Wild Animals

The Millennium Falcon might be fast in a galaxy far, far away, but the peregrine falcon reigns supreme on Earth. This bird doesn't have warp speed, but it sure can zoom.

By Jennifer Horton

When cats go swimming, is it still considered doggy paddling? Tigers might not be invited to your next pool party, but they sure do love taking a dip.

By Cristen Conger

It takes brains to tan leather is and we're not just talking keen intellect and skill. Sometimes that soft, supple feel of leather literally comes from using the old noggin.

By Cristen Conger

Penguins and puffins might love formal wear and waddling, but the similarities end there. These fish-loving birds don't see eye to eye on issues like transportation and real estate.

By Cristen Conger

Vindictive whales like Moby Dick sometimes give these giants of the sea a bad rap. But whales do a lot for their ecosystem, especially after they go to Davy Jones' locker.

By Cristen Conger

Some animals are home hoppers — they'll leave small or damaged shells behind when they find better digs. Are turtles the same, or are they more invested in their keratin coverings?

By Maria Trimarchi

Giant squid are aggressive creatures that prey on almost anything that comes their way. How big do these monsters of the sea get, and could they really take down a watercraft?

By Maria Trimarchi

What? You've never heard of a narwhal? Well, it's a cold-water-dwelling, deep-diving, vocalizing, halibut-munching wonder with its very own ivory crown. Did we mention its crazy tusk?

By Katie Lambert

Loners might seem intriguing, but they lead dangerous lives -- a least those in the wolf world do. Lone wolves are outsiders, relying only on themselves to survive without a pack.

By Cristen Conger

Riddle me this: Why are bats showing up dead with a white powder streaked across their faces? Could a poorly understood fungus wipe them out? To the bat cave, readers!

By Cristen Conger

What would happen if a fairytale princess licked a toad instead of kissing it in order to find her prince charming? Trippy hallucinations might await her instead of wedded bliss.

By Cristen Conger

So far, "Planet of the Apes" is pure fiction. But are chimps capable of learning human language (and eventually taking over the world)?

By Cristen Conger

With DDT on the no-no list and international travel more common than ever, the little parasites known as bedbugs are showing up in record numbers across the country.

By Julia Layton

Million-dollar endorsement deals or a sneaker named the Air Roo aren't in the cards for kangaroos. Since these animals can't play in any Final Four championships, why do they hop?

By Cristen Conger

These reindeer won't find any candy canes or fruitcake buried in the frozen tundra. So how do these animals find enough food to sustain them through such extreme weather?

By Cristen Conger

Elephants have amazing memories and are known to hold grudges for years against those who have wronged them. So, be careful who you're calling Dumbo.

By Cristen Conger

Animals may not have access to spice racks, but does that mean they don't enjoy flavorful meals? Have Japanese monkeys discovered the joy of cooking, or is this a culinary myth?

By Cristen Conger

Plagued by negative images and slanderous tales, wolves could use the help of a good publicist. Will positive news like wolves help strengthen the ecosystem override age-old fears and misconceptions?

By Cristen Conger

What's a full moon without the cry of a wolf echoing in the background? Are wolves really howling at the moon or just talking among themselves?

By Cristen Conger

Wolves are wild predators and could kill your beloved Fido for a tasty meal. But will these animals come after you, or do they prefer a drama-free neighborhood?

By Cristen Conger

Contrary to popular belief, the leaders of a wolf pack aren't always hyper-aggressive social climbers. The truth is more nuanced, and more interesting.

By Cristen Conger & Mark Mancini

Wolves may be a close relative of man's best friend, but we wouldn't recommend trying to befriend these wild canines. Check out this wolf image gallery to learn all about different wolf species and their habits.

By Marie Bobel

This big cat image gallery shows you a wide variety of these carnivorous felines. From the well known tiger and lion to the lesser known serval and margay, learn about these big cats and their relatives.

By Marie Bobel

Flamingos can stand on one spindly leg for hours. But why do they do it? Are they posing as a tree to trick prey, or simply avoiding a bathtub prune-foot?

By Julia Layton

Though some things aren't always black and white, zebras remain the exception. These animals are known for their classic colors, but are zebras black with white stripes or white with black?

By Cristen Conger