NATURE

These majestic creatures keep the ocean under control in many ways.

Whale Pee Is Good for the Ocean, Study Finds

A new study reveals that baleen whales, including humpbacks and gray whales, enrich oceans when they take a whizz.

The gray wolf is an endangered species in most of the U.S.

The 10 Best States for Wildlife Protection

Where does your state rank when it comes to wildlife conservation?

'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.

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.

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.

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.

Robert Kennicott, pictured against Alaska’s Kennicott Glacier, was a key figure in the Smithsonian’s formative years.

Death of a Scientist: The Mysterious Demise of Smithsonian Pioneer Robert Kennicott

In 1866, Kennicott was found dead near the Yukon River. It would be 150 years before anyone knew why.

Mantis Shrimp Remain Unharmed While Dealing Deadly Punches, Study Shows

Mantis shrimp can deal incredible blows without damaging themselves, but how? The makeup of their armor is key.

Scotland Has “No Intention” of Banning Cats, First Minister Confirms

The Scottish government won’t be rounding up people’s pets any time soon.

Gibellula pulchra is in the same genus as Gibellula attenboroughii.

Scientists Identify Fungus Turning Spiders Into “Zombies” in Northern Ireland

Researchers discovered a parasitic fungus that controls spiders‘ behavior, akin to the zombie ant fungus.

How Do Octopuses Poop?

The funnel they use to get around serves a dual purpose.

Newly metamorphosed Darwin’s froglet at London Zoo.

London Zoo Welcomes 33 Endangered Froglets That Emerged From Their Fathers’ Mouths

The Southern Darwin’s frog is unique in the amphibian world, and conservationists are racing to save it from extinction.

Camera-Shy Mount Lyell Shrew Photographed for the First Time in California

The elusive mammal was finally ready for its close-up.

You can enjoy your time at national parks without spending so much.

7 Ways to Save Money on Your Next National Park Trip

Discover tips to save on entrance fees, lodging, and meals while enjoying national parks.

Can You Guess the Animal Phobia?

See if you can spot the names of these common (and not so common) terms for animal apprehension.

Study Reveals How Some Corals ‘Walk’ Across the Sea Floor

Witness a mushroom coral on the move.

The corpse flower‘s name comes from its nasty smell.

Tune Into a Livestream of a Blooming Corpse Flower in Sydney

Catch the blooming of Sydney‘s corpse flower without being exposed to its infamous odor.

Dogs make great truffle hunting helpers.

Dogs Sniff Out Two New Species of Truffles in the U.S.

The two new truffle species hadn’t been formally identified by scientists before the canines discovered them.

Meet Bathynomus Vaderi, the Foot-Long Sea Bug Named After Darth Vader

Bathynomus vaderi is a supergiant isopod that can grow 12.7 inches in length.

Poppy Napping Underwater on the Poppy Cam

Move Over, Moo Deng: Virginia Zoo Launches Live Stream of Poppy, Its New Baby Pygmy Hippo

Meet Poppy, the newest baby pygmy hippo that‘s stealing hearts.

This isn't Australia's first tussle with mystery beach blobs. A similar incident happened in 2024.

Mystery ‘Grease Balls’ Washing Ashore in Australia Are Prompting Beach Closures

The tiny little tar blobs could be nothing—or they could be dangerous.

A man checking out Caspar David Friedrich’s ‘The Sea of Ice.’

9 Winter Paintings Inspired by Real Events

From post-battle landscapes to cold weather fun, the events that occurred during frosty temperatures have led many an artist to pick up their brush and get painting.

Airbnb is lending a hand (and homes) to wildfire victims.

Airbnb Is Offering Free Stays to Victims of LA’s Wildfires

The home-sharing app is opening its doors to people displaced by LA’s current crisis.