NATURE

A major thunderstorm is about to blow over this vineyard.

Scattered vs. Isolated Thunderstorms: What’s the Difference?

Meteorologists convey the chance of cloud cover or rain in percentages, but what those numbers mean in the real world isn’t always clear—so you’ll often hear terms like ‘scattered’ and ‘isolated’ to describe thunderstorms.

A Hefty History of Fat Bear Week

Take a look at the origins of Fat Bear Week, an annual celebration of the brown bears at Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Reserve.

An aerial view of the rust-colored Kutuk River in Gates of the Arctic National Park in Alaska. Thawing permafrost is exposing minerals to weathering, increasing the acidity of the water, which releases metals like iron, zinc and copper.

Alaska’s Rivers Are Turning Orange, and Yeah, It’s Probably Climate Change

A new study shows that rusty discoloration in Alaska’s otherwise pristine streams and rivers is likely due to melting permafrost—and that’s a problem for Arctic animals and people.

15 Fun Facts About Deer

White-tailed deer are the most common deer in the United States. Here are some fascinating deer facts deer.

Elephants are among the smartest mammals.

7 Behaviors That Show Elephants Are Incredibly Smart

Elephants demonstrate complex behaviors that researchers have associated with empathy and mourning, pointing to the animals’ high level of intelligence.

7 Tough Facts About Tardigrades

The microscopic “moss piglets” may be the hardiest creatures on Earth—and anywhere else.

15 Wild Facts About Zebras

Some of these animals are rugged mountaineers, some have spots instead of stripes, and some of them bark like dogs. And if you want to tell the zebra species apart, look at their rumps.

Indian cabbage white butterfly (left), luna moth (right).

What’s the Difference Between Moths and Butterflies?

Both develop from caterpillars and both have impressive wings, but if you know what to look for, it's easy to tell moths and butterflies apart.

11 Facts That Could Save Your Life

We’re covering practical tips (like the scent that will alert you to an impending electrical fire) to decidedly stranger ones (how to get out of a kangaroo attack) in the latest episode of The List Show.

Do you know your leopards from your jaguars?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Animals—And How to Tell the Difference

You won't confuse a moth and a butterfly or an alligator and a crocodile again.

A semi-accurate rendering of a crocodile.

10 Historical First Impressions of Animals and Plants

From the “dark politicks” of cuttlefish to the “prodigious bigness” of snakes, here are 10 accounts of the first times explorers encountered new animals, foods, and more.

11 Sharp Facts about Porcupines

Porcupines might be considered a prickly bunch, but you’ll find they're pretty docile once you get to know them.

A beautiful barn owl sneaks up on its prey.

How Do Owls Fly So Silently?

Owl feathers’ special structures help the wise birds sneak up on their meals.

Raccoons are smart, dextrous, and in your garbage cans.

10 Clever Facts About Raccoons

Whether they’re scaling skyscrapers or digging through your trash, raccoons are fascinating. Discover more about their habits, diet, and intelligence.

16 Facts About Squirrels

Whether you view squirrels as adorable little creatures or persistent pests bent on chewing everything in sight, there's more to the ubiquitous rodents than meets the eye.

How Foxes Might Use Earth's Magnetic Field to Hunt Prey

Foxes are highly skilled hunters, which allows them to eat a variety of small animals.

A quartet of northern pintail ducks in flight.

10 Delightful Facts About Ducks

Discover fascinating facts about ducks, from their adaptation to cold temperatures to their rude nesting habits.

Why Do Birds Sing at Dawn?

Uncover the secrets of the dawn chorus and why birds choose to sing in the early hours.

Wallabies vs. Kangaroos: What’s the Difference?

Are wallabies kangaroos? Learn about the family connection and physical traits that set them apart in the animal kingdom.

The word ‘blueberry’ may be false advertising.

Are Blueberries Blue? The Answer Is Surprisingly Complicated

Blue pigmentation doesn't exist in the plant kingdom, but blueberries have found a unique way around this.

20 Things You Might Not Know About Giraffes

Discover 20 amazing facts about giraffes, from their sprinting speed to their unique sleeping habits.

Atmospheric rivers slammed Southern California in February 2024 and caused widespread floods and mudslides.

What Is an Atmospheric River?

Explore the role of these weather systems in transporting moisture from the tropics and spreading it worldwide.

A green sea turtle swims in the waters off Maui.

20 Terrific Facts About Sea Turtles

Did you know that sea turtles can dive up to 3000 feet deep and migrate thousands of miles? Learn more intriguing facts about these incredible creatures.

10 Hefty Facts About Moose

Explore some big facts about moose, from their antler combat to the mystery behind their declining populations.

PREV NEXT