Animal Defenses
![](https://www.timeforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TFK_201002_coverimage.jpg?w=1024)
Animals have clever defenses. These defenses protect them from attackers. The attackers are called predators. Let’s find out how animals keep themselves safe from predators.
What’s That Smell?
![](https://www.timeforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TFK_201002_001_preview.jpg?w=683)
Skunks have a stinky secret. They spray a bad odor
odor
TRIOCEAN—GETTY IMAGES
a smell
(noun)
Carlo's dirty socks gave off a bad odor.
. It keeps predators away.
Blending In
![](https://www.timeforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TFK_201002_012_preview.jpg?w=1024)
This is an Arctic hare. It turns white in the winter. It disappears
disappear
LJUPCO—GETTY IMAGES
to go away
(verb)
The magician made the rabbit disappear.
against snow.
Sending a Warning
![](https://www.timeforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TFK_201002_006_preview.jpg?w=1024)
King snakes are not poisonous
poisonous
"
KATIE_MARTYNOVA—GETTY IMAGES"
causing sickness or death by entering or touching the body
(adjective)
Chocolate can be poisonous to a dog.
. But their bright color makes predators think they might be dangerous
dangerous
TETRA IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES
possibly harmful
(adjective)
Texting while driving is dangerous.
. This sends a message to predators: “Stay away!”
Stick with the Group!
![](https://www.timeforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TFK_201002_002_preview.jpg?w=1024)
Fish swim in big groups. The groups are called schools. Predators are confused by so many fish. So they swim away.
Did You Know?
![](https://www.timeforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/armadillo.jpg?w=1024)
Some animals have a hard outer shell. This armadillo has one. The armadillo rolls up into a ball. The shell protects it from predators.