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There are two species of camels; Dromedary Camels and Bactrian Camels. Dromedary Camels have one hump (like the capital letter D) and the Bactrian Camels have two humps (like the letter capital letter B).

A family of Bactrian Camels calls Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch their home-away-from-home. Their native land is the desert of Asia. The Bactrian Camels are endangered, but they adapt well to their surroundings.

Camels can survive in extreme weather conditions, ranging from -20º F to over 100ºF and can go long periods without drinking water. Camels shed their hair during hot seasons and grow thick, wooly coats during colder seasons.

Their humps store nutrients they need to survive during periods with little food and water. As the nutrients are used, the hump can shrink and layover to the side. It will stand up when food and water are plentiful.


              


They have broad hooves to move swiftly over the desert sand and mountains of their homeland. Camels have unique layered eyelids and the ability to close their nostrils to protect them in sand storms.
Bactrian Camels are the larger of the two species and weigh up to 2,000 lbs. They can carry heavy loads on their back for long distances.
   
 

1. How many humps does a Bactrian Camel have
A.  3
B.  1
C.  2
D.  None



2. Where is the Bactrian Camel’s native homeland?
A.  Asia
B.  North America
C.  Africa
D.  South America



3. What two things do camels have to protect themselves from the dessert sand storms?
A.  Eye lids and nostrils
B.  Hair and eyelids
C.  Horns and hooves
D.  Tongue and horns

 

Answers to questions above: C, A, and A

Riddles

What do you get if you cross a camel with a cow?
Lumpy milk.

What does a camel use to become invisible?
Camel-flage

What do you call a crying camel?
A humpback wail.

What has two humps and is found at the North Pole?
A lost camel.

 

Fun Facts
  • An adult camel weighs between 700 and 1,500 pounds (318 to 680 kg) and is up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) tall.
  • Camels can live up to 50 years.
    Camels gestate about 11 months and give birth to one calf.
  • A male camel reaches maturity in five years; a female camel in three to four years.
  • Camels have three eyelids. Two of them have lashes, and the third is thin.
  • A camel can close its nostrils.
  • A camel, like a goat, will eat almost anything.
  • Pack camels can carry loads of 400 pounds 25 miles (181 kg 40 km) in a day.

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