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Animal Defenses

MARTIN HARVEY—GETTY IMAGES

Animals protect themselves against predators. Predators are other animals that want to eat them. How do they protect themselves? They use their defenses. Find out more.

What’s That Smell?

COMSTOCK IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES

Skunks have a stinky secret. They spray a bad odor. It keeps predators away.

Blending In

GEOFFREY REYNAUD—GETTY IMAGES

This is an Arctic hare. Its fur turns white in the winter. It is hard to spot in the snow.

Danger

DAVID BYGOTT—GETTY IMAGES

King snakes are not poisonous. Their bright colors are a trick. It makes predators think they are dangerous. This sends a message to predators: “Stay away!”

Stick with the Group!

WILDESTANIMAL/GETTY IMAGES

Fish swim in big groups. The groups are called schools. Predators are confused by so many fish. So they swim away.

Body Armor

JOESBOY—GETTY IMAGES; INSET: BOB_EASTMAN—GETTY IMAGES

Some animals have a hard shell. It protects their soft body. This armadillo has one. Armadillos roll up when threatened.