This Summer, Get to Know the Critters of New York
Critters of New York is the kids’ wildlife pocket guide that’s informative, concise, and easy to use. Written by wildlife biologist Alex Troutman, this handy book presents 65 critters of the Empire State. If an animal is in this book, it’s found in New York.
Each species is showcased in a professional-quality photograph that’s paired with such neat-to-know details as habitat, range, and preferred food sources. Illustrations of the critter’s tracks complement the information, and a “Did You Know?” paragraph provides fascinating trivia worth sharing with family, friends, and teachers. Critters of New York includes important-to-know mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
Get the perfect kids’ introduction to New York’s critters, a subject often used in STEAM lessons! This book is a product of AdventureKEEN’s long-term partnership with Wildlife Forever. A portion of the proceeds from sales will benefit the organization’s work to restore habitats and teach the next generation about conservation.
Did You Know?
Harbor seals are one of the most common marine mammals to be seen on the coast! Due to their pelvic bones being fused, they are unable to move their hind (back) flippers to walk; instead, they use caterpillar-like movements to cross land.
Skunks help farmers! They save farmers money by feeding on rodents and insects that destroy crops. When skunks spray, they can aim really well! When threatened, a skunk will aim its tail towards the threat and spray a stinky musk into the target’s face or eyes.
Snowy owls are one of the few species of owls that are diurnal, which means they hunt during the daytime, while most of the other owls hunt at night. Snowy owls can hunt over 1,500 lemmings (small rodents related to voles) in a single year. Because of their thick feathers, snowy owls are the largest owls in North America by weight.
About the author: Alex Troutman is a Fish and Wildlife Biologist and Environmental Educator with a passion for sharing and immersing the younger generation in nature. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and a Master’s Degree with a focus on Conservation Biology from Georgia Southern University. Knowing how it feels to not see anyone who looks like you in your dream career, Alex makes it a point to be that representation for young people. He is the co-organizer for several Black in X weeks, including Black Birders Week and Black Mammologists Week, and he takes part in wider movements encouraging diversity in nature, the celebration of Black individual scientists, awareness of Black nature enthusiasts, and diversity in STEAM fields.
With a passion for nature that started when he was young, Alex was always amazed by the red-tailed hawks soaring overhead when he went fishing with his family. He looked up to conservationists like Steve Irwin and Jeff Corwin. Now he has made a career out of that passion and curiosity. In his spare time, you can find him camping, exploring nature with his dog, and birding.
If you enjoyed this post, please sign up for our newsletter now, and order Critters of New York here. #bewellbeoutdoors
