Nocturnal Animals
Nocturnal animals are more active at night and sleep more during the daylight hours. Being nocturnal is an
adaptation that helps the animals survive in their habitats. Many desert animals are nocturnal because the desert
is very hot during the daylight hours. Yet even in a forest habitat, most of the mammals and some of the birds,
and insects are nocturnal. Many animals are more active at dawn and dusk, when they can take advantage of low
lighting. This is called crepuscular and is typical of some mammals and many birds and frogs.
Nocturnal animals have adaptations that help them survive in the darkness. Some examples of nocturnal
adaptations are the large eyes of flying squirrels, owls, hares, and voles. Many nocturnal animals have
exceptional hearing, such as owls, hares, and foxes, while others, such as bobcats, mountain lions and bears have
an amazing sense of smell. Bats use echolocation to find their way in the dark. Fireflies use their flashing lights
to signal for a mate in the dark.
Whatever their adaptation, nocturnal animals are seen much more seldom by humans, who are diurnal (active
during the day), so are interesting to study.
owl
mt lion
raccoon
flying squirrel
bat
mink
black bear
luna moth
coyote
snowshoe hare
opossum
red fox
whippoorwill
shrew
©Sheri Amsel www.exploringnature.org