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Animals News
'Extinct' Bird Rediscovered in Myanmar, Surprising Scientists
March 5, 2015
The Myanmar Jerdon's babbler was thought to have gone the way of the dodo—until scientists stumbled across it during a 2014 expedition.
Watch: Ice Fishermen Pull Up Live Bird
March 5, 2015
Watch fishermen in Pennsylvania catch a red-breasted merganser.
Ringling Bros. to Retire Its Circus Elephants
March 5, 2015
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey has long been under fire for its treatment of elephants.
Why Do Killer Whales Undergo Menopause?
March 5, 2015
Female killer whales that live long past their "child-bearing" days may be wise matriarchs that help their groups survive, a new study claims.
Yaks May Be Climbing Higher Due to Climate Change
March 4, 2015
A lack of snow on the Tibetan Plateau is pushing thirsty yak females into steeper habitat, a new study says.
Did Dog-Human Alliance Drive Out the Neanderthals?
March 4, 2015
With the help of wolf dogs, early humans out-hunted—and outlasted—Neanderthals.
Weasel Rides Woodpecker in Viral Photo—But Is It Real?
March 3, 2015
A once-in-a-lifetime photo shows what happens when a weasel attacks a woodpecker-and gets more than it bargained for.
Pictures: 8 Amazing Animals at Risk From Wildlife Crimes
March 3, 2015
In observance of the World Wildlife Day's mission of highlighting wildlife crimes, here are some of the animals that fall prey to people's thirst for trophies and exotic cures.
Wild Panda Population Up Dramatically in China, Government Says
March 2, 2015
The new numbers may reflect better and broader surveying techniques as much as a true boost in population, expert cautions.
Chilean Birdman Leads Efforts to Save Seabird in World's Driest Desert
February 28, 2015
This little guy symbolizes protection of nature and resilience in the harshest of conditions, says naturalist.
Why Are Elephants and Other Animals So Wrinkly?
February 28, 2015
Loose skin helps African elephants keep cool and naked mole rats burrow underground, for starters.
Corpse Bride: Lizard Necrophilia Reported in Brazil
February 27, 2015
A recent report of a male black-and-white tegus attempting to mate with a dead female in Brazil raises the question: Why are some animals necrophiliacs?
In Honor of International Polar Bear Day, Spectacular Pictures of a Threatened Species
February 27, 2015
Take a peek at polar bears playing, swimming, and sleeping in their changing habitat.
Many Animals—Including Your Dog—May Have Horrible Short-Term Memories
February 26, 2015
Human ability to remember past events is unique, according to a new study of animals' limited short-term memories.
Deadly Frog Fungus Pops Up in Madagascar, an Amphibian Wonderland
February 25, 2015
Chytrid fungus, responsible for amphibian declines and extinctions around the world, is now confirmed in Madagascar.
Longer Eyelashes May Be Sexier, But Not Always Better
February 24, 2015
Experiments find a perfect length for protecting the eye and show that many animals have hit upon this "golden ratio."
Rats Remember Who's Nice to Them—and Return the Favor
February 24, 2015
The more a rat helps another, the more it'll receive in return, a new study says—the first such discovery in nonhumans.
600,000 Baby Salmon Head to the Pacific, With a Little Help
February 24, 2015
As California's drought endangers Chinook salmon, fisheries officials release 600,000 baby salmon into the Sacramento River, triple the usual number, in hopes that many return to spawn.
Watch: Stealthy Octopus Leaps From Water and Attacks Crab
February 24, 2015
A YouTube user in Australia captured video of an octopus ambushing a crab—"sheer aggressiveness" that surprised even a senior scientist.
The Sex Lives of Slugs—and Other Mysteries of the Animal Kingdom
February 22, 2015
People are not separate from the rest of the animal kingdom, author says.
How Did Long-Necked Dinosaurs Drink Without Getting Dizzy?
February 21, 2015
The giraffe's amazing ability to regulate its blood flow may offer clues to how long-necked dinos could drink without passing out.
Watch: Rare Tiger Family Caught on Video in China
February 20, 2015
The video may show that Siberian tigers are rebounding in China, where the subspecies had been hunted nearly to extinction, conservationists say.
Modest Mollusk May Sport World's Strongest Material
February 20, 2015
The limpet's hardy teeth may inspire stronger and lighter race cars and boats, a new study says.
Crocodiles Play, Too, Study Says—Why Do Animals Have Fun?
February 19, 2015
For the first time, scientists have documented several species of crocodile relatives playing-but scientists still don't know what animals get out of having fun.
Ants Maintain 'Toilets' in Their Nests, First-Ever Study Shows
February 18, 2015
Designated bathrooms may keep the colony healthy or feed its young, according to experiments with black garden ants.
Graveyard of Giant Lemurs Discovered Underwater in Madagascar
February 17, 2015
Cave divers explore treasure trove of extinct lemur bones.
Rogue 'Electro-Fishing' Puts River Dolphins at Risk in Myanmar
February 17, 2015
Fishing gangs on the Irrawaddy River use electricity to illegally increase their catch.
Man's Best Friend: Photos From Around the World
February 16, 2015
To kick off the Westminster Dog Show, we've called up some favorite photos from our archives.
Male Mandarin Ducks Are Flashy Suitors But Poor Fathers
February 15, 2015
Females are left to rear ducklings while male mandarin ducks get together for a molting party.
What Do Animals See in the Mirror?
February 14, 2015
Asian elephants, magpies, and great apes are among the species that can recognize their own images in the looking glass.
Nearly 200 Whales Stranded on New Zealand Beach
February 13, 2015
Nearly 200 pilot whales are stranded on a New Zealand beach, prompting a massive rescue effort.
Bug Kama Sutra: Flexible Moth Evolved Many Ways to Mate
February 13, 2015
Every day is Valentine's Day for the gold swift moth, which may have the most advanced mating system of any insect.
Dog Days of Winter? Alaska's Lack of Snow Forces Change in Iditarod
February 12, 2015
For only the second time in its 43-year history, the event's starting line was moved from near Anchorage to chillier Fairbanks.
Grand Canyon Wolf That Made Epic Journey Shot Dead in Utah
February 12, 2015
The famed gray wolf that had journeyed to the Grand Canyon from the Northern Rockies late last year was shot dead in Utah, according to the U.S. government.
Dogs Know What That Smile on Your Face Means
February 12, 2015
Fido knows whether you're happy or angry by your facial expression, according to a new study.
Mysterious Sea Lion Die-Off Strikes Again on California Coast
February 11, 2015
Tiny sea lion pups are washing up on beaches in unusually high numbers—for the third winter in a row.
4 Clever (and Kind of Sad) Ways Animals Adapt to Humans
February 11, 2015
A new study suggests orangutans travel logging roads as a way to save energy—and they aren't the only animals taking advantage of humans' changes to the natural world.
DNA Reveals How Darwin's Finches Evolved
February 11, 2015
Scientists for the first time deciphered the entire genome of the Galápagos Islands finches, discovering a gene behind the evolution of their unusual beaks.
Fighting Over Herring—the Little Fish That Feeds Multitudes
February 11, 2015
Pacific herring stocks are shadows of their former abundance. But the Canadian government wants to reopen fishing off British Columbia.
Watch: 'Bigfoot' Spotted in Yellowstone National Park?
February 10, 2015
A new video purports to reveal a group of Sasquatch in Yellowstone—what does a scientist have to say about the mythical creature?
Imperiled Monarch Butterflies Get $3.2 Million From U.S. Government
February 9, 2015
The U.S. government will commit millions of dollars to the fight to save monarch butterflies.<p> </p><p> </p>
Why Do Plant-Eating Gorillas Have Big, Sharp Teeth?
February 6, 2015
Hint: To look fierce. This week, we're delving into the choppers of the animal world.
Zimbabwe Planning to Increase Its Sales of Baby Elephants, Sources Say
February 6, 2015
Zimbabwe embraces lucrative export of baby elephants as more humane than lethal culling.
Bright Pink Sea Slugs Invading New Habitats Due to Global Warming?
February 6, 2015
The colorful invertebrates are moving north along the California coast as ocean waters warm due to global climate change, scientists say.
Rarely Seen Moonfish, Size of Manhole Cover, Caught on Camera
February 5, 2015
A photographer caught the 130-pound monster on camera in November off the southern California coast.
Captive Killer Whale Is Ruled to Be Member of Endangered Species
February 4, 2015
A captive orca in Florida has been ruled to be a member of an endangered species, but it will remain in an aquarium for the foreseeable future.
Extremely Rare Fox Seen in Yosemite—First Time in 100 Years
February 4, 2015
Camera traps recently captured one of the rarest animals in North America, the Sierra Nevada red fox, in Yosemite National Park.
Cute Killers? Gray Seals Maul, Suffocate Seals and Porpoises, Studies Say
February 3, 2015
Big-eyed and adorable, gray seals are also surprising killers, skinning and eating harbor seals and porpoises in the North Sea, according to several new research studies.
Groundhogs Aren't Looking for Their Shadow—They're Scoping Out the Opposite Sex
February 1, 2015
When groundhogs emerge from their burrows on February 2, they're really not focused on shadows; they're focused on sex.
Unlike Footballs, These Animals Are Meant to Deflate
January 31, 2015
These 11 animals inflate on command, whether for protection, mating, communication-or just to get a few hours of sleep.
What Makes a Great Sled Dog? Breed, Ambition, Tough Feet
January 31, 2015
Impatient tugs, excited yips, and pricked ears convey the joy of being unleashed on a snowy trail.
Is Pollution Weakening Polar Bears' Ability to Mate?
January 30, 2015
Arctic pollutants may damage males' penises, leaving them unable to reproduce.
Get to the Point: 5 Fast Facts About Porcupines
January 30, 2015
Teddy Bear, the internet's famous porcupine, charms people with his vocals, but in real life porcupines rely less on squeaks than scents.
Could Drilling in the Atlantic Harm Fish, Whales, Turtles?
January 29, 2015
A proposal from President Barack Obama could open parts of the U.S. Atlantic coast to drilling for the first time. The area is home to hundreds of animal species.
See-Through Fish Discovered Under Antarctica's Ice
January 27, 2015
Transparent fish and myriad microbes turn up deep below Antarctica's ice.
Slugs and Bugs: 6 Bizarre Animal Mascots in U.S. Sports
January 25, 2015
Mud hens, boll weevils, and banana slugs make for unlikely team symbols—but they're all tough in their own way.
Mass Death of Seabirds in Western U.S. Is 'Unprecedented'
January 23, 2015
Thousands of dead auklets are washing ashore from California to Canada. Will other species be next?
Rare Picture: Hippo Seen Eating Hippo—and More Cannibals
January 23, 2015
Only the second case of cannibalistic hippos has been recorded in South Africa-but they're not the only animals that eat their own kind.
Why It's So Hard to Stop Zimbabwe's Export of Baby Elephants
January 23, 2015
The export of dozens of elephants is legal under the global treaty that governs the endangered species trade.
South Africa Sees Record Year for Rhino Poaching
January 22, 2015
New rhino poaching numbers from South Africa frustrate conservationists, who have been battling illegal hunting for years.
Rare Shark That Inspired Sea Monster Myths Is Caught
January 22, 2015
A rarely seen frilled shark was caught by fishers off the coast of Australia.
Watch: Bird Mimics Caterpillar (and Other Animal Imposters)
January 22, 2015
A baby bird that resembles a toxic caterpillar is among several animals that masquerade as other species to trick predators.
Watch Jumbo Squid Speak by 'Flashing' Each Other
January 21, 2015
The giant cannibals "speak" in a language of whole-body flashes that scientists are just now starting to understand.
India's Tigers May Be Rebounding, in Rare Success for Endangered Species
January 20, 2015
Members of the tiger conservation community are hailing a rise in tiger numbers in India.
Freshly Eaten Snake Makes Amazing Escape—Find Out How
January 20, 2015
A wild snake likely survived its predator's death at the paws of a cat because it was agile and had just been eaten, expert says.
Our Favorite Penguin Pictures: Fuzzy Chicks, Expert Divers, More
January 20, 2015
From impossibly fuzzy chicks to superfast divers, see some of our favorite National Geographic pictures of penguins in action.
You Can't Hurry Love: How Slow-Moving Sloths Mate (Video)
January 20, 2015
When one of Earth's slowest mammals mates, "apparently it's very quick."
Toxic Snail Puts Fish in a Sugar Coma, Then Eats Them
January 19, 2015
Fish are easy pickings after this slow-moving predator blasts them with a cloud of insulin.
Endangered No Longer: Our Favorite Pictures of Bald Eagles
January 17, 2015
For Bald Eagle Appreciation Day, we've compiled our favorite images of these iconic raptors.
American's Bid to Take Home Rhino Head Stokes Hunting Debate
January 16, 2015
U.S. agency faces unprecedented pressure from those opposed to rhino hunt.
What's a Black Panther, Really?
January 16, 2015
First things first: A "black panther" is not its own species-it's an umbrella term that refers to any big cat species that sports a black coat.
So About That Hairy Guy on the Bus … True-Life Animal Commuters
January 15, 2015
A Seattle dog learned to hop the bus to the dog park, and she's not the only furry rider on public transit.
As Oceans Heat Up, a Race to Save World's Coral Reefs
January 15, 2015
Climate change has damaged reefs around the world, with rising sea temperatures and increased ocean acidification. Can science help reefs recover?
How Do Sea Turtles Find the Exact Beach Where They Were Born?
January 15, 2015
Loggerhead sea turtles can return to the beach where they were born using the Earth's magnetic field as a guide, a new study says.
5 Ways Regular People Are Tracking Wildlife With Personal Tech
January 14, 2015
See a whale shark on your Florida vacation? You could join a network of people who upload their pictures and video to databases that help wildlife biologists do their work.
Why Do Zebras Have Stripes? New Study Makes Temperature Connection
January 14, 2015
The answer to the age-old question may come down to temperature, suggests a study that finds more stripes on zebras in warmer places.
Mass Animal Die-Offs Are on the Rise, Killing Billions and Raising Questions
January 13, 2015
Disease and human interference cause many of the biggest animal die-offs.
Motorboat-Size Sea Monster Found, Sheds Insight on Evolution
January 13, 2015
Nessie's got some competition: a 170-million-year-old marine reptile that comes from a prehistoric period little known to scientists.
Heads Will Roll: 5 of Nature's Most Brutal Bug Decapitators
January 12, 2015
From head-popping flies to deadly dung beetles, see our roundup of the most cunning insect headhunters.
Arctic's 'Penguins of the North' Find Workaround to Climate Change
January 12, 2015
Scientists warn that climate change is disrupting Arctic ecology in unpredictable ways.
Why Do Dogs Watch—and React—to TV?
January 11, 2015
For Weird Animal Question of the Week, we tackle the question of how man's best friend recognizes animals on the tube, and why our pets often have strong reactions.
Pictures From Our Favorite Pet Instagram Accounts
January 9, 2015
Adorable snapshots of the web's most popular pets.
Panda Playing in Snow Goes Viral: How Do Zoos Plan for Weather?
January 9, 2015
A viral video shows a cold-loving panda frolicking in the snow, but zoos also accommodate animals that live where the weather differs from their natural habitat.
'Bag of Chips' Effect: Bats Eavesdrop on Other Bats to Find Food
January 8, 2015
Bats keep an ear out not only for the rustling wings of potential prey, but also for other bats that have found their own stash of food.
Watch: Fishermen Catch Huge Numbers of Live Venomous Sea Snakes
January 8, 2015
With little known about sea snakes, scientists worry that massive harvests could be damaging wild populations.
How Killer Fungus Burns Up Bats From the Inside
January 7, 2015
White-nose syndrome, which has clobbered U.S. bat populations for seven years, causes severe dehydration and chemical changes in the body, a new study reveals.
For Orphaned Elephant Calf, Harrowing Rescue Ends in Hope
January 7, 2015
In Kenya, baby elephant fights to survive after poachers poisoned her mother.
Watch Dogs Rescued From a Dog Meat Farm Get New Shot at Life
January 6, 2015
Twenty-three dogs from South Korea arrived in the U.S. this week, the next step in a journey from meat farm to a loving home.
Why Do Disco Clams Put On Brilliant Underwater Light Shows?
January 6, 2015
The mollusk's flamboyance may warn predators or lure prey, new research suggests.
Legalizing Rhino Horn Trade Won't Save Species, Ecologist Argues
January 6, 2015
In South America, legal trade in vicuña wool has led to more poaching, a Chilean scientist warns.
Graphic: What Animals Appear Most on National Geographic's Cover?
January 1, 2015
Animals have been on the cover 153 times. Which one has shown up most often?
Winning Chile's Marquee Endurance Horse Race Demands More Than Speed
December 30, 2014
See how the ancient bond between horse and human finds new meaning in the hills of Chile.
National Geographic's Favorite Bird Pictures
December 27, 2014
In honor of the 115th anniversary of the Audubon Christmas Bird Count, National Geographic editors searched the archives for our most compelling bird pictures.
Stepping Out of the Lab to Help Millions of Trafficked Animals
December 26, 2014
Emerging Explorer Juliana Machado Ferreira says that the sprawling trade in illegal wildlife, especially birds, threatens whole ecosystems.
Top 5 National Geographic Videos of 2014
December 26, 2014
In a year filled with compelling stories, some really stand out. Below is a list of our top 5 videos from 2014.
Audubon's Christmas Bird Count Turns 115: Why Does It Matter?
December 24, 2014
On the 115th anniversary of the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count, we take a look at one of the world's largest citizen science efforts.
Laurent de Brunhoff Reveals Shocking Beginning of Beloved Babar Series
December 24, 2014
The scoop on what's behind the shocking killing of the little elephant's mother in the first Babar book-and on who's writing the series now.
Krampus's Sidekick? Fanged "Vampire Deer" Explained
December 24, 2014
If Krampus had reindeer, they might have fangs, but true vampire deer are too shy and gentle to cavort with the Christmas devil.
Was Monkey Actually Trying to Revive Shocked Companion?
December 23, 2014
A monkey in India revived its companion after it got shocked at a train station. But how did it know what to do?
Top 10 Weirdest Animal Stories of 2014: Editors' Picks
December 23, 2014
From a snake virgin birth to a real-life unicorn, 2014 was a banner year for the bizarre. See our editors' picks for weirdest animal stories.
What's the Difference Between Rabbits and Hares?
December 19, 2014
Hares are less social than bunnies, and their lively courtship and skittish behavior likely inspired the term "harebrained."
Watch: World's Deepest Fish Lurks 5 Miles Down in Mariana Trench
December 19, 2014
Video footage shows a delicate, transparent animal with a doglike head more than five miles down.
Move Over, Rudolph: National Geographic's Favorite Reindeer Pictures
December 19, 2014
With Christmas just around the corner, National Geographic editors choose the most compelling pictures of reindeer and the indigenous people who depend on them.
For Leopards in Iran and Iraq, Land Mines Are a Surprising Refuge
December 19, 2014
Targeted by hunters and threatened by shrinking habitat, Persian leopards fight for survival along the Iran-Iraq border.
Watch a Tortoise Rescue Another in Distress—Was It Trying to Help?
December 18, 2014
A viral YouTube video showing a tortoise pushing another back on its feet may be a case of aggressive courtship, expert says.
Wolves and Bears Stage Comeback in Crowded, Urban Europe
December 18, 2014
Large predators are filling the forests and abandoned farmlands of Europe, a return to the wild not always comfortable for people.
Birds May Have Sensed Severe Storms Days in Advance
December 18, 2014
A flock of warblers suddenly left Tennessee in advance of severe thunderstorms, suggesting that they had sensed the weather and fled, a new study says.
Peculiar Extinct Fish With Spines Named for National Geographic
December 18, 2014
Natgeosocus sorini, which swam in subtropical seas about 36 million years ago, helps illuminate a rare, extinct family of fish.
4-Foot Salamander Arrives in London as Face of New Conservation Effort
December 17, 2014
Professor Wu, a critically endangered Chinese giant salamander, is the face of a new effort to save these creatures in the wild.
Tracking Mountain Lions in California's Urban Jungles
December 17, 2014
Researchers are tracking the elusive predators as habitat loss pushes them closer to urban areas.
Zimbabwe's Reported Plan to Export Baby Elephants Raises Outcry Against Animal Trade
December 17, 2014
Zimbabwe reportedly has rounded up dozens of baby elephants from a national park for export to China.
Death of Rare White Rhino Leaves 5 in the World
December 16, 2014
Breeding the remaining northern white rhinoceroses with their cousins may preserve some of their genes, scientists say.
Watch: Video of Rare Deep-Sea Shark Blows Researcher's Mind
December 16, 2014
A Greenland shark, one of the world's largest shark species, pops up on deep-sea video and shocks scientists.
A Prince of a Paramour
December 15, 2014
Drawn by the male's serenades, one lady frog after another comes to play house.
Monkey Day Pictures: Our Favorite Primates Around the World
December 14, 2014
In honor of Monkey Day, National Geographic photo editors choose their favorite primate pictures from our archive.
Weird Animal Question of the Week: Oddest Eggs of the Animal Kingdom
December 13, 2014
From the horn shark's "drill bit" egg case to the lacewing's sticky stalks, an egg's shape and size can help protect it from predators.
New Pictures of Hollywood Cougar Show Sleeker, Healthier Cat
December 11, 2014
Hollywood's resident cougar, named P-22, has recovered from mange and is looking healthier than ever, new camera-trap pictures reveal.
New Family Tree Illuminates 'Big Bang' in Bird Evolution After Dinosaur Extinction
December 11, 2014
The most comprehensive bird family tree ever can help answer questions on everything from dinosaur evolution to human health.
Remembering Game Warden Who Brought Rhinos Back From the Brink
December 11, 2014
Conservationist Damien Mander reflects on the passing of his mentor, South African game warden Ian Player.
Mystery Solved? How Butterflies Came to Look Like Dead Leaves
December 10, 2014
The secret of how butterflies came to look like leaves may have been revealed, a new study says.
Mystery Grand Canyon Animal Is a Gray Wolf—Can It Survive?
December 10, 2014
An animal spotted this fall on the Kaibab Plateau is a gray wolf from the northern Rockies, says the U.S. government-but can it survive?
Fish Smell Like the Coral They Eat—Disguise Is New to Science
December 9, 2014
Coral-dwelling filefish camouflage themselves by smelling like their prey-a disguise that's new to science.
Feathered Fossils Give Scaly Dinosaurs a Makeover
December 9, 2014
Long before flying evolved, dinosaurs flaunted feathers, recent discoveries reveal.
On U.S. Visit, Prince William Takes Aim at Wildlife Trafficking
December 8, 2014
England's Prince William is putting the spotlight on the black market in wildlife trade during his royal visit to the United States.
New Doubts About Whether Elephants Can Survive South Sudan's Civil War
December 8, 2014
Before war broke out in December 2013, things were getting better for South Sudan's elephants, conservationist says.
5 Irresistible National Geographic Cover Photos
December 6, 2014
In its 126-year history, National Geographic magazine has published 1,465 covers. Here are some of the best of the best.
Weird Animal Question of the Week: What's the Most Toxic Snake?
December 6, 2014
Technically, it's the inland taipan—but other snakes are more dangerous.
Two-Faced Cats: How Do They Get That Way?
December 5, 2014
The famous Frank and Louie, whose genetic mutation gave it two faces, died at 15.
Andean Pumas Bring National Park in Argentina Back to Life
December 5, 2014
The return of pumas to a national park in Argentina is starting to revive the world around them.
China's Expanding Middle Class Fuels Poaching, Decadence in Myanmar
December 5, 2014
In a Myanmar border town, endangered animals are sold as medicines and meat to newly affluent Chinese.
New Bird Species Confirmed in Indonesia, 15 Years After First Sighting
December 4, 2014
First spotted by bird-watchers in 1997, the Sulawesi streaked flycatcher finally has been confirmed by scientists, a new study says.
When It Comes to Echolocation, Some Bats Just Wing It
December 4, 2014
Three kinds of fruit bats are the first animals found to create sonar clicks with their wings for echolocation, and they may not be the only ones.
Electric Eels Use Built-In "Taser" to Remotely Stun Their Prey
December 4, 2014
The predator's high-voltage jolt stuns its victims, allowing it to move in for the kill—the first such discovery in nature, a new study reveals.
Why Killing Wolves Might Not Save Livestock
December 3, 2014
Unless you kill a whole lot of them. Kill just a few wolves, a new study finds, and livestock losses actually rise.
Why Backyard Birds Are Getting Drunk on Fermented Berries
December 3, 2014
'Tis the hangover season for many birds-some of which have ended up in "drunk tanks" in Canada.
"Living Walls" Stop Lions From Attacking Livestock in Tanzania
December 2, 2014
A modern twist on a traditional structure in Tanzania has proved quite successful in maintaining lion populations, a new study says.
Bugs, Spiders Keep NYC Clean by Eating Garbage
December 2, 2014
Meet our cities' real litterbugs: New research shows that bugs consume a big portion of the food we toss on the ground.
Galápagos Sea Lion Sons Are Mama's Boys
December 2, 2014
On the Galápagos Islands, young male sea lions tend to wait on their mother for food while females dive for it themselves, a new study says.
For Big Cat Week, Our 6 Favorite Cat Videos
December 1, 2014
From a Siberian tiger on the hunt to a sprinting cheetah, see editors' picks for most compelling cat videos in honor of Big Cat Week.
Should Grizzlies Be Restored to the North Cascades?
November 30, 2014
The awe-inspiring bears are almost extinct in Washington State, but the government is now studying whether they should be brought back.
Back From the Battlefields, Soldiers Find Healing Ground
November 27, 2014
Veterans' retreat offers respite from wartime traumas.
Circus Lions Rescued in Peru, Headed for New Home in Colorado
November 26, 2014
Twenty-one circus lions and ten monkeys in Peru await transfer to a Colorado sanctuary early next year.
Our Favorite Pictures of Cats You've Never Heard Of
November 26, 2014
Paw through some of our favorite pictures of wild cats you've probably never heard of.
Teaching Kenya's Warriors to Make Peace With Fast-Disappearing Lions
November 26, 2014
National Geographic Emerging Explorer Shivani Bhalla enlists locals to save lions.
Rare Black Sea Devil Caught on Film for the First Time
November 25, 2014
Made famous in the movie Finding Nemo, a sea devil is caught on film for the first time.
How Did Manatees Inspire Mermaid Legends?
November 25, 2014
During Manatee Awareness Month, we take a look at how the docile aquatic mammal inspired mermaid myths around the world.
Q&A: INTERPOL Asks Public to Help Nab Environmental Crime Fugitives
November 24, 2014
INTERPOL's new initiatives highlight the seriousness and scope of environmental crime.
Four Weird Ways Animals Sense the World
November 22, 2014
Creatures like crabs, butterflies, snakes, and octopuses sense the world in unusual ways.
Downtown Coyotes: Inside the Secret Lives of Chicago's Predator
November 21, 2014
About 2,000 of the wild animals have adapted to life in the Windy City, new images and tracking data reveal.
Watch: This Is What Happens When You Give a Squirrel a GoPro
November 21, 2014
If you give a squirrel a GoPro, he's going to have some fun before he gives it back.
In Africa, Tracker Dogs Join War Against Elephant Poachers
November 20, 2014
It's all hands (and paws) on deck when it comes to the poaching crisis in Africa.
Polar Bear Numbers Plummeting in Alaska, Canada—What About the Rest?
November 19, 2014
The southern Beaufort Sea has lost almost half its polar bears in the past decade, but those in the remote Arctic remain a mystery.
Weird Animal Question of the Week: How Do Moose Get So Big Eating Plants?
November 19, 2014
Carnivores may be at the top of the food chain, but herbivores are often heftier. What gives?
Should U.S. Government Kill Thousands of Birds to Save Salmon?
November 18, 2014
In Oregon, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposes to shoot 16,000 cormorants that prey on steelhead and salmon in the Columbia River.
Monkeys Steer Wheelchairs With Their Brains, Raising Hope for Paralyzed People
November 18, 2014
A brain-controlled exoskeleton and wheelchair offer insights into how the brain creates movement, scientists report.
Why Are Millions of Starfish 'Melting'?
November 17, 2014
A virus is the culprit behind a gruesome wasting disease that has struck sea stars along the West Coast of Canada and the U.S.
Once Thought Extinct, North America's Rarest Mammal May Bounce Back
November 17, 2014
A captive-breeding program to restore one of North America's most endangered mammals to the western prairies of the United States may be starting to pay off.
Centuries-Old Fishery at Risk in a South African Marine Park
November 14, 2014
As the number of fish traps in South Africa's protected Kosi Bay increases and commercial interests intrude, fish populations are in jeopardy.
Watch: Can Drones Help Save Wildlife Around the World?
November 14, 2014
From retired military aircraft to DIY jobs, drones are on the front lines of wildlife conservation around the world.
Weird Animal Question of the Week: Animal Myths From Around the World
November 14, 2014
From the baby-delivering stork to the sacrificial lamb, people ascribe magical or religious qualities to animals.
Rare Southern Songbird Thrives in 'Biological Deserts': Pine Tree Farms
November 13, 2014
Swainson's warbler, a rare songbird, has weathered centuries of habitat loss and is now thriving in a surprising place: pine tree plantations in the southeastern U.S.
How Better Glass Can Save Hundreds of Millions of Birds a Year
November 13, 2014
We can prevent birds from flying into windows with current technologies—experts say we just need the will.
Watch: How Did a Young Elephant Drive Off 14 Lions?
November 13, 2014
The inexperienced youngster likely lucked out when it escaped the pride of hungry predators, expert says.
Orphaned Baby Sea Otter Learns to Float: Explaining Viral Video
November 12, 2014
How do you bring up an otter baby? An expert explains how to encourage vital life skills in an orphaned sea otter at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium.
Real-Life 'Unicorn' Found; Deer Has Extremely Rare Deformity
November 12, 2014
A roe deer shot by a hunter in Slovenia has a single antler that makes it look exactly like a unicorn.
At a California Sanctuary, One Woman's Battle to Save Endangered Birds
November 12, 2014
Birds mourn, love, court, have emotional memory, and make decisions about who they like and who they don't like, author says.
5 of Nature's Wildest Animal Showdowns
November 11, 2014
An octopus that wields a weapon made of jellyfish is just one example of a crazy animal fighter in the new book, National Geographic Angry Birds Animal Showdown.
Bees Wage Surprisingly Violent Wars—And Females Do the Fighting
November 10, 2014
Some Australian bees engage in extreme, months-long warfare led by females, which includes dragging the young outside the nest to die, a new study says.
Are Dangerous Spiders Hiding in Your Fruit?
November 10, 2014
Probably not, says a new study that shows most hitchhiking arachnids are harmless.
Q&A: Report Alleges Governments' Complicity in Tanzanian Elephant Poaching
November 8, 2014
Smugglers who dominate the illicit ivory trade</span><span> from Africa to China use Zanzibar as their shipping port, says coauthor of report.
New "Bat Frog" Found in Amazon, Named for Ozzy Osbourne
November 8, 2014
Named for Ozzy Osbourne, Dendropsophus ozzyi males make unusually high-pitched, chirpy calls like a bat, a new study says.
Billions Have Been Spent on Technology to Find IEDs, but Dogs Still Do It Better
November 7, 2014
These working dogs have saved countless soldiers' lives—and helped prevent PTSD.
Weird Animal Question of the Week: How Do Dogs Talk With Their Tails?
November 7, 2014
Dogs talk with their bodies—but what if genetics, selective breeding, or cosmetic procedures alter their tools of communication?
How Did Porcupine Repel 17 Lions? Explaining Viral Video
November 6, 2014
In a recent video, a plucky rodent used its quills, stomping, and rattling to defend itself against a pride of 17 big cats, expert says.
Bats Make Calls to Jam Rivals' Sonar—First Time Ever Found
November 6, 2014
The Mexican free-tailed bat emits a special call that blocks another bat's ability to hunt, a new study reveals for the first time.
After Vote, Baiting Bears With Doughnuts Poised to Stay Legal in Maine
November 5, 2014
With most of the votes counted, Mainers appear to reject a ban on the controversial hunting method of baiting black bears with doughnuts.
Fossil From Dinosaur Era Reveals Big Mammal With Super Senses
November 5, 2014
A nearly complete skull, found accidentally, belongs to the enigmatic Gondwanatherians, a group of ancient mammals that scientists know little about.
Remote-Control Penguin Rovers Fool Birds, Boost Science
November 4, 2014
A rover disguised as a penguin can sneak undetected among the real birds, which works better than other research methods, a new study says.
Male Tilapia Use Pee to Attract Females; Could It Help Fish Farms?
November 3, 2014
Urine of dominant males contains a pheromone irresistible to females-a discovery that could improve fish farming, a new study says.
Should We Bait Black Bears With Doughnuts? Maine Voters Will Decide
November 3, 2014
On Tuesday, Maine voters will decide whether it's cruel or necessary to hunt the state's black bears by baiting them with doughnuts.
Diaphanous, Sometimes Deadly, Jellyfish Pictures From National Geographic's Archives
November 3, 2014
See some of our favorite jellyfish pictures in honor of Jellyfish Day.
Gray Wolf Spotted in Grand Canyon for First Time in Decades?
November 1, 2014
If so, the gray wolf—legendary for traveling long distances—may be the first one seen in the Grand Canyon since the 1940s.
Meet 5 "Zombie" Parasites That Mind-Control Their Hosts
October 31, 2014
It's no Halloween movie-some parasites hijack their hosts' brains to make them act in horrific ways.
6 Bat Myths Busted: Are They Really Blind?
October 31, 2014
This Halloween, we're quashing rumors about the maligned mammal. For starters, they don't make nests in your hair.
National Bat Week Pictures: Just in Time for Halloween!
October 30, 2014
Celebrate National Bat Week by getting to know the world's only flying mammal.
Killer Fungus Threatens Salamanders
October 30, 2014
An Asian fungus is ravaging salamanders in Europe and could kill off populations in North America and elsewhere, researchers say.
Surprising Inner-City Frog Among 7 New Species Found in Asia
October 29, 2014
A frog species from the inner city heads a list of newly described golden-backed frogs in India and Sri Lanka.
Big City, Big Surprise: New York City's Newest Species Is a Frog
October 29, 2014
A frog species escaped notice for decades, only to be discovered on Staten Island.
Cat Day: Archival Pictures of Felines
October 29, 2014
What's up, pussycat? Photos of coy, cute cats from the National Geographic archives.
Bird Embryos Can Discern Between Calls—a First in Nature
October 28, 2014
Baby birds can discriminate sounds from different birds inside the egg—only the second species known to do so, a new study reveals.
Scientists Dress Up as the Animals They Study—And Not for Halloween
October 28, 2014
From whooping cranes to pandas, scientists masquerade as animals to get closer to their research subjects.
Watch How Maggots Help Solve Crimes
October 28, 2014
Researchers study when and how beetles and flies colonize dead bodies to learn more about establishing a time of death.
Africa's Lions May Be Deemed Threatened in U.S.—Will It Help?
October 27, 2014
Lions may get protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act—even though all the wild populations are in Africa.
Weird Animal Question of the Week: How Do You Collar Wild Animals?
October 24, 2014
From mountain lions to wolves to snakes, see how scientists capture and tag wildlife to find out more about their secret lives.
Male Birds Poison Themselves to Appear Sexier—a First
October 24, 2014
Great bustards eat poisonous beetles to combat intestinal parasites—and possibly appear healthier to females, a new study suggests.
David Gruber: Seeing the Ocean in Neon
October 24, 2014
The marine biologist discovered a world of glowing ocean creatures, never before seen by the human eye.
World's Longest Snake Has Virgin Birth—First Recorded in Species
October 23, 2014
Thelma, a reticulated python, produced six baby snakes without the help of a male, new DNA evidence shows.
U.S. Indictment Accuses South African Brothers of Trafficking Rhino Horns
October 23, 2014
Safari outfitters allegedly duped hunters into paying extra to illegally shoot rhinos.
New Tarantula (Not Beetle) Named After John Lennon
October 22, 2014
Bumba lennoni is named for the British rocker but lives in Brazil.
Mountain Goats Are Shrinking—A Lot—Because of Global Warming
October 22, 2014
Global warming over the past few decades has caused chamois goats in the Italian Alps to get smaller.
Milk Grown in a Lab Is Humane and Sustainable. But Can It Catch On?
October 22, 2014
A Silicon Valley vision: Instead of milking dairy cows, we could make milk in a lab with genetically engineered yeast.
Stunning Pictures: The Year's Best Wildlife Photographs
October 21, 2014
National Geographic photographers are among the winners of Wildlife Photography of the Year.
Extremely Rare White Rhino Dies in Kenya—His Kind Nearly Extinct
October 20, 2014
The northern white rhinoceros is one step closer to extinction with the death of Suni, one of only two breeding males left of the subspecies.
Armored Fish Pioneered Sex As You Know It
October 19, 2014
Fossils suggest that the first vertebrates to have sex performed the act side by side.
Beautiful Feather Pictures: Birds Flaunt Majestic Tails and Dramatic Collars
October 18, 2014
These cooing Casanovas use showstopping plumage to court females and fend off rivals.
Stinkbugs Have Spread to 41 States; Can We Stop Them?
October 17, 2014
Scientists are looking to parasitic wasps to control brown marmorated stinkbugs, which have now spread to 41 U.S. states.
Viral Shark Video Gives Rare Look at a Feeding Frenzy
October 15, 2014
Footage from the Outer Banks shows activity that is rarely seen near a beach.
Cloning Cows From Steaks (and Other Ways of Building Better Cattle)
October 15, 2014
Can animal geneticists breed-or clone-a cow that will taste great and have a smaller environmental hoofprint too?
4 Places Where Hunters Are Working to Protect Game Animals
October 15, 2014
From Washington State to North Dakota, hunters and fishers are working to ensure the survival of the very species they target.
As Dwindling Monarch Butterflies Make Their Migration, Feds Try to Save Them
October 10, 2014
<p id="docs-internal-guid-41a8fe97-fb7e-4f9d-1e25-b5e4d393df22" dir="ltr">The monarch butterfly is in trouble, and now the U.S. government is stepping in with Canada and Mexico to save the iconic annual migration. </p>
Endangered Orangutans Gain From Eco-Friendly Shifts in Palm Oil Market
October 9, 2014
Oil palm plantations are a major threat to orangutans, but new initiatives for deforestation-free palm oil may help save them.
Artist's Animal Work Isn't Warm and Fuzzy—It Aims to Stop Wildlife Slaughter
October 9, 2014
Asher Jay makes emotional connections for a cause.
Viral Photo of Great White Shark Stirs Debate Over Cages, Baiting
October 8, 2014
Picture highlights impact of popular cage diving in South Africa and beyond.
Beautiful Octopus Pictures: Masters of Disguise and Agile Hunters
October 8, 2014
In honor of International Octopus Day, sneak a peek at these quick-change artists as they hunt, hatch, and feed.
Rewilding the Land Can Repair Damage We've Caused and Reconnect Us to the Natural World.
October 8, 2014
We need to become enchanted with nature again, author says.
"Indomitable" Jaguars May Have Lessons in Survival for Us
October 3, 2014
Jaguar corridors in Central and South America are helping "the sumo wrestler of the animal kingdom" survive.
Rescued Sochi Dogs Adjusting to an American Life
October 3, 2014
Ten stray dogs sent to America to avoid extermination in Russia find homes.
Biggest Walrus Gathering Recorded as Sea Ice Shrinks
October 2, 2014
The biggest gathering of Pacific walruses ever recorded is congregated on a beach on the Chukchi Sea as sea ice shrinks due to climate change.
Cheetahs Lie Around Like Housecats, Saving Energy for Big Kills
October 2, 2014
Cheetahs and pumas exert as little energy as possible-but that balance could be upset by human influence, two new studies reveal.
Monarch Butterfly's Genes Reveal the Key to Its Long-Distance Migratio
October 1, 2014
Gene maps of monarch butterflies and related species suggest that an ice age shift explains their migrations, a study team suggests.
Has Half of World's Wildlife Been Lost in Past 40 Years?
September 30, 2014
The "2014 Living Planet Report" tracked population trends among species.
The Big Problem With Mini-Pigs
September 30, 2014
Mini-pigs that grow big are abandoned or euthanized. Can education, regulation, and sanctuaries solve the problem?
The Search for Missing Frogs Brings Some Species Back From the Dead
September 30, 2014
A six-month search for frogs that hadn't been seen in decades brings some species back from the dead.
Laser-Guided Sea-Monkeys Show That Tiny Animals Can Move Mountains of
September 30, 2014
Brine shrimp following a laser beam across a tank demonstrate how tiny swimming animals can influence ocean circulation.
How Burmese Elephants Helped Defeat the Japanese in World War II
September 28, 2014
A British "elephant whisperer" and his best beloved helpers waged guerrilla warfare and carried refugees to safety.
Where Peccaries Wallow, Other Animals Follow
September 27, 2014
Peccaries are like pigs: They wallow. In the Peruvian rain forest, those mud puddles are wildlife magnets.
Bird Droppings Led to U.S. Possession of Newly Protected Pacific Islands
September 26, 2014
How did remote islands, now home to the world's largest marine reserve, come into U.S. possession? The story is for the birds, the bats, and their guano.
Colorful World of Birding Has Conspicuous Lack of People of Color
September 23, 2014
Most bird-watchers are white. If that can change, it would be in everyone's best interest.
World Rhino Day Pictures: African, Asian Species in Crisis
September 22, 2014
All five species of rhinoceros are threatened by poaching—but efforts like World Rhino Day are trying to bring attention to their plight.
Sneak a Peek at 7 Pictures of Sea Otters at Home
September 20, 2014
Flip through seven pictures of these marine mammals in honor of sea otter awareness week.
Japan to Resume Whaling Next Year, Defying International Whaling Commi
September 18, 2014
The country will restart its controversial scientific whaling program next year.
Bear Mauling in Wyoming: Why Do They Attack?
September 18, 2014
A man attacked and killed by a bear in a remote forest in Wyoming is a reminder to always be prepared around the animals.
Boom in Retiring Lab Chimpanzees Fills New Sanctuaries With Apes
September 12, 2014
Former research subjects move from labs to sunny havens.
Faroe Island Whaling, a 1,000-Year Tradition, Comes Under Renewed Fire
September 11, 2014
A recent campaign spearheaded by Sea Shepherd seeks to end a thousand-year whaling tradition in the Faroe Islands.
Elephant Refuge Founder Mourned After Being Crushed to Death
September 10, 2014
The founder of an elephant sanctuary in Maine who was accidentally crushed to death by the animals is remembered and mourned.
Chisel-Toothed Beasts Push Back Origin of Mammals
September 10, 2014
Skeletons of mysterious creatures called haramiyids reset the timeline for when the first mammals evolved.
New Report Highlights Dire Situation of Many U.S. Birds
September 9, 2014
Some species seem to be recovering, while others are in dire straits, according to a new report.
Founder of Elephant Refuge Accidentally Crushed to Death by Elephants
September 9, 2014
The founder of an elephant sanctuary in Maine was accidentally crushed to death by the animals, according to news reports.
How Much Danger Do Ship Strikes Pose to Blue Whales?
September 6, 2014
A new study suggests that at least one blue whale population has recovered to pre-whaling numbers, but experts say whales' troubles are not over.
Nighttime Lights Reset Birds' Internal Clocks, Threatening Dawn's Chorus
September 4, 2014
City lights are throwing off birds' cues to sing, mate, and find food.
New Deep-Sea Animal Species Look Like Mushrooms but Defy Classification
September 3, 2014
A new species of deep-sea animal discovered in the Bass Strait of Australia may reshape the animal family tree.
Counting Elephants From the Air in Africa's Newest World Heritage Site
September 3, 2014
The Great Elephant Census adds Botswana's Okavango Delta to its continent-wide aerial count.
Century After Extinction, Passenger Pigeons Remain Iconic—And Scientists Hope to Bring Them Back
August 31, 2014
The 100th anniversary of the last of the species finds biologists dreaming of preventing or even reversing extinctions.
Can Elephants Survive a Legal Ivory Trade? Debate Is Shifting Against It
August 29, 2014
Stirring renewed debate, a respected conservationist argues that government corruption makes a legal ivory trade unworkable.
Many Bald Eagles Are Victims of Lead Poisoning, but This One Got Intensive Care
August 28, 2014
An eagle and its rescuers fight for its survival after the raptor is found dying by the side of the road.
Wild Birds' Songs, Feather Colors Changed by Mercury Contamination
August 28, 2014
Mercury in the environment affects birds' brains and alters the songs that they sing.
Q&A: To Stem Africa's Illegal Ivory Trade to Asia, Focus on Key Shipping Ports
August 27, 2014
Efforts to stop the illegal killing of African elephants should focus on ivory transshipment ports and personnel.
Iceland's Seabird Colonies Are Vanishing, With "Massive" Chick Deaths
August 27, 2014
Climate and ocean changes blamed for huge losses of puffins, kittiwakes, and terns.
Atop Food Chain, Ospreys Ingest Many Poisons, Revealing Environmental Dangers
August 26, 2014
As apex predators, ospreys get a mega-dose of contaminants-and help identify health threats.
The 1,300 Bird Species Facing Extinction Signal Threats to Human Health
August 25, 2014
Birds, the most watched nonhuman creatures on the planet, tip us off to threats to human health.
Successful Marburg Virus Treatment Offers Hope for Ebola Patients
August 20, 2014
An experimental therapy showed success in monkeys with Marburg virus, offering hope for new treatments for related Ebola virus.
How the Current Mass Extinction of Animals Threatens Humans
August 20, 2014
We seem indifferent to the mass extinction we're causing, yet we lose a part of ourselves when another animal dies out.
Jerusalem Zoo Struggles to Remain Common Ground for Israelis, Palestinians
August 19, 2014
Surrounded by war, Jerusalem's Biblical Zoo is an island of sanity in a complicated reality.
Monarch Butterfly's Reign Threatened by Milkweed Decline
August 19, 2014
Monarch butterflies are quickly disappearing, and the loss of essential milkweed is a major culprit.
100,000 Elephants Killed by Poachers in Just Three Years, Landmark Analysis Finds
August 18, 2014
Central Africa has lost 64 percent of its elephants in a decade, while 75 percent of all African elephant populations are in decline.
Giant Rats Trained to Sniff Out Tuberculosis in Africa
August 16, 2014
Already known for detecting land mines, the giant African rodents may be able to sniff out tuberculosis, the world's second most fatal infectious disease.
Schoolkids Write Book to Help Save Rhinos
August 14, 2014
A PTA mom/journalist tells how an Indonesian rhino became the hero of a book by elementary schoolchildren in Brooklyn, New York.
Shark Pictures: A Toothy Grin, Baby Pictures, and a Prickly Snout
August 14, 2014
Take a peek at some familiar, and not-so-familiar, sharks-from great whites to sawsharks to Greenland sharks.
Minke Whales Feast Under Antarctic Ice, Study Finds
August 13, 2014
Minke whales feast under Antarctic sea ice with frequent gulps of krill-laden water, study finds.
New Flying Reptile Found in "Unprecedented" Pterosaur Boneyard
August 13, 2014
A huge boneyard of 47 pterosaur fossils has revealed a new species and unprecedented insight into the lifestyles of the ancient flying beasts.
Vaquita Porpoise Faces Imminent Extinction—Can It Be Saved?
August 13, 2014
A scientific team commissioned by Mexico says vaquitas could be extinct by 2018 if gillnetting isn't banned immediately.
Pictures: World Elephant Day
August 12, 2014
Our relationship with elephants—from circus entertainers to loggers to black market bounties-is often complex, if not cruel.
Watch: How Far Do Your Cats Roam?
August 7, 2014
Cat Tracker uses GPS to reveal your cat's secret outdoor excursions—as well as help scientists figure out their impact on the environment.
World's Toughest Horse Race Retraces Genghis Khan's Postal Route
August 6, 2014
Riders attempt to stay atop half-wild Mongol horses for over 600 miles (1,000 kilometers).
The Perils of Aging: A Problem for Citizen Science?
August 6, 2014
Citizen science surveys help scientists take the pulse of bird populations-but errors creep into the data as volunteers age, according to a new study.
Beavers Are Mysteriously Back in Britain—but Not Entirely Welcome
August 4, 2014
The British government is concerned about the mysterious return of a potentially destructive animal long thought extinct.
Tiger Hunting in India 1924
August 3, 2014
American Brigadier General William Mitchell hunts tigers with an Indian maharaja in 1924.
Q&A: Can Airlifting Rhinos Out of South Africa Save the Species?
August 1, 2014
Conservationists Dereck and Beverly Joubert are taking drastic steps in the face of rampant rhino poaching in South Africa.
Mind in the Mound: How Do Termites Build Their Huge Structures?
July 31, 2014
Termites move a fourth of a metric ton of dirt to build mounds that can reach 17 feet (5 meters) and higher.
Pictures: The World's Tigers—There Are Only 3,200 Left in the Wild
July 29, 2014
Global Tiger Day was created to promote conservation of Asia's most iconic cat.
Social Octopus Species Shatters Beliefs About Ocean Dwellers
July 28, 2014
The discovery of an octopus that lives in big groups is shattering even the most expansive ideas of known octopus behavior.
Animals From Space: Polar Bears, Penguins Tracked Via Satellite
July 28, 2014
Keeping tabs on polar bears, penguins, and other creatures via satellite can be cheaper, easier, and more accurate, scientists say.
On the Hundredth Anniversary of the Start of World War I, Remembering the Part Animals Played
July 28, 2014
Ten million men died during the 1914-18 conflict-and so did eight million horses.
Tropical Fish Cause Trouble as Climate Change Drives Them Toward the Poles
July 25, 2014
Climate change drives sea creatures toward the Poles and into conflict with established communities.
Q&A: Scientist Studied His Poop for a Year to Learn About Gut Bugs
July 24, 2014
From flossing to food poisoning, scientists saw life's up and downs altering their gut bugs.
Opinion: It's Time to Stop Thinking That All Non-Native Species Are Evil
July 24, 2014
Have we been obsessing too much about invasive species? Is it time to stop hating them and focus on more important things-like preventing extinction?
Blue Whale "Hot Spots" Overlap With Shipping Lanes, Raising Threats
July 23, 2014
Popular spots for blue whales off the California coast overlap commercial shipping lanes, a new study finds.
First Nation Tribe Discovers Grizzly Bear "Highway" in Its Backyard
July 22, 2014
Canada's Heiltsuk people discover more grizzlies living in their midst than they thought.
What Do Wild Animals Do in a Wildfire?
July 21, 2014
As summer wildfires burn a million acres in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, some of the wild animals that live there have evolved to cope with—and even thrive after—the flames.
Do You Know Where Your Aquarium Fish Come From?
July 18, 2014
Finding where Nemo comes from can be an exercise in frustration, thanks to a global patchwork of aquarium trade regulations.
Can Snowshoe Hares Evolve to Cope With Climate Change?
July 17, 2014
The North American animals, which turn white each winter, may adapt to less snow by staying brown for longer periods, researchers suggest.
As Sea Ice Shrinks, Can Polar Bears Survive on Land?
July 17, 2014
Polar bears being forced on land by a lack of sea ice in Hudson Bay could stay alive by eating goose eggs and caribou, one scientist argues.
Shooting Owls to Save Other Owls
July 17, 2014
Protecting habitat hasn't stopped the spotted owl's decline. Will shooting its rivals help?
Found: 4 New Species of Gopher-Like Mammals
July 17, 2014
Researchers in southern Bolivia have discovered four new species of gopher-like rodents called tuco-tucos.
First Impressions: Working With Jane Goodall
July 15, 2014
Mary Smith, a former senior editor at National Geographic, talks about sharing Jane Goodall's seminal work with a wider audience.
Why the 67 Giant Snails Seized in L.A. Are Harmful
July 15, 2014
Officials at LAX recently seized 67 giant African land snails-voracious pests that live long, breed fast, and pose a threat to U.S. agriculture.
Long Tail Feathers Adorned Four-Winged Dinosaur
July 15, 2014
A four-winged dinosaur sported surprisingly long tail feathers, paleontologists report.
Bird Feeding Takes Wing in U.S., With Summer Meals, Designer Seed
July 13, 2014
Backyard birding is on the rise in the U.S., where designer seed and summer feeding are in. So is citizen science. But can the hobby diversify?
As Honeybees Die Off, First Inventory of Wild Bees Is Under Way
July 11, 2014
As honeybees die off, scientists are taking a closer look at North America's wild bees. Could they be the key to saving U.S. crops?
More Big Whales in Oceans Could Mean More Fish, Scientists Find
July 10, 2014
A new study reveals how scientists and fisheries managers have underestimated the importance of whales in ocean ecosystems.
Like in Humans, Genes Drive Half of Chimp Intelligence, Study Finds
July 10, 2014
A large study of chimps finds certain aspects of intelligence are more heritable than others.
Global Wildlife Summit: Fight Against Illegal Ivory Stalled in Thailand
July 9, 2014
Many countries are stemming the illegal trade of elephant ivory—except Thailand, conservation experts announced this week.
To Stay Alive, Ants Dump Their Dead
July 8, 2014
Removing corpses is key to keeping ant colonies healthy, a new study suggests.
California Shark Attack Involved "No Brainer" Danger
July 7, 2014
Attacks by great white sharks are on the rise, an expert says. But there are ways to reduce risk.
Biggest Flying Seabird Had 21-Foot Wingspan, Scientists Say
July 7, 2014
Twenty-five million years ago, a "toothed" seabird soared above the ocean with a 21-foot wingspan.
"Walking" Fish Make Annual California Appearance
July 6, 2014
Hunting, habitat loss could be taking toll on iconic grunion.
Carbon Credit Plan Aims to Save Kenyan Trees and Elephants—and Help Villagers
July 5, 2014
A commercial project in southern Kenya is the nation's first to use carbon offsets to mitigate global warming and aid local development.
As Mountain Gorillas Bounce Back, Rwanda Names Gorilla Newborns
July 2, 2014
Rwanda holds official naming ceremony for baby gorillas born over the past year.
Dinosaur-Era Fossil Shows Birds' Feathers Evolved Before Flight
July 2, 2014
Feathers covered the Archaeopteryx, the flightless ancient ancestral bird from the age of dinosaurs, a newly found fossil shows.
The Inside Story of a Landmark Environmental Lawsuit Brought Against the U.S. Navy
July 2, 2014
What caused whales that had lived off the Bahamas for 30 million years to become fatally stranded on beaches?
Unique Among Animals, Kangaroos Use Tail as Fifth Leg, Scientists Find
July 1, 2014
Kangaroos use their tails when walking, in effect giving them a fifth "leg."
Video: Injured Sea Turtles Get Healthy in Rehab
July 1, 2014
Sea turtles face myriad problems in the wild, and rehabilitation centers can help.
Fierce, Furry Fishers Are Expanding Their Range—and Bulk
June 30, 2014
Two centuries after it was nearly wiped out, a fierce member of the weasel family is returning to the Northeast-and thriving in the current food chain.
Albatross Internet Darling Takes First Flight
June 28, 2014
The world watches as a Laysan albatross chick grows up and takes to the sky.
Parrot Who Was Among Last of Its Kind, Said to Have Inspired 'Rio,' Dies
June 28, 2014
The rare, wild-born Spix's macaw could have injected some much-needed genetic diversity into captive-bred populations.
Controversial Copenhagen Zoo Official: Zoos Are Selling Disney "Fairy Tales"
June 26, 2014
Many zoos, especially in the United States, are masking the realities of nature from visitors, some experts said Wednesday in Copenhagen.
Amazing Video: Inside the World's Largest Gathering of Snakes
June 26, 2014
National Geographic photographer Paul Colangelo recently photographed the world's largest gathering of snakes-and emerged with a renewed appreciation for reptiles.
Rare Amazon Jungle Dog Caught on Video
June 26, 2014
Scientists hoping to record vultures at a carcass in the Amazon jungle of Peru captured on video a glimpse of a super-rare wild dog.
Great White Sharks Thriving in U.S. Waters
June 26, 2014
Great white sharks are coming back after decades of fishing pressure in U.S. waters.
Journey of Octopus Discovery Reveals Them to Be Playful, Curious, Smart
June 25, 2014
It took Billey less than an hour to figure out how to open a childproof jar, so what can't octopuses do?
New UN Report Puts Staggering Dollar Figures on Environmental Crime Revenues
June 24, 2014
Crimes from illegal fishing to ivory dealing yield tens of billions of dollars annually.
Migrating Monarch Butterflies Use Magnetic Compass to Cut Through Clouds
June 24, 2014
On cloudy days, monarch butterflies can use a magnetic compass to fly south.
Baby Elephants Have Sharp Soccer Skills, New Video Shows. World Cup Prospects? Probably Not.
June 23, 2014
Watch baby elephants at a Kenya orphanage play soccer with their feet and trunks.
A Teenage Girl's Life-Changing Encounter With Elephants
June 23, 2014
Sheila Hamanaka's new graphic novel for young readers describes an American teenage girl's life-changing encounter with elephants.
Opinion: Killing of Great Tusker in Kenya Recalls Lesson From the Past
June 19, 2014
A revered great tusker named Ahmed lived out his natural life, thanks to presidential protection by Kenya's former leader Jomo Kenyatta.
Mother Yaks Are a Step Above the Rest
June 19, 2014
A new study of Tibetan yaks—close relatives of American bison-finds that mothers climb highest when seeking food or safety.
Fish-Eating Spiders Can Catch Prey 5 Times Their Size
June 18, 2014
A new study finds there are more fish-eating spiders, in more parts of the world, than previously thought.
Video: Horseshoe Crabs Mate in Annual Beach "Orgy"
June 17, 2014
More ancient than the dinosaurs, horseshoe crabs show up early every summer to spawn on beaches in the eastern U.S.
Can Parasitic Wasps Help Save America's Citrus?
June 17, 2014
In California, a tiny wasp from Pakistan is helping ward off citrus greening, a disease that threatens the U.S. citrus industry.
Pacific Nation Bans Fishing in One of World's Largest Marine Parks
June 16, 2014
Kiribati announces "very significant" step at U.S. Our Ocean conference.
Spider's Personalities Determine Their Job Performance
June 16, 2014
Social spiders have personalities that determine which jobs they'll do best for their colonies.
Beloved African Elephant Killed for Ivory—"Monumental" Loss
June 16, 2014
The giant-tusked Satao, one of Kenya's most adored elephants, has been killed for his ivory-a "monumental" loss, experts say.
Virtual Dolphin on a Mission
June 15, 2014
A novel video game featuring a lifelike virtual dolphin may soon help stroke victims-and, eventually, real dolphins too.
Efforts to Curb Ivory Trafficking Spreading, but Killing Continues
June 13, 2014
Despite recent groundbreaking efforts to curb the illegal ivory trade, the slaughter of elephants in Africa goes on.
Threatened Species 'Red List' Warns 90 Percent of Lemur Species Face Extinction
June 13, 2014
Experts on rare and threatened species issue a warning that lemurs and slipper orchids are at risk of widespread extinction.
What Ate a 9-Foot Great White Shark? Another Great White?
June 13, 2014
Researchers are trying to figure out what ate a nine-foot-long great white shark off the coast of Australia.
Japan's Commercial Whaling Efforts Should Resume, Says Prime Minister
June 12, 2014
The country's prime minister has said he will step up efforts to restart commercial whaling.
Ancient Human-Chimp Link Pushed Back Millions of Years
June 12, 2014
Older fatherhood has its perils—sleepless nights, hard mornings, and, for male chimps, more mutations in your genes.
3-Legged Military Dog Skydives to Test Canine Combat Vest
June 12, 2014
Layka, a three-legged retired military working dog, took a skydive to test a canine combat vest.
Penguins That Weathered Past Climate Change Suffer This Time
June 12, 2014
Two penguin species that flourished under a past warming event aren't doing so well now.
Q&A: Explorer Shivani Bhalla Helps People and Lions Coexist
June 11, 2014
National Geographic Emerging Explorer Shivani Bhalla diffuses tensions between herders and predators in Kenya's Samburu.
Extinct Fox Species With Supersharp Teeth Discovered in Tibet
June 10, 2014
The discovery of the ancient, sharp-toothed predator may support the theory that many polar carnivores originated in Tibet.
Endangered Bonobos Reveal Evolution of Human Kindness
June 10, 2014
Orphaned bonobos are helping scientists discover the roots of human kindness.
Gulls Be Gone: 10 Ways to Get Rid of Pesky Birds
June 10, 2014
Seagulls can spread disease and be a safety hazard. Here's how to get rid of these pesky, pooping birds humanely.
Rats Show Regret After Making Wrong Choices, Scientists Say
June 8, 2014
Researchers studied brain areas involved in decision making, evaluating outcomes.
The Battle for Africa's Oldest National Park
June 6, 2014
Virunga National Park is home to 200 of the world's few remaining mountain gorillas. But the park is threatened by powerful figures and armed groups as oil exploration begins.
Infertility in Spanish Pigs Has Been Traced to Plastics. A Warning for Humans?
June 5, 2014
A scientist has connected infertility in pigs to compounds in plastic bags.
No Longer a Loner, Westernmost Wolf in Lower 48 States Is a Dad
June 5, 2014
Wolf that gained fame by wandering hundreds of miles west has at least two pups.
Spiders Listen to Their Webs
June 5, 2014
A spider's silk web is more than a home. It's also a stringed instrument.
U.S. Ivory Dealer Victor Gordon Sentenced to 30 Months for Smuggling
June 4, 2014
Nearly one ton of ivory seized in case against Victor Gordon of Philadelphia, sentenced today to 30 months in prison.
Forensic Technology Helps Case Against Suspected West African Ivory Dealer
June 3, 2014
Togo takes bold steps to stamp out smuggling of illegal ivory via the port city of Lome.
Last Stand for U.S. Ocelots?
June 3, 2014
Only 50 ocelots remain in the United States. Recovery measures are under way in Texas. But they may be too little too late.
Seabirds Can Spy Fishing Boats From 7 Miles Away, Scientists Find
June 2, 2014
The first ever study of a fishing boat's "halo of influence" reveals that a seabird species can zero in on fishing boats from a surprising 7 miles (11 kilometers) away.
Species Extinction Happening 1,000 Times Faster Because of Humans?
May 29, 2014
Species today are vanishing at a rate a thousand times higher than before humans existed. But burgeoning technology is giving conservationists new hope.
Madagascar Could Be on the Brink of Invasion by Asian Toad
May 28, 2014
Researchers worry that the Asian toad could bring death and disease to the island's native animals.
Earliest Bird Pollinator Found in Germany
May 27, 2014
A tiny bird from 47 million years ago is the first known pollinator.
Humans Evolved Weak Muscles to Feed Brain's Growth, Study Suggests
May 27, 2014
Human muscles have weakened quickly compared with other evolutionary changes separating us from chimps and other primates.
Longest Migration Among African Mammals Discovered
May 27, 2014
Research teams in Namibia and Botswana have documented a zebra migration that's longer and more direct than any other known mammal migration in Africa.
War Dog Helps Family Cope
May 23, 2014
After their son's death in Afghanistan, a family adopts the dog he served with.
Top 10 New Species of 2014
May 22, 2014
The top ten new species of 2014 show that biodiversity is alive and well.
Test-Tube Meat: Have Your Pig and Eat It Too
May 21, 2014
Don't kill the pig, say Dutch researchers-just grow its cells in the village meat factory.
World's Prettiest Tarantula Takes Best in Show 2014
May 21, 2014
Entrants from around the world brought more than 30,000 tarantulas to the English city of Coventry in hope of winning this year's first prize.
Dogs at War: Smoky, a Healing Presence for Wounded WWII Soldiers
May 20, 2014
For centuries military dogs have played important roles on the battlefield.
Q&A: National Aquarium CEO Discusses Dolphins' Retirement
May 20, 2014
Will the National Aquarium retire its dolphins-and create the first dolphin seaside sanctuary in the U.S.?
Dogs at War: Left Behind in Vietnam
May 19, 2014
For centuries military dogs have played important roles on the battlefield.
Dogs at War: Judy, Canine Prisoner of War
May 18, 2014
For centuries military dogs have played important roles on the battlefield.
Dogs at War: Caesar, One of the First Marine Dogs in the Pacific
May 17, 2014
For centuries military dogs have played important roles on the battlefield.
Horseshoe Crab Count Under Way on East Coast
May 16, 2014
Birds feeding on their eggs, biomedical companies collecting their blood, and others selling them as bait cause their numbers to fall.
Lone Wolf That Took Epic Journey Across West Finds a Mate
May 16, 2014
An Oregon wolf that headed west, traveling alone for hundreds of miles, is alone no longer.
Dogs at War: Three-Legged Dog Delivers Crucial Message in WWI
May 16, 2014
For centuries military dogs have played important roles on the battlefield.
Dolphin Exhibits May Close at the National Aquarium
May 15, 2014
Baltimore's National Aquarium studies whether to close its dolphin exhibits. Will others follow?
Beautiful, Golden Jellyfish Invading Fisher's Nets Is a New Species
May 15, 2014
Fishers first spotted hundreds of them clogging their nets last fall off the coast of Venice, Italy.
Hong Kong Set to Incinerate 29.6-Ton Ivory Stockpile in Largest Destruction to Date
May 14, 2014
Hong Kong's decision to destroy its ivory stockpile signals an attitudinal shift and sends a message that smuggling won't be tolerated.
Monk Seal Evolution Rewritten: Dwindling Animals "Even Rarer"
May 14, 2014
Scientists have discovered a new genus of monk seal, according to a new study—the first in the modern seal family in more than 140 years.
Why Fly? Flightless Bird Mystery Solved, Say Evolutionary Scientists
May 13, 2014
Evolutionary scientists have discovered that the flightless birds of the world evolved their ground-hugging ways separately.
Poachers Slaughter Dozens of Elephants in Key African Park
May 13, 2014
In DRC's Garamba park an estimated 33 elephants and 3 poachers—who were possibly with the Lord's Resistance Army—are dead.
The Camels and the Contagion
May 13, 2014
With hundreds of cases of the deadly MERS virus reported in the Middle East—and now two in the U.S.—epidemiologists are racing to solve the mystery of where it came from, how it spreads, and its strange connection to camels.
Canada Mauling Reflects Spike in Human-Bear Encounters
May 8, 2014
Though deadly bear attacks remain rare, maulings in the U.S. and Canada have doubled since 2010, researchers say.
Pain's Benefit to Squid May Hold Clues to Chronic Human Pain, Scientists Say
May 8, 2014
Pain can sometimes be a good thing: It may help injured squid survive encounters with predators, says a new study.
Cracking Mystery Reveals How Electronics Affect Bird Migration
May 7, 2014
From a glitch in a bird migration experiment, a scientist gains startling insight into the effects of weak broadband waves.
Ocean Acidification Chipping Away at Snail Shells
May 2, 2014
Researchers say that ocean acidification is dissolving the shells of a key snail species in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
African Bird Shouts False Alarms to Deceive and Steal, Study Shows
May 1, 2014
A new study reveals that a songbird in the Kalahari Desert uses a repertoire of more than 50 warning calls to trick other animals into abandoning their meals.
The Other Other White Meat
April 30, 2014
Ever heard of cobia? Meet tomorrow's fish—and a new way to farm that one man wants to bring to a coast near you.
Can Good Come From Maasai Lion Killings in the Serengeti?
April 28, 2014
Ritual killings by young Maasai warriors of as many as four lions in the Serengeti—and the accidental death of one of the Maasai-give new urgency to consideration of how to stop the killings.
Should We Save the Wolves of Isle Royale?
April 27, 2014
Fewer than a dozen gray wolves remain in Michigan's Isle Royale National Park. Should humans step in to save them?
Blue-Footed Booby Threatened in the Galápagos
April 25, 2014
As their fishy food source has declined, so has breeding among the bright-footed birds, a new study says.
In Hong Kong, Kids Take Action to Stop the Illegal Ivory Trade
April 24, 2014
Through school projects, petitions, and protests, schoolchildren in Hong Kong are helping reduce demand for ivory.
Pictures: Captivating Pictures of Africa's Disappearing Lions
April 19, 2014
In honor of World Lion Day, National Geographic presents some of our most captivating images of lions—a species that is dwindling in the wild.
Warden Wounded in Africa's Oldest National Park Had Enemies
April 18, 2014
Emmanuel de Merode, chief warden of Virunga National Park, is recovering from gunshot wounds suffered in an attack Tuesday.
Convicted Drug Dealer Indicted for Selling Rhino Horns
April 17, 2014
U.S. undercover investigation nets an alleged rhino horn trafficker with ties to former Medellín drug cartel.
Can World's Rarest Bear Be Saved?
April 17, 2014
Fewer than three dozen of the desert-dwelling Gobi bears survive in one of the harshest places on Earth.
Chimpanzees Make Beds That Offer Them Best Night's Sleep
April 16, 2014
Chimpanzees choose tree branches that give them the most firm, stable, and comfortable place to sleep, a new study says.
Why Are Black Bear Attacks Up in Florida?
April 15, 2014
After a woman was attacked in her garage by a black bear and officials kill five animals, we talked to an expert about why such incidents are on the rise.
One in Three Fish Imported Into U.S. May Be Illegal
April 9, 2014
A new study says 20 to 32 percent of wild-caught imported seafood comes from pirate fishing around the world.
Belgium Crushes its Elephant Ivory As Europe Takes Harder Look at Wildlife Trafficking
April 9, 2014
Belgium's ivory crush outside Brussels comes the day before an EU conference on measures to reduce wildlife trafficking.
Gulf Oil Spill "Not Over": Dolphins, Turtles Dying in Record Numbers
April 8, 2014
Four years after the biggest oil spill in U.S. history, the Gulf of Mexico's wildlife species are still struggling to recover, according to a new report released today.
Two Prairie Voles Walk Into a Bar... Then Scientists Study Alcohol's Effects on Couples Bonding
April 7, 2014
A new study reveals how alcohol affects the brain chemistry of pair-bonding prairie voles.
Q&A: Pets Are Becoming People, Legally Speaking
April 6, 2014
Cats and dogs are gaining more rights, reports author David Grimm in his new book Citizen Canine.
Getting to Know Afghanistan's Huge New National Park
April 4, 2014
Wakhan National Park protects mountains, snow leopards, and traditional ways of life.
Researcher Explains How Crows Solved a Challenge From "Aesop's Fables."
April 3, 2014
In a new study, crows solved a challenge from Aesop's Fables, showing scientists how their minds work.
Rescue Dogs Tested by Washington Mudslide Recovery: Q&A With a Handler
April 2, 2014
After the March 22 mudslide in Oso, Washington, sniffer-dogs' efforts to find victims are hampered by packed mud, rushing water, and poor weather.
Q&A: On Her 80th Birthday, Jane Goodall Discusses Her Legacy—and What's Next
April 2, 2014
Jane Goodall's work with chimps has evolved over half a century from field research to successful advocacy.
Q&A: A Kenyan Priest Talks About His Commitment to Saving Wildlife
April 1, 2014
Father Charles Odira joins a growing body of religious leaders committed to stopping wildlife trafficking and protecting nature.
One of World's Last Sumatran Rhinos Dies at Cincinnati Zoo
March 31, 2014
The death of Suci, 10, is a "devastating blow" to her rapidly dwindling species, according to zoo officials.
Too Many Salmon in the Sea, Pacific Study Hints
March 31, 2014
Fueled by rising sea temperatures, pink salmon have become too abundant for the good of other marine life and need to be scaled back, a seabird study argues.
Japan Halts Whaling Program in Response to International Court Ruling
March 31, 2014
A United Nations court ruled that Japan's program to take whales in the Southern Ocean is not for scientific purposes and must stop.
Why Do Animals Sometimes Kill Their Babies?
March 28, 2014
Infanticide by males in the wild is a winning strategy in life's biggest sweepstakes: reproductive success. But what prompts a mother in a zoo to eat her babies?
Ten Stray Dogs From Sochi Arrive in U.S. for Adoption
March 28, 2014
Ten dogs rescued from the streets of Sochi, Russia, arrived at the Washington D.C. Animal Rescue League Thursday evening on their way to new homes in the U.S.
No Real Animals Aboard Hollywood Noah's Ark
March 28, 2014
No live lions or tigers or bears appear in Darren Aronofsky's epic film, Noah—for reasons both political and practical.
Military Dolphins and Sea Lions: What Do They Do and Who Uses Them?
March 28, 2014
For all our advanced technology, nothing beats the ability of bottlenose dolphins and sea lions to find things in the ocean.
Opinion: Killing Healthy Zoo Animals Is Wrong—And the Public Agrees
March 27, 2014
The recent deaths of four zoo lions and a giraffe, perversely justified "in the name of conservation," were easily avoidable, a scientist says.
Hey Kids, All Deer Aren't Like Bambi
March 27, 2014
A new study says that children learn facts about animals better from realistic books than from books that give the animals humanlike features.
Climate Change Shrinks Salamanders
March 27, 2014
Amphibians are responding to warmer, drier conditions, says new study.
Elusive Whales Set New Record for Depth and Length of Dives Among Mammals
March 26, 2014
These elusive whales dive nearly 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) deep off the coast of southern California.
Copenhagen Zoo Kills 4 Lions After Controversial Giraffe Death
March 26, 2014
The zoo that earned international condemnation for killing a healthy giraffe in February has euthanized four African lions.
Video: Inside Look at Insect Flight
March 25, 2014
Scientists have developed a CT scanning technique that lets them view the inner workings of insects' muscles while in flight.
Q&A: Giant-Bird Research Illuminates "Chicken From Hell" Dinosaur
March 25, 2014
A dinosaur-and-bird expert weighs in on how the newfound "chicken from hell" dinosaur might have looked and acted.
Galveston Oil Spill Threatening Crucial Bird Refuge
March 24, 2014
Nearly 200,000 gallons of oil that spilled into Galveston Bay could harm birds in a globally important refuge, experts say.
Q&A: How Can Our Noses Smell a Trillion Different Odor Mixtures?
March 21, 2014
Our noses are much better at sussing out scents than previously thought, says a new study.
Photos: Masters of Disguise—Amazing Insect Camouflage
March 21, 2014
Insects disguise themselves in amazing and elaborate ways to avoid being eaten.
Q&A: Neil Shubin Explores "Your Inner Fish"
March 21, 2014
Fossil hunter Neil Shubin explores evolution in a new PBS series based on his best-selling book, "Your Inner Fish."
Are Wildlife Sanctuaries Good for Animals?
March 20, 2014
Animal activists believe some sanctuaries undermine the very mission they're meant to serve.
New "Chicken From Hell" Dinosaur Discovered
March 19, 2014
The 66-million-year-old Anzu wyliei resembled a demonic cassowary, according to a new analysis of incredibly well preserved fossils.
Chicken DNA Challenges Theory That Polynesians Beat Europeans to Americas
March 18, 2014
Study of chicken DNA raises doubts that Polynesian seafarers reached the coast of South America.
Narwhal's Trademark Tusk Acts Like a Sensor, Scientist Says
March 18, 2014
The Arctic whale's tusk is actually a tooth that can grow more than nine feet long; it has baffled people for centuries.
Behind the Cover: April 2014
March 17, 2014
We wanted an exotic pet that would catch the reader's eye. A hedgehog was the choice-but catching its eye turned out to be quite challenging.
Climate Change Will Test Turtles' Mettle
March 17, 2014
Warming oceans, rising sea levels, more frequent and violent storms-these predicted effects of climate change put sea turtles at risk. Can they rise to the challenge?
Birds Don't Like Old Man Winter Anymore, Either
March 14, 2014
The harsh winter has taken a toll on bird populations. Robins, wrens, and woodcocks are among the sufferers.
Causes of the Furred and Feathered Rule the Internet
March 14, 2014
Animal advocacy groups get their messages out better than anyone else, thanks to the Internet and social media.
Extinct Porpoise Found to Be First Mammal With Major Underbite
March 13, 2014
A newly described extinct porpoise species had a pronounced underbite, the first seen in mammals.
Good News for Animals in Nepal: A Full Year Without Poaching
March 12, 2014
Last year more than 700 wildlife criminals were arrested in Nepal, thanks to a multilayered system of information gathering, enforcement, and swift justice.
Scientists Track a Great White Shark Across the Atlantic for the First Time
March 11, 2014
A white shark nicknamed Lydia is the first of her species to be tracked across the Atlantic Ocean.
How a Leopard Seal Fed Me Penguins
March 11, 2014
Paul Nicklen says the assignment that put him face to face with a toothy leopard seal "will stay with me forever."
Elephants Know How Dangerous We Are From How We Speak
March 10, 2014
A new study of elephants in Kenya's Amboseli park reveals that they can tell from how we speak just who poses the greatest danger.
Why Do 16th-Century Manuscripts Show Cats With Flaming Backpacks?
March 10, 2014
Illustrations in 16th-century artillery manuals show how to use cats to attack a city.
5 Surprising Facts About the Iditarod Dog Sled Race
March 8, 2014
The Iditarod dogsled race started on Sunday-here's what you might not know about the so-called last great race.
Bindi Irwin Takes Heat for New SeaWorld Project
March 7, 2014
Steve Irwin's daughter Bindi gets caught up in Blackfish controversy.
How a River Otter Can Bag an Alligator for Lunch
March 6, 2014
Photos capture a river otter attacking a gator in a Florida river. The otter then feasted, witnesses say.
Five Bald Eagle Cams to Watch Now
March 6, 2014
Bald eagles have made a comeback. See life in the nest now during peak nesting season.
Killing Wildlife: The Pros and Cons of Culling Animals
March 5, 2014
Recently proposed culling programs that target bison, swans, geese, deer, and badgers have proponents on both sides. But is culling necessary? And does it work?
Drone Captures Stunning Bird's-eye Video of Dolphin Superpod
March 5, 2014
Boat captain uses drone and GoPro camera to capture rare footage of a dolphin megapod off California.
First Ever Fatwa Issued Against Wildlife Trafficking
March 4, 2014
Indonesia's senior Muslim clerics issue first ever fatwa against wildlife smuggling and challenge the country's 200 million Muslims to protect threatened wildlife.
Nearly 200 New Species of Parasitic Wasps Discovered in Costa Rica
March 4, 2014
Nearly 200 new species of parasitic wasps were identified in a Costa Rican conservation area.
Pictures: How a Python Can Swallow a Crocodile
March 3, 2014
In an epic battle, a 10-foot olive python got the best of a Johnson's crocodile, and a lucky passerby snapped photos.
Opinion: End Illegal Wildlife Trafficking on World Wildlife Day
March 3, 2014
U.S. officials call for a crackdown on the illegal trade in wildlife, and for everyone to help.
High-Tech Tuna Researcher Uncovers Marvels of the Big Fish
March 1, 2014
Using cutting-edge research tools, Stanford professor Barbara Block is unraveling the mysteries and revealing the marvels of bluefin tuna.
Atlantic Seismic Tests for Oil: Marine Animals at Risk?
February 28, 2014
An environmental review paves the way for seismic oil and gas exploration off the U.S. Atlantic coast. Some areas will be closed to air guns to protect marine mammals and turtles.
John Steinbeck: Google Doodle Honors Author, Dog Lover
February 27, 2014
Today's Google Doodle celebrates the 112th birthday of John Steinbeck, whose book Travels With Charley, the story of his 40-state road trip with a standard poodle, still resonates with dog lovers.
Video Cameras Reveal Secret Lives of Reef Sharks
February 27, 2014
Video cameras reveal some surprising behaviors of reef sharks off the coast of Hawaii.
Tiny Algae Responsible for Mysterious Fossil Whale Graveyard?
February 27, 2014
A fossil whale graveyard in Chile could have been the result of poisoning by microscopic algae, says a recent study.
Bad News for Bumblebees: Disease Spreading From Honeybees
February 27, 2014
Honeybee declines have gotten all the buzz, but scientists find that bumblebees are also susceptible to their cousins' worst diseases.
Clintons Say to End Ivory Trade, Everyone Needs to Act
February 24, 2014
Ending the ivory trade requires businesses and consumers to take up the fight, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton argue in the Financial Times.
What Are Animals Really Thinking? Author Explores Hidden World
February 23, 2014
Science writer Virginia Morell, whose book "Animal Wise" is a finalist for the L.A. Times Book Prize in Science and Technology, talks to us about probing animal minds.
It's Time to Accept That Elephants, Like Us, Are Empathetic Beings
February 21, 2014
The evidence for empathy in elephants seems overwhelming, so can we now draw on our own empathetic nature to end their slaughter?
Explorer Returns to Emperor Penguin Colony in Search of a True Count
February 19, 2014
Explorer Alain Hubert journeys across ice to take a census of a remote colony of emperor penguins.
One-of-a-Kind Aztec Dog Burials Found in Mexico
February 18, 2014
Mexican archaeologists have found the bones of Aztec dogs, mysteriously buried together 500 years ago.
Surprise: Elephants Comfort Upset Friends
February 18, 2014
Asian elephants recognize distress in others, offering gentle caresses and chirps of sympathy, a new study says.
Dancing Animals Help Tell Us Why Music Evolved
February 16, 2014
While investigating why and how music evolved in humans, researchers are finding that some animals can keep a beat.
To Know Bats Is to Love Them
February 15, 2014
From childhood Merlin Tuttle has been nuts for bats—their behavior, their role in nature, their fetching little faces, and even their smiles.
Is Climate Change Increasing the Disease Risk for Arctic Marine Mammals?
February 14, 2014
A changing Arctic may be increasing the disease risk for animals like beluga whales and seals.
First on National Geographic: Second Giraffe Won't Be Killed, Says Denmark Zoo
February 14, 2014
A Danish zoo won't kill a second giraffe in that country, a European animal welfare agency says, despite widespread media reports.
Found: New Beetle Collected by Darwin 180 Years Ago
February 13, 2014
A beetle collected by Charles Darwin 180 years ago was declared a new species on February 12, the 205th anniversary of his birth.
London Summit Intensifies Battle Against Wildlife Crime
February 12, 2014
At a London summit, world leaders and ministers demonstrate growing political will for action against wildlife crime.
Understanding the Wire Fox Terrier, One of Westminster's Winningest Dogs
February 12, 2014
A decorated breed, the wire fox terrier, takes top honors in a Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show that was marked by new entrants.
Feathered Dinosaur Colors Bloomed 150 Million Years Ago
February 12, 2014
Early birds, and mammals, quickly sprouted a variety of colors more than 150 million years ago, a new study suggests.
Opinion: Killing of Marius the Giraffe Exposes Myths About Zoos
February 12, 2014
Are zoos the conservation sanctuaries they claim to be? In Europe, only 13 percent of the species kept in its zoos are endangered.
Fighting Wildlife Crime: New U.S. Strategy Broadens Scope
February 11, 2014
President Obama unveils plan for curbing wildlife trafficking and combating organizedcrime in Africa.
United States Tightens the Noose on the Ivory Trade
February 11, 2014
As part of a new national strategy to combat wildlife trafficking, the Obama Administration closes loopholes on the domestic U.S. ivory trade. Writer Bryan Christy comments.
Domesticated Camels Came to Israel in 930 B.C., Centuries Later Than Bible Says
February 10, 2014
Domesticated camels weren't known in Israel until about 900 B.C., when there were major changes in copper production throughout the region.
Writer Who Exposed Songbird Slaughter Applauds Albania's Hunting Ban
February 10, 2014
National Geographic story about the slaughter of migrating birds influenced Albania's decision.
Albania's Hunting Ban: Birds and Mammals Get a Two-Year Break
February 10, 2014
The small Balkan nation of Albania, until recently a "death trap for migrating birds," has enacted a landmark moratorium on hunting to protect birds and other wildlife.
Giraffe Killing at Copenhagen Zoo Sparks Global Outrage
February 10, 2014
A healthy male giraffe was euthanized because its genes didn't add to the diversity of the zoo population.
Military Dog Reportedly Held Hostage by the Taliban
February 6, 2014
A Western military dog is reportedly being held hostage by the Taliban-a tragic turn of events in the storied history of war dogs.
Stray Dogs in Sochi: What Happens to the World's Free-Roaming Canines?
February 6, 2014
Sochi's decision to kill its stray dogs isn't unusual: Many countries exterminate their strays, while others place them in mass shelters or sterilize them.
Woolly Mammoths Wiped Out by Grass Invasion?
February 5, 2014
A switch from flowery to grass-dominated steppes across the Arctic may have bumped off the woolly mammoth, a new study says.
A New, More Humane Way to Euthanize Stranded Whales
February 5, 2014
Researchers have come up with a new, safer, and more humane way of euthanizing beached whales that can't be saved.
Opinion: Real Tragedy of Taiji Is Our Inhumanity Toward Animals
February 2, 2014
New understanding of the brains of animals shows that anthropomorphizing them isn't off base. Is a dolphin a person?
Groundhog Day 2014 vs. the Super Bowl and the Polar Vortex
February 1, 2014
Now in its 128th year, Pennsylvania's annual Groundhog Day event has been growing in popularity and is even attracting an overseas crowd.
New Species of Ancient "Swamp Monster" Discovered; Lived in Once-Tropical Texas
January 31, 2014
The 17-foot-long, crocodile-like creature lived in tropical rain forests that once covered Texas, a recent study says.
Pictures: Forest Elephants Moved Across Africa in Risky Operation
January 31, 2014
The rare mammals were transported by truck to a safer home in the Ivory Coast-but two died during the risky procedure, group says.
Man Smuggles 40,000 Piranhas
January 30, 2014
New York man pleads guilty to illegally importing the sharp-toothed fish.
Good News for Bats? Species Bouncing Back in Europe
January 29, 2014
After a prolonged decline, populations of several bat species are on the rise, according to a new report by the European Environment Agency.
Slaughterhouse Said to Process "Horrifying" Number of Whale Sharks Annually
January 29, 2014
Hundreds of whale sharks, basking sharks, and great white sharks are illegally hunted and processed by a factory in China.
Migrating Monarch Butterflies in "Grave Danger," Hit New Low
January 29, 2014
The number of migrating monarch butterflies hit a record low in Mexican forests in 2013, a new report says.
Albino Dolphin: Uncertain Fate Awaits Rare Calf Captured in Japanese Hunt
January 28, 2014
"Angel," the albino calf captured during the annual Japanese dolphin hunt, has ended up in a marine park, where its survival is questionable, an expert says.
Explaining "Saltie" Saltwater Crocodiles That Attacked Boys in Australia
January 27, 2014
One boy was killed and another was injured by a saltwater crocodile, or saltie, a species that is known for its aggression and size.
What Do Cats Think About Us? You May Be Surprised
January 27, 2014
We may be obsessed with our feline friends, but a new book suggests they don't really get us like dogs do.
Why Birds Attacked the Peace Doves in Rome
January 27, 2014
The peace doves released by the Pope in Rome were attacked because they're unnaturally white.
Rare Pictures: Snow Leopards Caught in Camera Trap
January 25, 2014
Notoriously elusive snow leopards have been photographed in a camera trap in northern Pakistan as part of an ecological study of this and other carnivore species in the region.
Dogs Carry the Oldest Known Living Cancer
January 25, 2014
Interview with the doctor who discovered that a cancer dogs transmit by sexual contact is 11,000 years old.
Pictures: Peru Park Boasts Highest Diversity of Amphibians and Reptiles
January 24, 2014
A new survey reveals richest biodiversity, and new species, of amphibians and reptiles in Peru's Manú National Park.
First New Species of River Dolphin Discovered in a Century
January 24, 2014
The Araguaian boto is a proposed new species in Brazil that is thought to be highly endangered.<p> </p><p> </p>
Hong Kong Announces World's Biggest Ivory Burn
January 23, 2014
Hong Kong's stockpile of elephant ivory will be the largest ever burned, the semi-autonomous Chinese region announced Thursday.
Record 829 Manatee Deaths in 2013 Puzzle Scientists
January 22, 2014
Last year's death toll of endangered manatees was the highest on record, but scientists still don't entirely understand the causes.
What a Hoot: Snowy Owls Make Rare Southern Appearance
January 22, 2014
A popular arctic owl is making a rare appearance in southern climes suddenly inundated with snow.
Pictures: Scenes From Taiji Dolphin Roundup in Japan
January 21, 2014
Fishermen reportedly killed or captured 93 bottlenose dolphins, drawing worldwide scrutiny.
4 Zoo Babies Born Since New Year's
January 20, 2014
These cute and cuddly animals are the newest additions to zoos around the world.
Eye on the Tiger: Satellite Images a New Tool for Conservation
January 19, 2014
The Open Landscape Partnership Platform shows satellite images that capture threats to wildlife and natural resources.
1,000+ Rhinos Poached in 2013: Highest in Modern History
January 17, 2014
More than a thousand of the large mammals were killed illegally, due to increasing demand for their horns, report says.
Threats Escalate Against Rhino Hunt Winner as Debate Intensifies
January 17, 2014
Dallas Safari Club auction winner Corey Knowlton stands by hunt for conservation.
Baby Giant Panda Debuts in D.C.: Why Do We Find It So Cute?
January 17, 2014
Cute animals—like the baby giant panda that will make her debut in Washington, D.C., this weekend-are adorable because they share traits with human babies, experts say.<p> </p><p> </p>
Don't Feed the Bears: Ethics in Wildlife Photography and Filmmaking
January 16, 2014
After a marine biologist pleaded guilty to feeding orcas, longtime filmmaker Jeff Hogan weighs in on ethics in wildlife photography.
Former SeaWorld Trainer: Stop Using Killer Whales for Entertainment
January 16, 2014
A former SeaWorld trainer gives us a behind-the-scenes look at working with captive killer whales, the subject of the controversial documentary <em>Blackfish</em>.
Mystery Solved: How Do Dolphins Swim So Fast?
January 15, 2014
Dolphins use their powerful tail to generate enough power to cut through the water at amazing speeds, a new study says.
Watch: Alligators' Hunting Secrets Revealed by Crittercams
January 15, 2014
Video cameras attached to alligators give researchers a rare glimpse into the reptiles' everyday lives, a new study says.
Our Fishy Ancestors Had Fins Made for Walking
January 13, 2014
One of the first fish to live on land moved by using its surprisingly robust rear fins, a new study says.
DNA Discovery Reveals Surprising Dolphin Origins
January 11, 2014
Two different dolphin species mated to create the clymene dolphin, scientists report, in a first scientific find of such a hybrid marine mammal species.
Death Threats Seen Over Rhino Hunt Auction
January 10, 2014
Animal activists are strongly protesting a Dallas Safari Club auction this weekend that is being promoted as a fund-raiser to support conservation.
Ancient Arboreal Mammal Discovered at Root of Carnivore Family Tree
January 9, 2014
A small, tree-dwelling mammal is the ancestor of lions, tigers, bears, and other fierce modern carnivores now found around the globe.
Pictures: Fish Light Up in Neon Colors
January 8, 2014
Camouflaged fish that normally blend into a coral reef light up like a Las Vegas casino when blue light strikes fluorescent materials in their skin.
Lions Approach Extinction in West Africa
January 8, 2014
New study paints dire picture of West African lions and outlines conservation needs.
Rare Conjoined Gray Whale Calves Wash Ashore—Could Be First for Species
January 8, 2014
Although rare among large whales—like the gray whales found in Baja California—twins and conjoined twins do occur.
Anti-Whaling Activists Put Focus on Complex Law and Bloody Tradition
January 7, 2014
Despite opposition from scientists and animal advocates, Japanese whaling continues in Antarctica, fueled by nationalism.
Suprise! Scientists Find That Starfish Eyes Actually See, at Least a Little
January 7, 2014
After decades of wondering what starfish use their eyes for, it turns out they probably use them to stay close to home, according to a new study.
China Crushes Six Tons of Confiscated Elephant Ivory
January 6, 2014
The move is a first for the world's biggest ivory market, but sales on the black market remain rampant.
Elephants Use Their Trunks to Ace Intelligence Tests
December 28, 2013
Elephants use smell, but not sound, to find their way to food and likely to perform other tasks, scientists report.
Most Shared News Stories of 2013
December 27, 2013
From animals that regrow body parts to photos of the supermoon, these stories surprised and delighted our readers the most.
Deep-Sea Photos: Vampire Squid, Bubblegum Coral Found
December 23, 2013
A recent deep-sea expedition studied life around a sunken shipping container and an ocean ridge never before seen by humans.
Stunning Pictures: Ten of the Rarest Animals on Earth
December 20, 2013
Photographer Joel Sartore is documenting the world's most endangered species, from the mountain pygmy possum to the Philippine crocodile.
U.S. Giant Salamanders Slipping Away: Inside the Fight to Save the Hellbender
December 19, 2013
Scientists are working to save a two-foot-long salamander called the hellbender, which is declining throughout the eastern U.S.
4 Ways Helping People Is Saving Rare Wildlife
December 19, 2013
Want to save the snow leopard? Support local people, say conservationists who are embracing a new people-centric model for bringing back endangered wildlife.
Tiny, Rabbit-Like Animals Eating "Paper" to Survive Global Warming
December 19, 2013
A new study probed the surprising diet of Oregon's threatened alpine pikas, which are eating mosses and conserving energy.
World's Biggest Elephant Shrew Tracked in Tanzania
December 18, 2013
Only found in 2005, Tanzania's gray-faced sengi is good at hiding—but may not elude growing threats such as poaching and habitat loss, experts say.
National Zoo Deaths: "Circle of Life" or Animal Care Concerns?
December 17, 2013
Four National Zoo animals have died this year, three violently, and some inside the organization have voiced concern over animal care.
Behind the Scenes at a Refuge for Earth's Rare Species
December 17, 2013
Micronesian kingfishers, scimitar-horned oryx, and brown kiwis are among the rare creatures at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Virginia.
Why Are Corpse-Eating Beetles Being Put Back Into the Wild?
December 16, 2013
No one knows why American burying beetles are disappearing, but scientists are trying to save the unique bugs.
20,000 Species Are Near Extinction: Is it Time to Rethink How We Decide What to Save?
December 15, 2013
Prioritizing which animals and plants to help is driven mostly by whether we like them or not. Some experts say that may not be the best approach.
Opinion: Discover Earth's Species—Before It's Too Late
December 15, 2013
Ignorant of more than 80 percent of Earth's plants and animals, we are flying blind into an unprecedented storm of extinction, a conservationist argues.
Homesick Owls Confusing Airports With Arctic Tundra
December 12, 2013
Officials worry that Arctic snowy owls landing on U.S. airport runways in record numbers are a threat to safety.
Was Your Ancestor a Ball of Jelly? Evolution Study Surprises Experts
December 12, 2013
The ancestor of all animals could have been a ball of jelly—also known as a comb jelly—according to new research.
Predator Insurance: When Livestock Becomes Prey, Conservationists Pay
December 11, 2013
Compensation programs for endangered animals are catching speed.
Climate Change Affects Ultrasonic Bat Signals For Better and Worse
December 10, 2013
A shifting climate will affect how bats around the world detect their prey using sound.
Sharks Return to Their Birthplace to Give Birth
December 6, 2013
A 19-year study of lemon sharks shines new light on how they reproduce.
How Scientists Rescue Stranded Whales Like Those in the Everglades
December 5, 2013
Biologists use a range of techniques to help marine mammals in trouble, such as the pilot whales stuck in the Everglades.
Heads Up to Invasive Pests: Poison Mice Are Falling From the Sky
December 5, 2013
This week, poisoned mice fell from the sky in Guam—a plan to wipe out invasive snakes. It's not the first time poison-from-above has been used as pest control.
Maui Death Raises Questions About Spike in Hawaiian Shark Attacks
December 3, 2013
Maui Death Raises Questions About Spike in Hawaiian Shark Attacks
Mysterious Deaths Threaten a Population of Southern Right Whales
November 30, 2013
Researchers struggle to understand why hundreds of southern right whale calves have died over a nine-year period off the Argentine coast.
Tiny Drone Flies Like A… Jellyfish?
November 26, 2013
The ungainly flapping motion of the latest tiny flying robot closely mimics the swimming motion of a jellyfish, new research shows.
5 Winners and Losers on New "Red List" of World's Rarest Species
November 25, 2013
The latest IUCN Red List has winners and losers in conservation, from sea turtles to forest giraffes.
Annual Polar Bear Migration Under Way: How It Works and How Climate Change is Altering It
November 22, 2013
Annual migration happening in the "polar bear capital of the world."
Animal-Rights Activists Take Air Out of Macy's Thanksgiving Parade
November 21, 2013
PETA protests SeaWorld's orca float, pointing to the documentary Blackfish, while ranchers protest vegetarian and animal-rights activist Joan Jett.
Lion Hunt Photo Touches Off Heated Conservation Debate
November 19, 2013
Big game hunter Melissa Bachman sparks controversy with a photo she posted to Twitter of a lion she shot legally in South Africa.
Oldest Clam Consternation Overblown
November 16, 2013
The demise of Ming, the world's oldest clam, has generated some consternation about marine researchers that looks a bit overblown.
Historic U.S. Ivory Crush a Call to Global Action
November 15, 2013
United States crushes six tons of stockpiled ivory in symbolic act to help stop the illegal wildlife trade.
Flu Season for Humans Raises Questions About Flu Shots for Dogs
November 15, 2013
Flu season is here, which means heading to the doc to get a flu shot for you—and your pooch.
This Week's Most Intriguing Discoveries
November 15, 2013
We figure out the origins of cats and dogs and look to the moon for our future dream home in this week's five most interesting discoveries.
New Theory: Hunter-Gatherers Domesticated Dogs From Gray Wolves
November 14, 2013
Study suggests hunter-gatherers in Europe were first to tame wolves.
Did Ancient Climate Change Spur Penguin Evolution?
November 12, 2013
An ancient cooling spell in Antarctica may have helped spur penguins to diversify into the 18 species living today.
Shutting Down the Nation's Longest Running Public Aquarium
November 12, 2013
Before the National Aquarium in Washington, D.C, closes, it must move and rehouse thousands of animals.
This Week's Most Intriguing Discoveries
November 8, 2013
We crisscrossed the corners of the world to find the week's most interesting discoveries.
Nature Glows With Neon Animals and Plants
November 8, 2013
Halloween might be over, but don't put away your glow sticks just yet—nature's having a glow-in-the-dark party.
Bloody Skies: The Fight to Reduce Deadly Bird-Plane Collisions
November 7, 2013
Why doesn't the FAA adopt avian radar tracking to help pilots avoid colliding with birds?
Tiger Cubs Test Waters
November 6, 2013
Sumatran tiger cubs pass a swimming test with flying colors. Next step? Going home.
Giant Platypus Found, Shakes Up Evolutionary Tree
November 4, 2013
At about three feet long, the ancient Obdurodon tharalkooschild is the biggest platypus ever found, a new study says.
Q&A: What Makes a Good Cadaver Dog?
October 31, 2013
Cat Warren, author of "What the Dog Knows," talks about what scientists know about working dogs and their powerful sense of smell.
Orphan Elephants Lack Social Knowledge Key for Survival
October 31, 2013
Social trauma early in an elephant's life can have major effects on development, such as persistent fear, hyper-aggression, and infant abandonment.
Left or Right Tail Wags Elicit Different Emotional Responses From Dogs
October 31, 2013
Left-wagging tails stress dogs out, while right-wagging tails encourage them to stay relaxed, according to a new study.
Did Ancient Sea Monster Turn Prey Into Art?
October 30, 2013
Fossils presented at a science meeting revive a controversy over the possible existence of the ancient squid, the kraken.
The Monkey and the Snake: How the Primate Brain Reacts to Serpents
October 29, 2013
New research probes a hardwired fear of things that slither by studying the brains of Japanese macaques.snakes, primates, vision, neuroscience, study, evolution, brain, fear of snakes, phobias, evolution
New Species of Dolphin Found in Australia
October 29, 2013
Hiding in plain sight, researchers find a new species of humpback dolphin living off the coast of Australia.
Amid Superstorm Sandy's Havoc, A Win for Wildlife
October 29, 2013
A year after Hurricane Sandy smashed into the U.S. East Coast, some of the beaches and ocean areas are better for birds and marine life.
Spiky-Headed Sharks Survived Mass Extinction, Surprising Scientists
October 29, 2013
A family of small sharks—some of which had spiky heads—cruised the ancient seas for millions of years longer than scientists had thought, a new study says.
Do "Kid Cages" Really Protect Children From Wolves?
October 29, 2013
Residents of New Mexico are scared of their local wolves. Should they be?
Rhino Hunt Permit Auction Sets Off Conservation Debate
October 28, 2013
Dallas Safari Club hopes to raise money for conservation, but critics pounce.
Spectacular New Species Found in Remote "Lost World"
October 25, 2013
A spindly leaf-tailed gecko, a blotched frog, and a golden skink are new species discovered in a remote rain forest.
"Lost World" Pictures: New Leaf-Tailed Gecko, More
October 25, 2013
Scientists have explored a remote rain forest that has been cut off for millennia and that's home to at least three new species that live nowhere else.
South Pole Expeditions Then and Now: How Does Their Food and Gear Compare?
October 25, 2013
Two polar adventurers are attempting the same South Pole journey that claimed the lives of British explorer Robert Scott and his men in 1912. A century on, how do their food and gear compare?
Grasshopper Mice Immune to Bark Scorpion Stings
October 24, 2013
Grasshopper mice feel no pain when stung by venomous bark scorpions, says a new study.
7 Surprising Facts About the Giant River Otter
October 23, 2013
Reddit users are going crazy about giant river otters—here are seven facts you otter know about this South American critter.
Why Did South Dakota Snowstorm Kill So Many Cattle?
October 22, 2013
A freak blizzard in early October killed thousands of cattle. Why was the toll so great?
Is the Abominable Snowman a Bear?
October 21, 2013
An ancient bear species that has survived to the modern day could help explain some sightings of the legendary creature.
After Shutdown Ends, Effects Continue to Stymie Science
October 21, 2013
A U.S. government shutdown that sent federal workers home for 16 days has ended, but its impact on science continues.
Watching Polar Bears Eat Goose Eggs in Warmer Arctic
October 21, 2013
The warming Arctic makes it harder for polar bears to hunt seals, their traditional prey, on the ice. Could a supplementary diet of (raw) snow goose omelets help?
Does Petting Really Stress Out Your Cat?
October 20, 2013
Petting your cat probably won't stress it out, but some other things certainly can. A cat expert takes on questions about keeping pet cats happy in the modern world.
Hot Flashes in Cold Waters? Killer Whales Undergo Menopause
October 19, 2013
A new study shows that killer whales undergo menopause, an evolutionary advantage that helps their offspring survive.
Tiny Dragonfly Backpacks Reveal Mysteries of the Brain
October 17, 2013
Scientists are wiring the insects to better understand how motion is controlled.
Banning Lead Ammunition Could Give Condors a Chance
October 14, 2013
California bans lead ammunition for hunting in an effort to reduce wildlife exposure to the toxic heavy metal.
"Cyberpoaching" Feared as New Threat to Rare Wildlife
October 10, 2013
A possible hacking incident in India has some concerned that wildlife poachers could use the Internet as another resource for criminal activity.
African Elephants Understand Human Gestures
October 10, 2013
Like dogs and horses, African elephants can understand human pointing cues to find hidden food without being trained to do so.
Why Some Animals Mate Themselves to Death
October 7, 2013
Rare marsupials sacrifice themselves during times of plenty, study shows.
Two-Tailed Ancient Bird Uncovered
October 7, 2013
An ancient dinosaur-era bird turns out to have two tails, one perhaps for flying and the other for showing off.
Humpback Whale Crittercam Video Reveals Bottom-Feeding Activity
October 7, 2013
New video footage shows that these marine mammals dine on the seafloor with their friends.
Science Roundup: Swarm Intelligence, Longline Fisheries, and Insect Mating
October 4, 2013
Take a bite out of science studies looking at insect quickies, how fisheries hook olive ridley turtles, and why conflict is good for decision-making.
World's Biggest Hornet Kills
October 4, 2013
The Asian giant hornet is wreaking havoc in northwestern China, where 42 people have died after being swarmed and stung.
Unusual Pictures: "Calcified" Birds, Bats Found at African Lake
October 3, 2013
Dead bats and birds preserved by a salty lake in Tanzania have been brought back to life in a photographic series.
Can Long-Distance Migrating Shorebird Survive?
October 3, 2013
Rufa red knots are some of the longest-migrating birds in the world, but their population has plummeted, partly due to overharvesting of horseshoe crabs.
Remote Rain Forest Expedition Finds 60 New Species
October 3, 2013
Scientists exploring Suriname's rain forests, some of the most remote on Earth, discovered 60 new species and a pristine region in need of protection.
Ten Thousand Walruses Gather on Island As Sea Ice Shrinks
October 2, 2013
An estimated ten thousand Pacific walruses have huddled together on an island in the Chukchi Sea, an unusual phenomenon that's due to a lack of sea ice, experts say.
5 Amazing Stories of Devoted Dogs
September 27, 2013
A new book shows how our canine companions enrich our lives.
Fish Fossil Has Oldest Known Face, May Influence Evolution
September 25, 2013
The extinct animal's face structure could help explain how vertebrates, including ourselves, evolved our distinctive look.
Rare Pictures: Golden Eagle Savages Russian Deer
September 24, 2013
Russian researchers captured camera trap images of a golden eagle preying on a deer.
Shy Great Tit Birds Flock Together
September 20, 2013
A new study finds that personality influences social behavior in birds.
For World's Oddest-Looking Antelope, Signs of a Comeback
September 20, 2013
An alliance of conservation organizations and Kazakhstan's government work to save the critically endangered saiga antelope.
Cat in Space Would Join an Interstellar Menagerie
September 18, 2013
Iran's Persian astronaut would only be the latest creature in the cosmos.
Tiger Genome Sequenced, Shows Big Cats Evolved to Kill
September 17, 2013
Gene map of endangered Amur tiger seen as aid to preserving big cats in the wild.
Watch: Scientific Breakthrough for Rare Przewalski's Horse
September 12, 2013
The first-ever Przewalski's horse born via artificial insemination may be a breakthrough for the endangered species.
Insects Use Gears in Hind Legs to Jump
September 12, 2013
Young planthoppers use gear wheels to coordinate their legs when jumping.
Shark-like Tails Sped Ancient Sea Monsters Through Oceans
September 10, 2013
An amazingly well-preserved find in a Jordanian quarry shows mosasaurs were capable of high-speed swimming, like sharks.
How to Scare Elephants—For Their Own Good
September 10, 2013
Recorded tiger growls could scare Asian elephants away from raiding crops, protecting them from human retaliation.
New Documentary Condemns Declawing of Cats; Who Is Right?
September 10, 2013
Vet and filmmaker seeks to end controversial surgeries, but science is divisive.
Pictures: Jaguar Kills Caiman in "Spectacular" Attack
September 6, 2013
New pictures show a jaguar stalking and killing a caiman in Brazil, an experience the photographer called "spectacular and horrific."
Pictures We Love: Best of August
August 31, 2013
Blazing wildfires, lifelike baby dolls, and picturesque wedding scenes are among our photo editors' picks for top August news pictures.
Wise Old Whooping Cranes Teach Young How to Migrate
August 30, 2013
Older whooping cranes keep their young colleagues from getting lost, says a study that sheds light on the role of learning versus genetics in bird migration.
How Do Whales Avoid Sunburn? Hint: Some Tan
August 29, 2013
Blue, fin, and sperm whales have different strategies to avoid sun damage.
England Begins Controversial Badger Cull
August 28, 2013
England is about to cull 5,000 badgers, claiming that the mammals spread bovine TB.
What's Killing Bottlenose Dolphins? Experts Discover Cause
August 27, 2013
A virus in the same family as the human disease measles is likely responsible for hundreds of dolphin deaths along the U.S. East Coast.
Noodle-Armed Deep-sea Squid Mystery Solved
August 27, 2013
New video solves the mystery of how deep-sea squid use their wimpy limbs to lure in dinner.
Ancient Fish Downsized But Still Largest Ever
August 27, 2013
Once thought to be 90 feet long, the fish is now a more modest 26 to 55 feet.
European Hunter-Gatherers Had Domesticated Pigs Earlier Than Thought
August 27, 2013
Mesolithic hunter-gatherers likely acquired the pigs through trade with their farmer neighbors to the south.
Is Breeding Pandas in Captivity Worth It?
August 27, 2013
Experts disagree on how to save the beloved endangered species.
National Zoo Panda Birth Spotlights Survival Challenges
August 23, 2013
The National Zoo's female panda, Mei Xiang, gave birth on Friday.
U.S. Dolphin Deaths Rise to 300; Cause Still a Mystery
August 21, 2013
U.S. Dolphin Deaths Rise to 300; Cause Still a Mystery
Secrets of Whale Shark Migration Revealed
August 21, 2013
Secrets of Whale Shark Migration Revealed
Birds Pay Attention to Speed Limits Too
August 21, 2013
Birds Pay Attention to Speed Limits Too
Obamas' New Pet: 5 Facts About the Portuguese Water Dog
August 20, 2013
Obamas' New Pet: 5 Facts About the Portuguese Water Dog
"Bear Man" Lynn Rogers on Recent Attacks: Don't Fear Bears
August 20, 2013
Controversial "Bear Man" says recent bear attacks were outliers, and that thousands of people interact with bears safely all the time.
Pictures of Wildlife in Korea's Demilitarized Zone
August 20, 2013
A border that severed the country of Korea into North and South 60 years ago has become a haven to some of the most endangered animals in Asia.
Maulings by Bears: What's Behind the Recent Attacks?
August 19, 2013
A bear expert analyzes why at least six people in five states have been mauled by black and brown bears recently.
Crittercams and Crowdsourcing to Solve Mystery of Hawaiian Monk Seals?
August 19, 2013
Researchers employ Crittercams, and schoolkids, to get the truth behind what Hawaiian monk seals do all day.
What's a Tibetan Mastiff? Explaining Dog Posed as Lion
August 16, 2013
Get the facts about the Tibetan mastiff, the large dog that a Chinese zoo recently passed off as an African lion.
New Carnivore Revealed: Photos of the Olinguito and its Kin
August 16, 2013
The world's newest carnivore, the olinguito, shares the South American treetops with other fuzzy members of the raccoon family.
Life in Antarctica Relies on Shrinking Supply of Krill
August 16, 2013
A journey to the Antarctic island of South Georgia reveals the surprisingly important lives of krill.
Fossil Reveals Long-Lived Mammal Group's Secret
August 15, 2013
A new Jurassic fossil from China called Rugosodon eurasiaticus provides fresh evidence of early mammal evolution.
New Carnivore Discovered, Rare With Teddy Bear Looks
August 15, 2013
A fuzzy, fog-dwelling mammal is the first carnivore found in the Western Hemisphere in three decades, a new study says.
Mitigating the Human-Wildlife Conflict
August 15, 2013
Conservation biologist Krithi K. Karanth shows Indian farmers how to cope with wildlife.
What Seafood Menus Reveal About Hawaii's Changing Seas
August 13, 2013
Scientists recently used historic Hawaiian menus to study shifts in the population of the state's wild fish.
Fears of 'Testicle-Eating' Fish Overblown
August 13, 2013
Scientists say their warning for swimmers to keep their swim trunks tied wasn't meant to be taken seriously.
Can Dogs Feel Our Emotions? Yawn Study Suggests Yes
August 8, 2013
Pet dogs yawn more in response to their owners' yawns than to strangers'—suggesting they can understand our emotions, a new study says.
The Kids Are Alright: Goats That Double as Lawnmowers
August 8, 2013
Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C., recently rented 58 goats to eat invasive plant species.
Subway Shark One of Many Exotic NYC Animals
August 8, 2013
Subway shark joins the ranks of parakeets, bats, coyotes, and other weird critters that have visited the Big Apple.
From Darth Vader to Jelly Doughnuts, Weird Species Names Abound
August 8, 2013
Researchers sometimes turn to celebrities and pop culture for naming inspiration for new species, from Darth Vader to Beyoncé, Barack Obama, and beyond.
6 Animal "Commuters": Subway Sharks, More
August 8, 2013
A dead shark was found Wednesday on the subway in New York City-see the other weird ways that animals get around.
Why Are Dolphins Dying on East Coast? Experts Alarmed
August 8, 2013
Bottlenose dolphins are washing up dead in alarmingly high numbers along the U.S. East Coast this summer—and experts say.
World's Loudest Animals—"Power Saw" Cricket, More
August 7, 2013
A bug with a "singing" penis, a cricket with a "power saw" chirp, and a snapping shrimp—which is the loudest?
Opinion: A Welcome Halt to Aquarium Whale Imports?
August 7, 2013
NOAA's denial of Georgia Aquarium's application to import 18 belugas from Russia has far-reaching implications for the marine parks industry.
The Real Megalodon: Prehistoric Shark Behind Doc Uproar
August 7, 2013
A "dramatized" documentary about megalodon has inspired public fear and annoyance. Here are the facts about the prehistoric shark.
Dolphins Have Longest Memories in Animal Kingdom
August 6, 2013
The marine mammals can remember their buddies' calls after 20 years apart-the longest memory in the animal kingdom, a new study says.
African Rock Pythons: Explaining Snake That Killed Boys
August 6, 2013
An African rock python that strangled two children to death is one of the world's most vicious snakes, an expert says.
Strangulation of Sleeping Boys Puts Spotlight on Pythons
August 6, 2013
Two boys found strangled to death in Canada are believed to have been killed by a python that escaped from an exotic pet store.
Costa Rica Closes Zoos—Where Will the Animals Go?
August 5, 2013
Costa Rica's animal-rescue facilities are facing a crunch as much of the country's captive wildlife will soon be out of a home.
First Przewalski's Horse Born Via Artificial Insemination
August 5, 2013
First Przewalski's Horse Born Via Artificial Insemination
Opinion: Imagining a World Without Lions
August 5, 2013
A conservationist argues that it could happen in our lifetimes, with big environmental, economic, and cultural consequences.
Opinion: SeaWorld vs. the Whale That Killed Its Trainer
August 3, 2013
Opinion: SeaWorld vs. the Whale That Killed Its Trainer
Cashmere Fashions Squeezing Central Asia's Big Mammals
August 2, 2013
Cashmere Fashions Squeezing Central Asia's Big Mammals
Jane Goodall on Why We Should Help the Serengeti
August 2, 2013
Famed scientist Jane Goodall argues that the African region is crucial both for wildlife diversity and a vibrant economy.
Opinion: Why Are We Still Hunting Lions?
July 31, 2013
A conservationist argues that it's impossible to save lions from extinction when Americans are killing them for sport.
What Can You Do to Help Stop the Songbird Slaughter?
July 31, 2013
Conservation organizations around the Mediterranean are working hard to stop the slaughter of songbirds.
Help Name This Mystery Fish
July 31, 2013
Submit a name for this colorful fish, and you could win a trip to the Galápagos.
Isolated Tigers Travel Surprising Lands to Find Mates
July 30, 2013
Smaller populations of the big cats stay connected via undeveloped strips of land, a new genetic study says.
Wolves Identified by Unique Howls, May Help Rare Species
July 30, 2013
The call of the wild is clearer than ever, thanks to a new method that allows scientists to track wolf howls with total accuracy.
How Old Is That Lion? A Guide to Aging Animals
July 30, 2013
Animals may not have birth certificates, but they do display telltale signs of aging.
Rat Invaders: Islands Fighting Back Against Killer Rodents
July 29, 2013
Rat-infested islands are launching massive campaigns to kill off the rodents, which have wreaked havoc on seabirds and other wildlife.
Why We Love Dogs in Love
July 26, 2013
Videos of dogs who befriend other species rule the Internet. Why do we love them so?
Honk If You Think Geese Are Good Guard Dogs
July 25, 2013
Some cops in China are now using geese instead of guard dogs. Turns out that's a honkin' good idea.
Long-Held Myth About Cheetahs Busted
July 23, 2013
Some say the world's fastest land mammal abandons hunts due to overheating. Not so fast, a new study says.
Dolphins Have "Names," Respond When Called
July 22, 2013
Dolphins respond to recordings of their own whistles—suggesting they use names to communicate in the wild, a new study says.
Snails Race for Glory, Lettuce
July 19, 2013
A slow and steady look at the upcoming 2013 World Snail Racing Championships.
Man Wrestles 7-Foot Shark to Nantucket Beach
July 17, 2013
Elliot Sudal caught a seven-foot sandbar shark on a Nantucket beach and then released it. Shark advocates have expressed concern about possible injury to the animal.
Giant Panda Twins Born: What Challenges Do They Face?
July 17, 2013
Giant Panda Twins Born: What Challenges Do They Face?
First Killer Whale Reintroduced to Wild Has Baby
July 11, 2013
Springer, who was rescued in 2002 in Puget Sound, was recently spotted with her first baby—making her a success story, experts say.
Forensic Fly Moves North
July 10, 2013
Information deduced from blowflies can help create timelines for death investigations, but climate change could be resetting the clock.
American Dog Breeds Hail From Pre-Columbian Times
July 9, 2013
American Dog Breeds Hail From Pre-Columbian Times
Crickets Act Differently When Others Are Watching
July 9, 2013
Crickets play to an audience, changing their behavior when they know others are watching, a new study says.
Shellfish Deep in Antarctic Lake? Experts Doubtful
July 9, 2013
A new study says that bacteria, fungi, shellfish, and maybe even fish live miles deep in Lake Vostok-but some experts are skeptical.
Long Journey of Kobi the Chimpanzee Ends in Retirement
July 9, 2013
After life with Jane Goodall in Africa and then in a breeding colony for medical research in the U.S., a "tame" chimp finds new hope.
Improving 3-D Printing by Copying Nature
July 7, 2013
Through biomimicry, design based on nature, 3-D printing technology could get safer and better.
How Should We Respond When Humans and Sharks Collide?
July 4, 2013
Shark attack expert Christopher Neff says communities around the world are taking a variety of approaches to try to keep beachgoers safe.
5 Natural Air-Conditioning Designs Inspired by Nature
July 3, 2013
Designers are turning to biomimicry to develop better cooling technologies.
Sabertooths Had Weak Bites, Used Neck Muscles to Kill
July 2, 2013
At least two species of sabertooths were more muscle than bite, subduing their prey with powerful necks and forelimbs, a new study says.
Lonesome George to Be Stuffed, Displayed at NYC Museum
July 2, 2013
Lonesome George, the iconic Galápagos tortoise who died last June, will be displayed at the American Museum of Natural History.
World's Largest Freshwater Turtle Nearly Extinct
July 1, 2013
In June, the last known pair of the near-extinct Yangtze giant softshell turtle mated again—and, scientists hope, made babies.
Cold War Radioactivity Can Date Illegal Elephant Ivory
July 1, 2013
Fallout from long-ago Cold War explosions is now a forensic tool in the illegal ivory trade.
Rare Breed of Killer Whale May Be New Species
June 27, 2013
A rare type of bulbous-headed Orca may be in a league of its own, a new study says.
Chimpanzees Will Be Used Less in U.S. Research
June 26, 2013
The number of chimpanzees in U.S. government-funded research will be substantially reduced under a new set of principles and criteria announced today.
World's Oldest Genome Sequenced From 700,000-Year-Old Horse DNA
June 26, 2013
A 700,000-year-old horse leg bone has yielded the world's oldest complete genome.
Lost and Found: Rusty, the Red Panda Returns to National Zoo
June 24, 2013
The bushy-tailed panda returned safely after going missing Monday morning at the National Zoo in Washington D.C.
Pulling Teeth
June 21, 2013
The Philippines sets a new bar for combatting global ivory crime by becoming the first non-African nation to destroy its ivory stock.
North American Birds Declining as Threats Mount
June 21, 2013
Global warming, habitat loss, wind turbines, and cats are factors, though scientists say that some threats hog the attention.
Death of Dolphin in China Sparks Outrage—and Questions
June 19, 2013
Handling stranded marine mammals can be dangerous both to the animal and to humans.
U.S. Pet Poll: Most Prefer Dogs, 18 Percent Want Dinosaur
June 19, 2013
Americans love their pets, and a new poll shows just how much we dote on our animals and reveals some interesting views on animals.
For Some Arctic Birds, Time of Day Is Irrelevant
June 18, 2013
When the sun never sets, the circadian clocks in four species of Arctic birds go haywire.
Cheetah-Cub Robot Created: See Other Nature-Inspired Machines
June 18, 2013
A new cheetah-cub robot is just the latest in a mechanical menagerie of animal-inspired robots that climb, fly, swim, and slither.
Albino Gorilla Was Result of Inbreeding
June 18, 2013
A recently mapped genome of the famous albino gorilla Snowflake shows he was born to an uncle and a niece, a new study says.
In Global First, Philippines to Destroy Its Ivory Stock
June 18, 2013
The country's decision was inspired by a National Geographic magazine exposé on the illegal ivory trade.
More Than 400 Animals Offered to Aztec Gods
June 17, 2013
Archaeologists in Mexico City have identified more than 400 species of animals among offerings to Aztec gods.
Why Novelist Jonathan Franzen Loves Birds
June 17, 2013
The author of <em>Freedom</em> talks about discovering the joy of watching birds and why he's still hopeful for their future.
How Diving Mammals Stay Underwater for So Long
June 14, 2013
Researchers have discovered the secret to how champion divers like sperm whales can dive for an hour or more.
Restoring Trees to Save the World's Rarest Parrot
June 14, 2013
National Geographic explorer Steve Boyes talks about his work to pull the Cape parrot back from the brink of oblivion.
The Ethical Flap Over Birdsong Apps
June 13, 2013
Bird-watchers are using the songs on their smartphones to lure birds. But the result could be bad karma for the birds.
Pictures of Azorean Whalers: The Last of Their Kind
June 13, 2013
A National Geographic explorer has documented how Azorean whalers used 18th-century techniques to hunt sperm whales well into the 20th century.<p> </p><p> </p>
Traveling With Pets Overseas: A Guide to Some Quirky Rules
June 13, 2013
Different countries have different regulations on pet travel. Read and re-read the rules, and follow them to the letter, before jetting off with Fido in tow.
Dog Disease Infecting Tigers, Making Them Fearless
June 12, 2013
A domestic dog virus is posing a new threat to endangered tigers in the wild-partly by making them less fearful of people, experts say.
A Cheetah Can Get You Without Hitting Top Speed
June 12, 2013
Cheetahs can run faster than 60 mph, but to succeed at hunting, a new study shows that they rely instead on their ability to accelerate.
Hope for Endangered Butterfly Species
June 11, 2013
Researchers collected more than a hundred eggs from captured females of the endangered Schaus swallowtail butterfly in south Florida.
Best Underwater Pictures: Winners of 2013 Amateur Contest
June 9, 2013
A seal in a kelp forest and lionfish on the hunt are among winning pictures of the University of Miami's annual underwater-photography contest.
Mr. Badger Should Be Worried: Britain Ponders a Cull
June 6, 2013
Some Brits blame badgers for spreading TB to cattle and think a cull will help. Badger lovers (and many scientists) disagree.
A New Feet in Primate Research
June 6, 2013
Researchers have discovered human foot movement previously observed only among apes.
Frog Long Thought Extinct Is Rediscovered in Israel
June 4, 2013
The first amphibian to officially be declared extinct has been rediscovered in Israel.
Can Purported Mammoth Blood Revive Extinct Species?
June 1, 2013
A reality check on a new find out of Russia and hopes for species revival. Can woolly mammoths really be brought back?
The Great White Whale Fight
May 31, 2013
For two decades, the U.S. hasn't imported wild-caught whales or dolphins. Now the Georgia Aquarium wants to bring in 18 belugas from Russia.
California's 'Dwarf' Fox Is Back From the Brink
May 28, 2013
With its main predator, the golden eagle, gone, the endangered island fox is making a dramatic recovery.
Pictures: Top 10 Newly Discovered Species of 2012
May 23, 2013
Glowing cockroaches and a destructive fungus make the grade in Arizona State's list of top 10 new species of 2012.
Captain's Log: Found a Baby Bird, What Do I Do?
May 20, 2013
Spring brings baby birds, who sometimes fall out of a nest or turn up injured in a yard. We spoke to an Audubon expert about how to respond.
Why Did Penguins Stop Flying? The Answer Is Evolutionary
May 20, 2013
Scientists say they've learned why penguin wings, now used for swimming, no longer get the birds off the ground.
African Clawed Frog Spreads Deadly Amphibian Fungus
May 15, 2013
A frog historically used in human pregnancy tests likely spread a deadly amphibian fungus around the world, says a new study.
Cicada Recipes: Bugs Are Low-Carb, Gluten-Free Food
May 15, 2013
Cicadas bugging you? See our recipe ideas for the low-fat critters, including the new candied cicada cocktail.
New Sea Monster Found, Rewrites Evolution?
May 14, 2013
A new species of dinosaur-era reptile is rewriting the books on the evolution of so-called sea monsters, a new study claims.
Dog And Human Genomes Evolved Together
May 14, 2013
A new study finds that genes for diet, behavior, and disease in dogs and humans have evolved together.
U.N. Urges Eating Insects; 8 Popular Bugs to Try
May 14, 2013
From beetles to butterflies and from ants to stinkbugs, people in dozens of countries regularly eat insects. Here are the most popular types of edible critters.
Why Animals "Adopt" Others, Including Different Species
May 10, 2013
From a deformed dolphin taken in by sperm whales to a dog nursing a squirrel—learn why animals sometimes take care of others.
Restaurant's Lion Tacos Renew Exotic Meat Debate
May 10, 2013
A Florida restaurant receives threats and employees reportedly attacked over controversial taco filling.
The Plight of the Honeybee
May 10, 2013
Bee colonies are weaker than ever. Are we doing enough to protect our natural pollinators?
Bat's Super-Long Tongue Powered by Blood (With Video)
May 6, 2013
High-speed video shows for the first time how hairs on a bat's tongue stand erect, allowing the animal to mop up nectar.
A Tale of Two Ponds: NYC Park After the Storm
April 26, 2013
Hurricane Sandy left New York City's Gateway National Recreation Area in pieces, but there may be a silver lining to the storm.
Do Whales Have Culture? Humpbacks Pass on Behavior
April 25, 2013
New feeding strategy spreads among whales gathered to gorge on fish, says a new study—but is it culture?
5 Animal "Commuters": Train-Riding Monkeys, More
April 24, 2013
Birds on a train, goats on a bus—see some of the weird ways animals get around.
Birds' "Crouching" Gait Born in Dinosaur Ancestors
April 24, 2013
The zigzag pattern of bird legs was driven by the development of heavier forelimbs and, eventually, wings.
Rare Picture: Male Leopard Kills, Eats Cub
April 22, 2013
Pictures of a leopard killing a cub may look gruesome, but infanticide in nature is relatively common, scientists say.
After the Bombing, Comfort Dogs Come to Boston
April 18, 2013
A charity group has brought five trained therapy dogs to Boston to comfort people reeling from the Boston marathon bombing.
Coelacanth Genes Mapped, "Living Fossil" Evolved Slowly
April 18, 2013
Scientists have mapped the coelacanth genome and found that the ancient fish's genes evolved more slowly than those of other animals.
Hobbit's Brain Size Holds Clues About Its Ancestor
April 18, 2013
New brain measurements of <em>Homo floresiensis</em> support the theory that the creature was a shrunken version of <em>Homo erectus</em>.
Picture Archive: Baby Giant Panda Su-Lin, Circa 1936
April 18, 2013
As the National Zoo tries for a panda pregnancy, a look back at the first panda in the U.S.
Brain Games Versus Nature Documentaries
April 15, 2013
Apps that encourage mental gymnastics might not be as good as watching nature documentaries, a new study says.
New Diseases, Toxins Harming Marine Life
April 12, 2013
Harmful organisms usually found on land are infiltrating coastal areas, wreaking havoc on marine mammals, scientists say.
First Brain Surgery Performed on Bear
April 11, 2013
Pioneering "keyhole" surgery cures an Asiatic black bear of hydrocephalus at a sanctuary in Laos.
Why Monkeys in the Middle Are More Stressed
April 11, 2013
Study on macaque hierarchy finds that middle-ranking monkeys are more stressed, which may explain stress levels in some humans.
Opinion: Too Early to Panic Over Bird Flu
April 8, 2013
Flu viruses are always unpredictable. H7N9 could go big-or not.<p><strong></strong></p>
Hand Gestures May Boost Students' Math Learning
April 5, 2013
American math teachers don't use hand gestures as often as teachers in other countries do, and student performance may suffer.
Detection Dogs: Learning to Pass the Sniff Test
April 5, 2013
With drug laws changing, there's a push to retrain and evaluate detection dogs. So how does a dog learn not to detect marijuana?
Hundreds of Rare Pig-Nosed Turtles Rescued at Airport
April 3, 2013
Nearly 700 endangered turtles were confiscated at an airport in Jakarta, Indonesia on March 15, according to Indonesian authorities.
Shark-Tooth Weapons Reveal "Lost" Shark Species
April 3, 2013
Shark-tooth weapons once used for warfare in the Central Pacific have revealed two locally extinct shark species, a new study says.
Why Justin Bieber Shouldn't Have a Monkey
April 2, 2013
Thousands of people—including Justin Bieber—have a pet monkey. But primates are not cut out to live with humans.
Watery Gecko Grip Could Lead to Stickier Tape
April 1, 2013
The tropical reptiles can cling to surfaces that don't get easily wet, like waxy leaves, a new study says.
Elephant Bird Egg Auction Inspires a Hunt
April 1, 2013
An auction at Christie's inspires another kind of egg hunt as a writer goes looking for National Geographic's elephant bird egg.
Pictures: 101 New Species of Beetles
March 29, 2013
To speed the naming of 101 new beetle species found in Papua New Guinea, scientists used DNA sequences ... and the telephone book.
April Fools' Day Pictures: Seven Animal Hoaxes
March 29, 2013
From a woman birthing rabbits to a human-dog hybrid—see pictures of famous animal hoaxes, including some used as April Fools' Day pranks.
Cicadas Coming to U.S. East Coast This Spring
March 29, 2013
Millions of the cricket cousins will soon appear across seven U.S. states.
What's Behind Spike in Gulf Coast Dolphin Attacks?
March 29, 2013
Dead—and sometimes mutilated—dolphins have been turning up in recent months off the shores of Alabama, Florida, and Texas.
Endangered Frogs Get Helping Hand
March 28, 2013
Researchers want to build a captive population of endangered limosa harlequin frogs as they face potential extinction.
Trilobites Found With Mysterious Markings
March 27, 2013
These ancient arthropods may have used their spots as camouflage, a new study says.
Curious Cat Walks Over Medieval Manuscript
March 26, 2013
A historian discovers paw prints—presumably those of a cat—on a medieval manuscript.
Catfight! Readers Argue Over Fate of Free-Roaming Felines
March 25, 2013
Suggestions on how to handle free-roaming cats sparked a few, well, catfights among our commenters.
Hundreds of Sick Sea Lion Pups Wash Ashore
March 21, 2013
A mysterious tide of California sea lion pups continues to wash ashore, prompting one rescue facility to declare a state of emergency.
Writer's Call to Kill Feral Cats Sparks Outcry
March 20, 2013
A writer's call to euthanize feral domestic cats has caused new fur to fly in the ongoing debate on how to handle free-roaming felines.
Dead Whale Contains a Bounty of Life
March 19, 2013
"Snotworms" and carcass-hopping limpets are some of the creatures inhabiting the whale's skeleton.
Shark Dies During Kmart Commercial Filming
March 19, 2013
Despite the efforts of trainers, a shark being filmed for a Kmart commercial dies.
How a Rooster Knows to Crow at Dawn
March 18, 2013
It turns out that roosters don't need light to know when it's dawn, according to a new study.
Monarch Butterflies Hit New Low; "Worrisome" Trend
March 18, 2013
The king of butterflies is in a steady decline due to loss of habitat and extreme weather, a new report says.
Pictures: Mouth-Birthing Frog to Be Resurrected?
March 15, 2013
An extinct frog that gave birth out of its mouth is "rising from the dead," scientists say.
U.S. Bedbugs Evolve Multiple Ways of Thwarting Insecticides
March 14, 2013
Humans may have played a part in the recent resurgence of bedbugs in the United States.
Proposed Lion-Meat Ban Shines Light on Wild-Animal Meat
March 12, 2013
<strong>A lion-meat ban proposed in Illinois highlights people's taste for exotic meats-especially in Asia. </strong>
Galápagos Tortoises: Slow and Steady Migrators
March 12, 2013
Giant tortoises on Santa Cruz Island walk nearly four miles during the rainy season.
Opinion: The Case Against Species Revival
March 12, 2013
Bringing back extinct animals distracts from conserving endangered species still alive, the author argues.
Opinion: The Case for Reviving Extinct Species
March 11, 2013
There are a lot of reasons for bringing back extinct animals, including conservation and medical benefits, argues Stewart Brand.
A Picture We Love: I See You
March 8, 2013
A fish on a Red Sea coral reef mugs for the camera in a pic our photo editors love.
Beware of Big Cats
March 8, 2013
Big cats in captivity have a history of attacking humans.
California Death Prompts Questions About Lion Attacks
March 8, 2013
Scientists react to an African lion killing a worker at a California wildlife sanctuary.
How to Resurrect Lost Species
March 8, 2013
Scientists propose genetic experiments to restore extinct species such as passenger pigeons, aurochs, and thylacines.
Bees Buzzing on Caffeine
March 8, 2013
Coffee and citrus plants use caffeine to manipulate the memory of honeybees, a new study says.
My Pet's Demise: A Flood of Sympathy—And Criticism
March 5, 2013
A writer receives an outpouring of sympathy from some and criticism from others for his observations on Rosie the cat's demise.
Species Revival: Should We Bring Back Extinct Animals?
March 5, 2013
Scientists are debating whether we can truly bring back vanished species—and, if so, whether we should.
Pictures: Endangered Species "Preserved" by the Photo Ark
March 5, 2013
Joel Sartore's photography project chronicles rare species.
Swarming Locusts Descend on Egypt
March 5, 2013
What turns these insects into an invading army ready to devour whatever lies in its path?
We Didn't Domesticate Dogs. They Domesticated Us.
March 1, 2013
Early humans didn't adopt wolves to help them hunt, argue scientists. Instead, wolves made the first move toward friendship.
Pictures: Baby Giant Armadillo Photographed—A First
March 1, 2013
Brazilian researchers recently captured the first-ever pictures of a baby giant armadillo.
Why It's Harder Than You Think to Send a Pet to Heaven
March 1, 2013
The author thought that when the time came he'd simply put his cat "to sleep." He never imagined how heartbreaking it would be.
Pictures: Saving Sumatra's Orangutans
February 28, 2013
A thriving pet trade and dwindling forests are driving Asia's great ape toward extinction, conservationists say.
Why African Rhinos Are Facing a Crisis
February 27, 2013
The illegal trade in rhino horns is at an all-time high. That could bring growth of rhino populations to a grinding halt.
Sharks Warn Off Predators By Wielding Light Sabers
February 25, 2013
Glowing blue spines warn off would-be predators, according to a new study.
Picture Archive: Dorothy Lamour and Jiggs, Circa 1938
February 24, 2013
While chimps and other animals have long been stars of the silver screen, they are ineligible for Oscar Awards.
Europe's Horse Meat Scandal Escalates, Investigations Ensue
February 22, 2013
The food scandal shaking Europe escalates as authorities hunt for the culprit.
Pictures: Best News Photos from 2013 World Photo Press Contest
February 22, 2013
Winners of the 56th World Press Photo contest capture some of the most emotional, devastating, and beautiful images of 2012.
Oldest Known Wild Bird Hatches Chick at 62
February 21, 2013
When Chandler Robbins banded a female albatross in 1956, he had no idea it would become a record-breaking bird that defied the odds.
Bird-friendly Farms Catching On in California
February 20, 2013
Migratory birds are taking refuge on farms in California's Staten Island as part of a conservation plan.
Florida Python Hunt Captures 68 Invasive Snakes
February 19, 2013
The 2013 Python Challenge nabbed 68 invasive Burmese pythons-and experts are surprised that many of the elusive giants were caught.
New Study Analyzes Heavy Metal Dancing
February 19, 2013
Scientists have analyzed mosh pits at heavy metal concerts, finding patterns similar to gaseous particle behavior.
New Ancient Members of Whale Family Found
February 19, 2013
These ancient relatives of modern baleen whales had teeth instead of baleen, which modern whales use to filter feed.
Why the Dog Show Winner Looks Like a Monkey
February 16, 2013
The affenpinscher dog is Best in Show. What's the story behind the little-known breed?
Confirmed: Dogs Sneak Food When People Aren't Looking
February 15, 2013
Dogs might understand people even better than thought, new experiments show.
Are Honeybees Losing Their Way?
February 13, 2013
Pesticides can take a toll on their memory and communication skills, and a combo of chemicals turns out to be far more hazardous.
Owl Monkeys Shed Light on Evolution of Love
February 13, 2013
It may not seem like monkey business, but emotional bonds in animals such as primates may have evolved into love as we know it.
Europe's Horse Meat Scandal Casts Light on Food Taboo
February 12, 2013
Horse meat is at the heart of a United Kingdom scandal, but some cultures eat it regularly.
Biggest Crocodile Dies in Captivity
February 11, 2013
<strong>Lolong is the largest crocodile in captivity no longer—the giant reptile has died in the Philippines. </strong>
Year of the Snake: The Serpent Behind the Horoscope
February 10, 2013
Ring in the Lunar New Year with horoscope predictions that accurately describe the actual animals.
Meow! Claws out on Facebook Over Killer Cat Stats
February 5, 2013
New estimates of how many animals are killed each year by cats have angered bird and cat advocates alike.
Moles Smell in Stereo to Find Food, Dodge Predators
February 4, 2013
Though nearly blind, the common mole uses its nostrils independently to find food and dodge predators, a new study suggests.
Angry Birds? "Shy" Sparrows Show Aggression With Wings
February 4, 2013
Scientists have discovered a new "angry bird." The swamp sparrow raises and quivers a wing at a time—a signal that it's ready to fight.
Pictures We Love: Best of January
February 1, 2013
Joy in a mud-brick alley and a contemplative hummingbird are among our photo editors' picks of the most interesting news pictures from January.
Debate Continues: Did Your Seafood Feel Pain?
February 1, 2013
Before it ended up on your plate, did your seafood suffer? Scientists disagree on the answer.
14 Pygmy Elephants Die Mysteriously in Borneo
January 31, 2013
<strong>Fourteen endangered Borneo pygmy elephants died of mysterious causes, conservationists say.</strong>
New Theory on How Homing Pigeons Find Home
January 30, 2013
Ultralow frequency sounds could be partly responsible for the birds' famed navigational skills.
6 Bizarre Animal Smuggling Busts
January 30, 2013
Primates in pants, a carry-on croc, and more surprising finds in the illicit wildlife trade.
Hello Kitty! Please Don't Kill Me!
January 29, 2013
A new study reveals that cats prey on billions of birds and mammals every year.
Doomed Dolphin Speaks to New York's Vibrant Wildlife
January 27, 2013
The death of a dolphin in a city canal shines a light on the coyotes, caimans and boas that call New York home.
5 Amazing Animal Navigators
January 25, 2013
A house cat named Holly, which made news this week for trekking nearly 200 miles, isn't the only supernavigator in the animal kingdom.
Deformed Dolphin Accepted Into New Family
January 23, 2013
Swimming among a pod of sperm whales in the North Atlantic is a dolphin with an S-shaped spine.
How a Cat-Born Parasite Infects Humans
January 22, 2013
A common parasite can make humans less fearful and slow to react. Now scientists think they know how it happens.
Opinion: Florida's Great Snake Hunt Is a Cheap Stunt
January 22, 2013
Florida's popular python hunt is based on a bogus and inhumane quest to banish an invasive species, Bryan Christy argues.
Hunting for Quail Eggs? Mind Your Steps
January 18, 2013
Scientists have discovered that female Japanese quail deftly hide their eggs with camouflage.
Newly Discovered Nebula Looks Like a Manatee
January 18, 2013
The National Radio Astronomy Observatory believes that a gas cloud in the constellation Aquila bears an uncanny resemblance to the endangered aquatic mammal.
First Human Contact With Large Emperor Penguin Colony
January 18, 2013
Antarctic researchers have found a large colony of emperor penguins that had first been spotted by satellite images.
Colorful New Lizard Identified in Vietnam
January 16, 2013
Scientists have identified a new lizard species in Vietnam. The bright-blue animal was previously misidentified.
"Fantastic" New Flying Frog Found—Has Flappy Forearms
January 14, 2013
A huge new flying frog with big webbed feet and flappy forearms has been discovered near Ho Chi Minh City, a new study says.
Sharp-Eared Robots Find Whales—And Help Them Escape Danger
January 11, 2013
Torpedo-shaped machines do their part to protect whales.
How "Cheating" Slime Mold Escapes Death
January 10, 2013
Cheaters do prosper—at least if you're a slime mold, a new study says.
Embryonic Sharks Freeze to Avoid Detection
January 9, 2013
Embryonic sharks still in their egg case will freeze to avoid predators.
Pictures: Florida Wildlife Corridor to Protect Bears, Panthers
January 9, 2013
Black bears, panthers, bobcats, and more could roam freely in the Florida Wildlife Corridor, a proposed strip of land running from South Florida to Georgia.
Albino-like Bald Eagle Spotted in Washington State
January 9, 2013
Talk about an odd bird—a bald eagle with white spots has been spotted in Washington State.
Primitive and Peculiar Mammal May Be Hiding Out in Australia
January 7, 2013
The long-beaked echidna is thought to live only in New Guinea. But now there's evidence that Australia might also be home to the rare, egg-laying mammal.
Wasp Larvae Practice Food Safety
January 7, 2013
Wasp larvae treat cockroach hosts with antimicrobials before digging in.
How Fish Evolved to Climb Waterfalls With Their Mouths
January 7, 2013
A Hawaiian fish that inches up sheer rock faces uses the same movements to eat, a new study says.
Pictures We Love: Best of December
January 3, 2013
Mud-slathered tourists, a cabaret comeback, and a glacial "mushroom" appear in our photo editors' favorite news pictures of December.
Tigers Making a Comeback in Parts of Asia
December 28, 2012
Tigers are making a comeback thanks to strong government initiatives in India, Thailand, and Russia, scientists announced this week.
Pictures: Capturing the Beauty of Life Through a Microscope
December 24, 2012
Tiny claws and single-celled algae are among the top images in the 2012 Olympus BioScapes Microscopic Life Photo Contest.
Photos: Humboldt Squid Have a Bad Day at the Beach
December 21, 2012
The bodies of hundreds of beached Humboldt squid puzzle researchers.
The Healing Power of Dogs
December 21, 2012
Dogs are helping people in Newtown, Connecticut, grapple with grief after the school shooting. What makes canines so comforting?
Detecting Rabid Bats Before They Bite
December 19, 2012
Infected bats have lower facial temperatures than uninfected colony-mates.
Crayfish Harbor Fungus That's Wiping Out Amphibians
December 17, 2012
Crustacean is a reservoir for fungus responsible for worldwide amphibian declines.
Venomous Primate Discovered in Borneo
December 14, 2012
Scientists unmask a new primate species—a type of slow loris called Nycticebus kayan, a new study says.
Trapped Tigress Rescued
December 14, 2012
When tigers come into contact with humans in parts of India, the results can be tragic for both sides.
Pictures: Surveying Rain Forest Arthropods
December 14, 2012
A new survey of rain forest arthropods finds their diversity tied to plant diversity.
Vast Diversity of Arthropods in Small Patch of Rain Forest
December 13, 2012
A huge new survey finds insect diversity linked to diversity in plants.
Rare Singing Dog Photographed in New Guinea?
December 13, 2012
The New Guinea singing dog, an elusive canine related to the Australian dingo, may have been spotted in New Guinea.
Gold "Mining" Termites Found, May Lead Humans to Riches
December 12, 2012
Want to know if you're literally sitting on a gold mine? Get some termites, a new study suggests.
Meet Migaloo, World's First "Archaeology Dog"
December 10, 2012
An Australian dog specially trained to locate buried human bones by scent could aid archaeologists.
A 110-Million-Year-Old Trash Collector
December 10, 2012
Complex hiding behavior encased in amber for 110 million years.
Photos: Coral Species Proposed for Protections
December 7, 2012
<strong>The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration proposes protections for 66 coral species.</strong>
Best News Pictures of 2012: Nat Geo News's Most Popular
December 7, 2012
A real-life "vampire," a spider swarm, and miniature chameleons are featured in the most popular news galleries of 2012.
Photos: Best Camera-Trap Pictures of 2012
December 7, 2012
A tiger chowing on a rhino and a sloth bear spitting at the camera are among the winning subjects of the 2012 BBC Wildlife Camera Trap Competition.
Oldest Giant Panda Relative Found in Spain
December 4, 2012
The oldest relative of the giant panda has been discovered in Spain—suggesting that the ancestors of giant pandas originated in Europe, a new study says.
Animal Overpass Helps Pronghorn Survive A Dangerous Migration
December 4, 2012
Pronghorn antelopes cross a busy Wyoming highway on an overpass built to help them navigate a dangerous bottleneck in their migration.
Bowerbirds Use Geometry to Woo Females
December 3, 2012
Great bowerbirds build patterned courts to impress females, will stick with flawed designs.
Top Ten Discoveries of 2012: Nat Geo News's Most Popular
December 3, 2012
The biggest crocodile and the God particle are featured in National Geographic News's most visited coverage of 2012 discoveries.
Battle of the Sexes: How Women and Men See Things Differently
November 30, 2012
Men and women differ when it comes to how much of an image they explore and where they focus their attention.
Volcano Eruption Baked Rare Rhino Fossil
November 30, 2012
Paleontologists in Turkey uncover a 9-million-year-old rhino fossil, slow-cooked by volcanic debris.
Caterpillar Fungus Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
November 28, 2012
A new study reveals details of how fungus-infected caterpillars reduce swelling.
Pictures: Falcon Massacre Uncovered in India
November 27, 2012
Every fall, locals in northeastern India kill hundreds of thousands of Amur falcons as the birds journey south to their wintering grounds, conservationists say.
Thanksgiving 2012 Myths and Facts
November 20, 2012
Before the big dinner, debunk the myths—for starters, the first "real" Thanksgiving wasn't until the 1800s—and get to the roots of Thanksgiving 2012.
Apes Have Midlife Crises, Too—And It May Help Them
November 19, 2012
Middle age ruts may motivate apes and people to better their lives, a new study says.
Lonesome George Not the Last of His Kind, After All?
November 16, 2012
Maybe the late, lamented Galápagos tortoise wasn't the end of his line, after all. A DNA shocker is spurring a hunt for living cousins.
World's Leggiest Animal Found Near Silicon Valley
November 14, 2012
Long thought extinct, a 750-limbed creature has been found near Silicon Valley—and this millipede's got claws and even its own "clothing."
Two-Ton "Alien" Horned Dinosaur Found—"Different From Every Other"
November 9, 2012
"Different from every other horned dinosaur," the new species suggests flamboyant beginnings for the lineage that includes Triceratops.
Croc Jaws More Sensitive Than Human Fingertips
November 8, 2012
Snap judgment: Alligator and crocodile jaws are even more touch-sensitive than human fingertips, a new study says.
Pittsburgh Zoo Tragedy: Why Did African Wild Dogs Attack Boy?
November 5, 2012
Wild dog experts on what may have led to the killing of a Pennsylvania boy. Says one: "I very much doubt this was a predatory attack."
Pictures We Love: Best of October
November 5, 2012
Sparks fly, tadpoles fall in line, and a sleepy Chihuahua charms in National Geographic photo editors' favorite news pictures from October.
Elephant "Speaks" Like a Human—Uses Trunk to Shape Sound
November 2, 2012
Koshik the Korean-speaking elephant can say good, hello, no, and sit down—a novel discovery, new research shows.
After Sandy's New York Deluge, a Flood of Rats?
October 31, 2012
In the wake of superstorm Sandy, thousands of the rodents have been driven from flooded subway tunnels.
Hurricane Sandy Aftermath: What Happens to the Birds?
October 30, 2012
This week's devastating superstorm didn't just wreak havoc on human communities—it also damaged habitat for coastal bird species.
Pictures: Best Micro-Photos of 2012
October 26, 2012
From baby spiderlings to a blood-brain barrier—see the best microphotos chosen in the annual Small World photo competition.
"Lucy's Baby" a Born Climber, Hinting Human Ancestors Lingered in Trees
October 26, 2012
A 3.3-million-year-old fossil child suggests our ancestors abandoned tree life later than previously thought, scientists say.
New Coelacanth Species Discovered in Texas
October 25, 2012
A new species of hundred-million-year-old coelacanth has been identified—an ancestor to "fossil fish" of today, a new study says.
World's Oldest Primate Was a Rodentlike Climber
October 24, 2012
An "extraordinary discovery" exposes the earliest known primate as a rodentlike climber that evolved in tandem with flowers and fruit.
Squirrel Birth Control: To Stop Invasion, Science Gets Seedy
October 24, 2012
Offering squirrels drug-laced sunflower seeds may lower the rodents' booming numbers—while turning their bellies pink.
Pictures: Best Wild Animal Photos of 2012 Announced
October 23, 2012
Bubbly penguins and pounce-primed cheetah cubs feature in some of the year's best wildlife pictures, according to a U.K.-based contest.
"Talking" Whale Could Imitate Human Voice
October 22, 2012
Birds aren't the only animals that impersonate people—a captive beluga whale learned to mimic humans, a new study suggests. Listen for yourself.
Singing Mice Learn New Tunes
October 17, 2012
Not only can male mice sing, they can learn to change the notes they produce in their songs, a new study says.
Turtles Urinate via Their Mouths—A First
October 12, 2012
A species of soft-shelled turtle in China pees through its mouth—the first evidence of an animal doing so.
Pictures: Colored Honey Made by Candy-Eating French Bees
October 11, 2012
Mysterious blue and green honey comes from honeybees feeding off remnants of M&M candy shells.
Pictures: Glowing Deep-Sea Creatures Found in Caribbean
October 10, 2012
A bevy of bottom-dwelling creatures—including shrimp, coral, and anemones—have been found to glow, a new study says.
Snow Leopards Need To Be Protected ... But How?
October 9, 2012
Thinking of snow leopards as domesticated—and thus dependent on people for food—may help save the dwindling species, one conservationist claims.
New Species Photos: Giant Millipede, Horned Frog Among Borneo Finds
October 5, 2012
Glowing fungi, a big-fanged spider, and the world's biggest moth are among species found during a recent expedition to Malaysia.
Do Animals Get Depressed?
October 4, 2012
Rodents, primates, and even fish that lack interest in their environment could be sad—but scientists can't say for sure, a new study says.
New Fanged Dwarf Dinosaur Found—"Would Be Nice Pet"
October 3, 2012
A new, tiny dinosaur likely used its self-sharpening teeth against competitors, not prey, a new study suggests
Could Black Mamba Snake Venom Replace Morphine?
October 3, 2012
A painkiller made from the venom of Africa's black mamba would be as strong as morphine but without the risks of other drugs, a new study says.
Pictures: Orphan Baby Gorillas Rescued From Poachers
October 2, 2012
Freed from poachers, two gorillas have found refuge in the arms of surrogate "mothers"—male caretakers who offer crucial 24-hour TLC.
Pictures: 80 Polar Bears Throng Village in Search of Whale
October 1, 2012
Drawn by a whale carcass, the bears thronged an Alaskan village in record numbers—a possible side effect of the great Arctic melt.
Pictures: Vampire Squid's Surprising Diet Revealed
September 29, 2012
Despite its bloodthirsty name and looks, the "vampire squid from hell" turns out to be the only known nonpredatory squid, a new study says.
Pictures: New-Species "Heaven" Discovered in Peru
September 28, 2012
A night monkey, enigmatic porcupine, and small-eared shrew are among the unusual mammals found during a recent expedition.
Panda Cub's Death Still a Mystery—Necropsy Provides Clues
September 24, 2012
A necropsy has turned up some clues in why the U.S. National Zoo's panda cub died after less than a week.
"Liliger" Born in Russia No Boon for Big Cats
September 21, 2012
A liliger—the offspring of a liger mother and lion father—born in Russia may be cute, but it has no relevance in helping save big cats, experts say.
Prehistoric "Movie Monster" Mollusk Re-created With 3-D Printer
September 18, 2012
A spiky, well-armored mollusk that lived 390 million years ago has been brought back to life with the help of 3-D printers.
"Virgin Birth" Seen in Wild Snakes, Even When Males Are Available
September 14, 2012
Who needs males? Even with potential fathers afoot—er, a-slither—vipers reproduce asexually, and surprisingly frequently, study says.
Religious Ivory Demand Killing Elephants by Thousands, Report Says
September 14, 2012
An active market for illegal ivory Jesuses, prayer beads, and amulets fuels thousands of elephant deaths yearly, a new report finds.
"Zombie" Bees Electronically Enhanced to Help Solve Die-Off Mystery
September 12, 2012
To learn more about a bizarre, zombie-like behavior in honeybees, researchers are tagging the "zombees" with radio trackers.
Best Wildlife Pictures - British Nature Winners 2012
September 12, 2012
From a cave-diving seal to balletic, and brutal, birds—see gob-smackingly good winners of the British Wildlife Photography Awards.
Pictures: Pygmy Sloth Among 100 Species Most At Risk
September 11, 2012
A chameleon named after Tarzan and a snub-nosed monkey are among the most threatened species, according to the new IUCN book Priceless or Worthless?.
Sea Otters Strike a Blow for the Environment?
September 10, 2012
When hungry sea otters smack spiky urchins against rocks on their chests, the mammals may also be striking a blow against climate change.
In War to Save Elephants, Rangers Appeal for Aid
September 9, 2012
In Elephant "War," Rangers' Plea for Help
Albatross's Effortless Flight Decoded—May Influence Future Planes
September 7, 2012
Aerospace engineers may have finally figured out how albatrosses go so far without flapping, and the findings could shape future planes.
Could Cyborg Cockroaches Save Your Life?
September 7, 2012
Electrode-implanted bugs can now be "driven" with surprising precision (see video), which may make them futuristic first responders.
Venus the Two-Faced Cat Still a Mystery
August 31, 2012
Just how Venus the cat—whose face is divided in two colors—got such a striking coloration is still a mystery, an expert says.
What's Ambergris? Behind the $60k Whale-Waste Find
August 30, 2012
A beachcombing U.K. boy just stumbled upon a chunk of ambergris possibly worth up to $63,000. So what exactly is it, and why is it worth so much?
Glowing Cockroach Mimics Toxic Beetle
August 30, 2012
A species of cockroach glows green to trick predators into thinking it's the toxic click beetle, a new study says.
Black Bears Can "Count" as Well as Primates
August 29, 2012
Do black bears count in the woods? Possibly, according to a recent study that shows the mammals are as smart as primates.
Triassic Mites Join World's Oldest Amber Animal Finds (Pictures)
August 28, 2012
Locked in tree resin since the dinosaur dawn, new fossils are among scientific gold that reveals how little some animals have evolved.
New Genitalia-Headed Fish Is Evolutionary Mystery
August 27, 2012
It's a mystery just how the fish's reproductive organs ended up front and center, a new study says.
Deep-Sea, Shrimp-like Creatures Survive by Eating Wood
August 27, 2012
Deep-sea, shrimp-like crustaceans caught in the Mariana Trench get big by eating sunken wood, a new study says.
Pictures: Rare Deep-Sea Anglerfish Recorded
August 23, 2012
Rare, red, bulbous deep-sea anglerfish that can "walk" and change color are caught on camera thousands of feet below the surface.
Gibbons and Opera Singers Use the Same Voice Tools
August 23, 2012
Gibbons and human soprano opera singers share common vocalization anatomy and techniques, according to new research findings that indicate humans haven't evolved as much as scientists had first thought. Audio of a gibbon on helium.
Photos: Aerial Survey Spots Record Number of Manatees
August 22, 2012
An aerial survey from the skies above Belize has spotted a record number of manatees enjoying clear coastal waters.
Virus That Twists Snakes Into Knots Revealed
August 22, 2012
A new study has found the cause of a mysterious disease that makes snakes tie themselves in knots and waste away.
Pictures: Squid Iridescence Explained
August 21, 2012
Nerve cells are responsible for squids' shimmering displays, a new study says.
Color-Changing Rubber Robot Could Aid Animal Study
August 17, 2012
A new inflatable robot changes color when fluid is pumped into its "body." The high-tech camouflage may be a boon to stealth science.
Biggest Burmese Python Found in Florida—17.7 Feet, 87 Eggs
August 14, 2012
"Monstrous," egg-stuffed 17.7-footer suggests Florida life is "perfect" for the invasive snake species, experts say.
Cloned Horses Coming to the Olympics?
August 3, 2012
It's too late for London, but genetic copies are now cleared to competing in the Olympics. Could we be seeing double at the 2020 games?
Fossil Rodents With Supertough Teeth Found
August 2, 2012
Two new species of prehistoric rodents found in central Chile may have lived in the world's earliest grassland, scientists say.
Cheetah Breaks Speed Record—Beats Usain Bolt by Seconds
August 2, 2012
Beating Usain Bolt's best, Sarah the "polka-dotted missile" clocked the world's fastest recorded time for a 100-meter run.
"Superbird" Cormorant's Deep Dive Caught on Video—A Surprising First
August 1, 2012
Wearing a lipstick-size camera, a cormorant recently filmed itself diving 150 feet to the seafloor—"a new behavior." With video.
Pictures: Strange New Fish Found Deep off New Zealand
July 24, 2012
A flabby whalefish, a slickhead, and a white rattail are among the weird fish hauled up during a recent New Zealand deep-sea expedition.
Gorilla Youngsters Seen Dismantling Poachers' Traps—A First
July 18, 2012
Just days after a snare had killed one of their own, four-year-old wild gorillas worked together to find and destroy other traps in their forest home.
Best Bird Pictures: Air, Sea, Ice Shots Win New Contest
July 18, 2012
Go undersea, into the air, and out on a limb with the winning shots of the first World Bird Photo Contest.
"Easter Island Drug," Bee Nursing Hold Antiaging Secrets?
July 10, 2012
Nursing makes old bees "intelligent again," while an "Easter Island drug" helps mice live longer—and better. Could humans be next?
"Unusual" Pictures: Lions vs. Hippo
July 10, 2012
Newly released pictures show lions attacking and killing a young hippo in South Africa—a rarity, experts say.
Arsenic-Life Discovery Debunked—But "Alien" Organism Still Odd
July 9, 2012
An organism that appeared to have rewritten the laws of life has been brought down to Earth by two new studies.
Elusive Killer Ants Explained; Bop Insects on Heads
July 3, 2012
A little-seen species of trap-jawed ant is an ambush hunter that lives in giant treetop colonies, a decades-long study reveals.
Giant Crocodile Breaks Size Record—Suspected in Fatal Attacks
July 2, 2012
A saltwater crocodile captured last year in the Philippines is the largest in captivity, the Guinness World Records announced recently.
"Beautiful" Squirrel-Tail Dinosaur Fossil Upends Feather Theory
July 2, 2012
Forget overgrown lizards—the oldest known meat-eating dinosaur with feathers suggests "probably all" dinosaurs bore plumage, a new study says.
Pictures: 25 New Reef Fish Found—"Beautiful" Basslet and More
June 28, 2012
Among the new species: a candy-striped clingfish and fairy goby—plus, a "bizarre" scorpionfish and an eel opening wide for flounder.
World's Ugliest Dog: The Evolution of Mugly's Frightful Features
June 28, 2012
How did Mugly—newly crowned king of unsightly canines—get so ugly? Scientists untangle the roots of hairless breeds.
Massive Pile of Elephant Ivory Burned in Gabon—A First
June 27, 2012
More than ten thousand pounds of elephant ivory were burned in Gabon, a fiery act intended to snuff out a recent spike in poaching.
World's Oldest Purse Found—Studded With a Hundred Dog Teeth?
June 27, 2012
Studded with a hundred Stone Age dog teeth, the world's oldest purse may have been found in Germany.
Photos: "Snubby" Monkey, Hula Frog Among New Most At-Risk Species
June 26, 2012
A sneezing monkey, an Amazon antbird, and a hula frog are among the species newly listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Slow Sharks Sneak Up on Sleeping Seals (and Eat Them)?
June 26, 2012
The world's slowest swimming shark may have evolved a slick hunting move: Sneaking up on snoozing seals.
Lonesome George, Last of His Kind, Dies in Galápagos
June 25, 2012
The centenarian reptile, perhaps best known for his reticence to mate, was the last giant tortoise of his kind.
Mating Turtles Fossilized in the Act
June 21, 2012
The first known fossils of copulating vertebrates may solve poisonous paleontology mystery: What killed the creatures of Messel Pit?
Pictures: Jaguars Spotted on Colombian Plantation—A First
June 18, 2012
Looking "calm, playful, and healthy," jaguars have been spotted on a Colombian oil palm plantation—a first, scientists say.
Father's Day Pictures: All-Star Animal Dads
June 15, 2012
In honor of Father's Day, see which species—from cockroaches to marmosets—are the greatest dads of the animal kingdom.
Pictures: Odd Deep-Sea Creatures Found at Volcanoes, Canyons
June 13, 2012
Squat lobsters, "hairy" crabs, and "Mickey Mouse" squid are among animals spotted during a recent survey of underwater volcanoes and canyons.
Pictures: Tsunami Dock Is "Alien Mother Ship" of Species
June 13, 2012
Teeming with invasive life-forms, the Japanese dock that recently hit the U.S. is a "dirty needle that just got stuck into our ecological arm."
Gorillas Seen Using "Baby Talk" Gestures—A First
June 12, 2012
A first among primates, the discovery may give insight into how similar human communication evolved.
Super-tongue Bat Caught on Camera (With Video)
June 11, 2012
For the first time, a rare bat with a tongue longer than its body has been filmed in high definition. With video.
Microbes Beam Electrons to Each Other Via Mineral "Wires"
June 8, 2012
Bacteria can use minerals in soil as electrical grids, helping the microbes generate chemicals they need to survive, a new study says.
Giant Bugs Eaten Out of Existence by First Birds?
June 4, 2012
Entomophobes rejoice! Prehistory's biggest insects were likely easy prey to dinosaur-era birds, a new study says.
Pictures We Love: Best of May
June 1, 2012
From Amazon antics to a mist-shrouded Taj Mahal—see National Geographic photo editors' favorite news pictures from last month.
Paralyzed Rats Walk Again, Thanks to Electricity, Chemicals—And Chocolate
May 31, 2012
With help from electricity, chemicals, and chocolate, the rats' severely injured spinal cords recovered—a first that might help humans.
Top Ten New Species: Snub-Nosed Monkey, Devil Worm, More
May 29, 2012
The biggest millipede and a Spongebob mushroom are among the ten most bizarre species of 2011, according to Arizona State University.
Deep Creatures Hitchhike on Subs—Invading Pristine Habitats?
May 29, 2012
Despite huge pressure changes, "Energizer bunny" animals keep going and going and going—possibly invading pristine areas, experts say.
Evolutionary Flop: Early 4-Footed Land Animal Was No Walker?
May 23, 2012
New 3-D models suggest that what's been seen as one of Earth's first land walkers was actually more of a flopper.
Photos: Volcanic Vents, Crawling With Creatures, Found in Mexico Sea
May 23, 2012
Crawling with tube worms and crabs, the hydrothermal vents are the first found in the Gulf of California, scientists report.
Magma Rise Sparked Life as We Know It?
May 23, 2012
Oxygen-breathing life exists on Earth today because of changes in the planet's magma 2.5 billion years ago, a new study says.
Can Sugar Make You Stupid? "High Concern" in Wake of Rat Study
May 22, 2012
Bingeing on fructose stunted memory and learning in rats, prompting "high concern" over unhealthy humans.
Fossil Ink Sacs Yield Jurassic Pigment—A First
May 21, 2012
Still soft ink sacs from 160-million-year-old squidlike animals have yielded pigment matching that of modern cuttlefish.
Giant Killer Mice Decimating Rare Seabirds
May 21, 2012
Oversize house mice are consuming millions of endangered Atlantic petrels on the bird's only known breeding area, a new study says.
Slow-Mo Microbes Still Living off Dino-era "Lunch Box"
May 17, 2012
Buried for 86 million years, a bacterial community lives so slugglishly it's still surviving on a "lunch box" from dino days, a new study says.
Pictures: Elephant Underpass Reuniting Kenya Herds
May 16, 2012
A corridor beneath a busy highway in northern Kenya is helping isolated elephant populations reunite, conservationists say.
Prehistoric "Panda" Found in Spain—Giant Panda Has European Roots?
May 14, 2012
A small fossil bear recently identified in Spain suggests China's giant panda has European roots, a new study says.
Runner's High Hardwired in People—And Dogs
May 10, 2012
The pleasurable sensation known as "runner's high" may have motivated human and canine ancestors to build endurance, a new study says.
Biggest Crocodile Found—Fossil Species Ate Humans Whole?
May 8, 2012
The 27-foot-long predator may have ambushed early humans in what's now Kenya, a new study says.
Pictures: Ancient Pygmy Pipehorse Species Found
May 8, 2012
Fossils of a new species of pygmy pipehorse, a tiny relative of the seahorse, have been unearthed in Slovenia.
"Zombie Ant" Fungus Under Attack—By Another Fungus
May 4, 2012
Besieged by a fungus that takes over their brains then erupts from their heads, rain forest ants have an unlikely ally—another fungus.
Pictures We Love: Best of April
May 4, 2012
From hippo dental care to hammer time—see National Geographic photo editors' favorite news pictures from last month.
Pictures: 24 New Caribbean Lizards Found
May 3, 2012
The unexpectedly large crop of Caribbean skinks is already at risk of extinction, a new study says.
Pictures: New "Rebel" Coelacanth Found
May 2, 2012
The unusual predator was built to do "everything a coelacanth should not do," its discoverers say.
Glowing Pygmy Shark Lights Up to Fade Away
April 30, 2012
In what may sound like soggy logic, the smalleye pygmy shark hides in the dark by lighting up, a new study says.
Best Underwater Pictures: Winners of 2012 Amateur Contest
April 27, 2012
From the ocean's biggest fish to tiny sea slugs with big color, the stars of an annual contest help reveal "the ocean through other eyes."
White Killer Whale Spotted—Only One in the World?
April 25, 2012
Iceberg the Orca may be the only known all-white adult killer whale, and his strange skin color remains a mystery.
New Species: Bumblebee Gecko Strikingly Striped
April 23, 2012
The latest buzz in reptiledom—a strikingly striped lizard—comes from a little-explored Pacific island.
Fish Glow Green After Genetic Engineering
April 22, 2012
A genetically engineered fish that glows green from the inside out is helping illuminate what pollutants do inside the body.
Photos: Oldest Reptile Embryos Discovered
April 17, 2012
New reptile fossils may show both the earliest evidence of live birth and of parental care, a new study says.
Emperor Penguins Counted From Space—A First
April 13, 2012
New satellite images show the population of emperor penguins in Antarctica has doubled since 1992, scientists report.
"Strawberry" Leopard Discovered—A First
April 12, 2012
The rare South Africa leopard probably has erythrism, a condition that causes a pinkish coat, experts say.
Drug-Resistant Bacteria Found in 4-Million-Year-Old Cave
April 11, 2012
Deep in an ancient New Mexico cave, scientists have discovered nearly a hundred types of bacteria that can fight modern antibiotics.
Pictures: New Suckermouth Armored Catfish Discovered
April 10, 2012
An "unusual" species of catfish likely uses its "suckermouth" to scrape algae off rocks, a new study says.
One-Ton Feathered Dinosaur Found: Fluffy and Fierce
April 4, 2012
About as long as a bus but downy soft in chicklike plumage, Yutyrannus is by far the biggest feathered dinosaur yet, a new study says.
"Lost" Long-Fingered Frog Found in Africa
April 3, 2012
In a handy stroke of luck, scientists have rediscovered a "lost" African species: the Bururi long-fingered frog.
Bizarre "King of Wasps" Found in Indonesia
March 27, 2012
Males of the venomous wasps have large, spiked jaws, perhaps to protect young, a new study says.
Whales Have Sonar "Beam" for Targeting Prey
March 22, 2012
Precision sound "beams" let whales focus on fast prey in the dark ocean, a new study says.
Viking Invaders Brought Armies of Mice
March 21, 2012
Vikings who conquered new lands unwittingly brought with them another sort of invader: mice, a new study says.
Pictures: Glowing Blue Waves Explained
March 19, 2012
Glittering or flashing seas have long been linked to marine microbes—and now scientists think they know how the life-forms create light.
"Hot Bee Balls" Cook Enemy Hornets—But How Do Bees Endure the Heat?
March 16, 2012
Japanese honeybees swarm to cook enemy hornets, but how do they survive the heat themselves? A new brain study may have the answer.
Giant Squid's Basketball-Size Eyes Have Sperm Whale Vision
March 15, 2012
Colossal and giant squid eyes—the world's biggest—seem to have a "superpower" Captain Ahab might have killed for: sperm whale vision.
Crocodiles Have Strongest Bite Ever Measured, Hands-on Tests Show
March 15, 2012
An "extraordinary" new study—based on treacherous hands-on measurements—suggests crocs are "force-generating machines" rivaling T. rex.
New Horned Dinosaurs Found—Among Littlest Known
March 13,