Wild Animals

If you think you've seen a funnel-web spider before, think again. The Newcastle funnel-web isn't just a bigger version of the spiders you've heard about from Sydney. It's Atrax christenseni, a newly identified species that's separate from the classic Sydney funnel-web spider, Atrax robustus.

By Nico Avelle

If you've ever wondered, "Are whales mammals?" the answer is a resounding yes. Despite their fish-like appearance, whales belong to the order Cetacea and share many features with other mammals. From breathing air to nursing their young, these marine giants check every mammalian box.

By Nico Avelle

Few phenomena are as strange, grotesque and captivating as the rat king — a creature that has fascinated and unsettled people for centuries.

By Nico Avelle

With their serpentine bodies, massive jaws and slightly grumpy expressions, the wolf eel is one of the most misunderstood creatures beneath the waves.

By Nico Avelle

In the world of ocean giants, one name stands out: the Deep Blue shark.

By Nico Avelle

Gliding through the canopies of southeast Asia, the paradise flying snake (Chrysopelea paradisi) cuts a striking figure.

By Nico Avelle

Lions, one of the most iconic big cats in the animal kingdom, belong to the species Panthera leo, but not all lions are the same. There are several recognized subspecies, each adapted to a specific region and environmental conditions.

By Nico Avelle

A summer day on the beach took a terrifying turn when a South Padre Island shark attack left beachgoers stunned and one woman seriously injured.

By Nico Avelle

You’ve probably heard of shark attacks and shark teeth, but here’s something lesser known and just as intriguing: Do sharks lay eggs? The answer is: it depends on the shark species.

By Nico Avelle

Ever notice those little crusty clumps stuck to rocks, boat hulls or even whales? Those are barnacles, and while they might not look like much, they're marvels of the natural world.

By Nico Avelle

Don’t let the name fool you: While it’s not a real shark, the rainbow shark definitely brings a bold, finned attitude to the freshwater aquarium.

By Nico Avelle

Forget the bloodthirsty predators of summer blockbusters; the ghost shark is a real and seriously mysterious. You sure won’t find them lurking off a sunny beach.

By Nico Avelle

Sleek, fast, and unmistakably tinted with ocean hues, the blue shark is a standout among pelagic sharks.

By Nico Avelle

With their sleek, spotted bodies and easygoing demeanor, the leopard shark is a California coast icon. These sharks, scientifically known as Triakis semifasciata, cruise the shallow nearshore embayments of the eastern Pacific, especially around San Francisco Bay and southern California.

By Nico Avelle

With a name that sounds like it belongs in a storybook, the tasselled wobbegong shark is one of the ocean’s most fascinating ambush predators.

By Nico Avelle

If you've ever found a tick clinging to your skin after a hike or a romp in tall grass, you're not alone. These tiny critters are more than just a nuisance — they're also potential carriers of some serious diseases.

By Nico Avelle

If you're catching whiffs of something funky near your porch, you might be wondering, "What do skunks eat?" These black-and-white foragers are best known for their defensive skunk spray, but their feeding habits are just as distinctive.

By Nico Avelle

When you picture Belize — a Central American jewel hugged by the Caribbean Sea — your mind probably drifts to turquoise waters, coral reefs and epic scuba diving adventures.

By Nico Avelle

If the ocean had a drag race, the mako shark would leave the competition in its bubbly wake.

By Nico Avelle

Yellow birds are some of the most eye-catching creatures in the avian world, bringing bursts of bright yellow plumage to forests, grasslands and backyards. Some species have bright yellow bodies, while others display a mix of yellow feathers with black wings or olive green upperparts.

By Talon Homer

Massive, majestic and deeply woven into the fabric of North American history, the bison is more than just an iconic mammal; it's a symbol of survival and conservation.

By Nico Avelle

What do raccoons eat when they’re rummaging around at night like masked bandits?

By Nico Avelle

Found swinging through the canopies of tropical forests or foraging on the forest floor, the many types of monkeys are split into two main groups: Old World monkeys and New World monkeys. These primate species differ in habitat, behavior and physical traits, from prehensile tails to colorful facial features.

By Nico Avelle

White birds are some of the most striking and elegant creatures in the natural world. Whether soaring over lakes, wading through wetlands, or perched in city skylines, these birds tend to capture attention with their brilliant features.

By Talon Homer

What do crickets eat? If you've ever heard these little insects chirping in grassy areas or dark places, you might have wondered what fuels their busy lives. It turns out these opportunistic feeders will munch on almost anything to stay healthy.

By Talon Homer