card 3 BLUE

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Badger

1. Species and Family

Belong to the family Mustelidae (same as weasels, otters, and wolverines).
Several species worldwide, including:
- European badger (Meles meles)
- American badger (Taxidea taxus)
- Honey badger (Mellivora capensis)
- Asian hog badger (Arctonyx collaris)
Despite the shared name, these species differ in behavior and habitat.

2. Appearance

Stocky, low-slung bodies with short legs and strong claws.
Length: 42–90 cm (16–35 in) depending on species.
Weight: 6–16 kg (13–35 lbs) on average.
Distinct facial markings:
- European and American badgers have black-and-white striped faces.
- Honey badger has a white or gray back with a dark lower body.
Thick, coarse fur and a powerful build for digging.

3. Habitat and Range

Found across North America, Europe, parts of Asia, and Africa.
Prefer grasslands, prairies, forests, or savannas depending on species.
Often found in areas with loose soil for easy digging.

4. Social Life and Behaviour

European badgers are social, living in family groups (clans) in underground burrows called setts.
American and honey badgers tend to be solitary.
Excellent diggers—can create complex tunnel systems with multiple chambers.
Mostly nocturnal, though honey badgers may be active during the day in cooler regions.
Honey badgers are famously fearless, known to confront much larger animals.

5. Diet

Omnivorous, but diet varies by species:
- European badger: earthworms, insects, small mammals, fruits, and roots.
- American badger: specializes in digging out rodents like ground squirrels and prairie dogs.
- Honey badger: small mammals, birds, reptiles, fruit, and even honey (raiding beehives).

6. Role in the Ecosystem

Control populations of rodents, insects, and other small animals.
Their digging aerates soil, which helps plant growth.
Provide shelter for other species that use abandoned burrows.

7. Relationship with Humans

Sometimes hunted for fur or because they prey on livestock (particularly poultry).
In parts of Europe, badgers are involved in controversial culling to control bovine tuberculosis.
Honey badger is admired in African folklore for bravery and cunning.
In rural areas, badgers sometimes dig under roads or buildings, causing damage.

8. Fun Fact

The honey badger’s skin is so tough and loose that it can twist inside its own skin to bite attackers even while being held—basically nature’s escape artist.

plant(SPADE/CLUBS)

Willow leaf

Type: Deciduous broadleaf tree from the genus Salix.
Needles: Does not have needles; has long, slender, lance-shaped leaves.
Lifespan: Typically lives 30–50 years, though some species may reach 70+ years.
Habitat: Thrives in moist soils near rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Uses: Shade trees, erosion control, basket weaving, medicinal bark extracts (source of salicylic acid).
Adaptations: Flexible branches resist wind damage; extensive root systems stabilize soil and access deep water.
Ecological role: Provides habitat for birds, insects, and small mammals; roots help prevent bank erosion.
Fun fact: Willow bark was the original source of the pain-relieving compound used to create aspirin.

Deadly Nightshade

Type: Perennial flowering shrub in the nightshade family (Solanaceae).
Needles: Does not have needles; has broad, ovate green leaves.
Lifespan: Can live for several years under suitable conditions.
Habitat: Native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia; prefers shaded, rich soils in forests and along riverbanks.
Uses: Historically used as a poison, in cosmetics, and medicinally in controlled doses (contains tropane alkaloids).
Adaptations: Produces toxic alkaloids that deter herbivores and insects; grows in shaded forest understories where other plants may struggle.
Ecological role: Berries provide food for some birds, which help disperse the seeds; contributes to forest understory diversity.
Fun fact: Despite its toxicity, small amounts of Deadly Nightshade extracts were historically used in eye-drops to dilate pupils for cosmetic purposes—hence the name “belladonna,” meaning “beautiful lady.”

hockey team (SPADE/CLUBS)

Colorado Avalanche

Team Name: Colorado Avalanche

Founded: 1972 (original franchise start), Relocated to Colorado in 1995

City: Denver, Colorado (since 1995)

Background:

The franchise originally started as the Quebec Nordiques in 1972, playing in the World Hockey Association (WHA) before joining the NHL in 1979.
In 1995, the team relocated from Quebec City to Denver, Colorado, and was renamed the Colorado Avalanche.
Since moving to Denver, the Avalanche have become one of the NHL’s premier teams, playing home games at the Ball Arena.
The relocation marked a fresh start, leading to immediate success and establishing a strong fan base in Colorado.

Biggest Achievements:

Stanley Cup Champions: 3 times (1996, 2001, 2022)
Remarkably, the Avalanche won the Stanley Cup in their very first season after relocating to Colorado (1995-96).
The team has featured legendary players like Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg, and Patrick Roy.
Known for a high-powered offense and strong defensive play during their championship runs.

Activities in the City (Denver, Colorado):

Explore the Denver Art Museum
Discover diverse collections of Native American, contemporary, and classic art in this architecturally striking museum.
Visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Enjoy live music or simply hike around this iconic open-air venue built into stunning red sandstone formations.
Stroll through Denver Botanic Gardens
Wander through themed gardens featuring plants from around the world, seasonal exhibits, and a conservatory.
Experience Larimer Square
Shop, dine, and enjoy historic Victorian buildings, nightlife, and cultural events in Denver’s oldest commercial district.

Carolina Hurricanes

Team Name: Carolina Hurricanes

Founded: 1971 (as the New England Whalers), relocated and renamed in 1997

City: Raleigh, North Carolina (since 1997)