100 Animals That Start with B

With so many animal species in our world, there’s always more to learn! Each letter of the alphabet has a long list of incredible animals, many of which aren’t commonly talked about.

This article will discuss a wide range of animals starting with the letter B, including critters of all sizes, habitats, and behaviors.

List of Animals That Start with B

Here are 100 animal species that start with the letter B.

1. Bactrian Camel

• Scientific Name: Camelus Bactrianus
• Habitat: Gobi Desert
• Size: 1,320 to 1,800 pounds
• Diet: Seeds, grass, shrubs

Bactrian camels are the well-known double-humped camels and the only camel species in the wild. While many people recognize this species, they’re not very well-researched, and they’re critically endangered. Surprisingly, domesticated Bactrian camels have enough genetic differences from wild ones for them to be considered a different species. The two types may have been distinctly different for about 1.1 million years.

2. Bald Eagle

• Scientific Name: Haliaeetus leucocephalus
• Habitat: Near forests in North America
• Size: 6 to 14 pounds, 6 to 7.5 inch wingspan
• Diet: Small mammals, birds, fish

The bald eagle is a popular symbol for America, but they’re even more incredible when seen in the wild. These birds have impressive vision that’s four to five times better than the average human eyesight. They build massive nests that can sometimes weigh up to 2,000 pounds! If eagles want to save their energy, they may steal the freshly-killed prey of other birds rather than hunting.

3. Baldpate

• Scientific Name: Mareca americana
• Habitat: Wetlands of North America and Central America
• Size: About 3 pounds
• Diet: Plants

The baldpate is also commonly known as the American wigeon. These birds get their name from the white feathers on the top of their head because it makes them look bald. Their diets are more similar to geese than ducks because they only eat plants rather than hunting invertebrates. They have shorter bills than similar breeds because it makes it easier for them to feed on grass.

4. Balinese

• Scientific Name: Felis catus
• Habitat: Domesticated
• Size: 5 to 9 pounds
• Diet: Domestic cat food

The Balinese cat is also known as the long-haired Siamese cat. It’s one of the cat breeds that has the fewest allergens in its coat, but it’s not considered “hypoallergenic.” Despite being so fluffy, these felines shed very little and don’t need as much grooming as you might expect. The breed gets its name from Balinese dancers because these cats have graceful movements.

5. Ball Python

• Scientific Name: Python regius
• Habitat: Grasslands, savannas, and forests of Africa
• Size: 3 to 6 feet long
• Diet: Small mammals, birds and insects

Despite their intimidating appearance, ball pythons are the most popular snake species to be kept as a pet. These reptiles lay about 11 eggs at a time, and once those young snakes hatch, they’re completely independent from the start. Ball pythons are known for the unique patterns on their scales, and no two snakes have patterns that are the same, similar to human fingerprints.

6. Banded Bullfrog

• Scientific Name: Kaloula pulchra
• Habitat: Forests and wetlands of Southeast Asia
• Size: 2 to 3 inches long
• Diet: Insects, worms

Banded bullfrogs spend most of their time hiding under leaves, logs, or anything else that will keep them moist. They’re most likely to come out of hiding while it’s raining. They move slowly, so they seek out prey that’s also slow. You might find them following a line of ants, eating them one by one. If they sense danger, they might release a toxic, sticky substance from their skin to protect themselves.

7. Banded Butterflyfish

• Scientific Name: Chaetodon striatus
• Habitat: Tropical waters in the Atlantic Ocean
• Size: About 6 inches long
• Diet: Marine worms, small crustaceans, mollusk eggs

Banded butterflyfish are often seen hunting in groups of up to 20 fish. They may hunt their own food or clean parasites off other fish. They’re docile fish, so they’re sometimes kept as pets. However, they’re social fish that prefer to be kept with others of their species. They have a black stripe across their eye so predators can’t tell which direction the fish is swimming.

8. Banded Mongoose

• Scientific Name: Mungos mungo
• Habitat: Savannas of Africa
• Size: 12 to 18 inches long, 2.5 to 5.5 pounds
• Diet: Insects, worms, fruit, crabs, small mammals

These mongooses live in groups of 10 to 50 to keep each other safe. If they get attacked, they work together to take down the threat. They’re loyal to their own group and may attack other banded mongooses that aren’t traveling with them. These mammals never stay in one spot for more than a week, so they’re constantly traveling together. They have thin claws that are perfect for digging up a wide variety of prey.

9. Banded Water Snake

• Scientific Name: Nerodia fasciata
• Habitat: Coastal plains of Eastern United States
• Size: 2 to 5 feet long
• Diet: Fish, birds, frogs

Banded water snakes are semi-aquatic reptiles. So, they breathe air, but if they take a deep enough breath beforehand, they can stay submerged in water for up to two hours. They’re not venomous, but they will bite repeatedly if they feel threatened. If they sense danger, they will flatten their bodies and use a foul smell to scare off predators.

10. Bar Jack

• Scientific Name: Carangoides ruber
• Habitat: Saltwater of Atlantic Ocean
• Size: 15 to 18 pounds
• Diet: Invertebrates, small fish

Bar jacks are silver fish that are shaped like how most people would draw a fish. These fish travel in schools of all ages, which is unique because most schooling species group together based on age and size. These fish don’t follow a strict hunting schedule, so they will hunt at a variety of times and locations. Some people eat these fish, but it’s not common because they may be linked to ciguatera poisoning.

11. Barasingha

• Scientific Name: Rucervus duvaucelii
• Habitat: Grasslands and forests of India and Nepal
• Size: 300 to 500 pounds
• Diet: Grass, leaves

Barasinghas are large, social deer that have thick, wooly coats. They normally travel in large groups of 20 to 60. If one barasingha senses danger, they will scream to alert the others in the herd. However, males are not loyal to their herd and may often switch to different groups. The name “barasingha” means “twelve-tined” in Hindi because most full-grown males have about twelve tines on their large antlers.

12. Barbary Macaque

• Scientific Name: Macaca sylvanus
• Habitat: Forests and mountains of Algeria and Morocco
• Size: 20 to 32 pounds
• Diet: Plants, fruit, seeds, fungi, invertebrates

These primates live in groups of up to 80 macaques, and they’re usually led by a female. They regularly groom others in the group to keep up with hygiene and bond with each other. They have a distinct alarm call that they will yell if they feel threatened to alert others. These creatures have a “vestigial tail,” which means they used to have tails, but they evolved to not need them anymore, so the tails disappeared.

13. Barber Pole Grasshopper

• Scientific Name: Dactylotum bicolor
• Habitat: Across North America
• Size: 0.8 to 1.4 inches long
• Diet: Plants

The barber pole grasshopper is sometimes called the “rainbow grasshopper” or “painted grasshopper” due to its vibrant yellow and red markings. The colors are used to protect them from predators because many animals are hesitant to eat brightly-colored critters. Adult grasshoppers usually only live for about two months, and the females die shortly after laying eggs.

14. Barn Owl

• Scientific Name: Tyto alba
• Habitat: Plain and woodlands worldwide
• Size: 10 to 20 ounces, 9 to 18 inches tall
• Diet: Small mammals, fish, birds

Barn owls are the most well-known owl species because they can be found all over the world. In England, they’re known for living in graveyards, so many cultures consider them a symbol of death. Their flat, white faces are shaped uniquely to help them spot the sounds of prey rustling nearby. These birds swallow their prey whole and regurgitate the parts they can’t digest.

15. Barn Swallow

• Scientific Name: Hirundo rustica
• Habitat: Open areas worldwide
• Size: 0.037 to 0.044 pounds
• Diet: Insects

There are about 75 swallow species around the world, but the barn swallow is the most widespread, existing on all continents except Antarctica. They’re called “barn swallows” because they’re commonly seen building their nests on manmade structures like barns. These birds have a unique relationship with ospreys; they warn ospreys of danger, and the ospreys protect them in return.

16. Barramundi Fish

• Scientific Name: Lates calcarifer
• Habitat: Freshwater and saltwater near Australia and Asia
• Size: Up to 120 pounds
• Diet: Crustaceans, mollusks, other fish

Barramundi, also known as the Asian sea bass, is a common fish for human consumption. The name “Barramundi” means “large-scaled silverfish.” The gender of these fish changes based on their age. Most young adults are male while older fish are generally female. They’re most likely to breed during a new or full moon.

17. Barred Owl

• Scientific Name: Strix varia
• Habitat: Forests of North America
• Size: 1 to 2 pounds, 18 to 20 inches tall
• Diet: Small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds

When barred owls fly, they make almost no sound. Their feathers are extra soft with unique edges that prevent the wings from being loud when in motion. However, these birds can make a wide range of loud sounds including hoots, screams, cackles, and hisses. They have uneven ears, with one higher than the other so they can more easily locate prey.

18. Basenji

• Scientific Name: Canis familiaris
• Habitat: Domesticated
• Size: 20 to 26 pounds
• Diet: Domestic dog food

Basenjis are known as “barkless” dogs, but that doesn’t mean they’re quiet. Instead of typical barking, these unique canines let out a sound that’s similar to yodeling. They’re native to Africa, and they’re popular because they shed very little. Despite being on the small side, these dogs need lots of exercise, and they love to protect their family members.

19. Basking Shark

• Scientific Name: Cetorhinus Maximus
• Habitat: Temperate coastlines worldwide
• Size: Up to 40 feet long and 11,000 pounds
• Diet: Fish, plankton

The basking shark is the second-largest fish species in the world after the whale shark. Yet, despite its frightening appearance, this species is harmless to humans and behaves more like a whale than a shark. Basking sharks swim around with their mouths wide open to catch prey as they filter water through their mouths. They can filter thousands of gallons of water per hour.

20. Bat-Eared Fox

• Scientific Name: Otocyon megalotis
• Habitat: Savannas and grasslands of Africa
• Size: 7 to 12 pounds
• Diet: Insects, birds, reptiles

Most of a bat-eared fox’s diet consists of insects, so these critters play an important role in pest control. Each fox consumes about 1.5 million termites per year! They’re great at digging underground tunnels to provide shelter for the younger members of the group. The burrows are also full of insects for them to hunt while staying away from predators.

21. Baya

• Scientific Name: Ploceus philippinus
• Habitat: Grasslands of Southern Asia
• Size: About 1 ounce and 6 inches tall
• Diet: Grain, seeds, insects, small amphibians

Baya birds can build some of the most unique nests of any bird species. These nests hang from trees with openings on the bottom for birds to enter, and they’re constructed specifically for the breeding season. Bayas are very social animals that travel in groups of 20 to 30 birds. They communicate using a wide range of sounds, such as mating songs and alarm calls.

22. Bean Goose

• Scientific Name: Anser fabalis
• Habitat: Wetlands of Northern Eurasia
• Size: 4 to 9 pounds
• Diet: Grass, grains, crops

This breed does well in cold climates, so these birds breed in tundra areas in the winter. Most of these geese prefer to mate with birds that are about the same size as them. They are especially aggressive when protecting their eggs, and they can break bones in extreme cases. This species is called the “bean goose” because they used to primarily graze in bean fields.

23. Bearded Dragon

• Scientific Name: Pogona Vitticeps
• Habitat: Woodlands and deserts of Australia
• Size: 9 to 18 ounces, 20 to 24 inches long
• Diet: Insects, vegetables, small mice

Bearded dragons are common pets, but they can be a big responsibility. They can live up to 15 years and grow to be two feet long. They thrive in arid temperatures, so if it’s too cold, they may go into hibernation. These lizards will lay on sunny rocks when they need to increase their body temperatures. If they think they’re in danger, they’ll puff out the spiny scales on the bottom of their chins.

24. Bearded Seal

• Scientific Name: Erignathus barbatus
• Habitat: Arctic areas of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans
• Size: 450 to 700 pounds
• Diet: Crustaceans, mollusks, fish

Bearded seals might look lazy, but they’re always on high alert. They fall asleep on pieces of ice with their heads as close to the water as possible. That way, they can easily escape into the water if they hear a predator. They swim to the ocean floor to look for prey, and they can dig through thin ice for air if needed. They have long, sensitive whiskers that help them sense prey as they’re searching.

25. Bearded Vulture

• Scientific Name: Gypaetus barbatus
• Habitat: Rocky cliffs of Europe
• Size: 3 to 4 feet tall, about 13 pounds
• Diet: Mammals, reptiles, other birds

Bearded vultures are one of the largest vulture species in the world, but they’re critically endangered. Sadly, many of them were hunted by humans due to rumors that they killed sheep and children. However, like other vulture species, these birds don’t seek out live prey. Instead, the majority of this species’ diet consists of the bones of dead animals.

26. Bed Bug

• Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius
• Habitat: Furniture worldwide
• Size: 5 to 7 millimeters
• Diet: Blood

As the name implies, bed bugs are most commonly found in beds and other pieces of furniture. They can feed on one spot for four to twelve minutes before moving on. Humans who get bit by these critters may experience rashes and allergic reactions. Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to remove because they’re tiny and most active at night. Most people identify them by the bites and blood spots they leave behind.

27. Bedlington Terrier

• Scientific Name: Canis familiaris
• Habitat: Domesticated
• Size: 17 to 23 pounds
• Diet: Domestic dog food

These terriers are named after their origin location, which is Bedlington, England. They were initially bred to hunt small mammals like rats and mice, so they’re energetic canines. Their coats are soft and curly like a Poodle’s, but many people choose to give them a unique haircut that includes a shaved body with longer hair on the legs and top of the head.

28. Beluga Whale

• Scientific Name: Delphinapterus leucas
• Habitat: Primarily in the Arctic Ocean
• Size: 2,000 to 3,000 pounds
• Diet: Fish, invertebrates

Beluga whales are unique because they’re the only pure white marine mammals. However, these sea creatures are actually born with dark gray skin, and it gradually becomes white as they age. Some belugas take eight years to turn completely white. They’re sometimes called the “canaries of the sea” because they have such a wide variety of noises. You might hear them whistling, chirping, clicking, squealing, or even mooing.

29. Bengal Tiger

• Scientific Name: Panthera Tigris Tigris
• Habitat: Dense forests of Southern Asia
• Size: 309 to 600 pounds
• Diet: Deer, cattle, wild boar

Bengal tigers are some of the most popular big cats, but their population has been decreasing. They’re the national animal of India and Bangladesh, but they’re endangered due to deforestation and poaching. If coordinated with a group of tigers, these creatures may be able to take down massive animals like rhinoceros and elephants. They prefer to attack prey that isn’t facing them, so humans will wear masks on the backs of their heads to protect themselves.

30. Betta Fish

• Scientific Name: Betta splendens
• Habitat: Ponds and slow-moving streams of Southern Asia
• Size: 2.4 to 3.1 inches long
• Diet: Zooplankton, larvae, crustaceans

Many people keep betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, as pets, but these creatures also live in the wild in the slow-moving waters of Asia. These freshwater fish are known for their beautiful colors and large tails. They might look graceful, but they often have aggressive personalities. They thrive best when kept in a large tank without other fish.

31. Big Brown Bat

• Scientific Name: Eptesicus fuscus
• Habitat: Across North America
• Size: About 0.62 ounces, 13 to 16 inch wingspan
• Diet: Insects

These small creatures are considered “big” brown bats because they’re large in comparison to other American bat species. They prefer to eat beetles over other bugs because their strong jaws can bite through a beetle’s exoskeleton with ease. They’re one of the fastest bat species in the world, reaching up to 40 miles per hour when flying.

32. Bighorn Sheep

• Scientific Name: Ovis canadensis
• Habitat: Mountainous grasslands of North America
• Size: 74 to 314 pounds
• Diet: Plants, shrubs

This unique sheep species is most commonly seen among the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada. Their massive horns can be used to assert dominance by ramming into each other, but they rarely injure other animals with their horns. Males and females both grow similar horns. The horns are made of keratin, which is what human hair and fingernails are made of.

33. Bilby

• Scientific Name: Macrotis lagotis
• Habitat: Australian deserts
• Size: 1.3 to 5.5 pounds
• Diet: Insects, spiders, snails, lizards, small mammals

Bilbies are bandicoots, and they’re also marsupials. So, their young develop in their pouches rather than inside the body. They’re a very old species with fossils dating back 15 million years! These critters dig deep burrows that spiral to make it difficult for predators to follow them. Bilbies don’t need to drink at all because they can get enough water from the food they eat.

34. Binturong

• Scientific Name: Arctictis binturong
• Habitat: Tropical forests of Southern Asia
• Size: 22 to 31 pounds
• Diet: Insects, fruit, birds

The binturong is also known as the “Asian bearcat.” They look like a cross between a bear and a cat, but not much is known about this creature’s behaviors in the wild. They seem to spend most of their time alone, and they’re most active at night. They’re too big to jump from one tree to another, so they spend a lot of time using their large semi-retractable claws to climb up and down trees.

35. Birman

• Scientific Name: Felis catus
• Habitat: Domesticated
• Size: 6 to 12 pounds
• Diet: Domestic cat food

Many people fall in love with Birman cats due to their stunning blue eyes. Yet, these felines also have a friendly, playful personality, making them great family cats. However, it takes them a while to warm up to strangers. Their fur is long and thick, so their coats will need to be brushed at least once a week to keep them looking healthy.

36. Biscuit Beetle

• Scientific Name: Stegobium paniceum
• Habitat: Worldwide
• Size: 2 to 3.5 millimeters
• Diet: Dried goods

Biscuit beetles are pests that are also known as bread beetles or drugstore beetles. They don’t bite humans, but they consume lots of food and can destroy property. These bugs have a special relationship with yeast fungus because yeast gives them the vitamin B they need in their diets. Then, the beetles pass the fungus to their offspring.

37. Black Caiman

• Scientific Name: Melanosuchus niger
• Habitat: Slow-moving freshwater in South America
• Size: 700 to 1,000 pounds, 7 to 16 feet long
• Diet: Fish, turtles, mammals

Black caimans are larger than all other caimans, crocodiles, and alligators. They’re nocturnal, so they follow their strong sense of smell at night to help them locate prey. Their dark scales help them camouflage well at night so other animals don’t see them coming. They have strong jaws that are great for hunting but not chewing. So, they will often drown their prey when hunting to make it softer for chewing.

38. Black Mamba

• Scientific Name: Dendroaspis polylepis
• Habitat: Savannas and woodlands of Africa
• Size: 6 to 10 feet long
• Diet: Birds, mammals, other snakes

Despite the name, these snakes rarely have black scales. Instead, they usually appear olive, yellowish-brown, or gray. They’re the second-longest venomous snake species in the world after the king cobra. Like cobras, they have a hood that will appear if they feel threatened. They can inject 280 milligrams of venom in one bite, but only 15 to 20 milligrams can be life-threatening to humans.

39. Black Marlin

• Scientific Name: Istiompax Indica
• Habitat: Tropical areas of Pacific and Indian Oceans
• Size: 210 to 1,653 pounds
• Diet: Fish, squid, octopus

Marlins are similar to swordfish, but they have a higher fat content when consumed by humans. Black marlins can be distinguished by their pointy dorsal fins, and they’re one of the largest bony fish in the world. These fish have a wide range of sizes, and any black marlins that weigh over 1,000 pounds are called “granders.”

40. Black Rhinoceros

• Scientific Name: Diceros Bicornis
• Habitat: Grasslands and savannas of Southern Africa
• Size: 1,800 to 3,100 pounds
• Diet: Grass, fruit, leaves

At the beginning of the 20th century, there were approximately one million black rhinos out there, but they quickly became critically endangered because of poachers. However, populations are starting to grow again. They are one of the few large land animals that can move fast, reaching up to 40 miles per hour. Most black rhino horns are under 24 inches tall, but a record-breaking one reached 55 inches!

41. Black-Backed Jackal

• Scientific Name: Canis mesomelas
• Habitat: Deserts, mountains, and savannas of Africa
• Size: 12 to 22 pounds
• Diet: Insects, lizards, rodents

These wild canines will eat almost anything they can get their paws on. They will pounce on small prey, hunt large prey in groups, or scavenge. They usually live only with their mate and pups if they have any. They’re very territorial, so both males and females will get aggressive if a creature enters their territory. According to fossils, this jackal species is millions of years old, making them one of the oldest canine species on the planet.

42. Black-Capped Chickadee

• Scientific Name: Poecile atricapillus
• Habitat: Across the United States
• Size: 4 to 6 inches tall
• Diet: Insects

Black-capped chickadees are easily distinguished from similar species due to the black and white markings on their heads. Chickadees get their name because their calls sound like they’re saying “chick-a-dee-dee-dee.” They often live in groups of up to 12 birds, and they forage together to reduce the risk of being hunted. When one bird lets out a warning call, the others freeze and imitate the call to confuse predators.

43. Black-Footed Ferret

• Scientific Name: Mustela nigripes
• Habitat: Grasslands of North America
• Size: 1.5 to 2.5 pounds, 18 to 24 inches long
• Diet: Insects, birds, ground squirrels, prairie dogs

This species is the only type of ferret you can find in the wild in North America. They’re most commonly seen in the Western United States. They are excellent hunters, so they will regularly take down prey that’s large for them, such as prairie dogs. Yet, they spend about 21 hours a day sleeping, and then they hunt at night. For a while, they were thought to be extinct, but then a group was spotted in 1981.

44. Black-Headed Bunting

• Scientific Name: Emberiza melanocephala
• Habitat: Open areas of Europe and Asia
• Size: About 6 inches long
• Diet: Seeds, insects

Most black-headed buntings migrate from Southeast Europe to Southeast Asia. One bird flew 4,350 miles! They migrate in large flocks, but the males usually travel separately from the females. Males typically arrive sooner than the females, and males will vocalize loudly during the day when they’re looking to mate. During the summer, these birds build their nests close to the ground to make foraging easier.

45. Blackbuck

• Scientific Name: Antilope cervicapra
• Habitat: Plains and forests of India, Nepal, and Pakistan
• Size: 60 to 84 pounds
• Diet: Grass, flowers, fruits

Male blackbucks are easily distinguished by the large twirled horns on their heads, but it’s rare for females to have horns. They’re timid creatures that are always on the lookout for danger. They have good eyesight, and females are usually the first to spot predators and alert the rest of the herd. Both males and females have light brown fur when they’re young, but a male’s coat will continue to get darker as he ages.

46. Blackpoll Warbler

• Scientific Name: Setophaga striata
• Habitat: Forests of North and South America
• Size: 0.4 to 0.5 ounces
• Diet: Flies, beetles, lice, fruit

Blackpoll warblers migrate further than any other warbler species. Most of them live in Canada, and their migration route goes down through the Eastern United States and ends in Northern South America. The birds are always on the move, so their migration pattern is non-stop. They can travel for 72 hours at a time, and the route they take in the spring is not the same as in the fall.

47. Blesbok

• Scientific Name: Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi
• Habitat: Grasslands of South Africa and Namibia
• Size: 120 to 175 pounds
• Diet: Grass

Blesbok is a type of antelope that lives in herds of about 25. Both males and females may spend time with other herds occasionally. If they sense danger, they will grunt and snort to alert the others. They spend most of their days feeding on grass, and they will migrate to stay in rainy areas. Both males and females have ringed horns, but the female horns are more slender.

48. Blood Python

• Scientific Name: Python brongersmai
• Habitat: Marshes of Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula, and Thailand
• Size: 5 to 8 feet long
• Diet: Rodents

Blood pythons get their name because the red markings on their scales are close to the color of blood. They’re non-venomous snakes, but they can have aggressive personalities. When raised in captivity, they tend to be more docile. They can swallow rodents whole, so they have a tube at the bottom of their mouths to help them breathe while they’re swallowing prey.

49. Blotched Blue-Tongued Skink

• Scientific Name: Tiliqua nigrolutea
• Habitat: Woodlands and grasslands of Australia
• Size: 1 to 2 feet long
• Diet: Insects, worms, snails, leaves

Blotched blue-tongued skinks are known for their large blue tongues that they use to scare away predators. When they open their mouths and hiss, predators no longer recognize them as prey. They’re also capable of losing their tails as a form of self-defense. However, their tails may not grow back the same. They’re slow-moving lizards, so they usually search for prey that’s also slow, such as snails, slugs, and caterpillars.

50. Blue Belly Lizard

• Scientific Name: Sceloporus occidentalis
• Habitat: Grasslands of North America
• Size: About 1 ounce
• Diet: Insects, spiders, smaller lizards

This lizard species, which is also called the western fence lizard, is one of the most common reptiles in the United States. They are tiny critters that you might see basking in the sunlight in various outdoor locations. The lizards are a dull brown color, but the males have beautiful blue markings around their stomachs. When trying to attract mates, males will release pheromones from the pores on their legs.

51. Blue Crab

• Scientific Name: Callinectes sapidus
• Habitat: Brackish coastal lagoons of the Atlantic Ocean
• Size: 1 to 2 pounds
• Diet: Mollusks, snails, insects

Blue crabs will eat almost anything they can find. They spend their time scouring the ocean floor alone to find food. They may be aggressive toward other crabs, but they’re less likely to attack right after they’ve molted because their shells are more sensitive. Males and females have a unique difference between them. If the crab has a shape that looks like the Washington Monument on its belly, that means it’s a male!

52. Blue Grosbeak

• Scientific Name: Passerina caerulea
• Habitat: Open woods of United States, Mexico, and Central America
• Size: 0.9 to 1.1 ounces, 5.5 to 7.5 inches tall
• Diet: Insects, snails, other invertebrates

Female blue grosbeaks are mostly brown with a hint of blue while males have more blue in their plumage than any other bird. Even though males are so brightly colored, these birds are uncommon to see. You’ll usually hear the males singing before you see any of the birds. When blue grosbeaks feed their young, they rip the head, legs, and wings of insects off before serving the chicks. Sometimes, these birds use snakeskins to build their nests.

53. Blue Jay

• Scientific Name: Cyanocitta cristata
• Habitat: Across North America
• Size: 2.7 to 3.5 ounces
• Diet: Grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars

Blue jays get their name from their vibrant feathers and the “jay-jay” sounds they make. They’re a noisy species that makes the most sounds in the fall. They can make a wide range of noises, including hawk-like calls. Blue is the rarest color in nature, making these birds a beautiful sight to see. Sometimes, blue jays will rub ants in their feathers to keep their bodies free of harmful acids.

54. Blue Shark

• Scientific Name: Prionace glauca
• Habitat: Deep in the open ocean
• Size: 60 to 400 pounds, about 11 feet long
• Diet: Fish, injured marine mammals

These sharks have such a wide range of weights because the females often weigh significantly more than the males. A female blue shark’s skin is twice as thick as a male’s because males often bite while mating. So, the thick skin keeps the females protected. These sharks grow rapidly, growing a foot every year until they reach their full size. A female blue shark can give birth to up to 135 pups at a time.

55. Blue Tit

• Scientific Name: Cyanistes caeruleus
• Habitat: Across Europe, Asia, and Africa
• Size: 0.4 ounces
• Diet: Insects, spiders, seeds, fruit

Blue tits are one of the most common songbirds in Europe. Despite having “blue” in the name, they’re easily spotted by their bright yellow bellies. They’re intelligent birds that can pass down new skills to new generations. For example, one bird learned to tear a foil cap off a milk bottle. So, its offspring learned that skill as well. These fascinating birds may also hang upside on branches while foraging.

56. Blue-and-Yellow Macaw

• Scientific Name: Ara ararauna
• Habitat: South American tropical rainforests
• Size: 0.9 to 2.5 pounds, 41 to 45 inch wingspan
• Diet: Seeds, fruit, nuts

These macaws are loud in the wild and in captivity. They make loud screams to communicate with each other, and they can learn to mimic human voices too. They are thought to be as intelligent as a 4-year-old child. They’re social animals that mate for life. While they can be kept as pets, they are a big commitment with a lifespan of 30 to 60 years. However, the world’s oldest macaw lived to be over 100 years old!

57. Blue-Footed Booby

• Scientific Name: Sula nebouxii
• Habitat: Western coasts of North and South America
• Size: 3 to 4 pounds
• Diet: Fish, squid

The most notable feature of this species is its bright blue feet. However, these birds aren’t born with blue feet. Their feet get bluer and bluer as they age, so if a blue-footed booby has bright blue feet, that means they’re full-grown. When these birds try to mate, the males will whistle to attract the females. Then, they’ll do a courtship dance in unison.

58. Blue-Spotted Salamander

• Scientific Name: Ambystoma laterale
• Habitat: Wooded areas of Canada and Northeastern United States
• Size: 3.5 to 5.5 inches long
• Diet: Insects, worms, slugs

When young blue-spotted salamanders adjust from their aquatic larvae stage to land-dwelling creatures, their skin is solid black. Then, as they grow, the blue spots slowly emerge. These salamanders are nocturnal and often hide under moist logs during the daytime. They can breed with a few other salamander species, such as the spotted salamander, Jefferson salamander, and tiger salamander to create hybrids.

59. Bluebottle

• Scientific Name: Physalia utriculus
• Habitat: Open Indian and Pacific Oceans near Australia
• Size: 3 to 12 inches long (body), tentacles up to 10 feet long
• Diet: Small fish, crustaceans

The bluebottle, also known as the Indo-Pacific man o’ war, floats along the ocean’s surface with its tentacles deep in the water. These creatures are capable of moving slowly, but they usually let the wind carry them. Their tentacles don’t only sting their prey, but they can be dangerous to humans as well. If a bluebottle dies, it can still sting for up to several days later. When they’re in the water, they can fully submerge themselves for a short amount of time to avoid danger.

60. Bluegill

• Scientific Name: Lepomis macrochirus
• Habitat: Freshwater in North America
• Size: 2.5 to 4.5 pounds
• Diet: Insects, zooplankton, small fish

Bluegills are popular among fishermen because they’re present year-round and there’s no shortage of them. They travel in schools of up to 20 fish, and not all the fish in the school need to be of the same species. They hunt by sucking water into their mouths and trapping the prey in their “gill rakers.” When they’re not hunting, they stay in shallow water or hide among plants to avoid predators.

61. Boat-Billed Heron

• Scientific Name: Cochlearius cochlearius
• Habitat: Mangrove swamps from Mexico to Northern South America
• Size: About 1.3 pounds, 30-inch wingspan
• Diet: Small fish, crustaceans, amphibians, insects

Boat-billed herons have large, rounded beaks that are used for capturing prey in the water. When hunting, they will rest on a branch close to the water’s surface. They will dip their open beaks in the water and then scoop up prey as it passes. Their feathers do not molt like other birds, but instead, the feathers continuously grow throughout their lives. When they get too long, the ends break off and help keep the other feathers waterproof.

62. Bobolink

• Scientific Name: Dolichonyx oryzivorus
• Habitat: Across North and South America
• Size: About 1 ounce
• Diet: Insects, worms, insect larvae

This species’ scientific name means “long-clawed devourer of rice,” but it’s not the most accurate description of the bird. Bobolinks are nicknamed “armyworm birds” because armyworms are their favorite snacks. When these birds migrate, they rely on the Earth’s magnetic fields to find out where they’re going. There’s one known Bobolink that traveled over 1,000 miles during migration!

63. Boll Weevil

• Scientific Name: Anthonomus grandis
• Habitat: Near cotton in United States, Mexico, Central America, and Cuba
• Size: About 0.25 inches long
• Diet: Cotton buds and flowers

Boll weevils are considered the most destructive pests in the United States. They only feed on cotton plants, so they cost the country about $300 million each year due to the damage they leave behind. However, as of 2013, Texas is the only state still struggling with extreme boll weevil infestations. While many areas despise these critters, Alabama has a monument for the boll weevil. They think positively of the insect’s destruction because it got them to invest in a variety of farming rather than only cotton.

64. Bombay

• Scientific Name: Felis catus
• Habitat: Domesticated
• Size: 8 to 15 pounds
• Diet: Domestic cat food

Bombay cats are known for their sleek black coats. They were initially bred to look like small black panthers. However, their name is deceiving. Instead of originating in the Indian city of Bombay (now known as Mumbai), they were created in the United States by breeding a sable Burmese with a black American Shorthair cat. Bombays have social personalities, so they often crave attention from their humans.

65. Bonefish

• Scientific Name: Albula vulpes
• Habitat: Coastal waters worldwide
• Size: 6 – 14 pounds
• Diet: Worms, shrimp, mollusks

Bonefish get their name because they have many fine bones in their bodies. With so many bones, they’re near impossible to eat, so most fishermen release them shortly after catching them. Bonefish are great at camouflage because they stay near the bottom of shallow waters, and their shiny scales act as mirrors to make them almost invisible.

66. Bongo

• Scientific Name: Tragelaphus eurycerus
• Habitat: Forests and bamboo thickets of Western Africa
• Size: 330 to 480 pounds
• Diet: Leaves, grass, bark

The bongo is the largest antelope species in the world. They are shy and nocturnal, so despite being so big, they’re rarely seen by humans in the wild. If they feel threatened, they will run away without hesitation. Male bongos live their lives in solitude while females travel in groups to protect their young. Calves often stay with their group for a while after they’ve weaned off their mothers.

67. Bonnethead Shark

• Scientific Name: Sphyrna tiburo
• Habitat: Brackish waters near North and South America
• Size: 6.6 to 8.8 pounds
• Diet: Crustaceans, cephalopods, small fish

The bonnethead, also known as the shovelhead, is a type of omnivorous hammerhead shark. They’re the only sharks that have a distinct difference between males and females from a top view. Females’ heads are smooth and round while males have a distinct bulge on their heads. To communicate with other sharks, these creatures emit colorless fluids. When giving birth, female sharks lose their appetites to prevent them from eating the young sharks.

68. Bonobo

• Scientific Name: Pan paniscus
• Habitat: Jungles and forests of Central Africa
• Size: 55 to 110 pounds
• Diet: Fruit, small invertebrates

Bonobos are intelligent creatures that share over 97% of the same DNA as humans. They can recognize themselves in the mirror and distinguish similar bonobo calls and gestures based on context. They’re like chimpanzees, but they have smaller bodies and longer limbs. These peaceful animals like to live near each other so they can share resources and care for others of their kind.

69. Boomslang

• Scientific Name: Dispholidus typus
• Habitat: Sub-Saharan Africa
• Size: 3 to 6 feet
• Diet: Reptiles, frogs, birds, small mammals

Don’t be fooled by the silly name because boomslangs are venomous snakes. Their bites could lead to death, so anyone bit by one of these snakes should seek help right away. Boomslangs have large fangs that can fully retract when not in use. They usually live in warm climates, but if their surroundings get too cold for them, they will hibernate in a bird’s nest. These reptiles can’t smell well, but they can sense chemicals in the air.

70. Bornean Orangutan

• Scientific Name: Pongo pygmaeus
• Habitat: Borneo lowlands
• Size: 66 to 220 pounds
• Diet: Fruit, insects, bark

The Bornean orangutan is the second-largest type of ape. However, this species’ behavior is much different from other ape species because they live most of their lives alone. Since they’re too heavy to jump, they move slowly along the ground and swing from branches to move faster. Male orangutans let others know of their presence by making bellowing calls through the trees.

71. Borneo Elephant

• Scientific Name: Elephas maximus borneensis
• Habitat: Northeastern Borneo
• Size: 4,000 to 6,500 pounds
• Diet: Grass, fruit, roots

Despite weighing thousands of pounds, this species is known as the smallest species of elephant. They’re closely related to other Asian elephants, but they evolved differently to adapt to life on Borneo. The females don’t usually have tusks, but instead, they have long teeth behind their upper lips called tushes. These elephants usually have straighter tusks and longer tails than similar elephant species.

72. Bottlenose Dolphin

• Scientific Name: Tursiops Truncatus
• Habitat: Temperate water worldwide
• Size: 300 to 660 pounds
• Diet: Fish, shrimp, squid

Bottlenose dolphins are one of the smartest species in the world. They have been hunting with fishermen since 1847, and they’re thought to have a better memory than all other non-human species. Scientists have observed that these dolphins adjust to simpler forms of communication when interacting with dolphins they’ve never met before. These animals travel in groups of anywhere from 15 to 2,000 dolphins.

73. Bowfin

• Scientific Name: Amia calva
• Habitat: Freshwater of North America
• Size: 15 to 27 inches long
• Diet: Insects, crustaceans, amphibians, other fish

Some people call bowfin fish “living fossils” because they’ve changed very little since the Jurassic period. Thus, this species is an air-breathing fish that needs to come to the surface occasionally. It also has modified gills that won’t collapse when exposed to the outside air. This species spends almost its entire day hunting, and there are very few predators that will eat bowfin.

74. Bowhead Whale

• Scientific Name: Balaena mysticetus
• Habitat: Cold saltwater of the Northern Hemisphere
• Size: 75 to 100 tons
• Diet: Zooplankton

Bowhead whales have the largest mouths of any animal but they only use them to scoop up zooplankton. They also have the longest lifespan of any mammal, living for about 200 years. Since they’re such massive creatures, they’re capable of breaking through ice that’s two feet thick to catch their breath. They have two blowholes, and they’re capable of fully jumping out of the water.

75. Boxer

• Scientific Name: Canis familiaris
• Habitat: Domesticated
• Size: 55 to 70 pounds
• Diet: Domestic dog food

Boxers are big sweethearts who love to go on adventures with their humans. They have a lot of energy, but they’re also easy to train. So, they can make good service dogs or police dogs if given enough patience and consistency. Boxers have a long history dating back to 2000 B.C. They were created using the Bullenbeisser, which is a breed that no longer exists.

76. Broad-Billed Hummingbird

• Scientific Name: Cynanthus latirostris
• Habitat: Near nectar plants in Mexico and Southwestern United States
• Size: 3 1/4 to 4 inches long
• Diet: Flower nectar, aphids, leafhoppers

Broad-billed hummingbirds might look like delicate creatures, but they’re aggressive toward intruders. They may claw at other animals or strike them with their bills to protect their feeding, nesting, and breeding areas. However, their long bills and forked tongues are most commonly used for consuming nectar from deep flowers. These birds have lots of energy, and they can beat their wings about 75 times per second!

77. Brolga

• Scientific Name: Antigone rubicunda
• Habitat: Wetlands of Australia and New Guinea
• Size: About 14 pounds
• Diet: Insects, amphibians, wetland plants

Brolgas are also called “native companions” because they mate for life. So, these birds are often seen strutting side-by-side as companions. After breeding season, they may travel with their chicks and other birds, creating groups of up to 100 brolgas. These birds don’t migrate, but it’s common for them to move to different locations to follow the seasonal rainfall.’

78. Brookesia Micra

• Scientific Name: Brookesia micra
• Habitat: Dry forests on Madagascar
• Size: 0.006 to 0.0074 ounces
• Diet: Insects

These tiny chameleons are most commonly referred to by their scientific names. Biologists think these reptiles ended up so small because they live on an island with limited food sources. So, over time, they became smaller and smaller. They’ve adapted to a very specific environment on the island, so as cute as they are, they shouldn’t be kept in captivity. When being hunted, these chameleons pretend to be dead leaves.

79. Brown Basilisk

• Scientific Name: Basiliscus vittatus
• Habitat: Forests of Mexico, Central America, and Colombia
• Size: About 24 inches long
• Diet: Insects, fish, frogs

The brown basilisk lizard may not be as brightly colored as other basilisk species, but they’re just as stunning. Their dull colors allow them to easily camouflage during the day. They can remain completely motionless to avoid being seen, but they can sprint if needed. These lizards can run so fast that they can run 33 to 66 feet on the water’s surface before sinking. Luckily, they can also swim well.

80. Brown Bear

• Scientific Name: Ursus arctos
• Habitat: Woodlands and mountains of North America, Europe, and Asia
• Size: 300 to 860 pounds
• Diet: Fish, small mammals, fruit

Of all the bear species, the brown bear is the most widely distributed. These bears live in areas where the seasons change, so they go into hibernation when the temperature drops. When they prepare for hibernation, they eat up to 90 pounds of food each day. For the most part, these large mammals are solitary creatures. Females and cubs are the only brown bears that are regularly seen together.

81. Brown Hyena

• Scientific Name: Hyaena brunnea
• Habitat: Deserts of Souther Africa
• Size: 83 to 96 pounds
• Diet: Carrion, birds, fish, small mammals

Brown hyenas are the rarest hyena species, and they can be distinguished by their long, scraggly fur. However, they behave similarly to other species. They have tough digestive systems, so they often feast on carrion since it won’t harm their stomachs. They might not look fast, but they can run up to 50 miles an hour. These mammals are most active at night.

82. Brown Recluse

• Scientific Name: Loxosceles reclusa
• Habitat: In woodpiles and debris of Southeastern United States
• Size: 1/4 to 1/2 inches long
• Diet: Insects, other spiders

This is one of the few spider species in North America with dangerous amounts of venom. Their venom attacks red blood cells, which can cause tissue damage in the victim. If treated quickly, a person bitten by a brown recluse will be fine. There have only been five reported human deaths in the past 35 years. Instead of waiting for prey to get trapped like other spiders, these arachnids will chase down prey and use venom to immobilize it.

83. Brown Tree Snake

• Scientific Name: Boiga irregularis
• Habitat: Forested areas in Indonesia, the Soloman Islands, New Guinea, and Australia
• Size: 3 to 4 feet long
• Diet: Lizards, birds, small mammals

Brown tree snakes are an invasive species that has caused at least 11 native bird species to go extinct. The populations of many other animals, such as lizards and bats, are also declining because of them. These snakes are active at night and can give a venomous bite if threatened. Luckily, adult humans will not be greatly affected by these bites, but the venom can be dangerous for young children.

84. Brown Water Snake

• Scientific Name: Nerodia taxispilota
• Habitat: Coastal plains of Eastern United States
• Size: 3.5 to 6 feet long
• Diet: Fish

Brown water snakes primarily hunt catfish, even though the fish have sharp spines. Sometimes, the catfish’s spines pierce a snake’s body when consumed, but most snakes recover from the injury. They use their sense of smell to hunt rather than sight. If they feel threatened, they will release a smelly musk to scare away other creatures.

85. Brown-Throated Sloth

• Scientific Name: Bradypus variegatus
• Habitat: Tropical forests in Central and South America
• Size: 5 to 14 pounds
• Diet: Leaves, flowers, fruit

These sloths are solitary creatures that spend most of their time up in the trees. They move very slowly, and they also have one of the slowest digestive systems. So, they only have to come down from the trees about once a week to relieve themselves. They spend as little time as possible on the ground because they’re easy targets for predators. When they’re in the trees, they can rotate their heads 300 degrees to look out for danger.

86. Brush Rabbit

• Scientific Name: Sylvilagus bachmani
• Habitat: Brushy vegetation in North America
• Size: 1 to 2 pounds
• Diet: Grass, clovers, berries

Brush rabbits are very timid, so they spend most of their time hiding from predators alone. They hide in underground tunnels to avoid being hunted by larger animals. If a predator chases them, they will run in a zig-zag pattern, reaching speeds of up to 25 miles per hour. They can also climb up trees if needed. If they want to warn other rabbits of danger, they will squeal and thump their hind legs.

87. Budgerigar

• Scientific Name: Melopsittacus undulatus
• Habitat: Open woodlands in Australia
• Size: 1 to 1.5 ounces
• Diet: Seeds, fruits, berries, insects

Budgerigars, more commonly known as “budgies,” are a colorful type of parakeet. Even though they’re one of the most popular pets, they can be found in the wild in Australia. The birds have over 1,000 color combinations that their feathers could be. They’re social birds that prefer to live with other budgies. They love chatting with anyone that will listen.

88. Bufflehead

• Scientific Name: Bucephala albeola
• Habitat: Open waters of Canada and United States
• Size: 10 to 22 ounces
• Diet: Aquatic insects, crustaceans, mollusks

Buffleheads are tied with the green-winged teal duck for the smallest duck species in America. They spend most of their time in the water because they move awkwardly on land. Their legs are located close to the back of their bodies, causing them to waddle slowly. In the water, they dive up to 15 feet under the water to capture prey. When hunting in groups, one bufflehead will usually watch for predators while the others dive under the water.

89. Buff-Tailed Bumblebee

• Scientific Name: Bombus terrestris
• Habitat: Lowland areas of the United Kingdom
• Size: 11 to 17 millimeters
• Diet: Nectar

These insects stand out from other bumblebees because the tip of their tail is white. However, the queen bee’s tail is more buff-colored, which is how the species gets its name. These bees have earned the nickname “nectar robbers” because they will bite holes in the base of flowers if they can’t reach the nectar. Then, other insects can benefit from the hole they made.

90. Bull Shark

• Scientific Name: Carcharhinus Leucas
• Habitat: Coastal waters worldwide
• Size: 200 to 500 pounds
• Diet: Fish, stingrays, other sharks

Bull sharks can live in both freshwater and saltwater, so they can travel to all kinds of bodies of water. They were even seen in the flooded streets of Brisbane, Australia, in 2010. These sharks are believed to have aggressive attitudes, and they will often head-butt their prey before attacking it. They have the strongest bite pressure of any shark their size.

91. Bullet Ant

• Scientific Name: Paraponera clavata
• Habitat: Rainforests of Central and South America
• Size: 0.7 to 1.5 inches long
• Diet: Nectar, sap, small insects

Bullet ants are large insects known for their powerful stings. A bullet ant sting is ranked at the highest level on the sting pain index, and it could lead to paralysis lasting for a full day. However, despite the extreme pain, bullet ants will rarely seek out humans to harm. They usually only use their stings to attack other bullet ants invading their colony. Before they sting, they emit a foul odor as a warning.

92. Bullsnake

• Scientific Name: Pituophis catenifer sayi
• Habitat: Woodlands and grasslands of North America
• Size: 4 to 8 feet long
• Diet: Small mammals, birds, lizards, frogs

Many people consider the bullsnake a “farmer’s friend” because they get rid of pests like mice and rats. These reptiles are even capable of hunting down rattlesnakes. They’re a subspecies of gopher snake, so they spend a lot of their time hiding in old gopher burrows. These snakes have shields on their noses that help them dig further. They’re not venomous, but they may still bite if threatened.

93. Burchell’s Zebra

• Scientific Name: Equus quagga burchellii
• Habitat: Savannas in Southeast Africa
• Size: 500 to 700 pounds
• Diet: Grass, shrubs, herbs

Burchell’s zebras migrate longer than any other land animal in Africa, traveling 160 miles in each direction. They usually travel in groups that include one male and up to six females. If anything happens to the male, the females will search for a new male to take his place. When the zebras rest, one member of the group always stays awake to alert the others of danger. These mammals have unique calls for predators, injuries, and distress.

94. Burgundy Snail

• Scientific Name: Helix pomatia
• Habitat: Across central and southeastern Europe
• Size: About 4 inches long
• Diet: Fruits, vegetables, leaves, flowers

When burgundy snails slide across the ground, they leave a trail of slime behind them. They use that slime to find their way back home after they finish eating. The mucus on the snail’s body also serves as a form of protection because it reduces the amount of friction and damage on their body. Some fancy restaurants cook these snails and call them “escargots.”

95. Burmese Python

• Scientific Name: Python bivittatus
• Habitat: Jungles of Southeast Asia
• Size: About 16 feet long
• Diet: Mice, rabbits, chickens

It’s rare for these non-venomous snakes to harm humans, but they will attack if they feel threatened. Burmese pythons can grow as wide as a telephone pole, and they swallow their prey whole. Sadly, they’re endangered in their natural habitat because people will often kill them for their skin. They’ve also been an invasive species in Florida since the 1980s.

96. Burrowing Owl

• Scientific Name: Athene cunicularia
• Habitat: Deserts of United States, Central America, and South America
• Size: About 6 ounces, 7 to 10 inches tall
• Diet: Insects, worms, rodents, small reptiles

Burrowing owls are small owls that spend most of their time on the ground. They get their name because they live in underground burrows. Sometimes, they dig the burrows themselves, but other times, they steal them from other animals. They are one of the only owl species that migrate in the winter. Burrowing owls that live in the United States will travel to Central and South America in the winter, but some of these owls stay south all year.

97. Buru Babirusa

• Scientific Name: Babyrousa babyrussa
• Habitat: Rainforests on the Indonesian Islands
• Size: 160 to 220 pounds
• Diet: Leaves, roots, fruit, invertebrates

Buru babirusas are wild pigs that have curled horns on their snouts. The name “babirusa” means “pig-deer” because these creatures have the round bodies of pigs but the thin legs of deer. While they mostly eat plants, they will consume anything that will fit in their mouths. So, they will sometimes eat smaller mammals, including young babirusas.

98. Bush Dog

• Scientific Name: Speothos venaticus
• Habitat: Near water in South America
• Size: 11 to 15 pounds
• Diet: Large rodents

Bush dogs might look like cute puppies, but they’re pack animals that can hunt down mammals larger than them such as agoutis, pacas, and capybaras. Unlike other wild canines, these creatures normally hunt during the day and hide from predators at night. Since these animals live in swampy areas or near water, they have webbed feet to help them adapt to their environment. Those webbed feet make them excellent swimmers.

99. Bushmaster Snake

• Scientific Name: Lachesis acrochorda
• Habitat: Tropical forests of Norther South America
• Size: 6.6 to 13 feet
• Diet: Birds, small mammals, other reptiles

Bushmaster snakes are venomous and can be highly dangerous. Their venom may not be as strong as the venom of other vipers, but if you anger a bushmaster snake, they may chase you. They can also strike several times in a row, which increases the danger of their venom. Their fangs can be more than two inches long. These snakes are sometimes called “mute rattlesnakes” because their tails vibrate when they’re upset.

100. Bushpig

• Scientific Name: Potamochoerus larvatus
• Habitat: Sub-Saharan Africa
• Size: 150 to 225 pounds
• Diet: Roots, seeds, fruit, dead animals

Bushpigs have small, hidden tusks on their snouts that you might not notice at first glance. They can use those tusks as weapons to surprise animals attacking them. They are protective of their territory, so they won’t hesitate to fight animals invading their space. To communicate, they growl to alert others of a predator and make grunting sounds when foraging. Like other pig species, they enjoy rolling in the mud to keep cool.

A World of Amazing Animals!

This article only covers animals starting with the letter B, but there are many more for each letter of the alphabet. Whether these animals were exciting and new or beloved favorites, there’s always more to discover about the incredible creatures on Earth. So, hopefully, you learned some fascinating facts about animals that begin with the letter B!