Wild Animals

Alligators are some of nature’s oldest prehistoric predators. But what do alligators eat, and what is an alligator's natural prey?

By Talon Homer

Elk vs. moose comparisons are a lot easier to make when you realize that two of the largest members of the deer family differ significantly in size, behavior and appearance.

By Talon Homer

Birds of prey are some of nature’s most fascinating creatures, but when it comes to buzzard vs. vulture species, things can get a little confusing.

By Zach Taras

An adult horse should typically eat about 1.5 to 2 percent of its body weight in food each day. This means a 1,000-pound (454-kilogram) horse may eat 15 to 20 pounds (6.8 to 9 kilograms) of hay and grass daily.

By Ada Tseng

Gorillas — one of the most powerful great apes — have a diet that might surprise you. Even though they’re massive and strong, their meals consist mostly of plants. But let's get specific: What do gorillas eat in the wild, and how do their diets change depending on where they live?

By Talon Homer

Two of the largest flightless birds on the planet may look similar but they typically live on different continents and have evolved unique adaptations for survival. How are your emu vs. ostrich identification skills?

By Talon Homer

If you're into marine oddities, few animals capture the imagination quite like the hairy frogfish. This bizarre, underwater ambush predator may look like a ball of algae, but don't be fooled: It's a master of camouflage and a nightmare for unsuspecting prey.

By Nicole Antonio

Ah, the great marmot vs. groundhog distinction. These two burrowing, chubby members of the squirrel family that are often mistaken for the same animal.

By Talon Homer

Turkeys have become a traditional dish to eat during Thanksgiving festivities. But have you ever wondered, what do turkeys eat?

By Ada Tseng

Goats are endlessly curious animals famous for their ability to eat just about anything — but don't be fooled. A goat's diet isn't just about munching on random objects; it requires careful balance to keep all the goats healthy and thriving. So, what do goats eat, really?

By Yara Simón

How do you identify a locust vs. grasshopper? They both belong to the grasshopper family (Acrididae), have powerful hind legs for jumping and share many physical traits. Despite their similarities, these two insects exhibit key behavioral and physiological differences that set them apart — especially when it comes to their ability to form massive, crop-devastating swarms.

By Mack Hayden

When it comes to big cats, jaguar vs. leopard identification can be tricky due to the animals' similar spotted coats. However, these wild cats belong to separate species within the genus Panthera and have distinct differences in appearance, behavior and habitat.

By Mack Hayden

The most colorful birds come in such dazzling hues that they are often the subject of artists and photographers.

By Ada Tseng

Whether they're prowling the forest floor or basking in the sun, big lizards are fascinating creatures. They come in all shapes and sizes, with some being land-dwelling behemoths and others being arboreal species that rule the treetops.

By Yara Simón

This adorable sea slug (also called a leaf slug or sea sheep) is one of the most unique examples of marine life on Earth. Similar to mollusks and other nudibranch species, these little guys spend most of their lives crawling slowly along the sea floor in warm, shallow waters without a care in the world.

By Mitch Ryan

The largest bird of prey is a raptor that dominates the air with its massive wingspan, incredible strength and razor-sharp talons. The biggest birds aren't just impressive because of their size; they're also some of the most powerful predators in the avian world, from the highest peaks of South America to the vast forests of Asia.

By Yara Simón

The green anaconda — scientific name Eunectes murinus — is the heaviest snake species on our planet. These colossal serpents slither through the waterways of South America, captivating our imaginations with their immense size and power.

By Yara Simón

When you think of rodents, you might think of tiny mice running through your cellar or the adorable hamster that was your 5th grade class pet.

By Ada Tseng

Octopuses are known their eight legs, squishy bodies and impressive problem-solving skills. But did you know there are over 300 types of octopus species?

By Ada Tseng

Octopuses are cephalopods that have three hearts and eight arms that are covered with suckers. The largest octopus is the giant Pacific octopus. As its name suggests, the Giant Pacific Octopus lives in the North Pacific Ocean.

By Ada Tseng

There are about 200 documented species of jellyfish pulsing their way through the world's waters. Most range from the size of your belly button to the size of a car tire.

By Kimberly Olson

The animal kingdom is home to some truly slow-moving creatures that take life at a leisurely pace. The slowest animal in the world uses sluggish movements that require less energy, which is crucial for animals with limited food resources. Being so slow that they look completely still is a good strategy to hide from vicious predators.

By Ada Tseng

Polar bears are one of the largest mammals on land; only the African elephant can tower over the polar bear in this corner of the animal kingdom. But how do you measure the biggest bear? By height or by weight?

By Ada Tseng

Flightless species of birds (such as ostriches, which are the largest living birds) tend to outsize any of the largest birds in the sky. Bigger sizes, while a liability in the air, can keep flightless birds safer on land.

By Ada Tseng

One of the most unique about whales is that they're the largest animals to ever exist on Earth — even bigger than the largest dinosaurs to have ever roamed the planet. That's right: The biggest whale of today dwarfs the T. rex.

By Ada Tseng