Cute, cuddly furry things seem to be loved by all and the good news is that the world is full of them.

But with every little creature comes a big one; some scary, some dangerous and some just plain strange. But just how many are there in the US?

Trawl through pages and pages on the Internet and you will struggle to find a comprehensive guide to the wildlife in America.

So, doing what we do best, we at Jurnii have developed a guide to the Wildlife of the US. Including useful information on where the animals can be found, and even rating how dangerous they are.

Here’s a small preview to get you started:

American Alligator

Commonly referred to as a “gator”, the American Alligator has a large rounded body with thick limbs, a massive tail and a broad, killer head. They can reach up to 19-feet in length and any animal living in water or coming to water is potential prey.

Black Bear

It might be America’s smallest and most common species of bear, but if you come across one of these you will still probably shake in your boots. These bears hibernate for 7 months out of the year, resorting to their dens in October and November.

Chipmunk

These small, striped animals are similar in looks to the squirrel and are known for their habits at the beginning of autumn when begin to stockpile goods into their burrows for winter. They were also made famous by the 1958 group, “Alvin and the Chipmunks”.

Star-Nosed Mole

The star-nosed mole is easily identifiable by its eleven pairs of fleshy appendages that rise out of its stout. These are used as a touch organ, with more than 25,000 minute sensory receptors allowing them to feel their way around.

Porcupine

The porcupine is a rodent with a coat of sharp spines that they use to defend themselves against predators. Weighing up to 16kg, these creatures are rounded, large and very slow, and will give you a nasty prick if you come into contact with one.

River Otter

This semi-aquatic mammal is endemic to North America and can be found along many of its waterways and coasts. These creatures can weigh up to 14kg and boast a muscular neck so smaller than the head, and an elongated body that is broadest at the hips.

Striped Skunk

These mammals are best known for their ability to secrete a liquid with a strong, foul odor. The most easily recognized of these is the striped skunk, with its black and white coat easy to identify.

– Chrissy

Want to see more? Check out our Guide to US Wildlife.

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The Great American Road Trip is a journey that is quintessential to any American vacation. While many stick to famous roads like Route 66, others are simply willing to enjoy the immense and true natural beauty of this great land.

So we’ve picked out 5 of the most scenic drives in the US in the hope of instilling an eagerness to discover again just how beautiful this country is.

1. Blue Ridge Parkway

Regarded as America’s favorite drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway winds through Virginia and North Carolina, touching on sections of the Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks.

Along the way be sure to check out the Humpback Rocks, Whetstone Ridge and the Buena Vista Overlook.

2. Highway 1

The US road system simply wouldn’t be the same if the famous Highway 1 were to shut up shop and cease to exist. Highway 1 is monumental to the United States and runs for an impressive 3,800 kilometres, connecting most of the major cities on the East Cost.

This route is overflowing with history and the coastal sections are also sure to be highlights as well.

3. Going-to-the-Sun-Road

While the name of this road shouldn’t be taken in the literal sense, its metaphorical title should work as an indication of the surprising beauty of this dramatic stretch of road.

Spanning the heart of Montana’s Glacier National Park, this road is dominated by views of the Going-to-the-Sun Mountain (hence the name) and boasts natural attractions like the Bird Woman Falls, Weeping Wall, Jackson Glacier and Rising Sun.

4. Great River Road

Discover the all-American Mississippi River when you embark on an adventure along the Great River Road. While it isn’t a single road (as the name may suggest), it is comprised of several amazing stretches of road, each offering brilliant views of the river and its surrounding natural attractions.

The Great River Road is the perfect option for those who can’t be bothered to hire a boat to make their way up this famous stretch and would rather hire a car to do the job.

5. Seward Highway

Running through the US state of Alaska, the Seward Highway is a masterpiece when it comes to spectacular scenery and great Alaskan highlights.

This highway runs through the towns of Bear Creek, Moose Pass, Portage Glacier and Anchorage, offering unsurpassed lake views and mountain landscapes.

-Chrissy

Driven any other amazing roads you think are worthy of this list? Let us know about them in the comments below!

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While tourist’s main reason for making the trip to Nevada is to visit the “Entertainment Capital of the World”,  some out there are keen to discover some of the more obscure attractions this desert state has to offer. So come along for a ride folks as we take you to some of Nevada’s strangest roadside and city attractions.

1. Bonnie and Clyde Death Car: Primm

Bonnie and Clyde’s car has sure done its rounds, both before and after their existence.  Now laid to rest in the northern Nevada town of Primm, the car is still creating a spectacle that would rival its previous life as an escape car for one of the world’s most notorious couples.

While its adventurous days are over and it has now been confined to a glass casing, visitors can still appreciate the beating it took, all in the name of justice.

2. Rhyolite Last Supper: Rhyolite

A slightly spooky interpretation of the da Vinci masterpiece, the statues of the Rhyolite Last Supper resemble ghost-like structures, holding an eerie, but noticeable presence.

Positioned in an incredibly hot location, these figurines are popular with happy snappers that can’t help but marvel at their clever construction and immaculate whiteness.

3. Atomic Testing Museum: Las Vegas

Goofy but serious, Nevada’s Atomic Testing Museum is a must for those interested in just how much radioactive food we are actually eating.

Embark on a journey into the Underground Testing Gallery, Ground Zero Theater and the Nevada Test Site Bunker, to uncover a world that will leave you radiant and glowing!

4. Liberace Museum: Las Vegas

The legacy of one of Vegas’ most loved entertainer’s lives on at the Liberace Museum, in the form of a whole lot of jewels, velvet, precious rarities, glitz, glamour and outlandish costumes.

Visit one of the crown jewels of Vegas, nestled in purple velvet and surrounded by the weirdest and wackiest keepsakes that only a man as rich and eccentric as Liberace would even consider purchasing.

5. M&M’s World: Las Vegas

While this may seem like an unlikely attraction for a tourist to visit while in this entertainment city, don’t let the size of these treats fool you.

While the experience won’t shell shock you, seeing the M&M’s in action in a 3-D movie is sure to make you giggle, while in reality, all the M&M’s will do is most likely rot your teeth.

They are delicious though!

6. Giant Prospector: Washoe Valley

The prospect of a giant man along US Hwy 395 won’t seem so ridiculous when you come across this monolithic structure.

Stretching a whopping 30 feet tall, the Giant Prospector marks an important stop-off point for keen gold diggers and lovers of chocolate, as he stands guard for the ever-popular Candy Factory.

7. Half-Size Eiffel Tower: Las Vegas

There isn’t much the Entertainment Capital of the World doesn’t offer, and a touch of France isn’t one of them.

Experience a slice of Paris as you venture up to the top; but don’t despair, you only have to go half way to get the full experience.

- Chrissy

Discovered any other strange attractions in your Nevada travels? Let us know about it in the comments below.

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