Critter

Here’s an easy one to start.

√ Bigfoot = Cryptid: Bigfoot, or Sasquatch, is a legendary ape-like creature. People claim to spot it all across the United States. Lush, forested areas like the Appalachian Mountains and the Pacific Northwest are the most likely locations for spotting Sasquatch— or . . . something. Explanations for “Bigfoot sightings” include escaped zoo animals and people in costumes. Do you think Bigfoot could exist?

X Bigfoot = Cryptid: Bigfoot, orSasquatch, is a legendary ape-like creature. People claim to spot it all across the United States. Lush, forested areas like the Appalachian Mountains and the Pacific Northwest are the most likely locations for spotting Sasquatch— or . . . something. Explanations for “Bigfoot sightings” include escaped zoo animals and people in costumes. Do you think Bigfoot could exist?

Cryptid

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How did you do? Made-up creatures can spark our imaginations. But so can the amazing animals God placed in our world. Do you have a favorite wild, weird, or wacky animal? Let us know at

 

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WORLDkidseditor@gwnews.com.

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CRITTER

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Cryptids come from folklore, legends, and tall tales. So far, nobody has proven the existence of these beings. But creation does have some wacky, wild creatures of its own! Can you tell the difference between legendary cryptids and real critters? Put your nature knowledge to the test!

X Tardigrade = Critter: These eight-legged creaturesare sometimes called “water bears” or “moss piglets.” They live in water and damp soil conditions almost everywhere on Earth. But you need a microscope to see them well! The tardigrade measures just half a millimeter long. (You may have eaten them without even knowing it! But don’t worry—they’re harmless.) Tardigrades are very hardy. They can survive extreme conditions, such as freezing temperatures, scorching heat, and long-term drought. For this reason, scientists have even sent them to space to study what makes them so sturdy. 

√ Tardigrade = Critter: These eight-legged creatures are sometimes called “water bears” or “moss piglets.” They live in water and damp soil conditions almost everywhere on Earth. But you need a microscope to see them well! The tardigrade measures just half a millimeter long. (You may have eaten them without even knowing it! But don’t worry—they’re harmless.) Tardigrades are very hardy. They can survive extreme conditions, such as freezing temperatures, scorching heat, and long-term drought. For this reason, scientists have even sent them to space to study what makes them so sturdy. 

Now it gets trickier.

X Shoebill = Critter:  Believe it or not, these big birds exist! This species of stork comes from East Africa. Shoebills can grow up to five feet tall. They eat mostly fish and other small animals.

√ Shoebill = Critter:  Believe it or not, these big birds exist! This species of stork comes from East Africa. Shoebills can grow up to five feet tall. They eat mostly fish and other small animals.

That’s one tall bird!

What’s that swimming through the water?

X Loch Ness Monster = Cryptid: This beast allegedly swims the deep waters of Loch Ness, a lake in Scotland. (“Loch” means “lake” in Scottish Gaelic.) Nessie sightings date back to the year 565. Some people even claim to have captured photos of the famous cryptid. Cryptozoologists (people who study cryptids) use sonar and other tech to search for the “monster.” Will they ever find it?

√ Loch Ness Monster = Cryptid: This beast allegedly swims the deep waters of Loch Ness, a lake in Scotland. (“Loch” means “lake” in Scottish Gaelic.) Nessie sightings date back to the year 565. Some people even claim to have captured photos of the famous cryptid. Cryptozoologists (people who study cryptids) use sonar and other tech to search for the “monster.” Will they ever find it?

X Leaf Sheep = Critter: This cutie is actually a sea slug!  It’s also called the Costasiella slug.  Some say it looks like a Pokémon.  It measures about the size of a  grain of rice. It gains its energy  from the Sun, using photosynthesis  much like plants. Who knew slugs  could be adorable? 

√ Leaf Sheep = Critter:  This cutie is actually a sea slug!  It’s also called the Costasiella slug.  Some say it looks like a Pokémon.  It measures about the size of a  grain of rice. It gains its energy  from the Sun, using photosynthesis  much like plants. Who knew slugs  could be adorable? 

Cute! Too cute to be true?

Let’s hop on to the next one.

√ Jackalope = Cryptid: These antlered rabbits comefrom folktales in the western United States. Some towns even hand out joke “jackalope hunting licenses” to tourists. Some believe these legends come from sightings of real rabbits with the Shope papilloma virus. The virus can cause rabbits to sprout horn-like growths.

X Jackalope = Cryptid: These antlered rabbits come from folktales in the western United States. Some towns even hand out joke “jackalope hunting licenses” to tourists. Some believe these legends come from sightings of real rabbits with the Shope papilloma virus. The virus can cause rabbits to sprout horn-like growths.

√ Telescopefish = Critter:  These fish live in the deep sea. The name comes from their big eyes, which help them see in the dark. Their broad, toothy jaws open wide so they can gobble prey much bigger than themselves. Scientists still have much to learn about these strange-looking swimmers.

X Telescopefish = Critter:  These fish live in the deep sea. The  name comes from their big eyes,  which help them see in the dark.  Their broad, toothy jaws open wide  so they can gobble prey much  bigger than themselves. Scientists  still have much to learn about these  strange-looking swimmers.

Yikes. Can we go back to the cute ones?