Georgia Regions and Habitats Why don’t polar bears live in Georgia?

Before we get started, where in the world is Georgia? Do you know?

Georgia is in the Southeastern part of the United States, on the continent of North America. There it is!

Let’s start in Georgia’s Mountain Region! Have you ever been to the mountains? Let’s take a little field trip, shall we?

The mountain region in Georgia is very beautiful. These photos are of Brasstown Bald Mountain. It is the highest mountain peak in Georgia. The Cherokee called it Enotah.

Brasstown Bald How would you describe this region from this photo of Brasstown Bald Mountain?

The Appalachian Range in Georgia The Appalachian Mountain Range runs through many states. Can you see where it runs through the state of Georgia? Which other states have the Appalachian Mountains?

Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Mountain is part of the Appalachian Range. It is older than both the Rockies and Himalayas.

The Georgia mountains are very beautiful and are filled with many exciting things to see. Many kinds of plants and animals are a part of this region.

The Georgia Mountains…

The Georgia Mountains… The elevation is higher in the mountains than in the Piedmont Region of Georgia. It’s shaded by trees. These things make the temperature cooler. The terrain also makes it harder to get around. Some people live in the mountains, but it’s not highly populated. Can you think of some reasons why few people live in this region?

In the mountains, you might see….. beautiful waterfalls. This is Amicola Falls in the North Georgia Mountains.

In the mountains, you might see….. really tall trees like the Tulip Poplar and the Hemlock.

Magnolia Tree This is just one of the beautiful trees that you can find in the Georgia mountains.

What do you think about this orange and red leafed maple tree? Compare and contrast the magnolia tree on the left with the maple tree on the right? How are they alike? How are they different?

More Trees from Georgia Mountains The Georgia redbud and Georgia dogwood are both beautiful trees from this region also. Which one is your favorite?

Compare and Contrast: Magnolia and Dogwood Trees

You might also see some cool animals that call the Georgia Mountains their home. Let’s see what we can find!

Mudpuppies and American Toads are two amphibians which live in this habitat. Both need to live by mountain streams, but they love to hang out in the woods!

Georgia Salamanders: Over 27 Species!

Salamander Facts: A salamander is an amphibian, and begins its life in water but then moves onto land as it grows.

Box Turtles and Copperhead Snakes are two reptiles which live in this mountain habitat. Can you think of a reason why these two would be perfectly at home in the woods?

Lots of animals love to be high in the trees of the Georgia Mountains! Can you name these three?

Black Bears, Mountain Lions, and Coyotes are major predators in the mountains! They’re so furry! Why?? (animal adaptations)

Georgia’s Black Bears The black bear is found in the mountain region, and also in the swamp and marsh regions. Humans are the only known predators of the black bear. The bears are usually not aggressive. They do like to hang out at camping sites looking for food. They will eat plants, insects, and smaller animals. What type of eater are these animals? What would their teeth look Like?

Hibernation Bears also hibernate in the winter. What does hibernate mean?

The Black Vulture is a scavenger that keeps this habitat clean- they have an important job here! Sadly, they were almost wiped out due to DDT- it made their eggs too soft to hatch. Now they are on the Endangered List. They are beginning to make a comeback. How does being on the endangered list help a species to survive?

Humans’ use of DDT changed this habitat just enough to almost kill off an entire species of bird. DDT is poison. DDT was a pesticide used on crops to kill mosquitoes. At the time people where afraid of getting malaria from mosquitoes. People thought DDT did not hurt any animals because it did not effect humans, but they were wrong. Can you think of other ways humans could possibly change this habitat, thus affecting the plants and animals that thrive here?

Georgia Birds These are just a few Georgia birds: the Nuthatch, the warbler, and the woodpecker.

Forests in the Mountains The forests in the mountains provide food and shelter for many animals and birds. How does a forest fire effect these habitats? What might happen to the plants and animals in a forest fire?

How are the Piedmont and Mountain Regions alike and different? Compare and Contrast How are the Piedmont and Mountain Regions alike and different?