Learn about animal adaptations and exceptions from the ambassador of the San Diego Zoo as he highlights the different kinds of animal claws and their uses.
Drag each animal to the matching way they use their claws.
skunk
Koala
Meerkat
Grizzly Bear
Digging
Climbing
Animal claws are specialized for the tasks that each animal needs for survival in its environment.
Polar bears live in icy Arctic areas. Sharp, curved claws help grab onto the ice to keep the bears from sliding. They also use their claws to grip and tear apart their prey.
Koalas of Australia live in trees and eat only eucalyptus leaves. Their short, sharp, hooked claws are good for climbing.
Digging animals have long claws with hooked ends. This shape can move a lot of dirt, sand, or ice.
Grizzly bears dig for food: insects, roots, and rodents. Grizzlies also dig dens to shelter in during cold months.
A dog’s claws are always out and are blunt on the ends rather than sharp. These kinds of claws act like cleats on a sport shoe to grab into the ground and provide traction when running.
What kind of claws do you think a fast African cheetah has?
How do these animals use their claws?
African Cheetah
Polar Bears
Dogs
Grizzly Bears
Koalas
Grip prey
Climbing
Traction
Digging
How does a sloth use its claws?
A cheetah is the world’s fastest land animal.
How does a cheetah use its claws?