CONSERVATION

There’s a new reason to visit Chattanooga.

Chattanooga, Tennessee, Is Now the First National Park City in North America

Chattanooga has come a long way from being one of the most polluted cities in the country to the U.S.’s first National Park City.

Does De-Extinction Actually Work?

“It’s like if you took a chimpanzee and edited its genome to be a little taller and hairless, and then said you brought back Neanderthals,” one scientist said.

Two capybaras relaxing in a cafe in Bangkok.

Capybara Cafe in Florida Lets Guests Chill With the Internet’s Favorite Rodents

Capybaras, wallabies, and even a skunk await at Florida’s Capybara Cafe—a quirky new hotspot raising awareness for animal welfare.

Many gopher tortoises withstood the Category 4 hurricane and are now adapting to new land.

A Florida Park’s Gopher Tortoise Population Exploded Thanks to Hurricane Helene

After Hurricane Helene devastated Florida’s coast, gopher tortoise populations unexpectedly surged in one area.

If you‘d like more than a beach vacation, Fiji is the place for you.

Fiji Is Asking Tourists to ‘Give Back’ 1 Hour of Their Vacation

The island nation is inviting travelers to donate some of their vacation to support local communities and environmental efforts.

The gray wolf is an endangered species in most of the U.S.

The 10 Best States for Wildlife Protection

Where does your state rank when it comes to wildlife conservation?

A map of the 63 National Parks in the U.S.

1 Fact About All 63 U.S. National Parks

From Acadia to Zion, the U.S. has some pretty majestic national parks. Here’s one fun fact about every single one—plus a map so you can see where they all are.

Scotland Has “No Intention” of Banning Cats, First Minister Confirms

The Scottish government won’t be rounding up people’s pets any time soon.

10 of the World’s Most Endangered Monuments

From lighthouses to terracotta sculptures to out-of-this-world spots, these important heritage sites are at risk due to things like degradation and climate change.

If you’re planning a trip to Cape Town, South Africa, think about using Uber Safari.

You Can Now Order a $200 South African Safari Through Uber

Uber just made it easy to see lions, cheetahs, and rhinos in South Africa.

Built in 1843, the schooner ‘Home’ is one of the oldest shipwrecks discovered in Wisconsin.

It Just Got Easier to Dive to Shipwrecks in Lake Michigan

Thanks to a new buoy network, scuba divers and snorkelers can explore some of the historic wrecks—while protecting our maritime heritage—in the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary.

What Are the National Animals of the United States?

The bison and bald eagle have been chosen to represent the U.S. Here's why.

Sunrise on the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park.

Watch a Stunning Time-Lapse of Grand Teton National Park

There are sparkling glacial lakes, breathtaking sunsets, and mountains disappearing into clouds in this high-def tribute to Grand Teton National Park.

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.

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.

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.