Animal Camouflage

A coyote spotted south of Cherokee, Iowa, during the month of November. You can see that the coyote is camouflaged by its surroundings.  
 

How do you think camouflage helps animals (like coyotes) survive?

• In the photo, how would you say that the coyote camouflaged?
• How do you think camouflage helps the coyote survive against predators?
• How do humans mimic animals using camouflage?

Students could:

• Draw a picture of another animal that uses camouflage to survive.
• Explain the different ways that humans mimic animal camouflage.
• Design a way to camouflage themselves based on the models seen in nature. 

• PBS LearningMedia | WyomingPBS Education Collection | Camouflage: Students will learn the ways in which animals protect themselves from predators, with the emphasis on camouflage and an adaptation to avoid being detected.
• PBS LearningMedia | Camouflage Explained: Wander & Wonder | Young Explorers: Why do owls have brown and white feathers? Why are frogs green? Join Abby Brown and her friend as they create paper creatures to learn all about camouflage!