​Caves are home to many different animals. Like any home, a cave suits the creatures that live in it. Some animals can survive only in a cave’s unique ecosystem. An ecosystem is an environment in which certain plants and animals depend on each other to live. So, just what lives in caves?

​A Blind Find

You might see blind salamanders in caves, but they won’t see you! Blind salamanders do not need sight. They live in the darkest parts of caves—in water or on land. They are able to catch food by feeling the movements of other animals.

​Going Up or Down?

When water mixes with calcium and drips inside caves, it hardens and builds up over time. That creates cone-shaped objects called stalactites and stalagmites. Stalactites hang from the ceiling. Stalagmites rise from the ground. Sometimes they meet and form columns.

​Hanging Around

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Many bats sleep in cave doorways. They fly out to find food. Some bats hibernate in caves during the winter.

​Lots of Legs

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Millipedes like to chill out in the cool, damp middle sections of caves. They can have anywhere from 80 to 400 legs! Having so many legs helps them dig their way underground.

​Sneaky Snakes 

​Rat snakes do not live in caves, but they sure do like to visit! Rat snakes slither through cave openings to look for food.