NATURE

Is anyone shocked that the Grand Canyon tops the list?

The 10 Most Popular Canyons to Explore in the U.S

These stunning U.S. canyons drew massive crowds in 2024. Find out which natural wonders topped the list, based on National Park Service data.

The Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre is like something out of a dream.

Australia’s Lake Eyre Turns Pink After Flooding for the Fourth Time in 160 Years

Australia’s largest salt lake, Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre, is currently a rare and stunning waterscape.

First live sighting of massive Antarctic squid caught on camera by Nat Geo

The Rare Antarctic Gonate Squid Has Been Caught on Film for the First Time

Scientists captured the elusive Antarctic gonate squid on camera for the first time during a National Geographic expedition.

Tourists are damaging the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland.

Ireland Begs Tourists to Stop Wedging Coins Into the Giant’s Causeway

Visitors stuffing coins into Northern Ireland’s famed basalt columns are unintentionally damaging this natural wonder and costing the country thousands.

Wildlife Tunnels in Vermont Cut Amphibian Deaths By 80 Percent, Study Finds

Wildlife tunnels save lives: One study found that amphibian roadkill dropped by 80 percent thanks to the structures.

C. elegans nematodes in their squiggly, non-towering mode.

Nematodes Form “Living Towers of Worms” to Move as One

The microscopic worms are one of only a few species known to assemble into “superorganisms” that act and move collectively.

The 20 Best Spots to Watch the Sunset in the U.S.

From Yellowstone‘s Calcite Springs and Hawaii‘s Kilauea, these are the best places to be at dusk.

NASA Wants Your Help Documenting Rare ‘Space Clouds’

Rare noctilucent clouds are showing up in places they never used to, and scientists are trying to find out why.

The biggest revenue generators in the NPS.

The National Parks Where Visitors Spend the Most Money, Mapped

For some local economies, national parks can be cash machines.

6 Strange Animal Evolutions

From the long legs of the jerboa to basically everything about the duck-billed platypus, evolution has taken some weird turns.

Clearwater, Florida‘s views put it at the top of the list.

The 10 U.S. Cities With the Prettiest Commutes

From Clearwater, Florida, to Davis, California, these U.S. cities offer beautiful drives that make commuting a lot more bearable.

This Carnarvon flapjack octopus is tiny, but it can withstand intense pressure thousands of feet underwater.

New Flapjack Octopus Species With ‘Dumbo’ Fins Discovered Off Australia

The Carnarvon flapjack octopus flattens its body like a pancake and uses its Dumbo-like fins to swim.

This insect was found for the first time since 1980.

‘Extinct’ Monte Gordo Grasshopper Spotted on African Island for First Time in 45 Years

A rare grasshopper once believed to be extinct has been spotted for the first time since 1980—but habitat loss may threaten its future.

An aerial view of the Great Barrier Reef near Queensland, Australia.

15 Big Facts About the Great Barrier Reef

Australia’s biggest natural wonder is a huge draw for tourists and fish alike. Here’s everything you need to know about the world’s most famous reef.

Hiking can be a refreshing change of pace from a busy lifestyle.

The 5 Busiest Hiking Trails in the U.S

Consider avoiding these trails if you like to hike but hate the crowds.

People now have the privilege of seeing Uluru and Kata Tjuta after the sun goes down.

Travelers Can Spend the Night Near Uluru in Australia for the First Time Ever

The new overnight guided tour through Uluru-Kata Tjuta is filled with nature, history, and culture.

These adorable guys look like they wouldn‘t steal babies.

Capuchins Are ‘Kidnapping’ Baby Monkeys of Different Species, And Scientists Are Baffled

Researchers have discovered a weird, new behavior among capuchin monkeys, and it involves kidnapping howler monkey infants.

5 Misconceptions About the Arctic

Both the Arctic and Antarctica are cold and icy, but that’s basically where the similarities end.

Not everyone gets to enjoy a view like this.

Wyoming Is Home to the World’s First Dark Sky Certified County

The Jackson Hole Airport is Dark Sky certified as well, making it the first airport to earn the recognition.

A male greater sage-grouse performing his mating display.

How Grand Teton National Park Is Using Papier-Mâché Birds to Protect the Greater Sage-Grouse

Greater sage-grouse are at risk near Jackson Hole Airport—but handmade decoys are guiding them to safer ground.

This puny creature packs a powerful sting.

What to Know About the Invasive Asian Needle Ants Spreading Across the U.S.

Asian needle ants may look small, but their stings are no joke.

11 Awesome Animal Kingdom Moms

From carrying their young for years to feeding their babies poop, some animal moms just go above and beyond.

The stingray it on the left, and the skate is to the right.

Skates vs. Rays: What‘s the Difference?

Skates lay black, ravioli-shaped egg cases. Rays give birth to live pups.

The 10 Best Hiking Trails in the U.S.

Utah is a hotspot for some amazing hikes.