Animals

The wild denizens that share our planet, including videos, photo essays, and news on recently discovered—or increasingly rare—species.

Latest in Animals

Striated frogfish (Antennarius striatus), also known as the hairy frogfish.

Anglerfish use ‘extremely rare’ mechanism to control their lures Anglerfish use ‘extremely rare’ mechanism to control their lures

waves in a deep cavern

Earthquake off northern California shook the water in Devils Hole, 500 miles away Earthquake off northern California shook the water in Devils Hole, 500 miles away

By Laura Baisas

Dogs really are communicating via button boards, new research suggests Dogs really are communicating via button boards, new research suggests

By Lauren Leffer

A juvenile Nile crocodile. It is small with pointed teeth

Why are crocodiles so bumpy? A dermatological mystery has been solved Why are crocodiles so bumpy? A dermatological mystery has been solved

By Laura Baisas

a new shrimp-like crustacean. it is white with two protruding tusk-like appendages at its head, at least 8 legs, and two tail-like appendages at the back

New predator uncovered 25,000+ feet under the Pacific New predator uncovered 25,000+ feet under the Pacific

By Laura Baisas

a microscopic zooplankton

Microscopic ‘eating and pooping machines’ are great at sucking up carbon Microscopic ‘eating and pooping machines’ are great at sucking up carbon

By Laura Baisas

Nautilus captured on video

After 15 years, a vessel named ‘Nautilus’ actually saw a nautilus After 15 years, a vessel named ‘Nautilus’ actually saw a nautilus

dog kissing human licking face

Why do dogs lick humans? It could be a sign of affection. Why do dogs lick humans? It could be a sign of affection.

By Lauren Leffer

Two views of a slingshot spider (Theridiosoma gemmosum) web. The right image shows the web’s cone shape with a spider at the tip.

Watch a slingshot spider deploy a perfectly-timed trap Watch a slingshot spider deploy a perfectly-timed trap

By Laura Baisas

a siberian husky sits in the snow. it has piercing blue eyes and its ears are perked up

Humans gave dogs treats 12,000 years ago, new archeological evidence suggests Humans gave dogs treats 12,000 years ago, new archeological evidence suggests

By Laura Baisas

Researchers say they were inspired by the way the Manta ray effortlessly propels itself forward using its fins.

This Manta ray robot is the world’s fastest soft-bodied swimmer This Manta ray robot is the world’s fastest soft-bodied swimmer

By Mack DeGeurin

The anglerfish species Lophius piscatorius.

Anglerfish are so much more than just their dangly bioluminescent lures Anglerfish are so much more than just their dangly bioluminescent lures

By Laura Baisas

brain scans in pink, blue, and yellow

Humans may have big brains thanks to our gut Humans may have big brains thanks to our gut

By Laura Baisas

an orca whale dorsal fin coming out of the water

Orcas observed preying on massive whale sharks Orcas observed preying on massive whale sharks

By Laura Baisas

Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel in grass, Leelanau State Park, Michigan.

How hibernating squirrels go more than six months without water—and don’t get thirsty How hibernating squirrels go more than six months without water—and don’t get thirsty

By Lauren Leffer

a polar bear covered in snow

13 marvelous images from the European Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards 13 marvelous images from the European Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards

By Popular Science Team

A new study suggests that great apes (specifically gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans) seem to track events in the way that we do.

Great apes may have cognitive foundations for language Great apes may have cognitive foundations for language

Peach and Blossom, the National Thanksgiving Turkeys, are seen on the South Lawn of the White House before recieving a Presidential Pardon from US President Joe Biden in Washington, DC, on November 25, 2024.

How did Thanksgiving turkeys get so darn big? How did Thanksgiving turkeys get so darn big?

By Mack DeGeurin

a more colorful dominant male fish next to a more muted subordinate fish

Stress is warping these fish brains Stress is warping these fish brains

By Laura Baisas

A black tiger—known for its merged stripes—patrols the Similipal Tiger Reserve. (Photo by for Prasenjeet Yadav for National Geographic)

5 fascinating wildlife images from National Geographic’s Pictures of the Year 5 fascinating wildlife images from National Geographic’s Pictures of the Year

By Popular Science Team