Animal Defense Mechanisms (Pictures and Facts)

Reptiles, mammals, amphibians, and other types of animals all have ways to protect themselves. Some animals have developed unique defense mechanisms over time, which help them deter people and other animals, while surviving in their natural habitats. In this article we learn about 7 animal defense mechanisms and how they work!

7 Animal Defense Mechanisms

Animals found around the world exhibit defense mechanisms as ways to help them survive their natural habitats. This guide looks at the seven unique defense mechanisms that stand out in the animal kingdom.

1. Horned lizard

• Scientific name: Phrynosoma
• Defense mechanism: blood-squirting eye
• Where they are found: deserts in North America

One of the most unique defense mechanisms found on any animal comes from the horned lizard. These reptiles are capable of shooting blood out of a sinus in their eye.

This sinus holds blood, and the horned lizard can shoot it at predators when threatened. This action is usually enough to scare off predators. In addition, horned lizards can use this blood to clean out their eyes when needed. The sinus membranes must be ruptured by contracting two muscles near the eye, causing the shooting action they are known for.

2. Rough-skinned newt

• Scientific name: Taricha granulosa
• Defense mechanism: poison skin
• Where they are found: North America, wetlands, forests

Rough-skinned salamanders, also known as rough skinned newts, have a dangerous toxin in their skin that has become a powerful defense mechanism for these amphibians.

These large newts can be found across North American, and are more common in wetlands, forests, and grasslands. The toxins on their skin can be dangerous to predators when picked up in their mouths.

Rough-skinned newts are the most poisonous newt found in the state of Washington. The toxins are not as dangerous when these animals are just touched, but ingesting the toxins can lead to more severe symptoms, including death.

3. Poison dart frog

• Scientific name: Dendrobatidae
• Defense mechanism: poison skin
• Where they are found: South and Central America

Similar to the rough-skinned newt, poison dart frogs also have poisonous skin that makes them dangerous to handle, for both people and animals. These frogs are bright colored and can be found in the rainforests of South and Central America.

Ingesting the toxins of these frogs can be deadly, but just coming into contact with their skin can cause paralysis, nausea, and other uncomfortable symptoms.

There are various species of poison dart frogs, with some presenting more of a danger than others. These are small frogs, with a diet consisting of ants, flies, and other small insects.

4. Porcupine

• Scientific name: Erethizontidae
• Defense mechanism: quills
• Where they are found: South and North America

Porcupines are large rodents with a painful defense mechanism in the form of large quills. These quills cover most of their body, and can be buried deep into any predators that get too close.

Some porcupines can reach up to 60 pounds, and a single one can have thousands of quills. Porcupines can be found across North and South America, and are common mammals in many regions.

These rodents are not dangerous to people unless they are handled, but sometimes they can be seen as pests in yards and gardens.

5. Opossum

• Scientific name: Didelphidae
• Defense mechanism: playing dead
• Where they are found: North America

One of the most common mammals, and the only marsupial, found in North America is the opossum. They display a well-known defense mechanism. The opossum will play dead when threatened or scared, and they can stay like this for a few hours at a time.

These animals are so well known for this act that it’s often referred to as playing “opossum.” The purpose of this defense mechanism is to deter predators that prefer a fresh kill.

These are the only marsupials found in North America, and there was a similar species called the possum found in Australia. The Austrian possum is also known to play dead in the face of danger.

6. Arctic Hare

• Scientific name: Lepus arcticus
• Defense mechanism: white hair
• Where they are found: Arctic tundra

There are various types of animals that use camouflage as a defense mechanism, and one of the most well-known is the Arctic hare. As the name suggests, these animals can be found in cold regions near the Arctic.

These rabbits have white fur that lets them easily blend in with the snow found in their habitats. Not only is their fur a great way to camouflage, it is also thick enough to keep them warm in frigid and harsh environments. These rabbits are also nocturnal, preferring to stay out of sight during the day to avoid predators.

7. Rattlesnake

• Scientific name: Crotalus
• Defense mechanism: rattling noise
• Where they are found: Central, South, and North America

There are various types of animals that use loud noises and a way to deter predators. Rattlesnakes are one of the most well-known animals when it comes to this defense mechanism.

They shake their tails rapidly to emit a rattling noise when any predators get to close. This acts as a warning to people and other animals that they have gotten to close.

However, rattlesnakes are capable of striking out to protect themselves and have a dangerous venom. Like most other types of snakes, these reptiles will also hiss to try and deter potential threats.

Rattlesnakes can reach anywhere from 20 inches to 8 feet long, depending on the exact species. They are found in the warmer regions of North, South, and Central America.

Conclusion

These seven animals present some of the most unique and interesting defense mechanisms found in the animal kingdom. From blood-shooting eyes to poisonous skin and sharp quills, these mechanisms can be surprising and dangerous.