CONSERVATION

A black bear cub stunting for the camera.

Dream Job Alert: New Mexico Is Looking for “Professional Bear Huggers”

Conservation officers for New Mexico’s Department of Game and Fish may get to cuddle a bear cub every once in a while.

Ruddy ducks in the Prairie Pothole Aviary.

Smithsonian National Zoo’s New Bird House Highlights Migratory Birds’ Incredible Journeys

The zoo presents familiar birds in a fresh, unified way—and drives home the message that people can take simple steps to protect birds’ future.

What Kind of Fish Is Dory From Finding Nemo?

Before 2003's 'Finding Nemo,' 'Dory fish' were best known by another name. Actually, several other names.

Bees Are Now Legally Fish in California—And That’s Good News for Bees

Thanks in part to a snail, California bees are fish. No, this isn’t a Mad Lib.

Leonardo DiCaprio at the Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2020.

Meet Leo—A Critically Endangered Tree Species Named After Leonardo DiCaprio

Thanks to Leonardo DiCaprio’s environmental activism, there’s now a critically endangered species named in his honor.

Rhinos need to be relocated in order to survive.

Transporting Rhinos Upside-Down Is 'Vital' to Their Conservation

Seeing a rhino hanging upside-down from a helicopter might make you uncomfortable, but it's indisputably a good thing for the rhino.

Take a Stand for Causes You Support With the Help of Conscious Step Socks

Conscious Step is a sock and apparel company that wants you to wear what you believe in, whether you support LGBTQ+ rights or want to protect the rainforest.

Rocketbook/SodaStream (Amazon) // AVIcon, Shutterstock (Christmas tree background)

15 Reusable Gifts for Your Eco-Friendliest Friend

From reusable produce bags to shark-shaped tea infusers, here are the best zero-waste products to give this holiday season.

A look at the Global Safety Net's online map application.

Which Places Should We Protect First to Stop Climate Change? This Interactive Map Tells You

Certain lands can store large quantities of carbon (though we also need to cut carbon emissions in the first place).

Compost is delicious trash salad for your soil.

Vermont Just Banned Residents From Throwing Food Scraps in the Trash

The state has expanded its trash pick-up services to accommodate the new policy, but many residents are already composting pros.

Fat Bats Might Be Resistant to Deadly White-Nose Syndrome

Good news: chubby little brown bats might be genetically resistant to white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease that’s killed more than 5.5 million bats since it was first documented in 2006.

YouTube Star Coyote Peterson Brings 'Misunderstood' Animals to His New Animal Planet Series

Coyote Peterson gives Mental Floss the scoop on his new Animal Planet series, 'Brave the Wild'—and reveals how snapping turtles figure into the story.

William Jones-Warner/iStock via Getty Images

10,000 Rare Black Bees Are Feared Dead in an Act of Vandalism at England's Wisbech Castle

Vandals destroyed the hives of bees that were part of conservation efforts to increase their population.

Not Free, Bird: Russian Researchers Were Bankrupted by Their Tagged Eagles’ Roaming Charges

Steppe eagles have 7-foot wingspans, mainly eat carrion, and never read the fine print on their cell phone plans.

Venus Flytraps in Peril: Why Everyone's Favorite Carnivorous Houseplant Is Under Threat

The Venus flytrap is a favorite houseplant, but its ubiquity hides a world of threats. Now, some scientists think they have a solution for saving it.

Mariano Mantel Follow, Flickr // CC BY-NC 2.0

8 Frank Lloyd Wright Buildings Join the List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Eight buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, including Fallingwater and Taliesin West, have been officially recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.