NATURE

8 Fascinating Facts About Quicksand

In the 1960s, one in 35 movies featured someone getting sucked into quicksand.

Watch This Carnivorous Plant Consume an Unlucky Insect

Watch up close as one Cape sundew plant uses its tentacles to trap and entomb an insect.

7 Majestic Facts About Devils Tower

There's much more to the Wyoming landmark than what you saw in ’Close Encounters of the Third Kind.’

The Grand Canyon can be all yours—minus the admission fee.

All National Parks Are Offering Free Admission This Saturday

In honor of Veterans Day, you can visit any one of the National Park Service's more than 400 parks on Saturday, November 11, 2023, for free.

People often mistake a red fox’s bark for the sound of a person screaming.

11 Animals that Make Terrifying Sounds

Red foxes, barn owls, and American alligators are just a few beasts that make scary sounds.

Hawaii is home to a number of lava tubes.

What Is a Lava Tube, and Where Can I Find One?

Caves and volcanoes don’t often go hand-in-hand in our imaginations, but the second most common type of cave in the world is made from the power of volcanoes.

Planning a Vacation? Here’s How to Make Sure You Don’t Bring Any Bed Bugs Home With You

A study shows that bed bugs love dirty clothes. Follow these tips to keep them from hitching a ride home with you.

Two-time Fat Beat champ 747 is looking to defend his title.

Fat Bear Week 2023 Is Coming to Katmai National Park

Alaska's Katmai National Park and Preserve is kicking off its Fat Bear Week tournament—and the competition looks as fierce, and chonky, as ever.

Biltmore’s formal gardens are augmented with fall foliage from nearby forests.

Watch a Time-Lapse Video of the Changing Seasons at Biltmore Gardens

Spring isn't the only time of year the gardens are worth visiting.

Pinpoint the perfect weekend for leaf-peeping.

Get Excited for Fall With the 2023 Peak Foliage Map

Can't wait for fall? Start planning the ultimate leaf-peeping expedition now with this interactive map showing peak foliage predictions for 2023.

Jacques Barraband, ‘Carolina Parakeet’ (1801)

The Curious Extinction of the Carolina Parakeet: An Avian Cold Case

The North American parrots vanished mysteriously in the early 20th century. Now scientists are closer to solving their disappearance.

Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park on September 23, 2023, and volunteer to keep the heavily visited park in top shape.

Visit Any National Park Property for Free on September 23—or Volunteer to Help Maintain Them

On September 23, 2023, you can visit the Statue of Liberty, Alcatraz Island, or any of the 400-plus other monuments, parks, and historical sites overseen by the National Park Service for free.

16 Animals With Delightfully Obvious Names

From burrowing owls to smooth green snakes, these animal names don't leave much to the imagination.

Nearly 60,000 Beluga Whales Are Migrating from the Arctic Into Canada—and Webcams Will Capture Their Journey

Thousands of beluga whales are swimming south, and you can watch their progress live.

The stuff hanging from these trees isn't actually moss.

10 Fascinating Facts About Spanish Moss

Spanish moss is neither Spanish nor moss. But the iconic Southern plant has an interesting history.

Wondering what to take on your next adventure? These products can help.

Traveling In A Van This Summer? These 12 Essentials Will Make Your Time On The Road Easier

Before you hit the highway, be sure to stock up on these van life essentials that’ll make your next adventure even more enjoyable.

3 Mountains Taller Than Mount Everest

Mount Everest may seem like it's as tall and as high a mountain as has ever existed. But the title of Tallest Mountain all depends on how—and where—you make your measurements.

10 Terrifyingly Huge Birds You Should Know

The biggest birds on Earth stand taller than the average human and have the attitude to match. Here are 10 intimidating-looking species from around the world.