NATURE

They‘re cute but also unlikely to survive in the wilderness.

Dachshund Refuses to Come Home After Surviving on a Wild Island for Over a Year

A miniature dachshund named Valerie has defied the odds, evading capture and surviving in the wild for over a year.

Scientists have captured little chirps from rig sharks (also known as ‘lemon fish‘ and ‘spotted dogfish,‘ according to the NIWA).

Listen to a Shark ‘Chirp’ in First-of-Its-Kind Audio Recording

For the first time, researchers have documented a shark producing sound.

Yellowstone‘s Castle Geyser is doing its thing.

Yellowstone’s New Thermal Vent May Be Easy to Spot This Summer

A newly discovered vent at Yellowstone National Park has caught the attention of researchers and tourists.

Maine Fisherman Pampers the Protected Lobsters He Catches With Claw Manicures

One Maine lobster fisherman goes the extra mile by taking care of the protected crustaceans he catches before returning them to the water.

Brave Octopus Filmed Hitchhiking on a 10-Foot Shark

A Maori octopus was spotted clinging to a shortfin mako shark, leaving scientists puzzled.

A new device might make it easier for you to have a green thumb.

New Device Could Allow Your Houseplants to Communicate When They’re Stressed

Researchers have created a sensor that monitors plant stress, which could one day be a game-changer for anyone with a black thumb.

The Best States for Birdwatching, Mapped

Use this map to plan your birding schedule ahead of the spring migration.

5 Fascinating Animals Named After Disney Characters

Classic Disney characters have lent their names to spiders, dinos, and more.

A backpacker enjoys the view in Chugach State Park near Anchorage, Alaska.

The 10 U.S. Cities With the Most Green Space

From Chesapeake, Virginia, to Anchorage, Alaska, these cities offer plenty of parkland.

5 Fast Facts About the Spring Equinox

Wondering when the first day of spring is in 2025? Here’s everything you need to know about the vernal equinox.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park tops the list.

The 10 Most Popular National Parks of 2024

Which U.S. national parks saw the most visitors in 2024? Super-popular spots included Yosemite, Acadia, and Glacier National Park.

As beautiful as it is, the Grand Canyon has seen many deaths.

The 10 Deadliest National Park Properties in the U.S.

Find out which national parks have recorded the most fatal incidents in recent years.

These penguins are going to be living their best lives.

Older Penguins Moved to the New England Aquarium’s New ‘Retirement Island’

The New England Aquarium’s retirement area for penguins offers specialized healthcare and a peaceful habitat for elderly birds.

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.