This can be misleading because there are some animals that eat meat that are not carnivores and some animals that do not eat meat that are carnivores. Animals in the Order, Carnivora, are grouped together because of similarities of dentition and body structure. Now included in this Order are two families of seals and one of the walrus to make it eleven. Formerly, the last three were in their own Order but are now included in the Order of Carnivores. We do not have FAQs on these families on line at this time.
Carnivores vary greatly in size from less than a pound to nearly two tons.
Sometimes the digit that is comparable to our thumb is missing or in a position higher on the leg, such as a dew claw. All carnivores have long canine teeth and premolars and molars designed for removing flesh from carcasses. They have a digestive system designed especially for meat. All carnivores have anal glands which are used to varying degrees in many species for scent marking. In others, like the skunk and some weasels, these glands have developed to produce the ultimate defense spray.