ANIMALS

An adorable black-capped chickadee posing in a white spruce.

10 Charming Facts About Chickadees

These active backyard birds are more than just cute—they’re hardy survivors that have conquered the continent and are teaching scientists new things about avian evolution.

'Psylla frodobagginsi' (left) and Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring' (2001).

10 Cool Animals Named After Lord of the Rings Characters

These creatures don't live in Middle-earth—but they sound like they could.

When the Smithsonian’s National Zoo Gave Its Animals Musical Instruments

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing an otter play a keyboard, today’s your lucky day.

Do Dogs Enjoy Music?

Some scientific evidence has shown that dogs exhibit calmer behavior while listening to soothing music.

Tibetan Mastiffs are majestic and expensive.

The 10 Most Expensive Dog Breeds to Own

The upfront costs aren’t the only factors to consider when purchasing a pet.

Why Do We Call Someone a “One-Trick Pony”?

Maligning ponies has become a go-to way to dismiss someone. How did that happen?

A map of the 63 National Parks in the U.S.

1 Fact About All 63 U.S. National Parks

From Acadia to Zion, the U.S. has some pretty majestic national parks. Here’s one fun fact about every single one—plus a map so you can see where they all are.

Customers will have to hold off on bulk-buying eggs for a while.

These 6 Grocery Chains Are Placing Limits on Egg Purchases

Avian influenza is causing top grocery chains to put restrictions on egg purchases.

The Chimborazo hillstar is native to the Andes of Ecuador and southern Colombia.

Hummingbirds Found Nesting Together in Groups in Surprising First

An ornithologist discovered a hummingbird “hive” in Ecuador‘s High Andes—a major departure for the solitary animals.

Being in a carrier is not usually a cat’s favorite activity.

How to Load Your Cat Into a Carrier

It doesn’t have to be a traumatic experience.

5 Misconceptions About Antarctica

Misconception No. 4 : It snows a lot.

Many alligators were found in Alachua County‘s sewage system.

At Least One Florida Sewage System Is Swimming With Alligators, Study Shows

Alligators living in the sewers isn’t just an urban legend.

Snow can be fun for pups ... until it's not.

5 Tips for Safely Walking Your Dog in Winter

These cold weather walking tips for dogs can help you keep your pet safe, plus how to tell when it's too cold to walk your dog outside.

Ancestral Puebloan ruins in Chaco Canyon National Historical Park.

How Pack Rats Solved a Chaco Canyon Mystery

Chaco Canyon was once the vibrant religious center of a Native American culture whose collapse long remained a mystery—until pack rat middens revealed an important clue.