Red-Crested Wounder

A red-crested wounder (Latinotroodon velvetolophus) is a species of medium-sized wounder native to the deserts, scrublands, grasslands, forests, swamps, and rainforests of Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia. It is an omnivore that mainly feeds on arthropods, fish, frogs, smaller reptiles, birds, eggs, small mammals, carrion, fruits, and leaves, but can also feed on man-made food. It can grow to be around 6-7 feet long and weigh around 55-65 pounds when fully grown. Red-crested wounders are solitary animals, living most of their lives alone, but the males often find females to mate with during breeding seasons. The conservation status of the red-crested wounder is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts and the red-crested wounders' tolerance to human activities, including being able to adapt to life in the cities and suburbs.