Wetlands are areas of land that lie between dry land and water, such as swamps and bogs. When people think of wetlands, they may picture mud, annoying mosquitoes, and unpleasant odors. Many wetlands have been destroyed  — drained, filled in, or used as garbage dumps  — because people did not understand their value. However, wetlands are a vital natural resource. Like rainforests and coral reefs, wetlands are home to a wide variety of animals, plants, and fish. Some species, such as the wood stork, are endangered due to wetland destruction. Without wetlands, these animals will lose their habitat and may disappear. Wetlands also act like sponges, absorbing floodwaters, rain, and melting snow, which helps protect both people and land from flooding. Because wetlands are at risk, animals, plants, and even human communities face danger as well.