So, whether you’ve got a few days, a week, or 10 days, this no-fluff checklist will help you avoid the usual road trip mistakes and help you focus on planning an epic Utah National Parks road trip.
, which sets them apart from other hoofed mammals. These animals represent an evolutionary link between animals with simple stomachs, such as pigs or dogs, and those with four-chambered stomachs, like cows and deer. While chevrotains do have four stomach chambers, one of them (the omasum) is smaller and less developed than in other modern ruminants, making their digestive system somewhat intermediate.Chevrotains are also classified as ungulates and ruminants. Ungulates are simply animals with hooves. This diverse group includes well-known animals like elk, giraffes, wild boars, rhinos, camels, and bison. Ruminants are a specific type of ungulate. They are even-toed hoofed animals that chew regurgitated food. Common examples of ruminants include sheep, cows, deer, and antelopes. Millions of years ago, chevrotains were more widespread and diverse, but today only 10 species remain. These surviving species still possess many ancient, primitive features that are rarely seen in more modern mammals.
Chevrotains are remarkably small animals—about the size of a pet rabbit, cat, or small dog. In fact, they are the smallest hoofed animals on Earth. While the water chevrotain () can weigh between 15 and 35 pounds, the Java mouse-deer () is a mere 2.2 to 4.4 pounds. Most chevrotain species fall within the 2- to 9-pound range. Chevrotains have short, slender legs with tiny hoofed feet. They aren’t particularly agile when turning, but their small legs are efficient for running straight and moving through dense vegetation and forests.
Their bodies are round, similar to those of a mouse or rabbit, with small, pointed snouts and large eyes. This unusual combination of features can cause people to mistake them for rodents. Their posture also adds to this confusion, as their longer hind legs make their hindquarters higher than their front. However, their thin legs, reddish or orange-brown coloring, and white markings make them closely resemble a deer. They also have small, pig-like hooves and long, sharp fangs.Unlike other ruminants, chevrotains never developed horns or antlers. Instead, they have what look like fierce fangs, which are actually elongated canine teeth, also known as tusks. These tusks are especially long and needle-like in male chevrotains, and are used during fights with other males. Fortunately, their thick fur and strong muscles offer protection from bites during these epic conflicts.
Chevrotains are shy and mainly solitary animals, making them extremely difficult to find. There are 10 known species, categorized into three genera:
While the terms “chevrotain” and “mouse-deer” are often used interchangeably, researchers are beginning to distinguish between them: “chevrotains” generally refer toAccording to a June 2 press release from the
, kidnappings were confirmed in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco and Nuevo Nayarit, Nayarit, two popular beach destinations in the country."Victims and their family members in the United States have at times been extorted for large sums of money to secure their release," the embassy said. "Please be aware that this type of violence is not limited to one geographic area."
tourists to exercise caution when meeting strangers, and to meet them in public spaces, avoiding isolated areas like houses or hotel rooms.The U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory for Mexico. Jalisco is under a "Level 3: Reconsider Travel" due to crime and kidnapping, while Nayarit is under a "Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution" due to crime.