Wild Animals

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

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