For kids, few things rival the thrill of spotting a wild animal, whether it's a bat swooping through the air at dusk, the tail end of a snake slithering through the grass, or even the top of a frog's head the instant before it ducks underwater. And there's good reason to be so impressed: animals have a host of remarkable traits and tricks they use to adapt to and survive in the world around them.

On the following pages, you'll find fun facts and activities that will let your kids learn all about these fascinating animals--and, we hope, inspire you to step outdoors and look for signs of wildlife in your neck of the woods. Because one quick glimpse can be enough to kindle a sense of wonder that will last a lifetime.

Karl Meyer is a naturalist and writer who lives in Greenfield, Massachusetts.