

The giant armadillo also uses its claws to help it burrow underground.

Its claws are sharp and curved, which helps it hold onto tree branches as it climbs. It doesn’t use them for gripping prey or digging as most other animals do. The giant armadillo has a unique way of using its claws. Northern Venezuela to Paraguay and northern Argentina The anteater’s front feet are much larger than its back feet, allowing it to easily grip and tear apart its prey. They also use their claws to dig for food and make burrows in which to live. The giant anteater has very long, sharp claws that are used for tearing through the tough armor of an anthill. Giant Anteater Scientific NameĬentral and South America except for Guatemala, Uruguay, and El Salvador Domestic cats also use their claws to help them climb trees and grip prey. Cats use their claws for scratching, which helps them mark their territory and keep their nails sharp. The domestic cat has five claws on each front paw and four claws on each back paw. Dogs that live in colder climates often have fur over the pads of their feet to keep them warm. Dogs use their paw pads to help them walk in the snow and ice. Their nails are used for scratching, digging, and gripping prey. Dogs Scientific Nameĭogs have four claws on their front paws and five claws on their back paws. The blunt claws are used for digging in the mud to find food or shelter and for gripping slippery surfaces. Crocodiles Scientific NameĪfrica, Asia, the Americas, and AustraliaĬrocodiles have two types of claws: the sharp, pointed ones on their front feet and the blunt, flat claws on their back feet. The cougars’ paws are covered with fur, which helps them grip prey and keep from slipping. It’s also more curved, helping it hold its prey in place while the rest of its body attacks from behind. They have a semi-retractable claw, which is longer than other cats’ claws and can be seen even when retracted. The cougar has claws that are retractable. Northwestern Canada to Patagonia, South America These claws are retractable, which means they can be hidden inside the paw when not in use. The cheetah’s claws also help them climb trees. They are used to grip prey and pull it down. The cheetah has the most powerful claws of all the big cats.

It has two large claws on each foot which it uses for defense, as well as for attacking and killing prey. This animal lives in the rainforest of New Guinea and Australia. Northern Australia, New Guinea, and surrounding islands Bats live in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. They also use these claws for climbing and perching. Bats Scientific Nameīats have sharp claws on their wings that they use for gripping onto prey. The barn owl lives in North America, Europe, and Asia. This talon is also used for defense against predators. The barn owl has a long, sharp talon that it uses for catching prey. They also have strong talons on their feet that are used for gripping prey and tearing flesh. The bald eagle has a sharp, hooked beak that is used for tearing meat. The black bear has strong paws with sharp claws that it uses to climb trees and dig for food, and for self-defense. These claws are used for defense, prey capture, and digging. Alligators Scientific NameĪlligators have four short, blunt fingers on their front feet and five long, sharp claws on their back feet. They use their powerful claws to make burrows in the ground and they tend to live alone in these burrows. The aardvark has claws that are used to dig.
