Let’s look through nature to see what camouflaged animals we

can find hiding.

This beetle is camouflaged to its background.

This polar bear blends in nicely with its snowy background. Why do animals need to blend in, or be

camouflaged to their backgrounds?

Some animals hide in plain sight in order to survive in the wild! You might be thinking, how does this work? When you play hide-n-seek, can you just sit in the middle of the room? No, you will be found immediately. The difference between

humans and animals who hide in the open is that these animals have colors and patterns that allow them to

disappear, almost becoming invisible before your very eyes.

Here is a good example. What is hiding in the forest?

This fish is see-through-able, so it can look like any background it is

near.

Can you find the birds? What makes an animal camouflaged? Think about a hunter. Why does a hunter wear “camo?” Does it help the hunter to

blend in with the background of the forest?

Watch out for the snakes! What colors allow each one to be

camouflaged to their background?

This owl looks like the rocks that surround it.

Wow! This insect looks exactly like its background.

This is a spider. What does it look like? Is it more or less likely to be seen by a predator like a bird?

This lynx is trying to find its prey. Do you think the lynx will be seen

by the prey? Why or why not?

Can you find the bobcat in this picture?

This Greybanded King Snakeis camouflaged to its background. Would it be

camouflaged to its background if it lived in short green grass though?

This alligator is doing a good job of hiding. Would it be camouflaged to its background if it had a bright pink

body?

Animals that are camouflaged to their background have a much better chance of survival. They are less likely to be eaten if they are hard to find.

This is one of the most famous creatures for camouflage since they can change colors to match their backgrounds. Think of how good you would be at hide and seek if you could change colors!