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

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What Do Reindeer Do When They're Not Pulling Santa's Sleigh?

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.

By Laurie L. Dove Dec 16, 2019 Mammals / Hoofed Mammals

Penguins: The Monogamous Tuxedoed Birds That 'Fly' Underwater

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.

By Patty Rasmussen Dec 9, 2019 Birds / Waterfowl

How Dangerous Is the Beaver?

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?

By Nathan Chandler Dec 6, 2019 Mammals / Rodents

Bald Eagles Aren't Really Bald, Plus 6 Other Facts

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.

By Patty Rasmussen Dec 5, 2019 Birds / Birds of Prey

8 Cuddly Facts About Koalas

They look so cute and fluffy, but koalas have a fierce side too. Still, their biggest threat to survival is mankind.

By Alia Hoyt Dec 2, 2019 Mammals / Marsupials

9 Big Hairy Facts About Gorillas

Gorillas can live to be about 35 to 40 years old and are much gentler (and much sleepier) than you might think.

By Jesslyn Shields Nov 26, 2019 Mammals / Primates

Goofy-looking Emus Are Leggy, Flightless and Very Friendly

The female emu may lay the eggs, but the male emu does all the caretaking. And that's just one fascinating thing we learned.

By Patty Rasmussen Nov 22, 2019 Mammals / Other Mammals

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