ANIMALS

Scientists Find Potential Diabetes Drug in Platypus Venom

A long-lasting chemical compound in the venom of platypuses and echidnas helps regulate blood sugar.

How to Handle These 10 Extreme Survival Scenarios

Presented by HISTORY.

Why Yellow Woodpeckers Are Turning Red

A team of researchers has a new explanation for the color shift: Invasive plants are altering the woodpeckers’ palate—and, as a result, their palette.

Supermoon Tides May Have Stranded an Octopus in a Parking Garage

Experts say we can expect to see more sea critters inland as sea levels rise and flooding increases.

How to Keep Your Pet Safe This Thanksgiving

Go ahead and let Fido or Fluffy join in the celebrations, but follow these dos and don'ts to keep your pet safe.

Nobody Pinches Harder Than a Coconut Crab

Scientists say the crab’s “mighty claw” is only bested by the jaws of an alligator.

Starling Nests Make Huge Feasts for Pigs, Snakes, Insects, and Turkeys

Come one, come all.

Steffen Sanvig Bach, Maersk Oil Research and Technology Centre, Qatar

Scientists Spy on Whale Sharks by Testing the Water They Swim In

The new technique allows researchers to monitor the genetic health of endangered shark populations without ever touching them.

Crow Attacks on Humans Are on the Rise in Australia

They picked up the nasty behavior from magpies.

10 Facts About Cuban Animals From AMNH's New Exhibition, '¡Cuba!'

In its new bilingual exhibition “¡Cuba!”, the American Museum of Natural History looks at the cultural history of the country as well as its natural history, showing everything from how Cuban cigars are made to the endemic creatures that can be found only

How Scientists Are Using Poop to Study New York City's Coyotes

Although coyotes are in New York City, they've yet to colonize Long Island. Eyewitness reports and trail cam photos can only tell scientists so much. To answer the tougher questions—how the animals are related, and what they’re eating—the scientists rely

Dog Owners Say Their Canine Pals Make Them a Better Person

According to a new survey, owning a pooch can inspire you to be happier, healthier, and more loving.

Sacramento Animal Lover Offers to Cover All Adoption Fees at Local Shelter

Through the end of the year, Kim Pacini-Hauch will pay for all animal adoptions to help the shelter make room for new rescues.

Bat Poop Might Be Turning Gabon’s Cave Crocodiles Orange

Orange is the new croc.

Richard Bartz via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 2.5

Light Therapy Could Help Bees Recover From Pesticides

Red light helped honeybees bounce back after exposure to a neonicotinoid pesticide.

12 Ferocious Facts About King Cobras

One of the most feared and revered snakes on the planet, the king cobra is renowned for its imposing size and deadly bite. But it also has plenty of other unique qualities: a distinctive voice, remarkable nesting habits, and a name that obscures its true