1

Chuckwalla

Image: Matthew Mentley

The chuckwalla can grow up to 16 inches long, making it one of the largest desert lizards. However, its size isn't the most impressive thing about it. What sets it apart from the rest is its ability to inflate like a balloon to twice its size! That's right; chuckwallas inflate their bodies to fit perfectly into holes and crevices in rocks, making it nearly impossible for predators to pull them out.

As if that weren't enough, these lizards live in desert environments with virtually no water. Although they do take in some liquid, most of their hydration comes from the plants they eat.

2

Kangaroo rat

Image: Michael Jerrard

The incredible kangaroo rat is a specialist in surviving the harshest environments. One of its talents is construction; this rodent knows how to build elaborate burrows in sandy soils for shelter and protection. In addition, kangaroo rats have fur-lined cheek pouches that allow them to carry food from where they find it back to their burrows.

But what makes them unique is their jumping ability. As small rodents (just 3.5 to 5.5 inches), their leap is surprising: they can reach up to 9 feet in a single bound! Plus, like the chuckwalla, the kangaroo rat also survives in the desert on minimal water intake.

3

Gila monster

Image: David Clode

The Gila monster is as famous as it is amazing. This reptile, native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, stands out for its unique appearance: a dark, scaly skin with pink or orange spots. In addition, the Gila monster has something that makes it special: it's one of only two venomous lizards in North America. Its potent venom is full of neurotoxins that affect the nervous system of its prey, causing intense pain, swelling, bruising, and even paralysis.

4

Mojave green rattlesnake

Image: Joshua J. Cotten

While any snake can be terrifying to most of us, the Mojave Green Rattlesnake stands out for several reasons.

The crotalus scutulatus —according to its scientific name— is distinguished by its greenish hue, which not only gives it its characteristic nickname but also helps it camouflage in the desert sand. This snake is not only venomous but is considered one of the most dangerous rattlesnakes! Its potent venom contains neurotoxins that, if left untreated with antivenom, can be lethal to various species, including humans.

5

Cactus wren

Image: Carol Lee

You've probably tried transplanting a cactus or got close to one, only to end up with tiny thorns that pricked you for days. But this doesn't happen to the cactus wren, an amazing bird known for its exceptional adaptation to the desert.

As its name implies, one of the most impressive features of the cactus wren is its ability to build large and sturdy nests on cacti without getting hurt. As if that weren't impressive enough, the bird's cleverness leads it to cover its nest with snakeskin to discourage potential predators. Incredible, right?

6

Green tarantula

Image: Thomas Oldenburger

Spiders are among the most feared creatures by humans. But if there's one spider that could scare even the bravest, it's the Mojave green tarantula, which can grow up to 4 inches long and has legs that span up to 6 inches!

Its venom delivers intense pain to its prey while simultaneously paralyzing them. In addition, these tarantulas have urticating hairs that irritate predators' skin, eyes, and respiratory systems. On the other hand, one of their great traits is their lifespan: This species can live up to 25 years in the wild!

7

Sidewinder rattlesnake

Image: Michael Jerrard

The sidewinder rattlesnake is definitely one of the desert bosses. You can tell it’s dangerous just by seeing it: Its typical triangular, flat head is topped with two horns that don't look friendly at all.

But what makes it a unique species is its movement pattern. This snake doesn't move in a straight line but in a sidewinding motion, lifting its body off the ground in a zigzag pattern. That allows it to confuse its prey while moving quickly without getting burned by the hot sand.

8

Pinyon jay

Image: frank mckenna

The cactus wren is not the only bird on this list; the pinyon jay also has its place. Nicknamed "forest farmers," pinyon jays bury the seeds of pinyon pines to eat later. The seeds they leave uneaten sprout into new pines, creating a symbiotic relationship between tree and bird. Even more impressive is their incredible memory: pinyon jays can remember thousands of seed burial locations, even months after hiding them!

9

Desert tortoise

Image: Abraham Weiss

Unlike bears and other animals that hibernate during the winter, desert tortoises enter a form of hibernation known as brumation. This occurs when it's very hot to save energy and they need to protect themselves from the heat. To do so, desert tortoises create deep burrows using their strong, shovel-like front legs. In addition, they can live up to 50 years in the wild, making them one of the longest-living reptiles.

10

Bark Scorpion

Image: Andrey Tikhonovskiy

When it comes to danger, the Bark Scorpion of the Mojave Desert is also one of the stars on this list. Considered one of the most dangerous scorpions in all of North America, this arachnid has a light yellowish body with darker spots. It tends to hide under rocks or trees, so you know where to be most careful. While it's not famous for attacking humans, it may sting if it feels threatened.

1

Supplies

Image: Diego Marín

Pets may not need as many things as humans do, but they still require a few essentials of their own. Depending on your pet, this may include items like a bed , food and water bowls , a litter box , toys , and a kennel or enclosure, if needed. Make sure to have these items ready in advance to help your pet feel comfortable as soon as it arrives.

2

Pet-proofing your home

Image: Prasad Panchakshari

Another important consideration is whether your home is a safe environment for your new pet or if it needs some adjustments. Check if your windows, balconies, or fences require nets to prevent your pet from escaping. Also, examine toilet seats , electrical cords and outlets , houseplants , garbage cans, and fragile items—all these things should be examined from the perspective of a pet owner.

3

No cuddling and playing

Image: Manuel Meza

While puppies and kittens are especially playful and love to fool around, it’s important to let them gain confidence at their own pace . Allow them to sniff around and explore so they can find safe spaces and feel more at ease.

This doesn’t mean you should ignore them, but rather resist the temptation to overwhelm them with attention or surround them with a crowd of family and friends. There will be plenty of time for that, once the pet is relaxed.

4

Vaccinations

Image: Judy Beth Morris

Young puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable to infectious diseases because their immune systems are not yet fully developed. That’s why it’s essential to take your new pets to the veterinarian and ensure they receive their vaccinations on time .

5

Appropriate diet

Image: Bonnie Kittle

Before bringing your new pet home, make sure to consult with a veterinarian regarding the best type of food , and check with the breeder or rescue center to find out what your pet has been eating. If you want to change their diet, do so gradually—otherwise, a sudden change could make them sick.

6

Bathroom training

Image: Andrew S

If your new pet is a dog, consistency and patience are paramount . Establish a regular potty schedule, take your puppy out frequently, and reward them for using the designated area. If your new pet is a cat, place a litter box in a quiet, easily accessible spot and use a clumping litter that’s gentle on their paws.

7

Toys

Image: Amy Chen

Pets can turn almost anything into a toy, but both cats and dogs will especially enjoy age- and size-appropriate pet toys . Be mindful of objects or toys that might seem interesting or edible to your pet, as they could be swallowed and cause serious problems.

8

Collar ID

Image: Jake Oates

If your new pet already has a name, make sure they have a sturdy collar ID with their name and your phone number. Pets can get lost in various situations, and a collar ID is essential to ensure anyone who finds your furry friend can contact you .

9

Consistent rules

Image: Christopher Cassidy

If your new pet is going to live in a house where there are other people besides yourself, make sure the rest of the household knows which behaviors to reward and which to ignore . Consistency in training is crucial to ensure your pet becomes polite and obedient.

10

Older pets

Image: Christian V.

Maybe your new pet isn’t a young pup or kitten. If your new friend is an older dog or cat, try to learn as much as possible about any training or health issues they might have , and be proactive by making a plan to address them. Don’t try to tackle everything at once—gradually introduce new experiences in controlled circumstances.

11

Exercise

Image: Arjan Stalpers

A bored pet can quickly become a mischievous one. A healthy dog should be taken for a walk at least 20–30 minutes a day . Cats naturally love to jump, climb, and scratch. If your cat is indoor-only, provide one or more cat trees to climb and scratching posts . Wand toys or laser pointers are great for stimulating cats and getting them moving.

12

Keep a Routine

Image: Paul Hanaoka

Routines are beneficial for all animals, and pets are no exception . Schedules give them a sense of security and stability. You can promote this by establishing regular feeding times, walk schedules, and play sessions.

Remember what we said about consistency? Regular routines help reduce anxiety and prevent behavioral issues. For puppies, maintaining a routine is especially important as it aids in house training and social development.

1

Oreo

Image: ABHISHEK HAJARE

Who better to start this article than Milk’s absolute best friend? Oreo has been the king of American cookies since its very beginning. Dunk it, twist it, or just eat it: There’s no bad way to eat an Oreo.

Did you know that Oreos were originally sold as part of a trio of cookies? Not only that, they were sold under a much less marketable name: Hydrox, which doesn’t really fit such a delicious treat.

2

Snickers

Image: Joshua Fernandez

Have you ever wondered where the name "Snickers" comes from? You might be inclined to think that it comes from the hearty laughter that might arise after eating one of these delicious bars, but the answer is actually rather strange: It comes from a horse! Specifically, it was the name of the Mars family horse, who decided to immortalize their beloved stallion in 1930.

Regardless of its unusual name, Snickers is one of the most beloved candy bars in America, if not the world. Over their 90 years of history, they have produced a number of delicious variants of their traditional caramel and peanut filling, including dark and white chocolate, as well as peanut butter and almond.

3

Apple pie

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

We’ll continue with an American icon. If you ask anyone from outside the United States to choose 3 things to define our country, they’ll probably include apple pie . This beloved sweet treat is heavily associated with the 4th of July celebrations, but let’s be honest: There’s no bad time to have a slice or two of apple pie.

For such a culinary staple, apple pie definitely has a lot of variants. For instance, you can enjoy a delicious apple pie à la mode by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Other toppings include custard, whipped cream, or (surprisingly) a slice of cheddar cheese.

4

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup

Image: Terrance Barksdale

We debated which Reese’s product to include in this list: their delicious Peanut Butter Cups or their outstanding Pieces. We decided to go for the Peanut Butter Cup, if only for one reason. This amazing product was one of the first to showcase what a dynamic duo of chocolate and peanut butter make.

The story of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup s goes back to 1928, when H. B. Reese, a dairy farmer employed by the Hershey Company, decided to start his own candy company after he was let go of his job. The rest is history! Almost 100 years after, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are still one of America’s most cherished sweet treats.

5

Beignets

Image: Jessica Tan

If you ever find yourself in the beautiful city of New Orleans, you’ll be amazed by everything "The Big Easy" has to offer, from its amazing jazz, gorgeous architecture, and mouth-watering food. In that regard, take this piece of advice to heart: Don’t leave New Orleans without having some delicious beignets with a hot cup of coffee.

Like many of the things that make New Orleans so special, beignets come directly from French culture. They were most likely brought over by French colonists in the 18th century. However, Louisiana-style beignets stand out because they are topped with powdered sugar and are mostly eaten for breakfast.

6

Boston Cream pie

Image: Marko Klaric

Boston is known as "Beantown" for its affinity for beans, but don’t you dare think beans are the only culinary treat this city has to offer. With that in mind, we would like to present a slice of delicious Boston cream pie as evidence.

Many believe that the Boston cream pie was created in 1856 by Chef Mossburg Sanzian at the Parker House Hotel. Regardless of its origins, this cream-filled delicacy has grown to become a staple of Boston cuisine, being declared the city’s state pie in 1996.

7

Donuts

Image: Courtney Cook

If TV has taught us anything, it is that police officers and donuts go hand in hand. But let’s be honest: You don’t really need to be an officer to enjoy a delicious donut . This tasty treat has become an instantly recognizable pop icon, with its iconic shape and many colorful frostings.

It is believed that donuts were first brought to America by Dutch settlers, who brought a similar pastry called an olykoek to New York. In time, donuts would be happily adopted by the entire country. Nowadays, millions of these treats are consumed around America every day.

8

Hershey’s chocolate bars

Image: Janne Simoes

Let’s continue with " The Great American Chocolate Bar." Over 120 years ago, the very first Hershey bar was sold by American chocolatier and businessman Milton Hershey. This first bar unknowingly started one of the most lucrative and iconic chocolate companies in the world.

After that first bar sold at the start of the 20th century, Hershey has produced a myriad of iconic products, including their "Cookies ‘n’ Creme Bar" or their "Air Delight Bar." Regardless, you know that whenever you unwrap a delicious Hershey’s chocolate bar , you’ll find some of the world’s finest chocolate inside.

9

Cobbler

Image: Beyza Ç.

Let’s face it; the word " cobbler " is an awful-sounding word for such a delicious treat. Not only that, historians can’t seem to agree on where this name comes from. Many believe that it is a variant of the verb "to cobble", while others state that it comes from its resemblance to a ‘cobbled’ stone pathway. But we digress: Let’s instead just focus on how delicious they are.

Although originally created in the United Kingdom, cobblers are particularly popular in America, with many states and regions having their very own special variants. American cobblers are literally too many to mention, so we’ll just highlight a few of our favorites, like the "Brown Betty" (made with fruits and sweetened crumbles) or the "apple pan dowdy".

10

M&Ms

Image: Oksana Zub

We’ll end this article with one of America’s most iconic pieces of candy. At first glance, M&Ms are deceptively simple: They are just small and colorful pieces of chocolate. However, as anyone who has eaten a handful of M&Ms will tell you, there’s something magical to these small yet wonderful sweet treats.

M&Ms were created in 1941, inspired by a similar British product called "Smarties". The two Ms featured in the name come from Forrest Mars Sr., who created the product, and Bruce Murrie, stakeholder and son of Hershey Chocolate’s president.