Orcas have been known to slap around stingrays, punt seals into the air and otherwise play with their food. But killer whales don’t just toy with live prey. Some also…
Category: Animals
A rare 3-D snake fossil is spilling secrets of its unusual lifestyle
Most snake fossils are two-dimensional. Sandwiched within rocks, the pressure of millions of years flattens them like a pancake. But in 2020, scientists uncovered a uniquely well-preserved snake fossil in…
This humpback whale hunting strategy has been out of sight — until now
Humpback whales are known for their ingenious hunting tactics. One of the most sophisticated strategies involves as many as 20 whales working together to create a “net” of bubbles underwater…
Ape cuddles could prevent conflicts
Humans could learn from chimpanzees and bonobos, who turn to group members for physical comfort during tense moments.
Deep-sea snails ride surface currents to reach distant hydrothermal vents
The ocean is giving up one of its secrets: how members of the same species can turn up at far-flung deep-sea hydrothermal vents. An epic migration up to — and…
Summit living isn’t a problem for this tiny mouse
It’s not easy living the high life. Take it from the Andean leaf-eared mouse, Earth’s highest-dwelling mammal. To tolerate the freezing temperatures atop dormant volcanoes, these mice generate more body…
Beefalo are bred to be part bison. A new study says most aren’t
People will spend $100 to learn about their genetic ancestry. Some pay even more to learn about their dog’s genes. But how many have questioned the genetic ancestry of their…
The natural history of every U.S. state is on display at a new D.C. exhibit
The Smithsonian Natural History Museum’s latest exhibit, “From These Lands,” connects visitors with America’s natural history.
The animal behind most aggressive wildlife encounters may surprise you
A bear might seem like the scariest thing you could run into in a national park. But a new study suggests maybe you should be more worried about elk. Out of nearly 3,000 wildlife…
Young gulls’ drab plumage may help them avoid adult attacks
While many bird species go from egg to adult in months, some seabirds spend years in a sort of awkward adolescent phase, sporting darker, drabber plumage than the adults. In…
