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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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

Do Fish Get Thirsty?

They're swimming in water all day so how could they ever get thirsty? The answer might surprise you.

By Nathan Chandler Aug 22, 2019 Fish / Freshwater Fish

Sugar Gliders Are Nature's Cutest Little Daredevils

These adorable marsupials look as sweet as their name. But what, exactly, are sugar gliders?

By Jamie Allen Aug 21, 2019 Mammals / Marsupials

Tarantulas Are Big and Hairy But Not So Scary

Tarantulas are the largest spiders in the world and, believe it or not, some can live for up to 30 years.

By Jesslyn Shields Aug 15, 2019 Insects & Arachnids / Arachnids

Spiders Can Spin Webs of Silk Stronger Than Steel

Not all spiders spin webs, but the eight-legged arachnids that do, spin all kinds of different webs, some big, some small.

By Mark Mancini Aug 14, 2019 Insects & Arachnids / Arachnids

Alligator Gar: 100 Million Years Old and Still Kicking

The prehistoric looking alligator gar is sometimes referred to as a "living fossil" and, while they may look threatening, are harmless to anything larger than themselves.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky Aug 13, 2019 Fish / Freshwater Fish

The Secrets and Science Behind Starling Murmurations

Starlings are short and thick, with dark feathers and long, pointy bills. Collectively, however, they transform into something else entirely.

By John Donovan Aug 9, 2019 Birds / Perching Birds

Coral Snakes: Brightly Banded and Highly Venomous

These colorful snakes are found all over the world and are highly venomous, so the best strategy is to avoid them.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky Aug 9, 2019 Reptiles / Snakes

Tracking Down the Elusive Giant Squid

Rumors of giant squid have terrified sailors for centuries, but new technology is now helping to bring these mysterious creatures up toward the light.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky Aug 7, 2019 Marine Life / Mollusks

Baboons: The Monkeys With the Scarlet Booties

Those red butts on baboons do serve a purpose, sort of, but it's probably not quite what you think.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler Aug 6, 2019 Mammals / Primates

Orangutan Jungle School: Teaching Orangutans How to Be Orangutans

Orphaned Bornean orangutans need all the help they can get — the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation steps in to teach them the art of survival.

By Jesslyn Shields Aug 2, 2019 Mammals / Primates

Meet the Montana Grizzly Bear Product Testers

It's the job of the huge grizzly bears at Montana's Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center to test the everything from coolers and trash cans to food storage containers.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky Jul 26, 2019 Mammals / Bears