Due to zonal features, the flora and fauna of North America is distinguished by its wealth. On the continent there are about 30 thousand species of plants, the sizes of which often amaze tourists. The most amazing flora species are hickory, thuja, magnolia, tulip tree, tsuga, yucca, sequoia, agave and prickly pear. As for the animal world, some species of animals in North America are similar to European ones, but there are also those that differ significantly from their counterparts from Eurasia.
Flora and fauna
Due to the wide range of climatic conditions, the continent is characterized by a very diverse world of flora and fauna. Only in the Far North is the climate too cold for most species of plants and animals, but on lands covered with a dense layer of snow, Arctic wolves, polar bears, and various rodents are found. In the tundra zone you can meet caribou (reindeer), lemmings, musk ox, arctic fox. The northern United States, as well as the territory of Canada, is occupied by dense forests where animals such as raccoons and skunks are found. The pride of California are sequoia forests. These trees are the tallest in the world. Their height can reach 110 meters. In addition, one of the most long-lived species of trees grows here - the spinous pine. This flora representative can live approximately 4600 years! In the very center of the continent, on the grassy plains called prairies, there are such animals of North America as coyotes, meadow dogs, badgers, ground squirrels, and pronghorn antelopes. In deserts that extend in the northwestern United States, yucca, cacti, jujuba, and many other plants grow that do not require much moisture. Of the representatives of fauna in the deserts, one can find lizards, hares, small rodents, and rattlesnakes.
The most dangerous animals of North America
First of all, I would like to mention the grizzly bear , whose halo is Canada, as well as North America. Animals reach a weight of approximately 500 kg and a height of 220-280 centimeters. The speed of movement of a grizzly bear is up to 50 km / h. They feed on deer, elk, sheep, sometimes people. On average, 10 people die from grizzly paws per year. Most importantly, this predator is not afraid of people and, even without fear, can attack even an armed person. Often, tourists become victims of the grizzly. In order not to become a dinner for the bear, you should keep the parking lots clean, hang food high on the trees. Do not try to scare the grizzly or get his attention. It is better to stand quietly, not talk and slowly back off. Do not try to run away from the predator, otherwise it will easily catch up with you and recover. The bear’s sensitive point is the nose, so if the predator nevertheless attacked, then you should hit it in the nose or pretend to be dead, covering your head and neck with your hands.
Another scary American predator is the western rattlesnake . These animals of North America do not attack humans themselves. For them, the main food source is rats, dogs, gophers, squirrels, mice, birds, rabbits, lizards, and so on. When walking, you should be especially careful, because neither shoes nor clothes will save you from a bite. Up to 15 people die from a rattlesnake bite per year, but up to 8 thousand are bitten.
Cougars - animals of North America, reaching a length of 100-180 centimeters and weighing up to 105 kilograms. The speed of the pumas can exceed 90 km / h. Therefore, running away from them is useless. Cougars rarely attack humans. If you meet her in the wild, you should stand evenly and loudly screaming, if possible throwing stones at her. In a year, there are about three lethal cougars attacks.
American alligators live in the southeastern United States. Their size reaches 450 cm in length, and they weigh 1200 kg. The speed of the alligator on land is 25 km / h, and in water they are much faster. The source of food for them are turtles, fish, snakes, raccoons, deer, sheep, frogs, and other amphibians. As a rule, alligators do not consider people as prey, but if they feel threatened or take your foot for a fish, you should be extremely careful. It is best to stay away from alligators at a great distance. Up to 5 people die from the teeth of this predator a year.