. These fish are close relatives to the black drum, and the two species have […] Read More

“Red finches sometimes compete with hummingbirds for nectar at a feeder.” Red finches are birds that live throughout the United States and down into Mexico. These tiny birds have a beautiful song full of trills, chirps, and rolling warbles. The male red finch is notable for the bright red feathers on his head and breast. […] Read More

Garbed in its customary red, silver, or brown fur, the red fox is among the most common carnivorous mammals in the world. This species is a tenacious and wily survivalist in the wild. The red fox is an animal that has learned to thrive in many different climates and habitats, from steep mountain cliffs to […] Read More

The red kite moves its forked tail to steer itself as it flies through the air. The first thing you notice about a red kite in flight is its distinctive forked tail. It also makes a high-pitched call that sounds similar to whistling, “weooo, weooo.” The carnivorous diet of a red kite includes small mammals […] Read More

The Red knee tarantula is a desert-dwelling spider. Instead of spinning a web, these spiders dig burrows and spend most of their lives underground. They have a long lifespan compared to other spiders. Males can live up to ten years whereas females can potentially reach 30 years old. They are carnivores eating a diet of […] Read More

The red nose pit bull is not its own breed, but are a type of American pit bull terrier. It was originally bred from the Old English terrier and the Old English bulldog in early 19th-century England. The resulting mixture of these breeds was known as bull and terriers, and they are now extinct. Initially […] Read More

Classification and Evolution The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is a cat-sized species of carnivorous mammal that is found inhabiting the temperate mountain forests on the slopes of the Himalayas. Ailuridae is a family in the mammal order Carnivora, of which the red panda is the only living representative. As their name suggests, they are quite […] Read More

The Red Paper Wasps are lazy flyers; they occasionally land on people, pets, and objects without noticing them.  Summary The common name “Red paper wasp” refers to any of two species of red wasps of the same genus. They’re both characterized by their orange-red bodies and black wings. Red wasps are native to the United […] Read More

The red racer is among the fastest snakes in North America. The red racer, also known as the red coachwhip, is a subspecies of the coachwhip or whipsnake. The name should give you some idea of how fast they are. These snakes race along the ground with surprising speed when running away from threats or […] Read More

Red spitting cobras can spit their venom into a predator or prey’s eyes from up to 8 feet away with 100% accuracy. Red spitting cobras (Naja pallida) of Africa are medium-length snakes with unique defensive adaptations. Scientists believe the snakes’ venom-spitting capabilities evolved in direct response to the threats presented by early humans. Because people […] Read More

The American red squirrel is one of the most common mammals in all of North America. As a type of rodent, these agile tree climbers are found almost anywhere with mixed hardwood and evergreen conifer forests. They’ve also adapted very well to urban and suburban environments. Renowned for their excellent memory, American red squirrels will […] Read More

Red star chickens go by many names; for example, golden comet and sex-link, depending on the chickens used, breeder, and hatchery. These chickens were initially developed in the 1950s to use for production. Therefore they are found in large-scale commercial operations alongside the famous Leghorn chicken. However, hybrid chickens were frowned upon before the age […] Read More

The red tail boa is sometimes called the Suriname red tail boa, boa constrictor, or common boa. Summary The common boa can grow to be 13 feet long or greater when they reach their full-grown size. They are wonderful pets, though their reproductive habits and natural habitat range greatly. They don’t require much upkeep beyond […] Read More

The red wolf is the world’s most endangered canid and one of the rarest mammals. The red wolf is a smaller, thinner cousin of the gray wolf, named for its reddish-tawny coat color, while in physical size it is between that of the coyote and gray wolf. This wolf species is native to the southeastern […] Read More

Around 35 people are bitten by these snakes each year, however there have been no recorded fatalities. The red-bellied black snake is a semi-aquatic, carnivorous species of venomous snake native to Australia. The bite of these snakes is toxic, but they are not considered an aggressive species. Despite their shy nature, they still bite about […] Read More

Males and females have slightly differently shaped tongues, which may help them forage in different places. Summary Red-bellied woodpeckers look exactly how you would imagine them to look like. They’re medium-sized and have very obvious red bellies and caps. They’re pretty easy to see, though they are often confused with red-headed woodpeckers, a slightly rarer […] Read More

The red-billed quelea is a small passerine noted for its colorful feathers and bright red bill. It is also known as the weaver bird. It is a sociable bird that travels in huge flocks of up to 30 million members. The bird is native to the sub-Saharan region of Africa. 4 Amazing Facts About Red-Billed […] Read More

“The red-eared slider is the pet turtle to the World” Chances are you’ve had one of these pretty turtles with the red streak behind its eyes when you were a child. If it was well-cared for, it’s possible that you still have it as a grown-up. Hardy and prolific, the red-eared slider is kept as […] Read More

“Its Species Name Means ‘Beautiful Wood Nymph’” Found in the trees of Central American rainforests, this unignorable frog has become a symbol of conservation. Its fluorescent colors may put you in mind of a poison dart frog, but don’t worry, it’s pretty harmless. It even makes a good pet. Five Amazing Facts About the Red-Eyed […] Read More

Want a fun pet that is low maintenance and fascinating? The Red-Footed Tortoise has been a popular pet for years that can keep you company for a lifetime. These tortoises are named for their shells and body coloring. They have actual red feet, which makes them particularly fun to watch walk and climb. These tortoises […] Read More

The red-handed tamarin is a small, energetic primate that roams the Amazonian forests. Despite lacking a prehensile tail and opposable thumbs, this species can leap between branches and vines with remarkable dexterity and control. It has an unusual appearance that almost resembles a cross between a monkey and a squirrel, but socially and physically, it […] Read More

The red-headed vulture is critically endangered. You can read more about the various conservation statuses of wildlife here. Summary The bright red head of this bird makes it easy to recognize. While imposing to look at, these birds are actually quite timid. Easily chased away from a carcass while feeding, the bird, although in rapid […] Read More

The bright red pouty lips of the Red-Lipped Batfish, are thought to attract mates, which is what bright red pouty lips do for humans. Two of the challenges of life for a fish, or any other life form, are to find food and once in a while, find a mate. The fins of the red-lipped […] Read More

The Red-Shouldered Hawk has a ‘frenemy’ relationship with crows. While crows and hawks often fight, they also team up against owls. The red-shouldered hawk flies over developed woods and water. These are one of the most distinctively marked hawks, which makes them quite easy to identify. The upper part of their body is reddish-peach, almost […] Read More

Red-tailed cuckoo bumblebees (Bombus rupestris) are a species of cuckoo bumblebees that are native to Europe. They are parasitic, which means they do not have a colony or queen of their own. Instead, they lay their eggs in the nests of other bees. As their larvae develop, they consume the resources intended for the host […] Read More

The red-winged blackbird is found almost everywhere across North America except for deserts and mountains. The male is easily identified by the black glossy feathers and red shoulder patches. Its rich song can be heard every year beginning in the spring. It has also been known to attack people who wander too close to its […] Read More

“The black widow’s cousin down under.” Similar in appearance to North America’s black widow, the redback spider is that rare spider whose venom can cause severe symptoms in humans. Their preferred habitat is in and around human dwellings, which increases the chance of a human running afoul of these small and otherwise shy creatures. Read […] Read More

The Redbone Coonhound was originally brought to the Colonies by Scottish and Irish immigrants. Though the breed itself is American, the Redbone Coonhound is genetically derived from Bloodhounds and Foxhounds. The Redbone Coonhound dates back to colonial days, but it has since made its way into the hearts of many households. With a loud bark […] Read More

Redcaps, or Derbyshire redcaps, are a rare breed that first appeared in Derbyshire, England. They derive their name from the large rose comb on their heads, resembling a red cap. These chickens can grow up to 3.2 inches tall and have brown feathers with black tips. In addition, they have red earlobes, which is strange […] Read More

The redhump eartheater species (Geophagus steindachneri) is a fish that eats the substrate or earth in the bottoms of aquariums. Their name, Geophagus, means earth eater. They find food by engulfing mouthfuls of gravel and sand and sifting through it to find food. The leftover substrate is evacuated through the gills or mouth. Some species […] Read More

The redstart is a perching bird formerly thought to be part of the thrush family. However, now they are known to be a member of the Old  World flycatcher family. They are versatile birds and live in various habitats throughout Europe and West Africa, ranging from parks, broadleaf woodlands, gardens, farmlands, heathlands, and hedgerows. As […] Read More

The redtail catfish is a large, colorful fish that is native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins of South America. It only lives in freshwater streams and rivers. Distinctive for its bright red fins and enormous size, this attractive fish is a popular exhibit in aquariums. 4 Amazing Facts About the Redtail Catfish It […] Read More

The term reef shark refers to five species of shark that live in coral reefs around the world. These are requiem sharks, which means that they give live birth, are migratory, and have good eyesight that helps them hunt at night. Though they can grow rather large, they’re not considered especially dangerous to humans. Four […] Read More

The regal jumping spider, also known as the Phidippus regius, is a species of jumping spider that can be found in the southeastern United States. This is a type of jumping spider that is often kept as a pet in captivity. Regal jumping spiders are small and have an attractive coloration that makes them unusual […] Read More

“Travels more land space by foot annually than any other creature roaming the Earth” The reindeer has become somewhat of a whimsical animal. Tales of their ability to fly to pull Santa’s sleigh and other such stories have made them a fun focus for people both young and old. However, there is much to learn […] Read More

The Repenomamus was discovered in the year 2000, and at that point was given its name, which translates roughly to reptile mammal. Description and Size Repenomamus is a genus of two species, namely Repenomamus robustus and Repenomamus giganticus. It was one of the biggest mammals in the Mesozoic era.  From the fossils that were found […] Read More

The reticulated python is the world’s longest snake and is a nonvenomous constrictor native to Southeast and South Asia. These are big, beautiful snakes, and just because they’re nonvenomous doesn’t make them not dangerous in the wrong hands. These snakes are one of the few with actual accounts of them having eaten humans. Incredible Reticulated […] Read More

Summary Also known as the “King of Rabbits,” the Rex rabbit originated in France in 1919. Not to be confused with the much smaller Mini Rex, the Rex rabbit is a medium-sized breed weighing 7.5 to 10.5 pounds on average. Rex Rabbits have unusually broad heads and plush fur that distinguish them from other domestic […] Read More

Rhamphosuchus is an extinct genus of semi-aquatic crocodilians that lived during the Miocene in an area that is now the Indian subcontinent. Historically, paleontologists consider this giant reptile the largest crocodilian to have ever lived. However, recent studies have reviewed its size significantly. In addition to its size, the rhamphosuchus had a long and narrow […] Read More

Male rheas mate with up to a dozen females and single-handedly raise up to 80 chicks at once! Rheas are ratites, a type of flightless bird with a flat breastbone with no keel. Other familiar ratites include ostriches, emus, and others. Rheas look most like ostriches, but smaller. There are currently three species of rheas, […] Read More

The Rhesus Macaque can acclimate to almost any climate and has the broadest geographic range of any primate besides humans. Rhesus Macaque Summary The Rhesus Macaque is an exceptionally smart primate that has acclimated to human urbanization better than most animals. They and humans co-inhabit urban areas in several countries, especially India. These primates share […] Read More

Rhino beetles can lift objects 850 times their weight. Summary Rhinoceros beetles are a group of herbivorous insects known for the horn-like projections on the males’ heads that look like the horns of a rhino. Rhino beetles are also known for their enormous strength. Adults can lift objects to 850 times their body weight. Rhinoceros […] Read More

The river jack snake has a gigantic horn-like scale on the tip of its nose. The rhino viper, also known as the river jack snake and the butterfly viper, is among the most unique-looking snakes in the world. With their forward-set eyes and complex markings, the head actually looks more like a gecko or lizard […] Read More

This horned mammal is one of the most endangered animals on Earth  The rhinoceros is an animal that was once found in Southeast Asia across Africa. Today, three rhino species are listed as “Critically Endangered” and clinging to small pockets of habitat. With its distinctive horn and massive size, the rhino is one of the most unique […] Read More

The Rhode Island Red is a great chicken breed for novice owners or backyard breeders due to its laid-back nature and adaptability. These chickens are notorious for their hardiness and ability to flourish in most environments. They can endure rain, heat, and snow and do it all with a happy-go-lucky attitude. These birds were developed […] Read More

The mighty Rhodesian ridgeback is an unmistakable hound dog, identifiable for the ridge of striping fur along the spine. The breed originated in Africa, descending from a cross of Dutch imported Boers and other hunting dogs with the native African Khoikhoi dog. Over generations, the dogs were raised for tracking and baying – but not […] Read More

It only eats birds’ eggs. The rhombic egg-eater snake is well-named. It has rhomboid-shaped splotches on its back, and it eats eggs and only eggs. Indeed, it only eats birds’ eggs, not the eggs of other reptiles or amphibians. Its physiology has actually evolved to make the most of this specialized diet, and unlike a […] Read More

The ribbon eel is one of 223 species of moray eel. The ribbon eel is also called a ribbon moray, a Bernis eel and a leaf-nosed moray. These eels live on coral reefs in the Pacific and Indian Oceans off the coasts of southern Japan, eastern Africa, French Polynesia and Australia. They can live for […] Read More

“These tiny snakes give live birth to their young” Eastern ribbon snakes can grow as long as 35 inches and are similar in appearance to garter snakes. They live in North America. Their diet includes frogs and fish. Ribbon snakes have a shy nature and aren’t venomous. Their lifespan is 10 to 11 years. 3 […] Read More

Rim rock crowned snakes are endemic to a tiny area of southeastern Florida, and scientists know very little about how it lives. Tiny, endangered, and ground-dwelling, rim rock crowned snakes recently made scientific and national news because a hiker discovered one that had died while attempting to swallow its prey. 3 Incredible Facts About Rim […] Read More

“The ring-billed gull is among the most common gulls in all of North America.“ Often found congregating near parking lots, restaurants, and landfills, this peculiar bird will do just about anything for an easy meal. It is brave and audacious enough to steal food from other birds as well directly from the hands of people. […] Read More

The ringed kingfisher is the largest Kingfisher species native to North America. This bird is not exceptionally tall, but it can reach a length of 16 inches and a wingspan of 2 feet or more. Also known as the collared kingfisher, the ringed kingfisher is known for its bright white collar and dark, rust-colored breast. […] Read More

“This snake is known for playing dead as a defense against predators.” The Rinkhals snake sometimes called the ring-necked spitting cobra, is a venomous snake native to South Africa. It can grow to a length of three and a half feet. This snake can rear up and spread its hood like a true cobra but […] Read More

“The river otter is the largest member of the weasel family.“ This species of otter is found across much of Canada and the United States. Identification of this marine mammal is easy, once you realize it is significantly smaller than the sea otter. That isn’t the only difference. While sea otters rarely come onto land, […] Read More

River turtles are turtles that spend most of their lives in or near rivers. Most species are found in two families, Chelidae and Emydidae, with the latter including more than 50 species across 10 genera. The Mary river turtle, Elusar macrurus, is one of the most interesting examples of this type of turtle. Unfortunately, the […] Read More

The roadrunner (Geococcyx) is a large ground bird in the cuckoo family, inhabiting desert habitats in North America. They spend much of their time swiftly running on the ground and waiting for prey like rattlesnakes, scorpions, and tarantula hawk wasps. And unlike their cartoon portrayals, these speedy birds can’t quite keep up with the coyote. […] Read More

Summary Robber Flies are flies that are known for their aggressive predator habits and can attack their prey mid-flight. They are found in abundance across the world and belong to a diverse insect family. Robber flies get their name because of their hostile behavior while attacking prey. They hide on their perches and suddenly attack […] Read More

The robin is one of the most common songbirds and a staple of the American ecosystem. Its rich and beautiful songs are often a harbinger of the arrival of spring. There are several different species of robin. The two most common are the American robin and the European robin. Unless otherwise indicated, this article will […] Read More

Rock Bass Summary The rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris) also known as the black or rock perch, is a type of freshwater fish that belongs to the sunfish family. It’s a medium-sized fish native to the lakes and ponds in North America, popular with anglers for fishing purposes. They are generally smaller than smallmouth bass and […] Read More

The rock crab molts throughout its life, shedding its former shell. Typically, younger crabs molt multiple times in the same year. It is not until they are about four inches in width that they reduce their molting to an annual occurrence. This crustacean is a decapod, though most people refer to it as the red […] Read More

Rock Hyrax Classification and Evolution The Rock Hyrax is a large species of Hyrax, most commonly found in Eastern Africa. They are also known as the Rock Dassie or the Rock Rabbit, due to their rodent-like appearance but despite this, they are thought to be most closely related to much larger animals including the Elephant […] Read More

“The largest snake in Africa!“ It’s huge, it’s beautiful and though it’s nonvenomous, the African rock python is a reptile to be respected. Who needs venom when you have coils that can crush the life out of a grown goat and jaws that can unhinge to swallow it whole? Read on to learn more about […] Read More

Rockfish come in a variety of colors like red, yellow, orange, black, and dark green. Rockfish are a huge family of about 100 different species that come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. About thirty-two of these 100 fishes are found in the Gulf of Alaska. These fishes can get huge and some of them […] Read More

The smallest crested penguins. Rockhopper penguins are a breed of penguin that live off of island coastlines in the southern hemisphere. They are one of the smallest species of penguins and are best known for their crest of long yellow feathers, as well as their bright red eyes. Rockhopper penguins are among the most numerous […] Read More

“Forty percent of all mammals are rodents!” Rodents are among the most successful animals on earth. Much of this is because of the ferocious reproductive rate of many rodents. The brown rat, for example, can breed seven times a year and produce as many as 14 kittens per litter. Rodents are highly adaptable when it […] Read More

Native to mixed forests and grasslands across the continent, the roe is among the smallest deer species of Europe. Its size pales in comparison to the massive and regal red deer, with whom it shares a similar ecological niche. It’s also much smaller than the fallow deer. Nevertheless, the roe is also incredibly important as […] Read More

The rooster is a barnyard animal that often appears on wind vanes and country-themed home decor. A rooster is an adult male chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), which is the domesticated subspecies of the red jungle fowl. A rooster might also be called a cock (or if castrated, a capon), while a young male is a […] Read More

Root aphids that live above or at the soil line are members of the Phylloxera family and are near-cousins of aphids. Unfortunately, they are an escalating problem, particularly among indoor growers. In addition, they are spreading fast to regions where they previously did not occur. Unlike green aphids, they are hard to spot on stems […] Read More

The rose-breasted grosbeak’s song is known for its sweetness. Males begin to sing in the morning and females sing while building their nests. This bird is easy to identify because of its colors. It has a rosy breast, and the white bars on its wings are easily seen when it flies. Its big, conical beak […] Read More

Roseate Spoonbill Classification and Evolution The Roseate Spoonbill is a large species of wading Bird, found from the Gulf Coast of the United States to Argentina at the tip of South America. The Roseate Spoonbill is one of six Spoonbill species found across the world, and although they all inhabit warmer, tropical climates, the Roseate […] Read More

The rosy boa is one of two boa species native to areas of California, Arizona, Nevada, and Mexico. A shy, reclusive species, the rosy boa is a popular pet thanks to its calm temperament and beautiful colors. It is a smaller cousin to the much larger red tail boa that lives in South America. Like […] Read More

The Rotterman is the result of crossbreeding a Rottweiler and a Doberman Pinscher. It is a large and powerful breed that needs a strong owner. While their parent breeds are notorious for being aggressive, the Rotterman is very affectionate, loyal, and protective. When raised with pets and children, they are patient and very tolerant. Because […] Read More

Rottle Introduction Rottles, also known as Rottie-Poos or Rottidoodles, are a relatively recent hybrid of the Rottweiler and the Poodle that originated in the United States in the 1980s. Their Rottweiler ancestors may have been descended from dogs left behind in northern Europe by the retreating Roman army. Modern Rottles have been bred to combine […] Read More

Many Rottskies have one brown eye and one blue eye. You’ll never find a better guard dog than a Rottsky, an active, intelligent, loyal hybrid mix between a Rottweiler and a Siberian Husky. Rottskies are energetic, muscular canines who only thrive when they can get lots of exercise. They can be headstrong, too, so consistent […] Read More

The Rottweiler is also known as the Rottie, the Rott, or Rottweil Metzgerhund (German for “Butcher’s Dog”). It is the 8th most popular dog according to the American Kennel Club, one of the 10 smartest dogs, and one of the most loyal breeds. Descended from the ancient Roman drover dog and related to the Italian […] Read More

The Rottweiler needs no introduction, the whole world knows about this breed, and unfortunately, they don’t have the best reputation. But one should never judge a book by its cover; if you flip the page over, you might be pleasantly surprised. This breed were once hard-working dogs used to pull carts, but now their main […] Read More

This nonvenomous snake is small and slender; it prefers staying hidden under the leaf litter, rocks, and compost piles, where it will live most of its life. Rough earth snakes are so small they are sometimes mistaken for the worms they love to eat. Incredible Rough Earth Snake Facts Juvenile rough earth snakes are often […] Read More

“The rough green snake is the snake with the slightly angeled scales.” The non-venomous rough green snake is quite a remarkable sight. Identification is quite easy because their bright emerald, green scales are unmistakable. Still, they blend in with the lush plant life around them in their preferred habitats, which include wetlands, uplands, forests, and […] Read More

“Their habitats include tundra and Arctic coasts during the breeding season.” Summary The rough-legged hawk (Buteo lagopus), also known as the rough-legged buzzard, lives on three continents across 50 countries. It inhabits the Arctic tundra during spring and summer and open grasslands and prairies during the winter. This hawk has unusual adaptations, such as feathered […] Read More

When threatened, the rove beetle will raise the ends of its body like a scorpion, but it has no sting or venom. Summary Rove beetles are a family of insects called Staphylinidae. The family contains thousands of species found in a variety of habitats all over the world. Rove beetles don’t have the ovoid shape […] Read More

“A Single Event Could Wipe Out Royal Penguins” Residents of the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters, the royal penguin remains “a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.” After decades of study, researchers still aren’t 100 percent sure where the species jets to for about six months a year! They likely hang around Australian, Tasmanian, […] Read More

Summary “Rubber boas are sometimes called two-headed snakes” The rubber boa has a glossy covering of brownish yellow scales. They can live in a forest, grassland, or mountain habitat. They are carnivores with a diet of rodents, small bats, small birds, and snake eggs. There’s a northern species of rubber boa as well as a […] Read More

The Ruby-Crowned Kinglet is one of the smallest songbirds found in North America.  The males have a red patch on the top of their heads. However, this is rarely displayed and is usually hidden.  They are known for their apparent nervousness, in that they constantly flutter their wings as they dart around bushes and trees […] Read More

The ruby-throated hummingbird moves its wings over 50 times per second and can fly forward and backward, and even hover in place. In many parts of the Eastern United States, the arrival of ruby-throated hummingbirds signifies that spring has finally arrived. These birds migrate about 2,100 miles twice a year. To attract them, fill your […] Read More

“They can fly up to 47mph.“ Ruddy Turnstone birds have short, bright orange legs they use to run on sandy or rocky beaches. They live in a variety of climates, from tropical to polar. The range of this bird extends to coastal areas worldwide. They eat insects, crustaceans, fish, bird eggs, and seaweed. 4 Ruddy […] Read More

This hummingbird has brilliant coloring and can travel from Alaska to Mexico in one migration. As one of seven species of hummingbirds in its genus, the Rufous hummingbird is named for the reddish-orange coloring that most males have on their heads and chests. They favor red-colored flowers but also eat insects. Learn more about these […] Read More

Russel’s viper is a highly venomous snake that inhabits areas in the Indian subcontinent and is one of the top culprits of snakebite envenomations in the region. This four to six-foot-long viper is reputed to be aggressive, and is certainly willing to bite; however, they’re more interested in eating the rats and mice that follow […] Read More

While the Russell Terrier is rarely used as a hunting dog anymore, that has not actually dulled its hunting instincts. This is a highly athletic breed with a tendency to chase things. The Russell Terrier (also known as an English Russell Terrier in some parts of the world) is a small, alert, and lively dog […] Read More

The bite of a Russian Bear Dog is stronger than a lion’s bite. Russian Bear Dogs, commonly referred to as Caucasian Shepherd Dogs, were originally bred to protect flocks of sheep in the Caucasus Mountain region of Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, North Ossetia, and Dagestan. The breed was developed in the 1920s from similar dogs in […] Read More

Like many other breeds, the Russian Blue was brought to England as a curiosity by far-ranging British seamen. From these small beginnings in the 1860s, the breed disseminated all over the western world but never in any large numbers. Despite its many sterling qualities, Russian Blues have one character trait that kept them from becoming […] Read More

“A relatively small size, but big personality.” The Russian Tortoise is one of five species of Mediterranean tortoises, which are in the reptile family. These tortoises live primarily in burrows. Russian Tortoises prefer arid climates for their habitats, and as such are prone to shell rot in captivity if care is not taken to make […] Read More