Wild Animals

Whether they crawl, fly, swim, slither, walk, run or pounce, wild animals rely on their instincts. Read about all kinds of wild animals, mammals, birds, fish, insects, reptiles and amphibians.

Topics to Explore

Spiders Can Spin Webs of Silk Stronger Than Steel

As Oceans Acidify, Vulnerable Baby Fish Lose Poisonous Protectors

How do African buffalo defend themselves from lions?

Blobfish: World's Ugliest Animal or Someone's Grandpa?

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Pangolins: The Gentle, Ant-eating Oddballs of Africa and Asia

They're weird-looking and mild-mannered, but Asian and African markets can't get enough illegal pangolin scales.

By Jesslyn Shields Nov 12, 2019 Mammals / Other Mammals

Raccoons Are Super Smart Urban Survivors

They're the cutest and most curious masked mammals around. But they also have a reputation for being a nuisance. Here's everything you need to know about the raccoon.

By Meg Sparwath Nov 8, 2019 Mammals / Other Mammals

Sea Otters Are the Party Animals of the Sea

Sea otters are adorable, back from the brink of extinction and will totally bite you.

By Jesslyn Shields Nov 7, 2019 Mammals / Aquatic Mammals

Meet the Real Vampires of the Animal Kingdom

Move over Dracula. These fish, birds and bats really are the vampires of the animal world — and they do need to eat (or suck) blood to sustain life.

By Mark Mancini Oct 28, 2019 Mammals / Other Mammals

The Harpy Eagle: Terrifying Apex Predator or Creepy Halloween Costume?

The largest eagle in the world has a claw the size of a grizzly bear's, a leg the size of a human's and a very disapproving gaze.

By Jesslyn Shields Oct 23, 2019 Birds / Birds of Prey

Meet the Toad That Can Mimic a Snake

When the Congolese giant toad feels threatened, it can ward off predators by transforming itself into what looks like a super-venomous Gaboon viper.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky Oct 22, 2019 Wild Animals / Amphibians

If a Peacock Loses His Tail Feathers, Do They Grow Back?

Whether used in fashion or complicated mating rituals, peacock feathers drive the ladies crazy. But, what happens when a peacock loses his last feather? Will he become a fashion-don't?

By Cristen Conger Birds / Fowl

It's a Manatee's Life: Swim, Eat, Rest, Repeat

Manatees can weigh up to 1,200 pounds and reach 10 feet in length, but they're so gentle and sweet they'll break your heart.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky Oct 21, 2019 Mammals / Aquatic Mammals

Sea Urchins Are the Edible Pincushions of the Ocean

What sea creature looks like a spiny pincushion and is considered a delicacy to gastronomes around the world? Yep, the sea urchin.

By Jeremy Glass Oct 18, 2019 Marine Life / Other Marine Life

What's the Difference Between a Hornet and a Wasp?

They both sting painfully and hate to be disturbed. But is one more aggressive than the other?

By Nathan Chandler Oct 8, 2019 Insects & Arachnids / Insects

Tarantula Hawks Are Neither Tarantulas nor Hawks

The sting of a tarantula hawk is so painful you are advised to lie on the ground as soon as you're stung to avoid falling.

By Jesslyn Shields Oct 7, 2019 Insects & Arachnids / Insects

Corn Snakes Are Perfect Pets For Reptile Enthusiasts

These modern rat snakes have an affinity for barns (and the rodents that live in them). But the myriad of colors makes them a reptile hobbyist's dream.

By Mark Mancini Oct 4, 2019 Reptiles / Snakes

Why Are We So Fascinated With Owls?

From ancient times until today, people have been captivated by these iconic, mysterious birds. What is it about owls that makes them the enduring subject of myth and superstition?

By Jesslyn Shields Oct 2, 2019 Birds / Birds of Prey

Bobcats Are Back From the Brink (and Possibly in Your Backyard)

It turns out that bobcats do just fine if not actively hunted by humans.

By Jesslyn Shields Sep 30, 2019 Mammals / Carnivores

Geoducks: The World's Most NSFW Mollusk

These saltwater clams are the largest on the planet, and some can live as long as 100 years. And despite their, well, looks, they're pretty darn tasty.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler Sep 23, 2019 Marine Life / Mollusks

How Humans Have Made a Mess of Mink

The wars between mink species and humans quietly rage worldwide.

By Jesslyn Shields Sep 23, 2019 Mammals / Other Mammals

Coyotes: The 'Song Dogs' of North America

Though ol' Wile E. never did catch the Road Runner, coyotes are some of the most ingenious and adaptable animals on the planet.

By Tara Yarlagadda Sep 17, 2019 Mammals / Carnivores

The Wild History of the Texas Longhorn

These impressive and intimidating animals have an illustrious past that helped them wend their way through America and settle in the heartland of the South.

By Mark Mancini Sep 13, 2019 Mammals / Hoofed Mammals

Wolverines Are Superhero Survivor Weasels

Wolverines, also known as "stink bears" because of the powerful smell they emit, are the ultimate cold weather survivors — cagey, smart and omnivorous.

By Jesslyn Shields Sep 10, 2019 Mammals / Other Mammals

Groundhogs Are More Than Just Meteorologists

Groundhogs don't actually make great weathermen, but they are pretty cool in every other respect.

By Jesslyn Shields Sep 5, 2019 Mammals / Rodents

When Kinkajous Don't Play Nice

Kinkajous, or honey bears, are generally docile creatures, but they definitely don't mix well with humans.

By Jesslyn Shields Aug 30, 2019 Mammals / Other Mammals

Will Black Soldier Fly Maggots Save Humanity?

Black soldier fly larvae will eat almost anything and they taste pretty good themselves, too.

By Jesslyn Shields Aug 29, 2019 Insects & Arachnids / Insects

Jackals: Canine Survivors and Tricksters of Folklore

Jackals, formidable members of the canine family, are often portrayed in traditional world folklore as wily tricksters, up to no good. They are actually brilliant survivalists.

By Tara Yarlagadda Aug 27, 2019 Mammals / Carnivores