Showing posts with label plastic animals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label plastic animals. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Plastic Koala and Baby



A perfect centerpiece for your "Wildlife of the Outback" project!

Our Koala


Our koala toy animal is made of solid plastic and measures 1 1/2 inches long and 1 1/2 inches tall. It has a baby on its back. This educational plastic animal toy is great for school projects, toys, novelties, animal collections, party favors and more. Our plastic marsupial is for decoration or play only. You can make a marvelous Australian animals shoebox diorama using this and other plastic creatures from our gift shop.

About Koalas


The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is not a bear, but a marsupial, found only in Australia. It lives exclusively in trees and is a herbivore. It looks a little like a wombat, but is a tree dweller. It has long sharp claws adapted for climbing and weighs 11 to 30 lbs. A baby koala is referred to as a joey and is hairless, blind, and earless. At birth the joey, only a quarter of an inch long, crawls into the downward-facing pouch on the mother's bellywhich is closed by a drawstring-like muscle that the mother can tighten at will) and attaches itself to one of the two teats.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Plastic Armadillo



Another amazing replica from Safari!

Our Plastic Armadillo


Our realistic-looking armadillo is a winner. It looks like the real thing and is a wonderful educational toy, useful for shoebox dioramas and other school projects, a collector's item, a gift for your favorite amadillo fan, and more. Made of solid, rubbery plastic, it measures 6 1/2 inches from its nose to the end of its tail. The body (nose to rear) is just over 4 1/2 inches, and it stands about 2 1/4 inches tall. The body is moulded with a scaly pattern and details that almost make it seem real. Its underside is painted light tan/gray and the claws are black. Even the bottoms of the feet are painted and detailed. Its name is NOT moulded into the underside as it is on some lines of plastic animals. Be sure to see our other armadillo toys and gifts.

About Armadillos


Nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) such as the one you see here have been moving north from South America for the past three million years. Armadillos originated in South America about 50 million years ago, and the nine-banded moved north, crossing the Panamanian land bridge. It is the only armadillo species found in the US, where its range continues to expand. As the armadillo actually has teeth, it is no longer classed as Edentata ("without teeth") but is now usually grouped with the Xenarthra. We have left our armadillo on the Edentates page, because these are still its closest relatives. There are 20 species of armadillo living in Central and South America. Armadillos dig for grubs and create burrows near water with their powerful feet and claws. In addition to grubs, they also eat other insects and invertibrates. These interesting, inoffensive creatures can be seen along roadsides, trails, and streams (where you can see into the brush), usually around dawn and dusk.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Plastic Ferret



A wonderfully-detailed pet figurine!

Our Plastic Toy Ferret


This engaging, realistic-looking plastic ferret miniature is made of somewhat flexible plastic. This replica has detailed fur and is painted brown and wearing a red kerchief. If I were this ferret, I might chew it off! This ferret makes for a nice pet, fits into a shoebox diorama, or serves as a great collectible. Check out our other ferret toys and gifts.

About Ferrets


The ferret is a small domesticated carnivorous mammal similar to weasels and are closely related to the polecat. They are energetic creatures that love to pack and hide items play hide and seek and chasing games. They typically have brown, black, white, or mixed fur, have an average length of approximately 20 inches, including a 5 inch tail, weigh about 1.5–4 pounds, and have a lifespan of 7 to 10 years. They were originally used by the Romans for rabbit hunting and get their name meaning "little thief" from them. Ferrets are crepuscular and sleep often during the day and night in 6 hours intervals. When awake they have abundant energy and are noted for a type of sidewards hopping known as a ferret "war dance." This is often accompanied by a playful, clucking noise which is an invitation to play. Ferret kits are noted for nipping, but generally well-trained ferrets are safe pets, and are also somewhat easily housebroken.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Plastic Emu



Did you know one emu egg is the equivalent of a DOZEN chicken eggs?

Our Emu


This engaging, realistic-looking plastic emu is made of hard, but somewhat flexible plastic. The emu has detailed features with feather etchings. The weight of this figurine is a little out of balance, so you may wish to glue a base on its feet to insure it maintains a solid stance. It is painted gray with blue accents. It makes for an interesting ornament, table setting, toy, or serves well in a diorama or school project. Check out our other emu toys and gifts.

About Emus


The emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is the largest bird of Australia. It is second in size to the ostrich among all birds. It is a flightless bird and belongs to the group of ratites, including the kiwi, which is found in New Zealand and the cassowary, found in New Guinea. It has soft brown feathers and can run up to 30 mph. It weighs around 50 to 100 lbs, has small vestigial wings and only three toes. It feeds on seeds leaves and small insects and travels long distances to find the right food.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Plastic Fiddler Crab



This replica is actually close to life-size!

Our Plastic Fiddler Crab


Our fiddler crab is made of plastic and measures 2 1/4 inches from side to side and 2 inches from front to back. This plastic crustacean is one of our series of lively and lifelike plastic animals. Its realistic shape and details will be enjoyed as part of a school project, diorama, plastic animal collection, as a party favor, or gift. Our fiddler crab toy is for decoration or play only. It does not float, and should NOT be put in your aquarium. However, you can make an interesting sea-life or aquarium shoebox diorama using this and other plastic aquatic creatures and mammals, sharks, fish, sea turtles, birds, and decor from our gift shop. There is no mess, no feeding, and no tank cleaning :) Check out our terrific selection of crab toys and gifts.

About Fiddler Crabs


Although there are over 50 crab families and 1000s of species, all crabs have basically the same body plan: four pairs of walking legs and one pair of claws (also called nippers or pincers). Their shell is actually their skeleton, called an exoskeleton, and protects their thorax, gills and the internal organs of the head. Like the octopus and sea star, if a crab loses a limb it will regenerate (grow back).

The term "fiddler crab" describes any of approximately 100 species of crab of the genus Uca. Fiddler crabs are characterized by their mismatched claws. The little claw is used for feeding, the motion giving it the appearance of playing a fiddle (the large claw). If a fiddler loses the large claw, the small claw will grow to take its place and the lost claw will regenerate into a new small claw. Fiddler crabs are small, the largest being just over 2 inches across.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Plastic Dingo



An amazing addition to your Australian diorama!

Our Dingo


This engaging, realistic-looking plastic dingo miniature is made of somewhat flexible plastic with good quality. This replica has detailed fur and an attractive realistic pose and sharp eyes. This dingo replica makes for a nice pet, fits into a shoebox diorama, or serves as a great collectible. It is 1 3/4 inches long. Check out our other dingo toys and gifts.

About Dingos


The Dingo (Canis lupus dingo) is often called the Australian native dog. It is a domesticated dog which has been wild for a thousand years and lives independently from humans. There are similar dogs living in Thailand. Dingoes have a relatively broad head, a pointed muzzle, and erect ears. The fur of dingoes is short, bushy on the tail, and varies in thickness and length, depending on the climate. The fur color is mostly sandy to reddish brown, but can include tan patterns and be occasionally black, light brown, or white. Dingos are very often nocturnal in warmer regions, but more active during the day in cooler areas. Their main time of activity is around dusk and dawn. The periods of activity are short (often less than one hour) with short times of resting. They have two kinds of movement: a searching movement, apparently associated with hunting, and an exploratory movement, probably for contact and communication with other dogs.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Moose



Another delightful new toy from TPF!

Our Plastic Moose


This engaging, realistic-looking plastic moose is made of semi-flexible plastic. The antlers and legs can be bent easily, and they snap back to their original position. Our toy moose is 4 1/4 inches long. This moose is great for school wildlife projects, gifts, toys, party decorations, for your animal collection and more. Check out our other moose toys and gifts.

About Moose


Although moose vary in size and shape, they are the largest members of the deer family. Males weigh on average over 550kg (1200 lbs) and females often more than 400kg. Newborn calves weigh around 15kg but quickly increase in size. Their color varies from a little brown to a dusty black depending on the season and age of the animal. Young calves are often a light rusty color. The moose has a long nose, drooping lip, hump at the shoulders and small tail, so you can see that the details in our model moose are quite accurate. Our collectible moose even has cloven hooves. The flap of skin that hangs beneath the throat is called a BELL. The correct name for a female moose is a COW; the male is called a BULL, and the young moose is called a CALF. Mothers are extremely aggressive, probably due to the scarcity of food in the winter, their greatest threat to survival.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Plastic Blue Crab



Loved by millions...with a little lemon and garlic!

Our Plastic Blue Crab


Our plastic blue crab measures 2 inches from side to side. This plastic crustacean is one of our series of lively and lifelike plastic animals. Its realistic shape and details will be enjoyed as part of a school project, diorama, plastic animal collection, as a party favor, or gift. Our plastic crab toy is for decoration or play only. It does not float, and should NOT be put in your aquarium. However, you can make an interesting sea-life or aquarium shoebox diorama using this and other plastic aquatic creatures and mammals, sharks, fish, sea turtles, birds, and decor from our gift shop. There is no mess, no feeding, and no tank cleaning :) Be sure to look over our other crab toys and gifts.

About Blue Crabs


Although there are over 50 crab families and 1000s of species, all crabs have basically the same body plan: four pairs of walking legs and one pair of claws (also called nippers or pincers). Their shell is actually their skeleton, called an exoskeleton, and protects their thorax, gills and the internal organs of the head. Like the octopus and sea star, if the crab loses a limb it will regenerate (grow back).
Atlantic blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) are found in the Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific coast of Central America, and the western waters of the Atlantic Ocean. While ignored as a food source in Central America, Atlantic blue crabs are fished extensively along the north Atlantic states of the United States. Atlantic blue crabs are the state crustacean of Maryland. In addtition to humans, Atlantic blue crabs are preyed upon by eels, sharks, trout, bass, and other fish. Atlantic blue crabs are omnivores, feeding on virtually anything smaller than themselves, including other blue crabs and carrion.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Monday, January 2, 2012

Plastic King Crab



You should see the size of his crown!

Our Plastic King Crab


Our king crab is made of plastic and measures 2 3/4 inches from side to side. This plastic crustacean is one of our series of lively and lifelike plastic animals. Its realistic shape and details will be enjoyed as part of a school project, diorama, plastic animal collection, as a party favor, or gift. Our king crab toy is for decoration or play only. It does not float, and should NOT be put in your aquarium. However, you can make an interesting sea-life or aquarium shoebox diorama using this and other plastic aquatic creatures and mammals, sharks, fish, sea turtles, birds, and decor from our gift shop. There is no mess, no feeding, and no tank cleaning :)Come look through our entire collection of crab toys and gifts.

About King Crabs


Although there are over 50 crab families and 1000s of species, all crabs have basically the same body plan: four pairs of walking legs and one pair of claws (also called nippers or pincers). Their shell is actually their skeleton, called an exoskeleton, and protects their thorax, gills and the internal organs of the head. Like the octopus and sea star, if a crab loses a limb it will regenerate (grow back).
The red king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) is the most recognized species of king crab, being heavily fished in the Bering sea by fishermen made famous by the TV show "Dangerous Catch". They are very large. A red king crab can reach a carapace width of 11 inches and a legspan of almost six feet.
An interesting and widely-accepted theory suggests that these huge crabs may have evolved from hermit crabs (an evolutionary process called carcinisation). While there is still doubt about the validity of this theory, evidence supporting it continues to mount.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Plastic Bushbaby



Wanna have a staring contest? Huh? DO ya?

Our Bushbaby


This engaging-looking plastic bushbaby replica is made of solid plastic and stands on a branch. It is 2 inches tall. The color is somewhat imaginative, but has distinctive highlights. Our bushbaby miniature has a concerned expression but promises not to bite. This bushbaby replica makes an interesting pet or gift and fits nicely into a shoebox diorama for a school project. Check out our other bushbaby toys and gifts.

About Bushbabies


Bushbabies are a well-known species of prosimians. They are found primarily in Central Africa. Bushbabies are small nocturnal primates with unusually large eyes for night vision, strong hind legs for jumping, acute hearing, and a long tail for balance. They are omnivorous, feasting on small lizards, insects and fruits. Females and their offspring live established territories and males form their own territory which may encompass several females with whom they mate.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Plastic Kangaroo Mom and Baby



Be truthful...just once, wouldn't you like to be carried like that?

Our Plastic Kangaroo Mom and Joey


Our plastic mother kangaroo with a baby (or "Joey") in her pouch is a wonderful addition to your Australian or marsupial (pouched) animal collection, your school project or diorama, or your kid's play room. And, your purchase helps save endangered species. This plastic kangaroo stands 3 inches tall from its toes to its ear-tips, and measures 4 1/2 inches from nose to tail. It has excellent lifelike details and is made of sturdy plastic or resin. It's great as a collectible plastic animal or as a toy. The baby is nestled firmly in mother kangaroo's pouch and doesn't come out.

About Kangaroos


The kangaroo is the national symbol of Australia and can only be found there. Male kangaroos are called bucks, boomers, jacks, or old men; females are does, flyers, or jills, and the young ones are joeys. They are often referred to as roos. The kangaroo's form of movement is hopping which they do at 13-16 mph. Kangaroos are herbivores, but the type of diet varies among the species. They are not raised commercially, but are hunted for their meat. It is thought that kangaroos would be a more environmentally friendly animal than the cow, since kangaroos don't emit menthane. Kangaroos tend to be crepuscular or nocturnal and choose to rest or sleep in the heat of the day.

 This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Andrewsarchus



Definitely not what'cha think of in a "hoofed" animal!

Our Plastic Andrewsarchus Replica


Made of solid plastic by Safari, Ltd., one of the best names in plastic toy animals, this Andrewsarchus's superior design and details make it a museum-quality replica or collector's item, and yet the price puts it in range for the average collector of plastic animals. It measures 4 1/2 inches from the pointy teeth to the curve of the tail and stands 1 7/8 inches tall. It comes with an informational tag in French, Italian, Spanish, German, and English. This sturdy, durable prehistoric predator is also excellent for school projects, novelties, party favors or even as a children's toy. You can make a marvelous Ice Age shoebox diorama using this and other plastic creatures from our gift shop. Come see our other ice age predator toys and gifts.

About Andrewsarchus


To date the only fossil remains found of this amazing ice age hoofed predator are a skull and a few bone pieces. They were found in Mongolia in 1924 during an expedition led by paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews, for whom the creature is named. After extensive study of the skull, it was concluded that this creature was a member of the only known group of carnivorus hoofed mammals called Mesonychids, which looked somewhat like wolves with hoofed toes. Mesonyx obtusidens, a small North American relative, was the model for current depictions of this predator. From the size of the skull (3 feet long), it was determined that Andrewsarchus was approximately 6 foot tall at the shoulder and 13-18 feet long (over twice the size of today's brown bear), making it the largest carnivous mammal in the world. There is a video link and some very interesting discussion on Andrewsarchus on the Laelaps blog. For additional information, check out the Andrewsarchus page and the "What are Mesonychids?" page at Bluelion.org.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Monday, December 26, 2011

Plastic Badger



Just look at those TEETH!!

Our American Badger Replica


Our realistic-looking American badger is made of hollow plastic and measures 3 1/4 inches from nose to tail. The body is moulded with a fur-like pattern and details that almost make it seem real. Its name is moulded into the underside. This sturdy, light-weight plastic badger is great for school projects, toys, novelties, animal collections, party favors and more. Our plastic American badger is for decoration or play only. You can make an awesome North American forest shoebox diorama using this and other plastic creatures from our gift shop. Best of all, there is no mess, no feeding, and no tank or cage cleaning :)

About American Badgers


The American badger (Taxidea taxus) is found primarily in the western and central United States, northern Mexico, and central Canada. They are similar to European badgers, being nocturnal, stocky and low-slung animals with powerful legs and large foreclaws. Males are larger than females, measuring up to 30 inches long and weighing almost 20 pounds. A carnivore, American badgers prey on mice, rats, groundhogs, squirrels, and ground-nesting birds. American badgers are known to attack ground-nests of bees, eating not only the insects but the honeycombs as well.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Plastic Hyena Replica



This guy LOVES leftovers!

Our plastic museum-quality hyena


This realistic-looking educational, museum-quality hyena replica is made of hard plastic. It is 4 inches from nose to tail. It stands 2 1/2 inches off the ground in a typically agressive gesture. This miniature hyena has detailed fur and is colored in brown with black spots and a black nose. This toy hyena's mouth is agape, showing its tongue and teeth. It is so realistic which makes it an excellent way to teach people about this amazing African animal. It serves as a great example for a science project, a gift, or serves as a collectible. Check out our other hyena toys and gifts and our growing collection of mixed and miscellaneous realistic toy animals.

About Hyenas


The hyena is an African plains animal. It is a strange animal that is in many ways similar to both dogs and cats. Like wild dogs, they are rarely found in forests. The hyena hunts and runs like a dog and also like a dog it attacks using its teeth rather than its claws. Doglike, hyenas eat their food quickly and may store it. They run on their calloused feet, which have large, blunt, non-retractible nails. These attributes facilitate running and making sharp turns. Like cats, they groom incessantly, mark with scent, and have a similar parental and young-rearing behavior. According to Wikipedia, the spotted hyena is very vocal, producing a number of different sounds consisting of whoops, grunts, groans, lows, giggles, yells, growls, laughs and whines.The striped hyena is comparatively silent, its vocalizations being limited to a chattering laugh and howling. Hyenas are often called cowards because they steal and scavenge other animals' kill, but they also hunt in packs and bring down many weak or slower animals.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Plastic Zebra



Black with white stripes? White with black stripes? Who knows?

Our Plastic Zebra


This realistic-looking toy zebra is sturdy and light-weight. It's made of hollow plastic and measures 3 3/4 inches long from nose to rear hoof and stands 3 inches tall.

About Zebras


The three species of these striped mammals are found only in Africa. The Grevy's zebra (Equus grevyi), which is found in northern Kenya, and the mountain zebra (Equus zebra), which inhabit the mountains of southern and southwestern Africa, are endangered. Although the Plains zebra (Equus quagga) are not endangered, the population of this East Africa native is declining. Zebras are smaller in size than horses and greatly resemble the wild ass in habit--woodlands to open plains--and form--a short, erect mane, large ears, and a tufted tail. The stripes, which distinguish this animal from other members of the horse family, serve as protective coloration in its natural habitat. Like the giraffe, each zebra's markings are as unique as a person's finger prints. The chief enemies of the zebra are lions and hunters who kill zebras for their meat and hide.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Plastic Holstein Cow



Looking for Nativity families? Start with this wonderful Holstein cow!

Our Plastic Holstein Cow


This realistic-looking plastic Holstein cow is made of hard plastic and is constructed with attention to detail. It is 5 inches long and 2 3/4 inches tall. This Holstein cow makes a nice pet, a gift, fits into a cow collection, or is useful for a diorama. Our plastic cow can be used in a number of ways including as a gift indicating a bride price among certain cultures, and as a part of a Christmas manger scene. Check out our other cow toys and gifts.

About Holstein Cows


The Holstein cow is a popular dairy cow which originated in what is today Holland. The Dutch breeders bred and oversaw the development of the breed with the aim of obtaining animals which would make best use of grass. The result was an efficient, high-producing black-and-white dairy cow. It is black and white due to artificial selection by the breeders. It is the most common dairy cow in America.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Plastic Nanny Goat



New to TPF...just in time for Christmas!

Our Plastic Nanny Goat or Doe


This engaging, realistic-looking plastic nanny goat miniature is made of flexible plastic with bendable appendages and is 2 3/4 inches long and about 2 1/2 inches tall. This replica has elaborate detail and is hand painted white, tan and pink. Our nanny goat has distinct dark eyes and pinkish hooves. It has hints of tan and yellow in the face, horns and tail. The udder on this milk goat or mother goat is visible, but can't be seen from the angle of the photo. The goat is an educational replica that fits nicely into a farm diorama, or serves as a miniature pet or a great farm animal collectible. Check out our other hoofed animal toys and gifts. Among them are quite a few other farm animals.

About Nanny Goats (Does)


The domestic goat (Capra aegagrus hircus), is the earliest animal to be domesticated by humans. A goat is very useful to humans both alive or dead. Alive, goats can be used as a renewable provider of milk and fiber. Dead they can be used for meat and hide. Intestines of a goat can be used for making strings for musical intruments. Young goats are referred to as kids. Meat from a young goat is either called kid or cabrito. Goats are known for being willing to eat almost anything. While they may not actually consume everything, they are very curious and will taste anything resembling plant matter in order to decide whether or not it is good to eat. After a gestation period of 150 days, a doe or nanny goat most often gives birth to twins, although single young as well as triplets are not uncommon. A good dairy goat will produce at least sic pounds of milk per day.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Plastic Mixed-Breed Dog



As far as we're concerned, he's Best In Show!

Our Plastic Mixed-Breed Dog


This engaging, realistic-looking plastic mixed-breed dog miniature is made of somewhat flexible plastic with good quality. This replica has detailed fur and an attractive realistic pose. This mixed-breed dog replica makes for a nice pet, fits into a shoebox diorama, or serves as a great collectible. It is 2 1/4 inches long, with white and brown fur. As cute and lovable as any house dog! Check out our other dog toys and gifts.

About Mixed-Breed Dogs


A mixed-breed dog is a dog whose ancestry is generally unknown. Also known as a mutt or tyke, mixed-breed dogs tend to have the characteristics of multiple breeds together. For example, our mixed-breed dog has the body shape of a shepherd, with the brown-and-white coloration of a beagle. Mixed-breed dogs can be of any size, shape, coloration, or temperament.

While the traits of a mixed-breed dog cannot be forecasted like they can with a pure-breed, there is no proof that mixed-breed dogs are more or less intelligent, aggressive, or loyal than pure-bred dogs. However, one interesting German study found that mixed-breed dogs tend to be healthier, requiring "less veterinary treatment" than pure-bred dogs.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Plastic Bushbaby



You lookin' at ME?

Our Bushbaby


This engaging-looking plastic bushbaby replica is made of solid plastic and stands on a branch. It is 2 inches tall. The color is somewhat imaginative, but has distinctive highlights. Our bushbaby miniature has a concerned expression but promises not to bite. This bushbaby replica makes an interesting pet or gift and fits nicely into a shoebox diorama for a school project. Check out our other bushbaby toys and gifts.

About Bushbabies


Bushbabies are a well-known species of prosimians. They are found primarily in Central Africa. Bushbabies are small nocturnal primates with unusually large eyes for night vision, strong hind legs for jumping, acute hearing, and a long tail for balance. They are omnivorous, feasting on small lizards, insects and fruits. Females and their offspring live established territories and males form their own territory which may encompass several females with whom they mate.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Plastic Elk Replica



A majestic and revered woodland neighbor!

Our Plastic Elk Replica


Check out the details of this wonderful elk (Cervus elaphus) made by Safari, Ltd. Its superior design and details make it a museum-quality replica or collector's item, and yet the price puts it in range for the average collector of plastic animals. It can also be be used for school reports and displays or as a toy. This animal is made of very sturdy solid plastic, and each one comes with an information card.

About Elk


Elk are members of the deer family, and belong to a group called ungulates, the Latin word for "hoof." They are herbivores which means they eat only plants. Elk are able to eat tough plants, such as grass and twigs, that most other mammals cannot digest. Their multi-chambered stomachs are designed to allow them to digest tough plant fibers while extracting the most nutritional value they can from their food. On top of every male elk's head are two cup-shaped bones called pedicles. It is from these pedicles that antlers grow.

The antlers become locked into the pedicles so tightly that 10 bowling balls could be suspended from each antler and they still wouldn't come loose. However, in the early spring, the antlers eventually snap off and the cycle that causes antlers to grow begins again. Before they are hardened, antlers are protected by a soft covering called velvet. When velvet is harvested sometime during May or June, a mature male elk will yield 20 to 30 pounds of Grade A velvet. Historical scrolls that date back to the Han Dynasty in China document the use of antler velvet as a remedy for 52 different illnesses. Today, antler velvet is still used in holistic medicine.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

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