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.
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Elk are some of the most majestic animals in the world, but also some of the most aggressive. Here's what you need to know about the territorial elk.
Dwindling natural habitats are causing a significant decline in certain seahorse species. To bolster populations, researchers in Australia are building seahorse hotels and leaving the lights on.
By Wendy Bowman & Talon Homer
With lightning speed and incredible vision, the cheetah is the fastest land animal on Earth and the best hunter on the savanna.
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It may be the world's smallest fox, but its ears give it a huge hearing advantage.
Reindeer are, of course, best known for their main gig om Christmas Eve every year, but there's more to them than just their flying and sleigh pulling prowess.
There are up to 26 species of penguins in the world, most of whom mate for life, and while none of them can fly, they swim like Olympic champs.
Beaver attacks get a lot of media attention but are beavers really crazed killers that we should be afraid of? And what good do they really do?
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The national bird of the United States has taken on iconic status as the avian avatar of freedom, but its wingspan and steely gaze guarantee its status in the pecking order of prey birds as a symbol of strength.
They look so cute and fluffy, but koalas have a fierce side too. Still, their biggest threat to survival is mankind.
By Alia Hoyt
Gorillas can live to be about 35 to 40 years old and are much gentler (and much sleepier) than you might think.
The female emu may lay the eggs, but the male emu does all the caretaking. And that's just one fascinating thing we learned.
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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
Sea otters are adorable, back from the brink of extinction and will totally bite you.
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
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.
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Manatees are so gentle and sweet they'll break your heart, but in 2021, there have been more manatee deaths than in any year in previously recorded history. Why are these gentle giants dying in such unprecedented numbers?
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
It's a battle of the buzzing insects. We're talking hornets vs. wasps. How do these two differ and which one has the worst sting?
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.
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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
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?
It turns out that bobcats do just fine if not actively hunted by humans.
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.
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The wars between mink species and humans quietly rage worldwide.
Though ol' Wile E. never did catch the Road Runner, coyotes are some of the most ingenious and adaptable animals on the planet.