Some animals in America can do things that seem impossible. They fly backward, freeze solid in winter, or punch with the force of a bullet. Here are eight American animals with abilities that are hard to believe.
1. Mantis Shrimp, Gulf of Mexico
The mantis shrimp lives in warm coastal waters, including the Gulf of Mexico. It strikes its prey with club-like arms so fast that the blow creates a tiny shock wave in the water. The punch is powerful enough to crack shells and even break aquarium glass. Despite its small size, it is one of the strongest punchers in the animal kingdom.
2. Peregrine Falcon, Across the United States
The peregrine falcon is found across the United States and is the fastest animal on Earth. When diving for prey, it can reach speeds of more than 240 miles per hour. Special structures in its nose slow the rush of air so it can still breathe at that speed. After nearly disappearing in the 1900s, it has made a strong comeback, even nesting on city skyscrapers.
3. Anna's Hummingbird, Western United States
Anna's hummingbird lives along the west coast of the United States and can hover in midair like a tiny helicopter. Its wings beat about 50 times per second, letting it fly forward, backward, and even upside down for short moments. During courtship dives, males can reach speeds that make them one of the fastest animals relative to body size. It survives cold nights by slowing its body down into a sleep-like state called torpor.
4. Mexican Free-Tailed Bat, Texas
The Mexican free-tailed bat gathers in huge colonies in Texas, including under city bridges. It can fly faster than most birds, reaching speeds near 100 miles per hour in level flight. Using echolocation, it sends out sound waves and listens for echoes to find insects in the dark. A single colony can eat tons of insects in one night, helping farmers by controlling pests.
5. Wood Frog, Alaska
The wood frog lives as far north as Alaska, where winters are brutally cold. When temperatures drop, it can freeze almost solid, with ice forming in its body. A natural substance in its blood works like antifreeze, protecting its cells while its heart stops beating. In spring, it thaws out and hops away as if nothing happened.
6. Monarch Butterfly, United States and Mexico
The monarch butterfly migrates farther than any other butterfly, traveling up to 3,000 miles from the United States to Mexico. No single butterfly makes the whole round trip: it takes several generations to complete the journey. Monarchs navigate using the sun and the Earth's magnetic field. They gather in huge numbers in mountain forests in Mexico, covering entire trees in orange wings.
7. Kangaroo Rat, Southwestern United States
The kangaroo rat lives in the dry deserts of the southwestern United States and almost never needs to drink water. It gets nearly all the water it needs from the seeds it eats. Its kidneys are so efficient that they produce almost no water waste. It can also leap several feet in a single bound to escape predators, using its long hind legs and tail for balance.
8. California Two-Spot Octopus, California Coast
The California two-spot octopus lives in rocky reefs off the California coast and is a master of disguise. It can change its color and skin texture in seconds to blend in with rocks, sand, or seaweed. With no bones at all, it can squeeze through openings barely larger than its beak. It is also one of the smartest invertebrates, able to solve simple puzzles and open jars.
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