TEXT: Applause for Claws
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.
The African Cheetah has claws that dig into the ground, helping the cheetah accelerate quickly and maintain stability at high speeds.
How do these animals use their claws?