Hidden Stories: What animal is this?

Watch this bird walking in the snow. Notice how it hardly sinks. It has grown its own snowshoes for winter — comb-like scales on the sides of its toes which help the bird stay on the snow’s surface. The scales also serve a dual role to help grip icy branches as it’s eating tree buds. On cold winter nights, this bird can dive into deep, soft snow to create a snow cave –a warmer place out of the wind and hidden from predators.

The animal is a Ruffed Grouse.

National Careers Week – Arrion Williams

Meet Arrion Williams, an animal care specialist on the mammal and bird team at Georgia Aquarium! Arrion has had a passion and love for animals for as long as she can remember. She has dedicated her life to pursue her dream of working with animals and educating others on the importance of global research and conservation. Watch to learn more about Arrion’s cool career!