Mammals

Scientifically-speaking there are 11 mammal groups, and most Mammals are warm-blooded, have body hair, give live birth and nurse their young with milk from mammary glands. Check out these articles about all kinds of mammals.

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Prairie dogs may look cute and cuddly, but are these rodents harbingers of deathly plague? Since there aren't any underground pharmacies in prairie dog towns, will disease wipe out these animals?

By Cristen Conger

Besides our genetic similarities, gorillas also share our love of getting a good night's sleep -- except that their alarm clocks come in the form of dangerous predators and poachers.

By Cristen Conger

If Bullwinkle had made the move up north, he would have felt right at home. Though moose in Alaska don't have squirrel sidekicks, they do take advantage of their urban surroundings.

By Jennifer Horton

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Marsupials are mammals that commonly bear a pouch such as kangaroos and koalas. Did you know that two thirds of marsupial species are found in Australia? Find out more by viewing this marsupial image gallery.

By Marie Bobel

If you don't make it past that first "E" during your annual vision test, you might give bats a reprieve by calling yourself "blind as a manatee."

By Cristen Conger

Orangutans might be the most low-key of the world's apes, but that doesn't mean they don't like to socialize. So are these redheads miscast as loners, or are orangutans introverts?

By Jennifer Horton

If you come across a cougar, you might scream in fear. So if this predator could easily devour you, why might it harmonize your screech with its own tone-deaf shriek?

By Cristen Conger

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Their genetic similarity to humans makes chimps great subjects for medical research. But some countries are banning this research because these apelike similarities are a little too close for comfort.

By Cristen Conger

With powerful jaws, massive paws and piercing claws, the leopard is built for hunting. But how can this cat possibly take down animals three times its size?

By Cristen Conger

Avoiding eye contact is a form of body language (and a sign you're probably lying). Gazelles might not use body language to lie, but they do rely on it to survive.

By Jennifer Horton

When cats go swimming, is it still considered doggy paddling? Tigers might not be invited to your next pool party, but they sure do love taking a dip.

By Cristen Conger

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It takes brains to tan leather is and we're not just talking keen intellect and skill. Sometimes that soft, supple feel of leather literally comes from using the old noggin.

By Cristen Conger

Vindictive whales like Moby Dick sometimes give these giants of the sea a bad rap. But whales do a lot for their ecosystem, especially after they go to Davy Jones' locker.

By Cristen Conger

What? You've never heard of a narwhal? Well, it's a cold-water-dwelling, deep-diving, vocalizing, halibut-munching wonder with its very own ivory crown. Did we mention its crazy tusk?

By Katie Lambert

Loners might seem intriguing, but they lead dangerous lives -- a least those in the wolf world do. Lone wolves are outsiders, relying only on themselves to survive without a pack.

By Cristen Conger

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Riddle me this: Why are bats showing up dead with a white powder streaked across their faces? Could a poorly understood fungus wipe them out? To the bat cave, readers!

By Cristen Conger

So far, "Planet of the Apes" is pure fiction. But are chimps capable of learning human language (and eventually taking over the world)?

By Cristen Conger

Million-dollar endorsement deals or a sneaker named the Air Roo aren't in the cards for kangaroos. Since these animals can't play in any Final Four championships, why do they hop?

By Cristen Conger

These reindeer won't find any candy canes or fruitcake buried in the frozen tundra. So how do these animals find enough food to sustain them through such extreme weather?

By Cristen Conger

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Elephants have amazing memories and are known to hold grudges for years against those who have wronged them. So, be careful who you're calling Dumbo.

By Cristen Conger

Animals may not have access to spice racks, but does that mean they don't enjoy flavorful meals? Have Japanese monkeys discovered the joy of cooking, or is this a culinary myth?

By Cristen Conger

Plagued by negative images and slanderous tales, wolves could use the help of a good publicist. Will positive news like wolves help strengthen the ecosystem override age-old fears and misconceptions?

By Cristen Conger

What's a full moon without the cry of a wolf echoing in the background? Are wolves really howling at the moon or just talking among themselves?

By Cristen Conger

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Wolves are wild predators and could kill your beloved Fido for a tasty meal. But will these animals come after you, or do they prefer a drama-free neighborhood?

By Cristen Conger

Contrary to popular belief, the leaders of a wolf pack aren't always hyper-aggressive social climbers. The truth is more nuanced, and more interesting.

By Cristen Conger & Mark Mancini