Wild Animals

When it comes to big cats, few comparisons get more attention than the showdown of panther vs. jaguar. These animals are powerful, stealthy and mysterious members of the animal kingdom. But are they actually separate species, or is the difference only fur-deep?

By Nico Avelle

Step aside, heavyweight champions of the animal world! There’s a Siberian tiger vs. Bengal tiger showdown that deserves center stage.

By Nico Avelle

Think all wasps are just angry insects looking to ruin your picnic? Think again. There are types of wasps that build nests underground, some that live in solitary splendor and others that are downright helpful to your garden.

By Nico Avelle

Seafood lovers, gather 'round! When it comes to crab on your plate, two heavy hitters often make a splash. That's why we're here to talk about Dungeness crab vs. snow crab.

By Nico Avelle

If you’ve ever watched whales surfacing with a dramatic blow from their blowholes, you’ve probably wondered: How often do whales come up for air?

By Nico Avelle

When you're hiking through the woods or watching wildlife documentaries, you might find yourself wondering about the differences between two majestic creatures: elk vs. deer.

By Nico Avelle

It’s a question that puzzles many ocean lovers: How do whales sleep without drowning? Unlike us, whales are voluntary breathers, meaning they have to consciously come up for their next breath. That makes their sleeping habits pretty unique among marine mammals.

By Nico Avelle

Spotting a roach can trigger immediate alarm but not all roaches are the same. While wood roaches might startle you, they aren't the same threat as German or American cockroaches.

By Nico Avelle

If you've ever seen images of baleen whales covered in little white bumps, you’ve probably wondered—what’s the deal with barnacles on whales? These crusty hitchhikers may look like pests, but they tell a fascinating story of marine life, symbiosis and survival.

By Nico Avelle

They’re both long, sleek, and carry a sword-like bill, but when it comes to swordfish vs. marlin, these titans of the sea are anything but interchangeable. Whether you're into deep sea fishing or browsing seafood menus, knowing the difference between a swordfish and a marlin can make all the difference.

By Nico Avelle

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