The visible portion of the 13-foot-tall (4-meter-tall) Christmas tree isn't ancient, but its root system has been growing for 9,550 years, according to a team led by Leif Kullman, professor at UmeÃ¥ University's department of ecology and environmental science in Sweden. Enlarge Photo.
Here are the facts: 1  More than 100 million animals are reported killed by hunters each year.  The vast majority of species that are hunted -- waterfowl, upland birds, mourning doves, squirrels, raccoons, rabbits, crows, coyotes, etc. -- provide minimal sustenance and do not require population control.
â¢ Number of animals in the U.S. that die each year from cruelty, neglect, and exploitation: 30 million â¢ Number of animal shelters in the U.S.: 4,000 â 6,000 â¢ Number of cats and dogs entering U.S. shelters each year: 6 â 8 million â¢ Number of cats and dogs euthanized by U.S. shelters each year: 3 â 4 million (nearly 10,000 animals killed every day) â¢ Number of cats and dogs adopted by U.S. shelters each year: 3 â 4 million