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Animals

The Latest

You’ll never look at these creatures the same way again.

Early birds are starting to sing even earlier because of artificial light pollution—but it’s not clear if they’re actually losing sleep.
Nick Keppler|
Whales and dolphins aren’t just neighbors. They’re also occasional playmates, according to new findings from Griffith University researchers.
CaLea Johnson|
Cockroaches have a reputation for being indestructible. But they may not be as totally immune to radiation as people think.
Roma Panganiban|

Pets

The search is on for the next Buddy. Submit your golden retriever’s video and join the legacy of the beloved Air Bud franchise.
CaLea Johnson|
An extra-fluffy tail doesn’t just look cute—it’s your cat’s way of communicating how they feel.
Kirstin Fawcett|
Here’s a hint: It’s not by sweating through their paws.
Hannah Keyser|
You might be surprised to see which canines make the cut when it comes to the world’s most expensive dog breeds.
Jennifer Fabiano|
Fourth of July fireworks and parties can be distressing for dogs—and their pet parents. Here are tips that can help.
Nicolas Rivero|
We spoke to several veterinary behavior experts to learn how to keep anxious dogs calm, no matter the scenario.
Kate Schweitzer|
Sad but true: Your pet can die in a shockingly short amount of time.
Jake Rossen|
From guiding their owners to safety during 9/11 to dialing 911 during medical emergencies, these pups took their lifesaving duties to a whole other level.
Tony Dunnell|

Birds

EDDMapS’s database has more than 9 million records of invasive species. See which ones hit close to home.
Ellen Gutoskey|
Ammonia from the birds’ guano can mix with other gases and form clouds, potentially cooling Earth’s surface and preserving Antarctic ice, a new study suggests.
Nick Keppler|
Greater sage-grouse are at risk near Jackson Hole Airport—but handmade decoys are guiding them to safer ground.
CaLea Johnson|

Cats

A sunken ship near Florida holds clues to the early history of cats in the U.S.

Dogs

From the Tibetan Mastiff to the Japanese Chin, many popular dog breeds have highly-specialized origins.
Lorna Wallace|
Learn more about Australia's half-wild canine, from their flexible wrists to their genetic origins.
Rebecca OConnell|
Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, and poodles are just a few of the dog breeds with family-friendly reputations.
Lorna Wallace|
Meet Pearl and Reggie: the world’s smallest and tallest dogs brought together by Guinness World Records.
CaLea Johnson|

Fish

The newly identified Atlantic manta ray is officially a distinct species.
CaLea Johnson|
A hammerhead spends a lot of time and energy trying to binge-eat other big sharks. Here's why it pays off.
Jake Rossen|
Anchovies or sardines? We break down how these small fish differ in looks, taste, and popular preparation methods.
CaLea Johnson|
Let’s dive into the evolutionary science behind the great white’s namesake feature.
CaLea Johnson|

Insects

From the Vatican’s “Lesus” medal to Beanie Babies to the Civil War coins that declare “shoot him on the spoot.”
Arika Okrent|
English spelling can be frustrating and confusing, but there are things you can do to help make the task of getting it right more manageable.
Editorial Staff|
Would you recoil in terror if spell-check ever stopped working? Fear not: You're in good company.
Mark Mancini|

Reptiles

A rare gecko once thought to be lost is making a comeback in the Galápagos.
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