ANIMALS

Jen Siska (author photo), W.W. Norton (book cover)

7 Hilarious Footnotes From Mary Roach's New Book, Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law

There are few diversions more delightful than the footnotes in author Mary Roach’s books—and the footnotes in her latest, 'Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law,' are no exception.

10 of the Scariest-Looking Animals in Existence

Scientists estimate that roughly 8.7 million species of plants and animals roam the Earth today. And some of them might haunt your dreams.

Two-toed sloths on a tree in Costa Rica.

Scotland's Only Sloths Make Their Public Debut at the Edinburgh Zoo

On September 13, the only two-toed sloths in Scotland made their first public appearance at the Edinburgh Zoo.

Baby elephant being bottle-fed in David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya.

11 Amazing Wildlife Sanctuaries

From Kenya to Canada, here are 11 wildlife sanctuaries doing amazing work for animals around the world.

Watch This Amazing Timelapse Video of a Spider Building a Web

This mesmerizing timelapse video captures the intricate handiwork that goes into spinning a spider web.

A bark scorpion giving 'em the old razzle dazzle.

Why Do Scorpions Glow Under UV Light? One Scientist Has Some Theories

Glow-in-the-dark scorpions are a dime a dozen. But what purpose does the trait really serve, if any?

"Moss-covered stairs? I love a challenge. 10/10."

Ruff Review: Canine Cottages Is Hiring Dogs to Test Out Their Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals

Are you a UK resident whose dog doesn’t mind posing for a few photos? That could earn you a free vacation.

The 25 Most Pet-Friendly Cities in the U.S.

If you want to live in a city that's as welcoming to pets as your home is, consider moving to one of these spots.

The Killer Crocodile That Haunted the Waters of Burundi

A giant crocodile named Gustave is said to have killed dozens of people in Burundi. His legend continues to haunt the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

"I will live forever just to spite your stupid article."

How Long Do Cats Live?

Sadly, the answer to “How long do indoor cats live?” is not “As long as you do!” But they do usually outlive outdoor cats.

A traffic chicken is patrolling a New Zealand preschool.

This New Zealand School Is Using a Chicken as a Traffic Officer

A hen named Henry patrols the parking area of a New Zealand preschool. According to one student, Henry ensures that "when cars come, they don't drive over the children."

Koalas Have Fingerprints That Are Nearly Indistinguishable From Ours

Though humans and koalas don't have much in common, there is one big similarity: fingerprints. Koalas have looping fingerprints just like humans, and some might not be able to tell them apart.

Octopuses Will Throw Things to Scare Off Unwelcome Guests

If you're an uninvited guest to an octopus hangout, you need to be prepared for a seashell coming at your dome.

"My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my plants. Prepare to die." —What you should say if you see this in your yard.

If You See a Spotted Lanternfly, Officials Say ‘Kill It! Squash it, Smash it … Just Get Rid Of It!’

For this invasive species, it’s best to adopt a ‘Take no prisoners’ mentality. And that may mean drowning spotted lanternfly eggs in alcohol.

Watch—and Listen—to a Tortoise Snacking on Veggies in Adorable ASMR Video

This ASMR video of a tortoise chowing down on some veggies is as fun to watch as it is to listen to.

Ajwad Creative (Speech Bubble), Martin Poole (kitten) /iStock via Getty Images Plus

10 International Idioms About Cats

It’s time to let the cat out of the bag: English isn’t alone in featuring cats in its idioms. In languages from all over the world, expressions of all kinds are enhanced by the mention of our feline friends.

Who wants walkies? This good boy wants walkies. (Asking him about a sensible exercise regimen doesn't have quite the same ring to it.)

Here's How Often You Should Walk Your Dog

How long dogs need to be walked depends largely on their breed, size, and face shape. We're not kidding about that last part.

Would you let this star-nosed mole touch you with its schnoz?

6 Beautifully Ugly Animals

The ugliest animals ever, from the blobfish to the star-nosed mole, aren’t just hideous for no reason.

Wally has won over the hearts of people in Ireland. Even though he's sinking their boats.

A Walrus Named Wally Is Adorably Terrorizing Ireland

The Arctic walrus has traveled nearly 2500 miles for reasons unknown. Now he's capsizing boats. Locals still can't get enough of him.

Wet dog smell is an assault on the senses.

Woof: Why Wet Dog Smell Is a Thing—and How to Prevent It

Wet dog smell might be among the most challenging aspects of pet ownership. Fortunately, there's a way to mitigate the stink lines coming from your pooch.

Piranhas are a crowd favorite in aquariums.

10 Surprising Facts About Piranhas

After sharks, piranhas are one of the world’s most misunderstood fish. They have a reputation for ferocity that's not quite deserved.

A WSDA pest biologist holds a dead murder hornet in July 2020.

The Murder Hornets Are Back—Consider Yourself Warned

What is a murder hornet, a.k.a. an Asian giant hornet? An invasive species that likes to tear the heads off honeybees.

Cats like food when it's served without any hassle.

Breaking News: Cats Don't Want to Work for Their Food

In a new study, cats passed up a food puzzle to get at freely available food. The reason is—cats. But there's a little more to it.

Scientists from the expedition tagging whales in the Santa Barbara Channel.

The Loneliest Whale: Documentary Chronicles a Search for the 52 Hertz Whale

Fifty-two Hertz, dubbed 'the loneliest whale in the world,' has roamed the Pacific for decades, singing at a much higher frequency than other whale species.

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