What Lives in the Foothills?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. What lives in the foothills?

The Big Idea

Foothills are the low, rolling hills at the base of mountains, and lots of animals live there! They are warmer and drier than the zones higher up. Let's meet the neighbors.

Grass and Shrubs

Step one: grass and shrubs. Foothills have grasslands, shrubs, and patches of aspen or oak trees. Plants here need to handle hot, dry summers and cold, windy winters.

Animal Neighbors

Step two: animal neighbors. Deer, elk, coyotes, ground squirrels, and many birds live in the foothills. They find food and hiding places among the grass and shrubs, and nibble on seeds and leaves.

Winter Visitors

Step three: winter visitors. In winter, some mountain animals move down to the foothills where snow is shallower. It makes finding food easier, and the walk is a lot less tiring.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Grass covers the open slopes. Aspen and oak trees grow in patches. Deer and elk graze in the open, eating grass and young shoots. And many birds nest in the shrubs and trees.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Aspen trees in the foothills turn gold in fall. Their round leaves flutter in even a tiny breeze, with a whispering sound. Many aspens in a grove are connected by the same roots. Please watch wildlife from a safe distance.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, look at a nearby hill or park. Write down three plants or animals you see. Where did you find each one? Draw a picture of your favorite! Share what you discover with a grown-up.

Outro

The foothills are a busy, sunny neighborhood. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!