Animal Camouflage

Camouflage helps animals blend in with their surroundings. Some animals match the color of leaves, sand, or snow. Others have patterns that break up their shape. Camouflage helps animals hide from enemies or sneak up on food.

Types of Camouflage

Some animals change color to match their background. Chameleons and octopuses can do this quickly. Other animals, like Arctic hares, change color with the seasons. Some insects look exactly like sticks or leaves.

Why Camouflage Matters

Prey animals use camouflage to hide from predators. A deer's brown coat helps it blend into the forest. Predators also use camouflage to sneak up on prey. A tiger's stripes help it hide in tall grass.

Fun Facts

• Cuttlefish can change their color and texture in less than one second.
• The leaf-tailed gecko looks so much like a leaf that it is almost impossible to spot.
• Baby deer have white spots that look like sunlight on the forest floor.

Did You Know?

Some animals use a trick called mimicry. The harmless king snake has the same red, black, and yellow stripes as the venomous coral snake to scare away predators!