AT HOME IN THE DESERT.

This article from Ranger Rick Jr. introduces six animals that live in the desert: the desert tortoise, roadrunner, javelina, cactus wren, rattlesnake, and coyote. Each animal has unique adaptations to survive in the harsh desert environment. For example, the desert tortoise can go a long time without eating or drinking and stays in its burrow to avoid the hot sun. The roadrunner is better at running than flying and feeds its chicks by catching lizards. Javelinas root in the soil to find food and get water by eating cactus plants. The cactus wren builds its nest in prickly cactus branches, while the rattlesnake shakes its tail to warn enemies. The coyote looks for small animals to eat but will also eat cactus fruit if necessary. The article also mentions that many desert plants are sharp and prickly. The reader is asked if they would like to visit a desert and why or why not. [Extracted from the article]