How to Sign "Animal" in American Sign Language (ASL)

In ASL, extend your dominant hand's thumb and pinky finger like a "Y" shape, then move it from your temple outward in a scratching motion two times. The sign looks like an animal's whiskers or ears moving back and forth. You'll see this sign a lot in schools, stories, and talks about pets or wild animals. When you want to name a specific animal, you can make this general sign first and then show the sign for that particular animal. Teachers often make funny faces and add extra movements when showing kids this sign to help them remember it better and have fun while learning.