There are about 10,000 bird species in the world.
Source: National Geographic
Stories by FactCheck.org
July 22, 2009
There were 272 million visits to U.S. national parks during the 2007 calendar year.
Source: National Park Service
FactCheck Mailbag, Week of July 14 – July 20
This week, readers sent us comments on our Web site redesign, health care and bogus e-mail rumors.
In the FactCheck Mailbag we feature some of the e-mail we receive. Readers can send comments to editor@factcheck.org. Letters may be edited for length.
July 21, 2009
The fastest a giraffe has been recorded running is 34.7 miles per hour.
Source: San Diego Zoo
July 20, 2009
On today’s date in 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon. Shortly thereafter, Buzz Aldrin became the second.
Source: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
July 19, 2009
On today’s date in 1814, firearm innovator Samuel Colt was born in Hartford, Conn.
Source: PBS
July 18, 2009
The world population of Caribou is about 5 million.
Source: Alaska Department of Fish and Game
July 17, 2009
A giraffe’s feet are 12 inches wide; its legs are 6 feet tall.
Source: San Diego Zoo
July 16, 2009
There were 66 nuclear power plants in the United States in 2007.
Source: Energy Information Administration
July 15, 2009
The word "smallpox" comes from the Latin word for "spotted" and is a reference to the bumps that appear on the body of a person who has the disease.
Source: Food and Drug Administration