NATURE

The biggest revenue generators in the NPS.

The National Parks Where Visitors Spend the Most Money, Mapped

For some local economies, national parks can be cash machines.

6 Strange Animal Evolutions

From the long legs of the jerboa to basically everything about the duck-billed platypus, evolution has taken some weird turns.

Clearwater, Florida‘s views put it at the top of the list.

The 10 U.S. Cities With the Prettiest Commutes

From Clearwater, Florida, to Davis, California, these U.S. cities offer beautiful drives that make commuting a lot more bearable.

This Carnarvon flapjack octopus is tiny, but it can withstand intense pressure thousands of feet underwater.

New Flapjack Octopus Species With ‘Dumbo’ Fins Discovered Off Australia

The Carnarvon flapjack octopus flattens its body like a pancake and uses its Dumbo-like fins to swim.

This insect was found for the first time since 1980.

‘Extinct’ Monte Gordo Grasshopper Spotted on African Island for First Time in 45 Years

A rare grasshopper once believed to be extinct has been spotted for the first time since 1980—but habitat loss may threaten its future.

An aerial view of the Great Barrier Reef near Queensland, Australia.

15 Big Facts About the Great Barrier Reef

Australia’s biggest natural wonder is a huge draw for tourists and fish alike. Here’s everything you need to know about the world’s most famous reef.

Hiking can be a refreshing change of pace from a busy lifestyle.

The 5 Busiest Hiking Trails in the U.S

Consider avoiding these trails if you like to hike but hate the crowds.

People now have the privilege of seeing Uluru and Kata Tjuta after the sun goes down.

Travelers Can Spend the Night Near Uluru in Australia for the First Time Ever

The new overnight guided tour through Uluru-Kata Tjuta is filled with nature, history, and culture.

These adorable guys look like they wouldn‘t steal babies.

Capuchins Are ‘Kidnapping’ Baby Monkeys of Different Species, And Scientists Are Baffled

Researchers have discovered a weird, new behavior among capuchin monkeys, and it involves kidnapping howler monkey infants.

5 Misconceptions About the Arctic

Both the Arctic and Antarctica are cold and icy, but that’s basically where the similarities end.

Not everyone gets to enjoy a view like this.

Wyoming Is Home to the World’s First Dark Sky Certified County

The Jackson Hole Airport is Dark Sky certified as well, making it the first airport to earn the recognition.

A male greater sage-grouse performing his mating display.

How Grand Teton National Park Is Using Papier-Mâché Birds to Protect the Greater Sage-Grouse

Greater sage-grouse are at risk near Jackson Hole Airport—but handmade decoys are guiding them to safer ground.

This puny creature packs a powerful sting.

What to Know About the Invasive Asian Needle Ants Spreading Across the U.S.

Asian needle ants may look small, but their stings are no joke.

11 Awesome Animal Kingdom Moms

From carrying their young for years to feeding their babies poop, some animal moms just go above and beyond.

The stingray it on the left, and the skate is to the right.

Skates vs. Rays: What‘s the Difference?

Skates lay black, ravioli-shaped egg cases. Rays give birth to live pups.

The 10 Best Hiking Trails in the U.S.

Utah is a hotspot for some amazing hikes.

Axolotls are cute and important to the environment.

Captive-Bred Axolotls Can Survive in the Wild, Sparking Hope for the Endangered Species

Scientists in Mexico have found that axolotls bred in captivity can survive and thrive in their native habitat—which is great news for the species.

Who would have thought a woodpecker could be so destructive.

Locals Shield Their Cars From Vandal Woodpecker in Rockport, Massachusetts

A territorial woodpecker has broken dozens of car mirrors in a bizarre springtime rampage.

A diver is about a meter behind the coelacanth discovered at a depth of 144 meters in North Maluku, Indonesia.

Scientists Capture First Footage of Ancient Coelacanth in Its Natural Habitat

Researchers in Indonesia have filmed a rare coelacanth nearly 500 feet underwater—marking the first time the fish has been recorded in its native environment.

Why Are the Blue Ridge Mountains Blue?

It’s more than a poetic name: the Blue Ridge Mountains really do appear blue, thanks to the human eye and Earth’s atmosphere.

Valerie proves that dachshunds are stronger than you might think.

“Impossible to Catch” Dachshund Lost in the Wilderness for 529 Days Is Finally Rescued

After escaping during a 2023 vacation, miniature dachshund Valerie survived in the wilderness alone for over a year.

There’s a new reason to visit Chattanooga.

Chattanooga, Tennessee, Is Now the First National Park City in North America

Chattanooga has come a long way from being one of the most polluted cities in the country to the U.S.’s first National Park City.

Interactive Cicada Map Shows Where You Can See (and Hear) Brood XIV This Spring

Use this map from the University of Connecticut to check if 17-year periodical cicadas will appear in your neighborhood soon.

Plastic pollution can have devastating consequences for national parks.

This App Lets National Park Visitors Report Trash and Plastic Pollution

Plastic waste sullies national parks. This app can help clean it up.