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Cool Facts About Animals

Cool Facts About Animals Podcast

Cool Facts About Animals

This is a podcast by and for kids giving you the coolest facts about the coolest animals. We research our episodes carefully, distilling the information into manageable segments, focusing on the things that really make these animals unusual. Thanks for listening!

There are 170 episodes
© Cool Facts About Animals Podcast Episodes: 170 Ages: Under-5s, 6-10, 11plus

Episodes
The most recent appears first.

  • Milk Snakes

    00:17:38 10 November 2024 Listened

    // Learn all about the milk snake, including its cool defense mechanisms, how to tell it apart from its dangerous cousins, and lots more. Plus, some "funny" jokes from Jaguar. //

  • Albatross

    00:17:34 29 September 2024 Listened

    // In this episode we learn about a super cool sea bird, the albatross. The albatross has a huge wingspan, can soar for hundreds of miles, and has an unusual mating dance. Check it out here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EYNazaodHg… //

  • Star-nosed Mole

    00:19:57 15 August 2024 Listened

    // In this episode, we learn all about the amazing star-nosed mole. This super-smeller has one of the most incredible noses in the animal kingdom - and one of the oddest looking. It's also an excellent hunter - and eater.… //

  • Cochineal Beetle

    00:24:09 26 May 2024 Listened

    // We're back! With a brand new episode on the Cochineal Beetle.… //

  • Replay: Cicadas

    00:30:24 26 April 2024 Listened

    // Hello friends! It's been a while! We've been on hiatus while the kids have been busy with various school and personal obligations, but we're looking forward to putting out a new episode in May! In the meantime, please enjoy this rebroadcast of our cicada episo… //

  • Portuguese Man of War

    00:17:52 16 January 2024 Listened

    // We're back with a new episode on the Portuguese Man of War. Wow, this is one cool animal/colony of organisms, with super long tentacles, a deadly sting, and an interesting backstory.… //

  • Animal Defenses with OMSI

    00:29:11 19 November 2023 Listened

    // Here in Portland, Oregon, we're lucky to live so close to a world-class science museum, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, which we all affectionately call OMSI. A few weeks ago, we got the chance to take a tour of their latest exhibit, Staying Alive:… //

  • Cheetahs Reboot

    00:20:57 9 November 2023 Listened

    // Way back in our first episode - over 5 years ago now! - Grady chose cheetah for our first episode. We've learned a lot more about cheetahs since then, and introduced two new podcasters - Jaguar and Corduroy! So, we decided to bring you this reboot of our origi… //

  • Scorpions

    00:23:19 14 September 2023 Listened

    // These little arachnids pack a mean sting. But how dangerous are they? What does a scorpion sting feel like? And how many times can Jaguar evolve in one episode? Learn all about scorpions in our latest episode.… //

  • World of Jaguar Premiere!

    00:01:52 28 August 2023 Listened

    // Jaguar is starting his own podcast! Listen to the promo on this episode, and then listen to universe premiere of World of Jaguar wherever you find your podcasts. //

  • Sea Otters

    00:19:14 9 July 2023 Listened

    // You're in for an adorable treat on this sea otter episode of Cool Facts About Animals! Learn about their special fur, tool use, and an ancient lion-sized otter.… //

  • Sheep, Cloning, and an Interview with Dr. Bill Ritchie

    00:33:28 12 June 2023 Listened

    // On this special episode of Cool Facts About Animals, we got to interview one of the scientists who changed the world! Dr. Bill Ritchie was one of the scientists behind the cloning of Dolly the Sheep. We talk about why this was so important, and how it has help… //

  • Rebroadcast: Dracomax on Dragons

    00:36:05 31 May 2023 Listened

    // We're almost done with our episode on sheeps, featuring a very special interview with a scientist who was involved with perhaps the most famous sheep of all.… //

  • Four Truths and a Lie – Bug Edition

    00:21:21 23 April 2023 Listened

    // We had so much fun with our last four truths and a lie (ocean animals) that we decided to do it again! This episode features five unbelievable bugs. Four are real, one is fake. Can you spot the fake?… //

  • All About Cooking: Dinosaurs

    00:22:47 21 March 2023 Listened

    // Every once in a while, Jaguar prevails and we take a break from our regularly scheduled programming for an All About Cooking episode. This is one of those times.… //

  • Rebroadcast: The Schmidt Sting Pain Index with Dr. Justin Schmidt

    00:26:47 28 February 2023 Listened

    // We've had some sickness in our house that has interfered with our podcast schedule. (Don't worry, we're all ok!) So this month we're reaching into our archives to replay an episode you may have missed the first time. This is one of our favorite episodes, and o… //

  • Axolotls - plus interview with Dr. S. Randal Voss

    00:31:08 31 January 2023 Listened

    // Axolotls are territorial, regenerative, and maybe hold the secret to eternal youth. Oh, and they're suuuuper cute. In this episode, we share 10 cool facts about axolotls, then we share our interview with Dr. S. Randal Voss. Dr. Voss is one of the leading exper… //

  • T-Rex v. Ankylosaurus

    00:21:35 28 December 2022 Listened

    // In this episode, one of the most fearsome predators of all time and a living tank go head-to-head. Yes, the T-Rex and the Ankylosaur battle! Before these two face off, we learn key facts to better predict who will take the crown. Which was faster? Which was sm… //

  • Domestic Cats

    00:27:45 28 November 2022 Listened

    // If you are a regular listener of our show, you know that we LOVE cats – we even have three! In this episode, we learn all about domestic cats – how smart they are,  how much they sleep, how well they communicate, some strange jobs they've had, and of course, h… //

  • Jaguar's ABCs

    00:03:38 28 November 2022 Listened

    // In this bonus mini episode, Corduroy tries to teach Jaguar the ABCs... but it doesn't go quite according to plan. //

  • Rats! With Special Guest Professor Monica Green

    00:25:56 25 October 2022 Listened

    // In this episode, we dive into the world of rats. Sure, they can crawl up sewer pipes into your toilet and may have been at least partly responsible for the deaths of tens of millions of Europeans. But - they're also really smart, feel regret, and can show emot… //

  • Rats and Plague with Prof. Monica Green (extended cut)

    00:29:20 25 October 2022 Listened

    // In this episode, we include many of the facts from our interview with Professor Green that we couldn't fit in our Rat episode. We do go into some detail about the plague and its continued existence, so please use discretion in whether you feel comfortable list… //

  • Interview with National Geographic Author Julie Beer

    00:18:57 16 October 2022 Listened

    // In this episode, we speak with National Geographic author about all sorts of cool animals facts. We talk about why pandas are black and white, why t-rexes have short arms, and some of her favorite animal myths to debunk. Julie is the author of almost 50 books,… //

  • Rebroadcast - Mega Plastic Episode with Dr. Jenna Jambeck

    00:43:11 13 October 2022 Listened

    // Today we are rebroadcasting our mega plastic episode.… //

  • Jaguar and Corduroy and Jaguar Present: Laughtown Game Olympics

    00:10:17 24 September 2022 Listened

    // In this special episode, Jaguar and Teddy play some games. You'll never guess who wins! //

  • Cool Facts About Animals Visits the Redwoods!

    00:34:57 31 August 2022 Listened

    // It was a long time coming, but we finally made it to the Redwoods! We got to learn all about this amazing habitat and see the forest in person, as well as meet with two California State Park rangers, Marnin Robbins and Kyle Buchanan. In our discussions with th… //

  • Bonus: Interview with National Geographic Author and Wildlife Vet Dr. Gabby Wild

    00:16:54 20 August 2022 Listened

    // In this bonus episode, the Cool Facts About Animals Crew gets the chance to speak with National Geographic author and wildlife vet Dr. Gabby Wild. We speak about her new book, How to Speak Animal, and learn a lot about the different ways animals communicate. U… //

  • Episode Swap! Newsy Pooloozi's Plastic Trees and Animal Poo

    00:20:42 3 August 2022 Listened

    // It's an episode swap! Today we're sharing an animal-themed newsy podcast from our Kids Listen pals Newsy Pooloozi! You'll hear stories about animals, plastic trees, and, well, poo. We think you'll enjoy it. If you do, be sure to check out their podcast whereve… //

  • Sled Dogs: Cool Facts About Animals and The Past and the Curious Mashup

    00:41:40 31 July 2022 Listened

    // In this special episode, Cool Facts About Animals and the Past and the Curious team up to learn all about sled dogs! We learn ten cool facts about sled dogs while also learning the history of two very special sled dogs who saved the town of Nome, Alaska.… //

  • Honeybees

    00:22:18 30 June 2022 Listened

    // In this episode, we learn all about honeybees! Learn about the waggle dance, how furry bees are, and other fun facts about these amazing and important pollinators.… //

  • Happy World Jaguar Day!

    00:11:19 12 June 2022 Listened

    // Not to be confused with International Jaguar Day, we celebrate World Jaguar Day with Jaguar, his best friend Lunch the spider monkey burrito, and the rest of the crew. //

  • VERSUS! Anaconda v. Salt Water Crocodile

    00:27:45 16 May 2022 Listened

    // Two kings of reptiles meet in our mock meetup ... anaconda versus crocodile (versus Jaguar). First, learn cool facts about the anaconda and salt water crocodile, and then let us know if you agree with our crowned winner(s).… //

  • Arctic Animals with Dr. Maarten Loonen

    00:26:29 10 April 2022 Listened

    // During our research of the arctic fox, we discovered Dr. Maarten Loonen, a biologist who studies in the Arctic Circle. We learned so many cool things that we hadn't known about before, not just about the arctic fox but about other animals, too. Like the amazin… //

  • Arctic Fox

    00:27:47 28 March 2022 Listened

    // Ready to learn about the pint-sized, fluffy-tailed arctic fox? Yes, the arctic fox is adorable. But it's also tough. It's highly evolved to withstand the -50 degree temps of the arctic circle. We'll learn about these traits and more facts that make these anima… //

  • Introducing Mashups by Kids Listen

    00:01:43 20 March 2022 Listened

    // Hello listeners! We know you've heard us talk about Kids Listen before. Well, we're excited to announce that they're putting out a new podcast series called Mashups. And we're in the first episode!… //

  • Four Truths and a Lie

    00:23:40 28 February 2022 Listened

    // We're very excited about this episode of Cool Facts About Animals. We're breaking format to present "Four Truths and a Lie." Four of these sea animals are real. One is not. Can you figure out which one is the lie?… //

  • Coyotes

    00:29:12 28 January 2022 Listened

    // In this episode, we learn about the trickster coyote. At the end of this episode, you'll know their defense mechanisms, how dangerous they really are to humans, and what's so cool about their noses. We'll also learn a Native American story about coyotes. Plus,… //

  • Vaquita

    00:41:01 2 January 2022 Listened

    // In this episode, we learn about one of the most endangered animals in the world, the vaquita. Vaquitas are the smallest existing porpoise and there are only about 10 o them left. We learn about the vaquita, the reason why they are in such danger, and how to he… //

  • Vaquita: Bonus interview with Dr. Barbara Taylor

    00:26:22 2 January 2022 Listened

    // In this companion episode to our vaquita episode we speak with scientist Dr. Barbara Taylor. She tells us even more interesting facts about the vaquita than we could fit into our vaquita episode. She also tells us about a real life polar bear encounter! Spoile… //

  • Vaquita: Bonus interview with Jonathan White

    00:34:25 2 January 2022 Listened

    // In this companion episode to our vaquita episode, we speak with conservationist Jonathan White. He tells us about his own vaquita spotting, how dangerous it is out there on the Gulf of California, and we discuss why saving the vaquita matters. Also check out o… //

  • Jaguar Presents: All About Cooking (Vegetarian Version)

    00:20:15 14 November 2021 Listened

    // Unfortunately for Jaguar, the cassowary escaped. So this all about cooking is all vegetarian. //

  • Cassowary

    00:26:50 8 November 2021 Listened

    // You guessed it listeners! This episode is about the Australian flightless bird the cassowary. Learn about why this bird has been termed the world's deadliest bird, what that horn thing is all about, and just how big they get.… //

  • Goblin Shark - Halloween Episode!

    00:23:28 20 October 2021 Listened

    // We're featuring a creepy, Halloween-worthy animal in this bonus episode! The Goblin shark gets its name because it really does look like a goblin. Learn more about its impressive mouth gape, lightning fast jaw speed, and more.… //

  • Bonus: One Word Story

    00:01:31 12 October 2021 Listened

    // It's taken a bit longer than we wanted to get our next episode out. We found this goofy recording on my phone from the summer and thought you might enjoy. See you soon with our next episode! //

  • Piranha

    00:24:32 12 September 2021 Listened

    // Piranhas get a bad rap. They're thought of as vicious, human killing machines. While piranhas do have some impressive teeth and an even more impressive bite force, they're really not quite as dangerous as they're made out to be. In this episode, we do some pir… //

  • Rhinoceros Viper

    00:28:13 29 August 2021 Listened

    // On this episode, we learn all about the venomous (not poisonous) rhinoceros viper. Learn about its cool retractable fangs, the not one but TWO types of venom it has, and take a listen to Jaguar's new evolution music.… //

  • Episode Swap! Newsy Jacuzzi

    00:20:43 9 August 2021 Listened

    // Hello listeners! We are doing an episode swap with Newsy Jacuzzi! We think you'll love this podcast, another kid-grownup collaboration. They help find some of the coolest news stories from all across the world and share them with their listeners. There are oft… //

  • Ants and Other Bugs with Dr. Mark Moffett

    00:24:54 5 August 2021 Listened

    // Have you ever watched ants hurry busily along and wonder what they're doing? Dr. Moffett did, and decided to turn that interest into ants and other bugs into a career. In this episode, we learn about ants - from the kind in your backyard to the kind that can e… //

  • Animal Facts from Our Listeners

    00:24:20 25 July 2021 Listened

    // We asked, you answered! In this episode, we hear facts about sea slugs, lions, zombie caterpillars, wild horses, and lots more. And of course, Jaguar evolves to become even more powerful.… //

  • How Kids Can Stop Plastic Pollution

    00:40:59 4 July 2021 Listened

    // Our plastic episode is here! In this episode, we learn about how much plastic is in the ocean, why that's a problem for animals, how it all got there, and, most importantly, how you can help.… //

  • Jaguar Presents: All About Cooking Meow Meow

    00:16:22 12 June 2021 Listened

    // This is Jaguar meow meow! Learn how to cook endangered meat with just a flame thrower, trebuchet and elbow grease in this best ever episode! //

  • Hippo/Hippopotamus

    00:24:24 6 June 2021 Listened

    // In this episode we learn all about lake cow bacon, otherwise known as the hippopotamus! You'll learn about poop-flinging, built-in sunscreen, mouth gape, how huge they are, and more.… //

  • Cicadas - Brood X

    00:29:02 10 May 2021 Listened

    // We at Cool Facts About Animals are pretty jealous of our east coast listeners who are about to get visited by TRILLIONS of cicadas! In this episode, we give you all the information you need to know about this amazing insects, which have been waiting for the pa… //

  • Earth Day! Endangered and Comeback Animals

    00:31:53 22 April 2021 Listened

    // Happy Earth Day! In this special bonus episode, we each choose an endangered or extinct animal to learn about, then we choose an animal that's making a rebound, and share an idea for how you can help to keep animals of the endangered list!… //

  • Herons

    00:28:29 12 April 2021 Listened

    // In this special double episode, we learn all about herons. First, we are joined by Patreon supporter and friend Meryl to learn all about the third biggest heron, the great blue heron. Then, the usual crew learn more about the second biggest and biggest herons … //

  • Just for Fun: Jaguar & Corduroy Present Laughtown - The Trash Debacle

    00:19:50 21 March 2021 Listened

    // Jaguar wants to cover the world in trash. Can Corduroy stop him? //

  • Horseshoe Crabs

    00:27:28 7 March 2021 Listened

    // Horseshoe crabs have been around since before the age of dinosaurs! During the time, they've seen a lot of changes in the world. We talk about these living fossils, including why their blood is so valuable, their many eyes and legs, and many other cool facts.… //

  • Dragons with Mr. Eric and Dracomax of What If World

    00:35:47 14 February 2021 Listened

    // Dragons are one of the most amazing animals in the world - but it's hard to get the facts about them when they are so rare.… //

  • Toads, Alligators and Turtles with Gina Zwicky

    00:22:17 29 January 2021 Listened

    // We have a really cool special episode for you today.  In this one, we interview Gina Zwicky. Gina is a graduate student at the University of New Orleans, where she studies reptile immuno-evolution, and she knows a ton of stuff about toads, frogs, alligators an… //

  • Honey Badger

    00:18:03 10 January 2021 Listened

    // This is one tough animal. Smart, recklessly aggressive, equipped with tough skin, stink bombs and sharp claws - even lions run from the honey badger!… //

  • Sea Star Holiday Activity Video!

    00:00:48 28 December 2020 Listened

    // Learn more about sea stars (aka starfish) while playing along with the Cool Facts About Animals and At Your Level podcasts. During this activity-filled video, you'll learn how to draw the crown of thorns sea star, make an origami sea star, and hear a story abo… //

  • Starfish aka Sea Star

    00:27:44 24 December 2020 Listened

    // Grady, Clara, Teddy and mom Ali sit down to talk about the starfish (or is it a sea star?).  You'll learn that this festive-shaped star can come with many, many more arms than you'd imagine, what important things it's lacking, the strange place its eyes are lo… //

  • Gross Facts About Animals

    00:21:35 13 December 2020 Listened

    // In this episode, the crew shares a whole bunch of really, really gross animal facts. If you do not like being grossed out, DO NOT listen to this episode! Animals include a toad that gives birth by baby toads breaking through the skin on its back, a lizard that… //

  • Opossum

    00:23:40 26 November 2020 Listened

    // In this episode, we get pretty confused talking about opossums v. possums - because they sound the same! We sort it out with the help of Jaguar's helpful poem. We also learn about why they play dead and why it's so confusing, other gross defense mechanisms, an… //

  • Episode Swap: Nature Nerds

    00:24:26 12 November 2020 Listened

    // Hi Listeners! We are trying out something new this episode, and swapping an episode with our friend Laine at Nature Nerds, a podcast in the Kids Listen family. We've never done this before, but we thought we would try it this time because we really think if yo… //

  • Crows - Halloween Episode!

    00:29:36 26 October 2020 Listened

    // Do you think crows are scary? In this episode, we learn that crows are scary – scary smart! Did you know that crows can solve 8-step puzzles, make and use tools, recognize faces, hold a grudge and even obey traffic lights? In this episode, we learn all about t… //

  • Peacocks (Peafowl)

    00:22:06 5 October 2020 Listened

    // On this episode, we talk all about peafowl! New fact for me, only the male peafowl is called a peacock. Who knew! We also give lots of info on the peacock's beautiful tail (or train), its flying ability, and some cool facts about their eggs.… //

  • Dragonflies with Dr. Jessica Ware

    00:39:01 8 September 2020 Listened

    // In this episode, we talk to dragonfly and damselfly expert Dr. Jessica Ware about what makes these insects so cool. And there's a lot! Like their eyes, the way they can do math even with their tiny insect brains, how big they used to be (and sometimes still ar… //

  • "The Naughty Crew" Music Video

    00:03:06 4 September 2020 Listened

    // Big news, listeners! Jaguar and Corduroy have made their first music video. Now, I'm not sure about the message, but you know Jaguar. Check it out on YouTube, https://youtu.be/ikzSylqEkRQ, and listen to the preview here. //

  • Pink River Dolphins

    00:24:53 17 August 2020 Listened

    // We're back! With an episode about the pink river dolphin/aka Amazon River Dolphin/ aka Boto. In this episode we learn about why they might be their unusual color, how they look different from marine dolphins, interesting myths surrounding them, and lots more.… //

  • Spider Monkeys, Part II: Interview with Dr. Michelle Rodrigues

    00:33:49 30 July 2020 Listened

    // On this second part to our spider monkey episodes, we have the opportunity to speak with Dr. Michelle Rodrigues, who has Jaguar's dream job - getting up close and personal with spider monkeys. (Although her motivations differ from Jaguar's.)… //

  • Bonus: Corduroy's Origin Story

    00:13:14 14 July 2020 Listened

    // It's Corduroy turn to share his origin story! Learn about how he found his corduroys and how he got his name. It involves a very famous person - maybe you can figure out who!… //

  • Bonus: Jaguar's Origin Story

    00:22:45 12 July 2020 Listened

    // Did you ever wonder how Jaguar became Jaguar? In this bonus episode, Jaguar explains how he became the cat he is today. //

  • Spider Monkeys

    00:26:06 28 June 2020 Listened

    // The day has finally come, listeners. Jaguar learns all about spider monkeys. Now, the question is - will he learn to love them so much that he won't eat them again? Listen to find out, as well as finding out about their amazing tails, their calls, and some pre… //

  • Elephants Pt. 2: Interview with Dr. Josh Plotnik

    00:31:11 12 June 2020 Listened

    // What animal is so big it takes to podcast episodes to cover it? The elephant! In this follow-up to our first elephant podcast, we interview Dr. Josh Plotnik, an elephant expert who studies sociality and empathy. We talk about the smartest thing Dr. Plotnik has… //

  • Elephants (Part I)

    00:21:21 26 May 2020 Listened

    // We have been wanting to do elephants for SO long. Just recently, we got a slide show presentation from listener Emily that really inspired us to get moving on it!… //

  • Blue Tailed Day Geckos with Dr. Travis Hagey

    00:24:54 15 May 2020 Listened

    // Back at what seems like the dawn of time (i.e., two months ago when the kids were still at school),  Clara was working on a pollinator project for her second grade class.  Clara chose the blue-tailed day gecko. But when she started researching it, she found th… //

  • Just for Fun: Jaguar and Corduroy Present Laugh Town

    00:27:28 25 April 2020 Listened

    // This one is just for fun, definitely no learning here. Join in Jaguar's adventures as he travels from Transylvania to Washington to the moon to try to track down that rascally Corduroy. //

  • Earth Day Episode! Cool Animal Facts!

    00:12:33 22 April 2020 Listened

    // In this special Earth Day episode, the CFAA gangs bring you lots of cool facts about a whole bunch of different animals, including the brown pelican, purple loosestrife beetle, honey badger, dung beetle, sand cat, a headless frog, and more!… //

  • Kids Listen Activity Podcast: Extinct Animals!

    00:01:47 20 April 2020 Listened

    // Hey Listeners! Happy Earth Day Week! We are hoping to get out an Earth Episode this week, but in the meantime, we wanted to direct you to the Kids Listen Activity Podcast, where we are rebroadcasting our episode on extinct animals. You can find the Kids Listen… //

  • Tardigrades/Water Bears

    00:17:15 15 April 2020 Listened

    // On this episode, we learn about a truly resilient animal, the tardigrade (aka the cutely-named moss piglet or water bear).… //

  • Rebroadcast: Unicorns (April Fools!)

    00:27:48 1 April 2020 Listened

    // In honor of one of our favorite holidays, we are rebroadcasting our April Fools Day episode from last year, starring Mr. Eric of What if World. It's our most popular episode of all time and we hope you enjoy it! //

  • Giant Clams with Dr. Dan Killam

    00:27:00 28 March 2020 Listened

    // On this episode, we take advantage of the amazing Skype a Scientist program and speak with Dr. Dan Killam, an expert on giant clams.… //

  • Introducing the Kids Listen Activity Podcast!

    00:01:50 18 March 2020 Listened

    // Starting this week, Kids Listen member podcasts – like What If World, The Past and the Curious, The Good Words Podcast, Book Club for Kids, Little Bedtime Stories, Tumble Podcast, Timestorm, Be Calm on Ahway Island, Aaron's World, Best Day Yet, The Alien Adven… //

  • How Kids Can Help Animals – Interview with Allyson Shaw of Nat Geo Kids

    00:27:53 11 March 2020 Listened

    // On this bonus episode of CFAA, we speak with Allyson Shaw, an editor and writer at National Geographic Kids.  In this interview we learn about "comeback critters," animals that were struggling but are now doing a lot better because of human intervention, as we… //

  • Koalas

    00:22:52 28 February 2020 Listened

    // Hello listeners! On this episode we are learning all about Koalas (not bears).  We learn a number of really gross things that these animals do, despite being so cute, and some other cool facts - like how small the babies are, what their name means and all sort… //

  • Bonus! Interview with Dr. Jim Sanderson: Andean Cat

    00:36:50 3 February 2020 Listened

    // We have another bonus episode in store for you today! We speak with Dr. Jim Sanderson, a conservationist and Program Manager of Wild Cat Conservation at the Global Wildlife Conservation. We wanted to speak with him about the Andean Cat, because he is one of th… //

  • Bonus! Strange Animals

    00:12:38 21 January 2020 Listened

    // We were excited to receive a copy of "A Book of Rather Strange Animals" by Caleb Compton. Just like it sounds, the book is a collection of unusual, weird, wacky, and just plain cool animals.  In this episode we talk about a few of the animals in the book: the … //

  • Colossal Squid

    00:16:55 2 January 2020 Listened

    // On this episode, we learn all about the colossal squid – an animal that no one has actually seen move around in the ocean.   In this episode you'll learn about their predators, how they attack prey, how colossal they really are, and the surprising amount they … //

  • Bonus: Jaguar and Corduroy Holiday Traditions

    00:10:15 5 December 2019 Listened

    // Learn more about Spider Monkey Burrito Creator Day and Green Overall Day(s) with Jaguar and Corduroy. Things get a little heated, but it ends up with everyone coming together with some holiday songs. (No animal facts in this one, it's just for fun.) //

  • Velociraptor - Dinosaur Terrorist of the Cretaceous!

    00:18:12 1 December 2019 Listened

    // On this episode, we go way back in time to learn about the velociraptor! If your knowledge about the velociraptor comes from the movie Jurassic Park (like Jaguar) then you'll be surprised to know that most of what you think is true is false! The velociraptor w… //

  • Goliath Bird-Eating Tarantula Halloween Special

    00:15:45 31 October 2019 Listened

    // You can't get much spookier than this spider, the largest of all spiders.  It's legs alone get be up to a foot long, and it's so hairy and creepy and…. I need to stop.… //

  • Orca/Killer Whale

    00:24:09 20 October 2019 Listened

    // In this episode, we talk about new discoveries about orcas (aka killer whales), learn more about how smart they are (learning words!), and Jaguar gets a little jealous.… //

  • Bonus! Exquisite Creatures

    00:12:32 5 October 2019 Listened

    // The Cool Facts About Animals crew got the opportunity to head to Oregon's science museum (OMSI) to check out the new exhibit, Exquisite Creatures, and interview the artist behind the exhibit, Christopher Marley.… //

  • Whale Shark

    00:17:19 16 September 2019 Listened

    // It's a whale! It's a shark! It's not a whale at all, it's the biggest fish in the sea! It's a whale shark!… //

  • Bonus: Fill in the Blanks with Jaguar and Corduroy

    00:11:12 1 September 2019 Listened

    // Just for fun this long weekend, we're doing filling in the blank word games with Jaguar and Corduroy! We'll be back with more cool animal facts in a week or so - stay tuned!… //

  • Sea Pigs

    00:12:50 27 August 2019 Listened

    // Another special summer episode, this time featuring Tristan and Quinn.  Besides being Sea Pig experts, they are also cousins to Grady, Clara, and Teddy.… //

  • Tarantula Hawk Wasps with Dr. Justin Schmidt

    00:26:42 5 August 2019 Listened

    // A long, long time ago we got a request from James—who was 5 at the time—to do an episode about tarantula hawk wasps. When we started researching the insect, we kept coming across the name Dr. Justin Schmidt. Grady had already heard of him—you may have too. He … //

  • Bonus! Luna Moth

    00:12:24 18 July 2019 Listened

    // In honor of the 50th anniversary of the landing on the moon, we are celebrating a moon-themed animal--the Luna Moth! Learn about its fierce defense tactics as a caterpillar, the one important thing its missing as an adult, and a lot of corny moth jokes.… //

  • Versus! Oregon Birds of Prey v. Songbirds

    00:11:41 4 July 2019 Listened

    // On this episode, we travel all the way to… Grady's elementary school to do a "versus" episode. This past school year, Grady's third-grade class did a unit on Oregon bird, where each kid in the class chose a different Oregon bird to study. We spoke to nine of t… //

  • Bald Eagle (Bonus 4th of July episode!)

    00:05:35 4 July 2019 Listened

    // This episode was originally part of the Kids Listen sampler, which you can also find on our feed. But to celebrate the 4th, we are bringing you 5 minutes packed with facts about the United States' national bird. Enjoy! //

  • Golden Poison Dart Frog

    00:19:55 23 June 2019 Listened

    // Happy Summer! On this episode, we are talking about a sunny-colored frog, which happens to be one of the most toxic animals in the world – the golden poison dart frog.  We discuss the difference between venomous and toxic, how many humans one of these tiny fro… //

  • Our listeners speak!

    00:18:21 31 May 2019 Listened

    // It's our first ever listener episode! We learn from you listeners lots of cool facts about animals, including king cobras, goats, sand cats, and more—plus answer some questions about frogs and how we decide which animal we choose to talk about. Thanks to our l… //

  • Bald Eagle + Summer Sampler (Kids Listen Bonus!)

    00:55:51 22 May 2019 Listened

    // Cool Facts About Animals has teamed up with a bunch of other kids' podcasts to bring you an hour of high-quality kids audio programming – just in time for the long weekend, or to listen to throughout the summer.… //

  • Green Bomber Worms

    00:19:20 12 May 2019 Listened

    // The bomber worm was only discovered about 10 years ago, but it's not rare. This deep, deep underwater creature has one of the coolest defense mechanisms we've seen yet: releasing bioluminescent bombs to deter predators. We also talk about two other newly-disco… //

  • Extinct Animals - Special Earth Day episode

    00:18:47 21 April 2019 Listened

    // Happy Earth Day, listeners! On this special episode we talk about four cool animals that have been impacted by humans and climate change: the dodo bird, Tasmanian tiger, white lemuroid possum, and Fernandina giant tortoise.  Through hunting, climate change, in… //

  • Thorny Devil

    00:23:34 17 April 2019 Listened

    // It's Teddy's favorite animal, the Thorny Devil! Join us as we learn all about this six-inch mountain dragon. It's got more defense mechanisms than any other animal we've studied (including a fake head – cool!) and has a very interesting way of drinking (foot w… //

  • Unicorns

    00:27:28 1 April 2019 Listened

    // We looked high and low for the information we needed to research our episode on unicorns. But try as we might, we could not find even basic facts like what unicorns eat, what the horn is for, and what their favorite jokes are.  Luckily, Professor Abacus P. Gru… //

  • Little Blue Penguin

    00:20:34 28 March 2019 Listened

    // Clara's class has spoken! This week's episode is all about the Little Blue Penguin (aka Fairy Penguin). This adorable little dude weighs in at just about two pounds, and stands only about a foot, but it packs a lot of cool stuff into that small size. In this e… //

  • And the winner is....

    00:09:40 15 March 2019 Listened

    // Last week, CFAA went on the road to Clara's 1st grade classroom. Her class has been studying penguins for the past month -- and wow, did they know a lot about them! We asked the students to break into groups for each of the five penguins they studied: rockhopp… //

  • Interview with a Jaguar (Bonus)

    00:04:46 2 March 2019 Listened

    // Ever wonder what makes Jaguar... well Jaguar? We dive deep into the mind behind the feline in this interview. We cover favorite foods, vacation spots, Thanksgiving carols (what?) and more in this bonus episode.… //

  • Squirrels

    00:25:48 27 February 2019 Listened

    // In this episode, we speak to squirrel expert Amanda Robin, a PhD student at UCLA. She taught us about the fascinating world of squirrels, including how they decide to store or eat their nuts, what chunking is, and other cool facts about squirrels. THEN we have… //

  • Duck-Billed Platypus

    00:20:29 9 February 2019 Listened

    // It's our most requested episode ever AND our most-answered riddle ever!  You guessed it - it's the platypus.… //

  • Blue-Ringed Octopus

    00:19:20 27 January 2019 Listened

    // On this episode we are exploring the deadly but adorable blue-ringed octopus. This little guy is only the size of a golf ball, but has enough venom to kill 26 grown men in its saliva. We talk about symbiotic relationships, what its venom does, and, oh, zombie … //

  • Porcupines

    00:22:27 12 January 2019 Listened

    // It's our one-year anniversary! We are celebrating with an episode about... porcupines! Okay, it has nothing to do with our anniversary, but still... porcupines!… //

  • Gray Whales with Oregon State Parks Ranger Luke Parsons

    00:14:27 1 January 2019 Listened

    // Ahoy, CFA listeners! We took a road trip to the Oregon Coast to meet with Luke Parsons, an interpretive ranger with Oregon State Parks and see the great gray whale migration.  Over 20,000 of these school-bus sized whales pass by the Oregon coast around this ti… //

  • Bonus! Interview with Oregon Zoo Expert Travis Koons About Condors!

    00:18:07 16 December 2018 Listened

    // How cool would it be to get a chance to bring a species back from the brink of extinction? Travis Koons of the Oregon Zoo tells us all about it in this bonus interview episode.… //

  • California Condors

    00:23:38 16 December 2018 Listened

    // This bird isn't cool just because its wingspan rivals the length of a grizzly bar on its hind paws. Nope, this bird battled its way back from the brink of extinction - just 22 in the wild to now close to 500 in the wild and in captivity. We talk about what mak… //

  • Blue Whale Expert Bruce Mate

    00:17:08 4 December 2018 Listened

    // We were so honored to get a chance to Skype with Dr. Bruce Mate of Oregon State University's Marine Mammal Institute. He is the expert on marine mammals, including blue whales. We learned so much from him, and had such a good time talking about all things whal… //

  • Blue whales

    00:17:05 4 December 2018 Listened

    // This episode is part of a double episode. Be sure to check out our interview with Dr. Bruce Mate of Oregon State University's Marine Mammal Institute too!… //

  • Turkey

    00:10:30 20 November 2018 Listened

    // Want to impress the adults at the Thanksgiving table with lots of cool facts and jokes about turkeys? You're in luck! We cover 12-ish terrific facts about turkeys in this episode (we lose count somewhere in the middle), including interesting info about their s… //

  • Orca versus Great White Shark

    00:14:55 13 November 2018 Listened

    // We're doing a bonus episode as we wait for an exciting special guest to return from Russia to talk to us about blue whales.… //

  • Vampire Bats

    00:19:29 23 October 2018 Listened

    // It's our first Halloween episode! To celebrate this spooky holiday, we are bringing you a rather creepy animal - the vampire bat. Because the mom on this show does not much like vampire bats, the kids on this show try to convince her (i.e., me) that vampire ba… //

  • Lemurs

    00:24:13 14 October 2018 Listened

    // We tackle two listener requests in this episode - the ring tailed lemur and the aye aye, another type of lemur. Some of the coolest things we talk about in this episode are stink fights (yes, they're a thing), evil omens, and lemur balls.… //

  • Bonus! 20 Cool Facts About Animals

    00:12:21 30 September 2018 Listened

    // Happy International Podcasting Day! We're celebrating with this bonus episode, where we share 20 super cool facts about animals. You'll learn what big animal is born only the size of a jellybean; in which species males give birth; which animal has 9 brains, an… //

  • Giraffe

    00:17:15 24 September 2018 Listened

    // Have you ever wondered why a giraffe has those spots? Or why its tongue is purple? Or why it has such a long neck - or hey, how blood gets all the way up to its head? We answer all these questions this episode! Plus, you'll learn one of the grossest facts abou… //

  • Mountain Lion

    00:17:02 7 September 2018 Listened

    // It's a mountain lion! It's a puma! It's a cougar! No... it's all of them! (But not you, jaguar.) Learn more about this large cat on this silly episode of Cool Facts About Animals. We talk about their sounds, their territories, how to spot one in the wild, and … //

  • Gorilla

    00:18:02 21 August 2018 Listened

    // Gorillas get a pretty bad rap in movies and tv shows. They're usually shown as being aggressive, violent, and not very intelligent. In fact, gorillas are super smart, communicative, peace-loving creatures. And we share about 98% of our DNA with them! Learn all… //

  • What Can Kids Do To Protect Animals?

    00:18:03 7 August 2018 Listened

    // In this episode, we are so incredibly thrilled to bring you our interview with our local congressperson, Rep. Earl Blumenauer. We talk about salmon, polar bears, sharks, and the adorable panda. We also ask him about what Congress is doing to protect animals an… //

  • Salmon

    00:25:21 7 August 2018 Listened

    // Wow, what a packed episode! In this one, you'll learn about spawning, what baby fish are called (hint: not hamburgers), how many miles they can travel, how big they get, and more interesting facts. And you'll get treated to a Native American story about the sa… //

  • Sloth

    00:14:39 30 July 2018 Listened

    // This episode comes to you from our camping trip at Fort Stevens at the very top of Oregon. Sloths have a bad reputation for being lazy, but they really aren't. They evolved to be as slow as they are. We learned a lot of cool things about sloths, including how … //

  • Barn Owl

    00:14:05 16 July 2018 Listened

    // In our goofiest episode to date, the CFAA crew talks about the barn owl aka ghost owl aka demon owl aka you get the point owl. We talk about how it hunts so well in the dark, what it absolutely won't eat, what it sounds like, and lots more.… //

  • BONUS! More Mosquito Madness!

    00:14:13 3 July 2018 Listened

    // In this bonus episode of Cool Facts About Animals, we interview Kathryn Olivarius, a professor of history at Stanford University who studies the spread of diseases through mosquitoes, particularly yellow fever in the southern United States in the 1800s.… //

  • Mosquitoes

    00:16:49 28 June 2018 Listened

    // On this episode, we bring you all sorts of cool facts about the deadliest animal on earth- the mosquito. We will be talking about how they spit on you, pee on you, and just generally make you itchy as well.… //

  • Lion

    00:18:32 12 June 2018 Listened

    // On this episode, we tackle a listener request from Grace. The lion has a roar that can be heard for miles, a mane that gives clues to their age, and - most importantly to jaguar - jaguar and lion used to be the same species!… //

  • Mantis Shrimp

    00:16:53 1 June 2018 Listened

    // Wow, this is one cool animal - although it has had over 400 million years to evolve to its level of coolness. It has the most complex eyes in the animal kingdom, packs a punch as fierce as a bullet, and can even boil water without even using a stove! It is the… //

  • Bonus Episode: Schools of Fish

    00:12:59 22 May 2018 Listened

    // We are bringing you this bonus episode as part of the #kidslistensweeps for #schoolsalmostout! In keeping with the school theme, we are talking about schools of fish. You'll learn about the difference between a shoal and a school, how schools form, why they do… //

  • Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

    00:17:35 18 May 2018 Listened

    // On this episode, we learn about a beautiful, venomous creature that lives in the southern United States. The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake can do some cool things, like portion out the amount of venom it needs to kill, retract its fangs, swim, and of course-… //

  • Raccoon

    00:15:38 5 May 2018 Listened

    // On this episode, we're taking a listener request from Charlie, all the way out in Australia! The creature he chose doesn't actually live in Australia, but we've had a lot of experience with it here in Oregon. The raccoon is a masked, super-cute but pesky anima… //

  • North American Bullfrog

    00:13:24 27 April 2018 Listened

    // Did you know that the North American Bullfrog gets its name because its call sounds a lot like a cow? We put your ears to the test with an audio challenge. You'll also learn about frog toes, frog legs, frog eardrums, and lots more on this episode about the inv… //

  • Special Earth Day Animal Episode!

    00:24:28 21 April 2018 Listened

    // Earth Day is April 22! You may not know this, but all of us *love* the earth. It's where all the animals we love live! In this episode we talk about five different animals (polar bear, Adelie penguin, sea turtle, coral, and monarch butterfly) and how they're a… //

  • Red Fox

    00:17:34 12 April 2018 Listened

    // The fox is the most widespread and abundant wild carnivore in the world. On this episode, we're talking about the red fox, which is like a compass in some important ways. It can also pounce higher and farther than any of us—we tried. Find out more about the re… //

  • The Rhino and Its Horn

    00:14:55 3 April 2018 Listened

    // On this episode we are taking about the five species of rhinos, how some are on the brink of extinction, and why. We also talk about poop, because that's what we do best.… //

  • Bearded Dragon

    00:15:33 26 March 2018 Listened

    // So many cool facts about this animal. It can change color for multiple reasons, and on multiple parts of its body, it can change sex based on chromosomes and how hot it is outside, and it makes a great pet too! Check it out here.… //

  • Bengal Tiger

    00:15:14 20 March 2018 Listened

    // There aren't many tigers left in the world, but most of the ones that remain are Bengals. This beautiful striped animal is a ferocious hunter, excellent camouflager, and tricked by something as simple as a rubber mask. Hear all about this magnificent animal he… //

  • Inland Taipan

    00:15:04 17 March 2018 Listened

    // It's the most venomous snake in the world, but not the most deadly! This reclusive snake can deliver a punch of poison powerful enough to kill 100 men and a quarter of a million mice! Wow! Learn about the reason behind its coloring, its deadly strike, and more… //

  • Moose

    00:17:46 10 March 2018 Listened

    // This episode we are talking about the elusive moose. (Thanks Aunt Martha for the suggestion!) In this episode we learn surprising facts about how often the moose attacks, when the moose is in prime antler mode, how they make their antlers nice and shiny, and t… //

  • Narwhal

    00:14:32 6 March 2018 Listened

    // On this episode, we learn about the unicorn of the sea - also known as the narwhal. The narwhal is probably most known for its distinctive tusk, or tooth, that spirals out from its mouth. That tusk can do all sorts of things, including maybe even being able to… //

  • Flying Fish

    00:15:31 3 March 2018 Listened

    // The flying fish. It's a fish that flies! A fish. That. Files. How cool is that? It's so cool that at least one country has worked its entire calendar around it. Check out the episode to find out which one.… //

  • Jaguar

    00:15:15 27 February 2018 Listened

    // We get a little silly this episode talking about Jaguar's favorite animal, the jaguar. You'll learn how to spot (no put intended) the differences between a jaguar and a leopard, whether a black panther even exists, and hear once more about animals that like to… //

  • Snowy Owl

    00:13:20 23 February 2018 Listened

    // With it's massive wingspan, beautiful white feathers, and eerie yellow eyes, the snowy owl is a beauty. It's also the star of one of our favorite books, The Christmas Hat.… //

  • Zebra

    00:14:44 20 February 2018 Listened

    // Is the zebra black with white stripes, or white with black stripes? What would you call a zebra crossed with a cow? How long does it take before a baby zebra can run? We'll answer all these questions on this episode!… //

  • Red Panda

    00:14:13 17 February 2018 Listened

    // The red panda has adapted in lots of cool ways to cool temperatures. It is also an expert at hanging out in trees, eats a massive amount of food, and puzzled scientists for centuries. Hear more about them here!… //

  • Brown Bear

    00:19:56 11 February 2018 Listened

    // It's Corduroy's lucky day! Today we are learning all about the massive brown bear. This is a special episode because we actually get to talk to someone (Grandpa!) who has seen a few brown bears in person. We hear about his experiences with them, and then give … //

  • Frogfish

    00:14:07 9 February 2018 Listened

    // The frogfish is a genius at camouflaging. In fact, it's one of the world's best aggressive mimickers. It also uses a trick we've seen before... see if you can guess what! Be sure to listen to the end for our CREATURE QUIZ! Answer the questions correctly and se… //

  • Snow Leopard

    00:16:43 7 February 2018 Listened

    // On this episode, we talk about the snow leopard, thanks to a suggestion from the Peace Out podcast. The snow leopard is a beautiful, solitary animal that has learned a lot of ways to adapt to the cold. It can also jump way longer than we can—we tried! We also … //

  • Naked Mole Rat

    00:12:55 5 February 2018 Listened

    // What animal never ages, might have the cure to cancer, and acts like an ant despite being a mammal? The naked mole rat! This is one of the coolest animals we've done so far. Check it out! And join us in our celebration of Animal Day on February 10! Post pictur… //

  • Blue Sharks

    00:12:25 3 February 2018 Listened

    // The blue shark is built like a super skinny airplane, can have an amazing amount of babies at a time, and has booger-like stuff in its pores. What's not cool about that? Thanks to Sawyer for this listener request! We're running low on listener suggestions! Luc… //

  • African Wild Dog

    00:09:35 1 February 2018 Listened

    // On this episode of Cool Facts About Animals, we get to our next listener request: the African Wild Dog (thanks Ingram!). These dogs are so neat - they are very social, they vote by doing something super weird, and they sometimes kidnap their pups. Yup, it's a … //

  • Beaver

    00:15:48 29 January 2018 Listened

    // On this episode of Cool Facts About Animals, the kids and I share lots of cool information about the beaver. Just a few of the things we learned--they have a "mud room" in their "lodge," along with a mini-fridge (nice man cave!), their teeth never stop growing… //

  • Pangolin

    00:08:34 28 January 2018 Listened

    // The pangolin might just be the cutest animal you've never heard of. Some of the many cool things about this animal: its tongue can be as long as a house cat; it can roll itself into a ball so protected even a lion can't get to it; and when the babies come out … //

  • Tokay Gecko

    00:13:49 26 January 2018 Listened

    // Even if you aren't a big reptile fan, you should check out this episode on tokay geckos. Besides being adorable, they can also lick their eyelids, climb vertically up walls, eat their dead skin, watch their decapitated tail flap around, and more! Please don't … //

  • Sea Animals that Glow in the Dark

    00:11:54 23 January 2018 Listened

    // We are breaking our usual format today to talk about a whole bunch of animals that all have something in common: bioluminescence. Bioluminescence, besides being very hard to spell, is also very cool. It's basically when animals glow in the dark. Today we are c… //

  • Mako Sharks

    00:14:38 20 January 2018 Listened

    // On this episode, we dive deep into the world of Mako sharks, thanks to a request from our listener friend Finn. These speedy, toothy animals are not only creepy looking, but also super cool. Unless maybe you're a fisherman who has had one land in your boat! (I… //

  • Praying Mantis

    00:13:50 19 January 2018 Listened

    // This week we tackle our first listener request - the praying mantis. Other than, oh I don't know, EATING BIRDS, there are a lot of cool things about this insect. Check out the episode, and if you have a request, let us know! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/… //

  • Golden Snub - Nosed Monkeys

    00:08:06 17 January 2018 Listened

    // In this episode, Grady and Clara share some information about the silver long-nosed giraffe. No wait--golden snub-nosed monkey. These primates live in cold weather, snuggle at night, and are super cute. Plus, a podcast first--we don't talk about poop! Find us … //

  • Assassin Bugs

    00:08:32 15 January 2018 Listened

    // In this episode of Cool Facts About Animals, we are talking about the seriously creepy assassin bug. You won't believe how they kill their prey - or what they eat for breakfast! Subscribe to our feed on iTunes (and rate us!) https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast… //

  • UPDATED Burrowing Owls

    00:06:11 14 January 2018 Listened

    // In this episode, Grady, Clara and Theo talk about burrowing owls. Burrowing owls have lots of cool things about them, but one of the coolest has to do with poop! This episode contains a correction to the first recording. Burrowing owls *are* native to Florida.… //

  • Galapagos Tortoise

    00:07:35 13 January 2018 Listened

    // This is the second episode of our kid-made podcast "Cool Facts About Animals." This week, we will be discussing the Galapagos Tortoise - a very slow, very heavy, very cool animal. Email us at coolfactsaboutanimals@gmail.com and follow us on Facebook at https:/… //

  • Cheetah

    00:05:30 12 January 2018 Listened

    // Animal-lover Grady, age 7, is joined by his 5-year-old sister Clara, 3-year-old brother Theo, and cough cough year-old mother Ali to discuss cool things about animals. A different animal will be featured each week. On this first episode, we will be discussing … //

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