American Dog Tick

Grassy areas, wooded paths, and low vegetation where hosts are likely to pass

Blood from mammals, including dogs, deer, raccoons, and humans

They exhibit questing behavior by climbing to the tips of grass or leaves and extending their legs to grab onto passing hosts. They have a four-stage life cycle: egg, larva, nymph, and adult.

As vectors, they can transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Tularemia to humans. They are also known to cause tick paralysis in both pets and humans if not removed.