ANIMALS

Our 25 Most Popular Stories of 2020

While the COVID-19 pandemic was a driving force behind some of Mental Floss's most popular stories of 2020, the historical precedent of the 1918 pandemic was clearly of interest, too.

A cat that nuzzles your head is essentially saying you're part of the team. A subordinate, but still part of the team.

Why Do Cats Head Bump Humans?

Cats seem to enjoy booping humans on their foreheads. Is it a sign of affection, or yet another sign of condescension?

Tokyo Is Home to a Museum Full of Parasites

The Merugo Parasitological Museum has more than 300 life-sucking species on display, including a 28.9-foot long tapeworm. It's got date night written all over it.

Why Are Dogs So Afraid of Vacuums?

Just like fireworks and thunderstorms, vacuums are unexpectedly loud—but that’s not the only reason your dog hates them so much.

Young alligators can regenerate their tails.

Surprise! Alligators Can Regrow Their Tails

A small study of four young American alligators demonstrated that they can regrow damaged tails up to 9 inches in length.

A 1602 fresco by Domenichino showing Giulia Farnese with a unicorn.

You Can Get a Unicorn Hunting License From Michigan’s Lake Superior State College

Because the best way to find out if unicorns are real is to trek to the nearest forest and look for one yourself.

Bats can get cranky when they're being bothered by other bats.

Bats Argue a Lot, According to Science

The winged creatures are a mainstay of the macabre. But bats are probably too busy yelling at each other to bother you.

Scientists Have Observed Octopuses "Punching" Fish Silly

Researchers at the University of Lisbon have confirmed that octopuses will not hesitate to check a fish by smacking it senseless.

Why Do Dogs Have Whiskers?

To many dog owners, whiskers are just another cute feature on their pup's face. But they're much more than that to the canines who sport them.

Pooli the cat modeling her uniform on her 15th birthday.

6 Heroic Military Cats

Dogs and horses may rightfully claim their share of battlefield glory, but cats have proven themselves just as brave, cunning, and loyal.

Why Do Cats Throw Up So Often?

Even if you're used to seeing your cat throw up, don't ignore it: It could be a sign of something serious.

A young beaver with all four feet firmly on the ground.

Watch: In 1948, Idaho Officials Sent 76 Beavers Parachuting Into Idaho’s Wilderness

“It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a parachuting beaver!” —Something you probably thought you’d never say.

These birds will put your sewing skills to shame.

Watch as the Amazing Tailorbird ‘Sews’ Its Nest Together

In place of fingers and sewing equipment, watch as a tailorbird uses foraged fibers and a needle-like beak to stitch its nest.

Need to Know the Sex of a Wild Turkey? Look at Its Poop

Learn the difference between male and female turkey poop if you need a gross Thanksgiving conversation topic.

Reward Your Dog This Holiday Season With an Advent Calendar Filled With Treats

This holiday season, give your dog daily healthy supplements in their very own Advent calendar created by GoodBoy.

You might have forgotten that November 1st is National Cook for Your Pets Day, but your dog didn't.

25 Offbeat Holidays You Can Celebrate in November

In between preparing for Thanksgiving and doing some early holiday shopping, be sure to take some time to celebrate these other, less well-known holidays.

Squirrels are looking to pumpkins for sustenance this year.

Squirrels Are Assaulting Porch Pumpkins Across the Country—Here's How to Stop It

The rodents have taken to noshing on pumpkins this Halloween season, but there are a few ways you can fight back.

This year's first place finisher is a young zebrafish photographed from above.

See the Big Winners of Nikon’s Microscopic Photo Competition

Snail tongues and nylon stockings are surprisingly beautiful. Fruit bat skeletons, on the other hand? Terrifying.

Police In Wareham, Massachusetts Beg Residents to Stop Calling In About a Sunfish

Throughout Monday, calls poured in about a large, awkward-looking fish floundering off the coast of Wareham, Massachusetts.

Study Finds Slow-Blinking at Your Cat Could Improve Your Communication

You can’t exactly spell out “I love you” via blinking, but it could help you send positive vibes to your precious pet.

Jgritz~commonswiki, Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 2.5

Tasmanian Devils Have Been Reintroduced to Australia’s Mainland After 3000 Years

Their population has dwindled by 90 percent in recent decades, but Tasmanian devils are starting to make a comeback in mainland Australia.

Who wouldn't be screaming in this situation?

Why Are Humans Afraid of Bugs?

Our ancestors may have predisposed us to fear spiders, insects, and other many-legged creatures, but there's a lot more to it.

A look at the Global Safety Net's online map application.

Which Places Should We Protect First to Stop Climate Change? This Interactive Map Tells You

Certain lands can store large quantities of carbon (though we also need to cut carbon emissions in the first place).

Lefty, last year's Fat Bear Week runner-up.

Drop Everything! Fat Bear Week Has Arrived in Alaska’s Katmai National Park

The brown bears are ballooning in preparation for the long winter—and it’s up to you to decide which is the fattest.

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