Carnivores vary greatly in size and appearance. The name is somewhat misleading, however, for while many carnivores live mainly on fresh killed prey, others are omnivorous eating a great deal of vegetation. All have three pairs of relatively small incisors on the upper and lower jaws, and large strong canines. Most have one annual litter with offspring born blind and requiring a relaively extended period of parental care. Carnivores generally live on land, but some spend part of nearly all of their time in water.
