The term for animals that are active at night is "nocturnal." Nocturnal creatures have adapted to living and foraging primarily during the night to avoid predators and conserve water in their environments. Common examples of nocturnal animals include owls, bats, raccoons, and many species of rodents. These animals often possess adaptations such as enhanced night vision, heightened senses of hearing and smell, and specialized behaviors for hunting or foraging in the dark. Being nocturnal allows these species to thrive in ecosystems where competition for resources might be reduced during nighttime.