344 stories
We humans have long feared the dark. That’s where scary monsters hide and criminals lurk. So that’s why, for most of our history on the planet, we’ve been trying to dominate the night by filling it with light. In many cases, illuminating our nights has worked.
Animals are creative adaptors to their surroundings. From acute senses to astounding camouflage to amazing agility, they seem to make the best of any environment they find themselves in. In fact, we are often inspired to copy their solutions to problems in order to conquer challenges of our own.
It’s not easy being green, as Kermit the Frog often reminds us. And that statement is particularly apropos if you’re an African bullfrog (Pyxicephalus adspersus).
Recent new technology has allowed us to get a glimpse into other creatures’ lives like never before. It seems that every day, we’re learning more about the incredible feats—and the normal days—of the beings who share the planet with us.
The top nature hoax—according to Animal Planet, the popular TV channel created by the BBC and Discovery Communications—is the suicidal nature of lemmings.
Stunningly white in a blue sea, beluga whales are ethereally beautiful creatures when spotted in their natural habitats. Not only are they a treat for the eyes, but hearing them is something you’ll never forget.
It’s always heartwarming to see creatures of different species discovering a connection. Whether it’s humans and whales, or famous Koko the Gorilla and her kitten friend All Ball, our spirits find delight in interactions across what might seem insurmountable gulfs between very dissimilar beings.
With Arctic sea ice at the third lowest level in recorded history, it’s not only polar bears that are facing climate change challenges. Tens of thousands of walrus are coming ashore in northwest Alaska, which is unusual behavior. The situation could prove dangerous, since walrus are easily startled and might stampede, trampling their young.
When National Geographic photographer Paul Nicklen jumped in the waters off Antarctica to photograph a leopard seal, he never expected her to play the perfect host—and offer him a snack. The huge seal began to bring him food: live penguins. When he didn’t partake, she brought him different fare—weak and dead ones.
When I am not guiding or traveling, you can find me residing in the quirky little fishing village (though some argue it is primarily a drinking village with a fishing problem) of Homer, Alaska.
Typically, a dog is the animal a mail carrier has to worry about most while doing his or her job. Not so in Centerville, Massachusetts. It’s a wild turkey this intrepid driver has to watch out for.
When it comes to our closest animal friends—our pets—it seems like dogs have all the luck. We take them out for walks and on car rides, we let them jump into our canoes for nature outings and generally let them tag along with us anywhere they’re allowed to go.
