Field Note: Nature

Introduction:

When most people think of Morocco, they think of the Sahara desert. I live in the northern part of the country, which is as far from the desert as you can get. One weekend, though, I took an overnight bus trip south to the Sahara where I rode a camel through the desert!

 

What does this creature or plant look like?:

Camels are pretty strange looking. They’re very tall, with skinny legs, and have either one or two humps on their back. The camels in the Sahara all have one hump. Camels with two humps are natives of Central Asia. I think they look like they are always smiling. Don't you think so too?

 

How did I feel when I saw it?:

When I first saw the camels, I didn’t think I was going to ride any because I was a little scared. They’re big animals, and when you ride one you get on it’s back while it is still sitting down. It stands up with its back legs first and then its front legs. As it walks, you rock back and forth.  

 

Where does it live?:

Camels live in the desert or in dry environments. They store fat in their hump(s), which makes it possible for them to go up to 17 days without food or water! Their soft feet make them ideal animals for crossing the desert because they can easily get through all the sand.

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