This Fall, Get the Perfect Kids’ Introduction to the Critters of Iowa
This fall, get to know the wild side of Iowa! Critters of Iowa is a wildlife pocket guide for children that’s informative, concise, and easy to use. Written by wildlife biologist Alex Troutman, this handy book presents 63 critters of the Hawkeye State. If an animal is in this book, it’s found in Iowa.
Each species is showcased with a professional-quality photograph that’s paired with such neat-to-know details as habitat, range, and preferred food sources. Illustrations of critter tracks complement the information, and a “Did You Know?” paragraph provides fascinating trivia.
Critters of Iowa includes important-to-know mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
Did you know?
The Northern Raccoon is great at catching fish and other aquatic animals, such as mussels and crayfish. They are also excellent swimmers, but they apparently avoid swimming because the water makes their fur heavy. Raccoons can turn their feet 180 degrees; this helps them when climbing, especially when going headfirst down trees.
Iowa critters are a subject often used in STEAM lessons, and 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?
The opossum is the only marsupial native to the US. Marsupials are a special group of animals that are most well-known for their pouches, which they use to carry their young. When frightened, young opossums will play dead (called playing possum) and adults will show their teeth and hiss or run away.
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.
Did you know?
The spadefoot toad is actually a frog! Its smooth skin is one thing that gives it away! Spadefoot toads get their name from the spade-like appendages on their hind feet that they use to dig burrows. Spadefoots can produce a toxin through their skin to ward off would-be predators. Spadefoots are the only amphibians in Iowa with vertical pupils.
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. Critters of Iowa will be available as of September 17th. Pre-order your copy HERE.
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